100 employee retention measures You can implement immediately

Staff retention measures implemented by the HR department

1. Cafeteria, bistro, kitchenette
   A quiet space offering free hot drinks and water, or the option to bring your own food, is always appreciated by the team.
    
2.  Dress code
   Does your company have a specific dress code? Some companies provide their staff with workwear or reimburse part of the costs.
    
3.  Sport
   Yoga on Mondays, bodyweight training on Wednesdays, or perhaps a classic run on Fridays? Team sports promote good health and improve team spirit amongst staff.
    
4.   Mobility
   For many employees, commuting is part of everyday life. A monthly travel allowance helps to boost staff retention.
    
5.  Sense of community
   Company outings boost team spirit and leave participants with fond memories that last for years to come. Make the day something truly special.
    
6.  Mini events
   Whether it’s a spontaneous barbecue during your lunch break, a monthly after-work get-together or a finger-food lunch where every team member brings something along, there are plenty of opportunities to put a smile on your staff’s faces.
    
7.  No Matter Where
   The digital world makes it possible. With the right equipment, employees can work from anywhere in the world. This provides a high degree of flexibility and makes it easier to balance family, leisure and work.
    
8.  Security in old age
   Company pension schemes are an effective way of providing employees with security for their future.
    
9.  Chill-out & Activity
   Sometimes you just need a moment to clear your head. Some companies have relaxation rooms with massage chairs and soothing music. Others, on the other hand, focus on activity and provide table football, a dartboard and a pool table.
    
10.  Word-of-mouth
    Positive marketing, delivered directly and authentically by the workforce. When employee retention measures meet or even exceed staff expectations, word of this spreads quickly.
     
11.  Time off
    A company-owned campervan, holiday home or houseboat? A partnership with a hotel or theme park. There are many ways to support employees’ holiday plans.
     
12.  Notice period
    An extended notice period gives employees greater security and is another way to boost satisfaction.
     
13.  Flowers
    Fresh flowers bring a touch of colour, a spring-like feel and a cheerful atmosphere to the office.
     
14.  Temperature
    It’s often impossible to please everyone at the same time when it comes to the temperature setting. However, air conditioning is a good investment for the height of summer and is generally well received by most teams.
     
15.  Company cars
    Some companies have what are known as ‘team cars’. Staff can use these for journeys to client appointments outside the office or for other business matters.
     
16.  Working from home
    By offering the option to work from home for certain periods, companies provide their teams with a great deal of flexibility.
     
17.  Welcome
    New employees should feel welcome straight away. Some companies hold traditional welcome ceremonies to celebrate the arrival of a new team member.
     
18.  Childcare
    Some companies have their own in-house nursery. Employees with young children will greatly appreciate this provision.
     
19.  Office supplies
    Sometimes it’s the little things that can sap a team member’s motivation. A well-stocked office supplies store leaves nothing to be desired when it comes to desk equipment.
     
20.   Flexible working hours
    Flexible working hours are a very popular measure. Staff can flexibly spread their weekly hours across the days of the week.
     
21.  Four-legged friends
    Dogs are incredibly great team players. They can often have a positive influence on the atmosphere in the office and help create a good atmosphere.
     
22.  Taxi service
    Some companies provide their staff with a pick-up and drop-off service. A few companies also operate designated pick-up points for an exclusive bus route.
     
23.  Canteen Alternatives
    Meal allowances in the form of vouchers, which can be redeemed at selected restaurants or food shops, are a good alternative to the traditional canteen.
     
24.   Feedback
    Requests, suggestions and criticism can be analysed through targeted staff surveys.
     
25.  Free vitamins
    Fresh fruit makes for a healthy snack and is always welcome among most staff.
     
26.  Staff appraisals
    Regular meetings between managers and team members ensure a constant flow of communication and allow any disagreements to be resolved promptly where necessary.
     
27.  Lifetime working time accounts
    Overtime hours are accumulated, enabling an extended period of leave whilst the employment relationship continues.
     
28.  Staff discount
    Many companies offer their staff the traditional staff discount. Exclusive voucher promotions on special occasions are just as welcome as a percentage discount.
     
