Are You An Employer of Choice?

Employers of Choice – be one!

Despite the economic rumbles and tumbles of 2008 and 2009, many small companies have found a way to stay focused on being a great place to work. Read on for some of the ways these companies are keeping their head above water, and excelling as an employer at the same time.

Cross training – these employers know that expanding the knowledge and abilities of their workforce is a win-win. They get added expertise and resources, and employees are allowed to grow and develop within the organization.

Layoffs as last resort – most of these companies have had to reduce staff. They did so with open communication, strategic thought, and foresight. In one case, an organization found increased productivity because they laid off the right position, the right people - at the right time.

Employee input on cost reductions – bringing employees into the loop and asking for their ideas on cost reduction allows employers to solve budget problems, and employees to feel as though they have a say in how reductions will be handled.

Leadership development – Is leadership a core value? These small businesses put their money where their mouth is – developing the leadership qualities in all employees. This strategy develops their employees in ways that positively affect their bottom line.

Fun work environment – All work and no play makes everyone dull. Laughter and playfulness are motivators in the workplace. Having a fun environment also encourages a higher level of teamwork, resulting in better ideas and programs. Highly effective organizations find the fun in what they do, and reap the benefits of increased comraderie and productivity.

“Culture” orientation – These companies know that “job fit” is not the only predictor of employee performance and retention. Fitting into the culture of the organization is equally, or maybe even more important. Organizations that pay attention to what makes them special…and successful -are better able to articulate that to new employees, bringing them into the folds of company culture and effectiveness much quicker.

Customer service and communication training – Every organization has customers to be served. Every organization needs better communication. The best workplaces know this, and invest in a higher degree of each. Training programs focused on the expectations surrounding customer service and communication have shown to not only increase customer retention levels, but employee retention as well.

Always scouting top talent – Not hiring?? Bad move. Smart organizations are always on the look out for top talent, even if there isn’t a position to be filled. Especially in today’s job market, where so much talent is out there – be on the lookout for the next super star for your organization.

Collaboration – A “we is better than me” mentality helps successful organizations be even better. Bringing teams together, people together, and departments together – working towards a common goal can be the key to increased profits, employee retention, and organizational effectiveness.

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On the Rebound

On the Rebound

Taken from Inc. Magazine July/Aug 2009

Companies that start planning for an economic recovery now will have an edge on the competition when the recession ends. Here are some strategies to prepare your business for a brighter future.

Invest in technology. Technological improvements – new billing software, for example, or an online ordering system – will allow you to add new customers with little additional cost when business picks up.

Snap up talent on the cheap. Because of record layoffs, the job market is flooded with qualified candidates. Take this opportunity to hire talented employees at a discount.

Ramp up training. Identify employees strengths and weaknesses and invest in targeted training and development programs to prepare them for the upswing.

Form strategic partnerships. Make the most of the business slowdown by striking up partnerships that will pay off down the road.

Get to know prospective customers. Build relationships with potential customers and learn more about their needs, then tailor your offerings accordingly to position your company for the future.

Cut costs strategically. Instead of making across the board cuts analyze costs carefully and reduce spending in ways that are unlikely to impair future growth. Be sure to put controls in place so spending stays in check after the rebound.

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