It’s no secret! Day after day the news is riddled with companies who are moving operations to other countries or completely closing their doors. Those who remain must transform themselves to lean, mean, businesses with a constant eye on reducing costs.
For the first time, the baby-boomers are finding themselves in an unpredictable work environment. They are shaken by the instability of what the future holds…and with good reason.
Company messages are mixed. On one hand, they talk about wanting to be “an employer of choice” with a reputation for retaining talent. On the other hand, they need the ability to be fluid…fluid enough to restructure and reorganize to meet the constantly changing needs of the market.
How then, do you walk the fine line between wanting to retain without implying promises for the future?
Encourage “free agent thinking”. In other words, release the golden handcuffs.
If you were thinking this is a little radical and you would be crazy to take this advice…THINK AGAIN!
Do your employees a favor. Encourage free agent thinking. As a company, yes, you’ll have to work harder to keep the talent you want to keep. And yes, you’ll probably lose some. Which is better for your business…people who are actively engaged and appreciate the opportunity, or people who are just waiting for their next paycheck? You decide!
*Previously published at ArticleCity.com
Lora Adrianse is passionate about helping people build dynamic business relationships in the workplace and with their customers. She can be reached through her website www.connectionscoach.com.