Main News Desk

For the sake of Auld Lang Resign

~ Northgate HR advises how to avoid resolutions becoming resignations ~

December 19, 2007

Joining the gym, giving up chocolate and learning a language – these are all things that sit high on the list of New Year’s Resolutions as the Christmas festivities draw to a close.

But January is also the month to start looking for a new job so is a crucial time for employers to concentrate on staff retention strategies, according to Dina Knight, Group HR Director at Northgate Information Solutions.

“Employers shouldn’t prepare themselves for a January exodus – they should shift their retention strategies in advance to ensure staff stick around,” Knight commented. “There are a number of things that can be done to help employees develop their careers through the first part of the year, making them far more likely to stay. It’s an investment that will pay dividends throughout the year in productivity and staff morale.”

For employers looking to keep hold of staff during the resignation season, Northgate HR recommends:
1. Define career paths well into the New Year. Use performance measurement tools to help employees reach their full potential, and they’ll thank you with their loyalty. This, coupled with succession planning, will help you to keep a skilled and motivated workforce operating at maximum efficiency.
2. Audit salaries against similar organisations to make sure what you pay is in line with the market and across the business. People will be looking at similar companies and their colleagues to check if they’re getting a fair deal.
3. A review of benefits packages in February, including life style benefits such holiday buy and sell and childcare vouchers means people will look beyond the January lull. A flexible package tailored to individual needs can help people feel more in control of their working lives.
4. You might be busy and under pressure, but pay employees accurately and on time – there is no better way to get your staff looking elsewhere if you underpay or pay them late, particularly around Christmas when every penny counts. Also, a Christmas or New Year bonus will always be welcomed.
5. Initiatives that boost morale in the New Year, such as social event or party, might seem frivolous but could be the tonic to get many people over the January blues. In other words, don’t forget to have fun!

Customer quote

“Employers shouldn’t prepare themselves for a January exodus – they should shift their retention strategies in advance to ensure staff stick around,” Dina Knight, Group HR Director at Northgate Information Solutions, commented. “There are a number of things that can be done to help employees develop their careers through the first part of the year, making them far more likely to stay. It’s an investment that will pay dividends throughout the year in productivity and staff morale.”

Contact details

For more information please contact:

Lisa Gillingham or Kelly Desinioti at LEWIS PR
lisag/kellyd@lewispr.com
+44 (0) 207 802 2626

Technorati tags:

Bookmarklets:

Recent Press Releases

2010 Archive

2009 Archive

2008 Archive

2007 Archive

Jump to:

Main News Desk

For the sake of Auld Lang Resign

Customer quote

Contact details