LEADERSHIP LESSON | ?? Retaining and empowering existing, loyal employees

We are living in a time of uncertainty and change, which comes at a high pace. Those circumstances are challenging for employees and for employers, but it also comes with a lot of opportunities for both parties to ensure future success.

I do experience myself the crazy run for AI skilled talents across all industries. One opportunity is to hire new talents, who bring in those important skills to an organization. Given the talent shortage on the market it's really difficult and expensive to find and hire those resources.

What might be even more important for organizations given the current circumstances is to spend more efforts on how organizations can retain and empower existing employees. In this context, leveraging AI can play a transformative role in helping organizations not just only retain talent, but also enhance the well-being and productivity of their existing, loyal employees. Last but not least your existing employees do have a very good understanding on your internal business processes and buy supporting them and getting them workload off their shoulders, especially when they are already stretched will be an enabler for integrating AI technology to gain business value out of it in short-, mid- and long-term.

?? THE VALUE OF LOYAL EMPLOYEES

Experienced, loyal employees are invaluable assets, especially during times of change. They know the organization, understand its values and culture, and bring a level of stability that’s crucial when navigating new technologies. When organizations invest in these employees, they create a resilient, adaptable workforce which is ready to take on new challenges.

Loyal employees act as champions of change, helping to manage transitions and mentor newer team members. This not only improves adoption rates of new technologies like AI, but also ensures the organization can stay competitive and resilient in an evolving marketplace.

"Train people well enough so they can leave. Treat them well enough so they don't want to." - Richard Branson

?? THE TRUE COST OF HIRING AND ONBOARDING

The other options is to hunt new talents for your organization. What's a matter of fact: Hiring is costly, both financially and operationally. The full cost of recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding a new employee can run up to tens of thousands of dollars—and that's only if the new hire stays. High turnover rates present an additional challenge, as new hires may leave after only a few months. These costs extend beyond finances, impacting team morale, productivity, and operational stability.

This makes it more essential than ever to focus on retaining and empowering existing, loyal employees—people who already know the organization and have a strong track record of delivering results.

?? DEMOGRAPHIC SHIFT

As many industries face a demographic shift, a vast number of experienced professionals will soon retire, creating an urgent need to not only attract but also retain skilled talent. The competition for talent will be fierce, with fewer available candidates to fill vital roles.

In such an environment, AI can serve as a valuable tool to reduce the heavy workload on existing employees, allowing organizations to optimize talent they already have.

?? REDUCING EMPLOYEE BURNOUT

When workloads increase and teams are stretched to the max, the risk of burnout rises sharply. AI can help by taking on repetitive, time-consuming tasks, leaving employees free to focus on higher-level, value-added activities. Here are some ways AI can help mitigate burnout:

• Automating Routine Tasks: AI can streamline tasks such as data entry, scheduling, and report generation. This allows employees to focus on strategic work rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.
• Real-Time Support for Decision-Making: AI-powered analytics tools can process vast amounts of data quickly, providing insights that help employees make informed decisions faster and with less effort.
• Personalized Workload Management: AI can monitor workloads and identify employees who may be at risk of burnout, providing managers with timely insights to balance team workloads effectively.

By using AI to support these tasks, employees are freed from some of the more taxing elements of their roles, leading to increased productivity and reduced stress levels.

“People are definitely a company’s greatest asset. It doesn’t make any difference whether the product is cars or cosmetics. A company is only as good as the people it keeps.” - Mary Kay Ash

?? INVESTING IN TRAINING AND UPSKILLING IN TIMES OF CHANGE

Introducing AI into an organization isn’t just about plugging in new technology - it’s also about empowering employees to use it effectively. Investing in training and upskilling programs around AI can make this transition a win-win for both employees and the organization.

When employees feel supported and valued through the change process, they are more likely to adopt new tools enthusiastically and use them effectively. Here are some key ways organizations can ensure this transition is beneficial for everyone involved:

• Create a Culture of Continuous Learning: Encourage employees to see AI as a tool that enhances their roles rather than replaces them. Show them how AI can empower them to achieve more and contribute in new ways.
• Provide Hands-On AI Training: Hands-on training sessions in AI tools help employees feel more confident and comfortable with new technology, which boosts productivity and morale.
• Offer Mentorship and Coaching: Pair experienced employees with those learning to use AI. This fosters collaboration, reduces the fear of change, and helps both groups grow.

?? BUILDING A FUTURE-READY WORKFORCE

By investing in AI and fostering a supportive environment for change, organizations can create a positive, sustainable work culture that benefits everyone. Empowered by AI, employees can achieve more with less stress, increasing their job satisfaction and engagement. When employees see that AI can enhance their roles, they become active partners in driving the organization’s success forward.

Leveraging AI for strategic growth, employee support, and overall resilience is an investment in both the present and the future—a win-win for employees and the organization.

Embrace the power of AI, invest in your people, and watch as your organization thrives in a changing world!