Understanding what attracts and retains high-quality employees

MCS Influencer Holly Gotfredson says that offering benefits and creating a positive work culture is key to retaining good employees.

Attracting and retaining employees has always been an important part of running a successful company, but now during a labor shortage it is absolutely critical!

I think understanding what’s important to your potential new hires and current team members in terms of benefits and work environment is key. Surveying your team and choosing benefits from their list of priorities allows a company to structure a package that is truly beneficial. For example, having good healthcare is a top priority of our team. With that in mind, our companies offer free healthcare to our employees and have done so since opening our doors. This isn’t the cheapest type of healthcare, but rather coverage that offers the lowest deductible and out of pocket expenses for our team members.  

I’m happy to report we’re adding more benefits next year based on the feedback we’ve received this year from job seekers as well as our current team.

Presenting a new team member with a written handbook at the time of hire, clearly spells out the goals of the company, what’s expected of them and what type of environment and policies are in that workspace. This helps cut down on the potential for confusion, conflict and unmet expectations later on. It’s beneficial to everyone if the handbook is reviewed for changes and edits at least once a year to keep it current.

Systems and processes that are written clearly and implemented for a variety of situations such as goal achievement, conflict resolution, disciplinary actions and paid time off requests (just to name a few) foster an environment of equity and help to eliminate bias decision making. The best way to start systems and processes in team management is by creating a handbook.

Fostering a sense of belonging and psychological safety within company culture also allows team members an environment where they feel comfortable expressing themselves. When team members feel like they have a voice, innovation and new ideas are freely shared without the fear of being harshly criticized or judged. Team members will want to stay and thrive when these elements are present.