Dear Workforce
Q: How Much Attrition Is Acceptable?
Please help us understand how to interpret the meaning of our rapid turnover.
A:
Dear Can't Keep Them:
Let's face it: Sooner or later, everyone terminates their employment. But companies cannot afford to be cavalier about turnover, especially when it occurs before the employee has had a chance to be productive.
With early turnover, the recruiting process, your training program and the manager's coaching generally share the responsibility. The investment you make in filling a position—simply the recruiting and training costs—goes down the drain when a new hire leaves. So understanding and addressing the causes of early turnover will have a definite impact on your bottom line.
Here are three steps HR should put in place to improve retention of new hires:
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Conduct an exit survey after each termination. Use the sample exit survey attached as a template. Be objective and take the employee's feedback seriously. Track and analyze the information to see where you have the greatest opportunity for improvements. Share your findings with senior management. Click here to download a template for a sample exit survey.
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Be realistic and truthful throughout your recruiting process. You should match the needs of the organization to the expectations of the new employee. Don't oversell the job. The employee who evaluates the pros and cons of your offer is more likely to have a positive experience and long-term employment relationship.
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Strengthen your onboarding process. Implement a "countdown 8-7-6" program, as follows: Check in on day one (8 hours) to be sure the basics are in place … phone and computer are hooked up, office supplies and business cards are available, etc. Make sure the employee has a "point person" for questions and that the supervisor has welcomed the employee. Check in again at a week (7 days) to be sure the employee has been introduced to key team members, as well as internal and external customers. By now the employee and supervisor should have discussed preliminary goals and initial training needs. Check in again before the probationary period is over (6 months) to address early performance issues.
SOURCE: Patsy Svare, managing director, the Chatfield Group, Northbrook, Illinois, February 13, 2009
LEARN MORE: Convergys has used an analytical approach to identify programs that keep employees faithful.
The information contained in this article is intended to provide useful information on the topic covered, but should not be construed as legal advice or a legal opinion. Also remember that state laws may differ from the federal law.
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