Simple, common sense approaches to issues are often the least expensive and most effective. Continuously having to replace staff is very costly and the true cost is never known.

Ramp up time for the new employee, lost client service opportunities and two of the costs that cannot be calculated. The time it takes to recruit and hire, administrative costs to bring on a new employee eats into the overhead.

Look at simplifying your processes for hiring and retaining:

• Set clear expectations

Define and communicate responsibilities. A clearly written job description is imperative. Management by “walking around” makes an incredible difference in letting your employees know that you care and will help them, as you can.

• Show appreciation

Acknowledgement is critical. A pat on the back is perishable, but complementing one of your employees in front of other staff members lingers with the staff person being complimented and those who heard the expression of appreciation. Provide in front of others.

• Promote from within

Demonstrate to all employees that hard work does have rewards. Employees know who is qualified to fill a current vacancy. If someone is brought in from the outside, it is a statement. Initiate a cross-training program, vet those employees who want more responsibility and establish a succession plan. Make it formal and keep it current. Plans that are initiated, then left unattended are scars within the organization.

• Communicate openly

Have a “true” open door policy for sharing ideas and answering questions. Your staff has ideas; ideas that might improve productivity, save money, or extend your scope of service. Encourage them to come up with new ideas. Do not resist, ask for an outline to proceed and keep communications open on all new ideas.

• Provide the best employee benefit package affordable

Shop around, work with a trusted agent, purchase as many benefits as possible. Your organization must be “marketplace competitive.” Visit other agencies, ask questions and revisited your benefits plan every year to make sure your package is the best and broadest your agency can afford.