Too Busy to Retain Talent? It's Time to Change Your Approach

“We’re too busy to solve our problems right now”

I heard this line from an executive who’s in charge of recruitment for a power station.

He told me that the station had a hard time retaining people, that people kept quitting and he couldn’t replace them fast enough.

It sounded like a critical problem for a critical business.

But when I pushed him to TAKE ACTION with this problem, he said “I’m too busy to solve this problem right now”

I said to him….?

“Let me get this right…. You’re working like crazy because you’re constantly having to replace people who are quitting your business?”

“Yes,” he said.

I asked him… “What would happen if you improved the culture of your business and made it a more attractive place to work?”

“More people would stay for longer… but…. I’m too busy to do anything about this right now”

??????????

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Every day I speak to friends and family members who dislike where they work. They share stories of…

• Crazy hours
• Agressive, controlling, and heartless managers
• Unrealistic expectations and workloads (“Why can’t you be on the Zoom at at 2am?”)
• Constant stress and pressure
• Toxic cultures

The truth is….

It doesn’t have to be like this. There is a better way. A better way that not only creates healthier and happier employees, but that also creates a healthier and happier business.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I know that company executives have to manage many pressures that day-to-day employees might not be familiar with. For example: client expectations, client retention, managing project costs, trying to generate a profit. I get it.

However, when companies have to strap their employees to a hamster-wheel-of-misery in order to make their business ‘work’, it speaks to something being wrong in the heart of the business. It speaks to a broken business model and a broken contract between employees and the business.

Unfortunately, too many businesses are stuck in the same mindset as that recruiter: they’re too busy fighting the daily fires to make the changes necessary to prevent those fires in the future. But this mindset isn't sustainable. Constant turnover is not just disruptive, it's expensive. Each new hire costs a significant amount in terms of recruitment, training, and lost productivity as they get up to speed. It's an investment that only pays off if that employee stays long enough to contribute significantly to the company.

So creating a positive work environment is more than just an ethical decision, it's a sound business choice. Staff members who feel appreciated, listened to and valued are more likely to stay in the company, perform more effectively and show greater commitment to the business' success. Moreover, they're more likely to tell their friends about their fantastic job, and thereby attract more skilled people to the business.

There's a wealth of evidence indicating that firms offering better work-life balance and higher levels of staff satisfaction often outperform their rivals. They attract and retain top talent, reduce staff turnover, and foster an atmosphere that nurtures creativity and innovation.

So how do we fix this?

Firstly, we must elevate the mindset. Tackling issues such as high staff turnover and a toxic work culture isn't a diversion from the 'real work' of a company. In essence, it is the fundamental work of the company.

Secondly, it's time for leadership to lend an ear - actively seek feedback from employees, treat it with the seriousness it warrants, and implement tangible changes based on it. Show your staff that you genuinely value their well-being and their views.

Thirdly, champion a healthy work-life balance. Remember that your employees are humans before they are workers - they need time to rest, relax, and lead fulfilling lives outside of work. Encourage flexibility in work schedules, promote regular breaks and set boundaries to avoid burnout.

Fourthly, if your business cannot be profitable or satisfy clients without forcing your team to be on the hamster-wheel-of-misery, it's time to consider other levers in your business. This could mean targeting different clients, those who value quality over speed, improving pricing strategies, or having the courage to set client expectations that protect your team.

Finally, invest in quality leadership training. A capable manager can make all the difference to an employee's work experience, so it's crucial they have the necessary skills to motivate, support, and communicate effectively with their teams.

It’s high time we start viewing employee satisfaction and retention not as optional extras, but as absolute necessities. Not as burdens, but as golden opportunities. By shaping a workplace where employees actually want to stay, companies can cultivate a more stable, engaged, and productive workforce. And that benefits everyone.

Remember, if you're too busy to solve your problems, maybe it's time to question what's truly keeping you so busy in the first place.

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If you're ready to confront and conquer these challenges in your own business, you don't have to do it alone. I provide executive coaching, keynote speaking, and training programmes designed specifically for leaders and their teams. I'm here to help you create a work environment that both nourishes your employees and fuels the success of your business. Why not get in touch with The Andrew Bull Companies today?