We all know the feeling. You’ve just poured your heart and soul into recruiting a top-notch candidate, only to have them turn around and resign a few months later. It’s frustrating, deflating, and worst of all – it’s costly. The average cost of replacing an employee is estimated to be anywhere from 1/3 to 2 times their annual salary. So, what can you do to avoid the great resignation at your business?
The answer lies in re-recruiting.
Re-recruiting is the process of “reselling” your company to current employees in order to keep them engaged and committed long-term. Read on for a few tips on how to re-recruit successfully.
But first, what is the Great Resignation?
The Great Resignation, first identified in May 2021, was the term given to describe the record number of people leaving their jobs since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. Brought on initially by employees’ concerns about inadequate Covid-19 safety policies in the office or insufficient remote-work support, millions then left for greater freedom, autonomy or a new direction. Despite the pandemic having passed, the trend of resignations continues with many people feeling unappreciated and disengaged at work. This is costly and disruptive but there are things you can do.
How to identify the warning signs that an employee is about to resign
Identifying when an employee is about to quit their job can be tricky. Though there are certain telltale warning signs that signal the end of their tenure, sometimes these roll out in such a subtle way that it’s hard to spot them. It might include hinting at resigning, being vague about future plans and obviously reducing their performance where they’re showing decreased motivation and interest in the job.
If all this takes place together, then it’s time to ask some probing questions to gauge whether they really do plan on leaving or if they just need a fresh challenge and different incentives. Either way, it’s important to try and identify the signs so both parties have a chance to work things out – though not always successful!
Tips for re-recruiting your employees before it’s too late
Re-recruiting your employees doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few tips for making it work:
- Show them that you value their work and commitment. Acknowledge the job they’ve done and reward them with compliments, bonuses and other perks when appropriate.
- Listen to their concerns, questions and feedback. Acknowledge their ideas and show that you’re willing to work with them to find creative solutions.
- Provide stimulating challenges and projects for them to take on. Allow your employees to take risks, make mistakes and learn from them in the process.
- Keep lines of communication open with regular check-ins and team meetings. This will help keep everyone up to speed on what’s happening in the company, as well as allow people to voice their opinions and ideas.
- Make sure that compensation is fair and competitive. You want your employees to feel like they’re being fairly compensated for the work they do – especially if you want to retain them for the long haul.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your employees feel valued and appreciated – making it more likely that they’ll stay with your company in the long run. Re-recruiting is an important part of any business’s strategy, so make sure to give it the attention it deserves!
The benefits of retaining your best employees
It’s no secret that retaining your best employees is a great investment. They help maintain a positive work culture and boost morale among their colleagues. These star employees contribute significantly to the success of an organisation. They are highly knowledgeable and skilled, allowing them to quickly adapt to the changing needs of customers and competitors. What’s more, they can pinpoint opportunities and tackle challenges with a confidence that is unparalleled by any new hire. It makes sense to keep them around.
Investing in your best talent has both short-term and long-term benefits. In the short term, you save on recruitment, onboarding, and training costs. In the long term, these star employees ensure things run smoothly, especially when times get tough, making them invaluable assets worth having around.
What to do if you’re too late
Losing a key member of staff can be devastating. It can be hard to measure the cost of these losses in monetary terms, but the disruption to operations and morale can be catastrophic. From the loss of knowledge to decreased efficiency and productivity, turnover at executive-level hits businesses hard. It’s essential for management teams to work diligently to retain their most valuable players.
If one of them does decide to leave, there are ways to re-recruit them. Be proactive; speak with them early on about their reasons for leaving. This understanding gives you a chance to fix existing issues or discuss creative solutions. Offer incentives like additional training or flexible working options to show your employees they are valued. Don’t wait until they’ve left to acknowledge their worth. Consider appointing a mentor for former employees during the transition phase, as this can open the door to future collaboration or re-hiring opportunities. Embrace these challenges head-on.
In conclusion, the Great Resignation is a current challenge that shows no sign of stopping. Take measures now to attract, retain, and re-recruit key staff members before it causes irreparable damage to your business. Recognising the signs that employees are considering leaving ensures you act promptly to retain them. Proactive steps not only set the stage for future recruitment efforts but also protect your business from significant disruption. Employee retention fosters trust and loyalty, empowering individuals with more meaningful job satisfaction while yielding priceless financial dividends. Holding onto your top performers strengthens professional development within the current staff and attracts other potential candidates. Don’t be caught off guard by the Great Resignation; prioritise re-recruitment today.
For more information on introducing an effective re-recruitment programme, contact Lodge Court.