Employee retention is a pressing issue for many businesses across industries. To combat this challenge effectively, it’s crucial to prioritize the holistic well-being of employees. Here are 20 strategies, shared by Forbes Human Resources Council members, to drive employee retention and foster a loyal, engaged workforce:
- See Employees as Whole Beings: Recognize employees’ motivations, recognition needs, and communication styles to build trust and enable growth. – Karina Bernacki, VSCO
- Implement Holistic Well-Being Initiatives: Develop comprehensive plans addressing physical, mental, financial, social, occupational, and purpose-driven well-being to enhance workplace culture, engagement, productivity, and retention. – Neepa Patel, WellRight
- Ask Holistic Questions: Incorporate holistic questions in conversations to discover employees’ talents and drive career development, ultimately increasing retention rates. – Rosie Dominic, Century Martial Arts
- Develop a ‘People-First’ Culture: Prioritize employee experience, allowing individuals to bring their best selves to work and personal lives, thus improving retention, performance, and engagement. – Jamie Aitken, Betterworks
- Model Self-Care: Lead by example, emphasizing the importance of self-care, framing adversity positively, and finding opportunity in challenges. – Robyn Arville, NRDC
- Focus on Financial and Emotional Initiatives: Drive initiatives supporting financial and emotional well-being, as they significantly contribute to overall well-being and retention. – Kannan Raghavan, Kemin Industries
- Demonstrate a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Promote work-life balance by encouraging employees to take breaks, utilize PTO, and lead by example. – Heather Smith, Flimp Communications
- Provide Evidence-Based Research: Showcase the benefits of well-being initiatives through proven case studies and offer necessary resources for employee productivity and well-being. – Dinesh Sheth, Green Circle Life
- Create an Environment of Support: Prioritize well-being by offering flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and resources like counseling to foster loyalty and reduce turnover. – William Stonehouse, Crawford Thomas Recruiting
- Check In With Your Employees: Conduct regular one-on-one meetings to show genuine interest in employees’ well-being, offering comprehensive benefits and support resources. – Jennifer Kraszewski, Paycom
- Ask How Employees Are Doing: Demonstrate authentic care by asking meaningful questions and actively listening, fostering long-term loyalty and retention. – Graham Glass, CYPHER Learning
- Be Honest About Your Own Journey: Share personal experiences to normalize seeking support and navigating challenges, fostering a supportive work culture. – Paaras Parker, Paycor
- Provide Resources for Managing Workloads: Address workload management and provide necessary resources to alleviate stressors, enhancing overall well-being. – Sanja Licina, QuestionPro
- Understand Employees’ Unique Journeys and Support Them Accordingly: Recognize individual needs and aspirations, offering opportunities for personal growth and advancement within the organization. – Katrina Jones, Acacia Network
- Create a Strategic Plan: Develop tailored talent strategies based on employee input, prioritizing their well-being to build trust and demonstrate value. – Nicky Hancock, AMS
- Provide a Combination of Well-Being Offerings: Offer a variety of wellness initiatives and support systems, demonstrating care for employees’ holistic well-being. – Niki Jorgensen, Insperity
- Offer Flexible Work Schedules: Implement flexible work arrangements to help employees manage personal and professional responsibilities effectively. – Britton Bloch, Navy Federal
- Be Open, Create Solutions Together, and Be Realistic: Foster open dialogue, co-create solutions, and maintain realistic expectations to build trust and prevent disillusionment. – Michael D. Brown, Global Recruiters of Buckhead
- Create a Culture That Protects Well-Being and Happiness: Prioritize work-life integration and personal well-being to foster sustainable lives and careers, promoting long-term retention. – Ursula Mead, InHerSight
- Offer Enough Flexibility and Time Off for Self-Care: Provide ample flexibility and PTO to allow employees to care for themselves physically and mentally, prioritizing employee well-being over profits. – John Feldmann, Insperity
William Stonehouse, President of Crawford Thomas Recruiting, emphasizes the importance of creating an environment of support to boost employee retention. By prioritizing holistic well-being through initiatives such as flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and counseling resources, organizations can foster loyalty and reduce turnover. Recognizing the diverse needs of employees and offering tailored support demonstrates a commitment to their overall well-being. By providing a supportive workplace culture, leaders can cultivate a sense of belonging and satisfaction among employees, ultimately contributing to long-term retention and organizational success.