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Canadian businessman Ryan Kurkut offers employee retention tips
Running a small business is hard work. Business owners like Ryan Kurkut are often tasked with more directly overseeing day-to-day operations and driving toward big-picture goals with fewer departmental heads, if any, at their disposal. When it comes to human resource-related challenges, such as employee retention, it’s important to focus on smaller actions with a big payoff to maximize results.
Connect one-on-one
Fostering connections is essential in the workplace, and executives like Ryan Kurkut recognize it needs to be cultivated from the first day on the job. Make employees feel welcome, provide adequate training to complete their role with minimal hiccups, and help them build relationships early to keep them interested and motivated to excel. When appropriate, consider additional training opportunities to further their careers. Remember, investing in staff is never a wrong decision.
Offer the benefits possible
Benefits packages can often be a struggle for small businesses, but putting together any extra perks possible helps staff feel appreciated. Think of add-ons, such as child care assistance or mental health benefits, and assess what can be made possible. Even if a service cannot be provided immediately, sharing the new benefits that will be added when benchmarks are met is a great incentive.
Promote internally
When new positions open up in the business, Ryan Kurkut advises it’s important to promote from within whenever possible. This helps fuel employee drive and shows performance matters. It also shows the company is aware of the efforts everyone puts in. Should a position not be ideal for internal promotion, advertise it internally first. One employee may have surprising, untapped skills and training, but even if no one is a fit, they can share more about what they bring to the table.
Recognition for going above and beyond doesn’t need to be complicated. While it’s always lovely when a bump in pay can accompany new milestones, smaller accomplishments are worth mentioning. Whether someone went the extra mile planning a party, filled in for a co-worker at the last minute or nailed a critical presentation, a small gift or acknowledgment makes staff feel seen. Consider purchasing a small collection of gift cards for spontaneous awards or create a company standard with a desk memento everyone wants to win.
Remember little things
It may not always seem like it, but little things matter. Ryan Kurkut advises employees always respond when little moments are celebrated or even just acknowledged. Start a system for cataloging birthdays and work anniversaries and share them with the team at staff meetings to give everyone a highlight on their special days.