Workforce Planning Tools

At a recent Enterprise Connect workforce re-engineering network meeting, participants took on the challenge of coming up with 99 ways to retain good staff.  Here’s the results – we got to 63 so what else would you add?

1. Rubber chicken award – recognition of a job well done
2. Clear career pathways
3. Exchange programs – across the organisation, outside and back again
4. Defined expectations from the team member and manager
5. Understanding of the psychological contract and unwritten agreements
6. Two-way, meaningful communication
7. Performance – defining good and poor performance
8. Input into decision making
9. Empathy and understanding for issues outside of work
10. Team discussions, meetings and planning
11. Democratic workplace and included
12. Birthday leave – leave day for your birthday
13. Flexibility with work commitments – early/late start
14. Professional development
15. Events, dinners and industry functions – BBQ’s, Melbourne Cup, lunches, Christmas
16. Conferences and travelling
17. Boss willing to work alongside staff
18. Nice work environment
19. Positive atmosphere
20. Health and well being programs, flu shots, checks
21. Free drinks machine, tea, coffee and biscuits
22. Years of service awards
23. Bring your partners along to special events
24. Gifts, thank you, pressies and awards
25. Transport provide for special occasions
26. Know your staff well – personal interests, partner and kids names
27. Balance in the team – experience, knowledge, skills, generations
28. Find out what people want to be known for
29. What do people say and think about you?
30. Accommodation and housing
31. Project based opportunities
32. Exciting work
33. Clear about future directions
34. Access to the boss
35. Multi skilling
36. Find out what work people want to do
37. Share management duties such as chairing meetings
38. Activities to support charities and volunteer
39. Public acknowledgement
40. Massages, mini breaks
41. Listening
42. Photos, video of career history
43. Wellness programs
44. Work sports teams and leagues
45. Manage the poor performers
46. Toolbox chats
47. Social and environmental responsibility initiatives
48. Competency based recruitment and selection
49. Match ethos and values
50. Attitude over aptitude
51. Set goals and review regularly
52. Build your own training centre – pride and joy to conduct own training
53. Ask why do you stay?
54. Immaculate facility
55. Social club and activities
56. Demonstrate good management in the tough times with clear communication
57. Internal mentors
58. Mid-career opportunities – networking of similar cohort across the organisation
59. Higher education opportunities – complete a Masters degree as a group
60. Phased retirement
61. Surprises – nice ones
62. Exercise program – Pilates as a group
63. Gym program to support physical requirements of the job