Created on: May 07, 2010   Last Updated: September 21, 2010

Maintaining a good staff is the best investment for any company, yet many businesses no matter what size they are, fail to recognize this. Investing in and maintaining good staff is not difficult and by implementing a few simple processes a good long term result rather than a ‘quick fix’, will be achieved.

Maintaining good staff will immediately benefit the company in time and money with reduction of recruiting processes, retention of valuable experience, avoiding staffing disruption and promoting a high staff morale.

Any manager who doesn’t work at maintaining good members of their staff should immediately book themselves onto several training courses involving staff management.

Recruit the right applicant using an efficient recruitment process.  Check out the effectiveness of the recruitment procedures of your company. Recruitment will always be expensive in cost and man hours. Ask relevant questions during the interview. Avoid long complicated trick questions, it might make the interviewer feel clever and ‘in charge’ yet it could result with a shrewd applicant walking away.  Have an open and honest interview; encourage the applicant to talk and more important, listen carefully to their responses.  Ensure any hidden ‘agendas’ are aired in the open.  Remember you want to make a good investment in staff for the company.

Introduce a comprehensive Induction Programme for all new recruits. It is important to introduce them to the workings and personnel of the company. Have a short informal meeting at the end of each week of the Induction period to answer any issues, queries, uncertainties and company jargon that may have arisen.

Constantly monitor the team; many good staff members are already in situ; a good manager will spot and recognize their skills and talents. 

Implement an efficient Training Programme for all team members. Arrange appropriate training to help them in their current positions and also to develop new skills.  Understand that some team members do not want training in other areas.  Never underestimate the staff member who just wants to come into work, do their job and go home.  These team members keep the day job going, allowing the manager and other team members to attend meetings to further develop the company.  Constantly be alert to new training programmes that may benefit your staff. 

Set realistic, achievable targets; be prepared to offer

How to maintain a good staff

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