Employee retention is a crucial factor in establishing a successful and thriving organisation. It not only saves valuable time and resources but also ensures a positive and satisfying work environment. In this article, we will explain the significance of aligning perceptions and realities to establish a strong foundation for employee retention. By exploring the factors influencing why people join and leave organisations, we you develop effective strategies to attract and retain top talent.
Why Do People Join Your Organisation?
When individuals decide to join an organisation, their decision is often based on their perception of its culture, values, mission, and work environment. However, perceptions about a job can be influenced by various factors, leading to assumptions. This opens the door for candidate and team misalignment, creating a disconnect between initial expectations and day-to-day realities. To address this issue, organisations need to take control of the factors within their influence and strive to create an environment that aligns with employees’ perceptions and expectations.
What are the consequences of job criteria misalignment?
When there is a disparity between the perceived job offer stage and the actual experiences employees have, it can lead to potential resignation. This misalignment significantly contributes to employee turnover. While not all misalignments are solely the organisation’s fault, many are within their control and can be addressed to reduce dissatisfaction and turnover.
What is the importance of employee alignment?
Successfully retaining employees requires the alignment of perceptions and realities. When organisations achieve this transparency, they establish a solid foundation for a satisfied and engaged workforce. However, it is important to acknowledge that individuals may not always fully understand themselves and their motives during the recruitment process. Therefore, the screening and interview process should not only test candidates’ job expectations but also uncover their true motivations and suitability for the role and team dynamics.
How do you create alignment through Recruitment?
The recruitment process plays a pivotal role in employee retention. From the initial contact, organisations have the opportunity to establish the baseline for candidates’ perceptions and assumptions. By providing accurate and transparent information about the organisation’s culture, values, and work environment, recruiters ensure that candidates have a realistic understanding of what to expect. This includes addressing both the positive aspects and negatives of the role and team dynamics. At IAC a core technique we use is a “full transparency” method, this allows candidates to openly address their reservations about the downsides with us before bringing that shadow in with them on the first day and beyond. We firmly value honesty and this approach helps us place the right candidate in the right company.
Moving through the Recruitment Process:
To effectively retain employees, it is crucial to move through the recruitment process swiftly while maintaining thoroughness. While it is important not to rush and compromise quality, organisations should aim to finalise the interview and offer processes within a reasonable timeframe. Acting promptly helps maintain positive momentum, prevents candidates from losing interest, and demonstrates respect for their time and aspirations at your organisation.
Balancing rigour and engagement through the interview process:
The interview process is a critical element for assessing candidates’ alignment with the organisation’s mission, culture, and values. It provides an opportunity to rigorously evaluate competencies, knowledge, and behaviours while simultaneously showcasing why the organisation is an excellent place to work. Striking a balance between rigorous assessments, such as case studies or presentations, and transparent communication about the organisations’ strengths and potential challenges helps candidates develop a comprehensive understanding and a peak into future projects they will be involved in.
How can you improve on all of these retention steps?
Achieving employee retention requires organisations to align perceptions and realities throughout the recruitment process. By providing transparent information, assessing alignment, and showcasing the organisation’s strengths and challenges, companies can create a satisfying and fulfilling environment. Our role is to assist clients in building high-performing teams that align with their long-term strategies. By sharing our knowledge, we not only ensure the success of our clients and candidates but also demonstrate our deep understanding of this process.
So what now?
Our CEO, David Haylor, has put together a training package which breaks down why the majority of teams suffer from poor retention and/or underperformance for their stakeholders. Each workshop is 90mins and is optimal for groups of 3 to 6 people. For larger groups, a presentation can be organised but this will not be the same interactive training as with the workshops.
Email David.Haylor@iac-recuit.com, or book here for an initial consultation to discuss how this can programme could improve your employee ROI.