29.  Social engagement
    Solidarity, volunteering and fair play also play a major role in employee retention. Companies should seize this opportunity and expand their social engagement.
     
30.  Knowledge
    People are naturally inquisitive and curious. This should not be overlooked when it comes to staff retention. Companies that offer their staff opportunities for personal development and further training are generally viewed favourably.
     
31.  Wealth creation
    Many companies support their employees in building their wealth through a traditional contribution to capital-forming benefits.
     
32.  Being Human
    A personal emergency can turn a team member’s daily life upside down. Support in the event of such an emergency is gratefully accepted by the vast majority of employees.
     
33.  Maximum concentration
    The open-plan office is often quite hectic, so staff sometimes appreciate having a quiet space where they can work undisturbed.
     

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    Staff retention measures implemented by management

34.  Recognise successes – communicate successes – celebrate successes
     , some companies have a bell that is rung whenever sales exceed a certain amount. It’s a great motivational boost for the whole team.
     
35.  Team breakfast
    A weekly team breakfast gives the team the chance to get to know each other even better, and work-related topics are bound to come up in conversation too.
     
36.  Who does what?
    It is important to staff that tasks and areas of responsibility are clearly defined within a company. Only then can processes be handled efficiently and responsibilities fully assumed.
     
37.   Innovation
    Employees with new ideas and creative approaches are delighted when their suggestions are examined, tested and perhaps even put into practice.
     
38.   Flow of information
    Some companies hold daily or weekly update meetings. This ensures a transparent and, above all, timely flow of information.
     
39.  One for all – all for one
    Active team-building fosters good interpersonal relationships within the team and thus enhances the positive working atmosphere.
     
40.  Consequences
    Any disciplinary measures imposed should, on the one hand, be the same for all staff members and, on the other hand, be strictly enforced.
     
41.  Induction phase
    New staff appreciate a well-organised and structured induction period. This is where team-building begins.
     
42.  Career planning
    Many companies hold regular career reviews. What are the employees’ aspirations? How do they envisage their future within the company? Regular performance reviews are an effective tool for retaining staff.
     
43.  Appreciation
    Show appreciation for employees, take an interest in them and ask how their tasks are progressing – employees appreciate this kind of attention from their manager.
     
44. Think big
    Where will the company be in 5 years’ time? Clear strategies and defined interim targets are well received by the team.
     
45.  Trust
    … a key aspect of the ‘give and take’ dynamic. Behaviour that inspires trust strengthens the bond between employees and employers.
     
46.   Coordinating work tasks
    A clear allocation of tasks in new processes provides structure. Reviewing interim targets prevents demotivation caused by errors in task execution.
     
47.   Feedback
    In some companies, monthly feedback sessions are firmly established. This is a good opportunity to resolve any disagreements or to offer praise and recognition.
     
48.  Don’t lose sight of…
    Is a team member off sick for an extended period? On parental leave? Or taking a short sabbatical? Staff will certainly appreciate being contacted from time to time. After all, many of them want to rejoin the team after their time off and give 100 per cent.
     
49.  Boredom

    A low workload or the wrong set of responsibilities can lead to boredom and a significant loss of motivation among staff.

50.  Criticism – using it to boost motivation
    Some managers are particularly good at turning current criticism into a brief motivational speech. For example, instead of saying “Our returns rate is currently dreadful”, they might say something like “Together, we want to get back to our usual high standard of performance. Our aim is to bring our returns rates back down to the level typical for our company.”
     
51.  Employees – part of the company
    Employees who are allowed to express their opinions and are involved in decision-making often feel like they’re part of the bigger picture.
     
52.  Authentic
    When employees are asked about the ideal character traits of a leader, the word ‘authentic’ is usually mentioned among the top five.
     
53.   Individuality
    Personalised incentives are always particularly well received by staff.
     
54.  Avoiding excessive pressure
    Not every team member has the same tolerance for stress. Managers can keep an eye on this and intervene in good time.
     
55.  Conflicts
    Even with strong staff loyalty, conflicts and disagreements can arise. Finding a competent solution is the key to success. This is the only way to ensure that the relationship with staff remains intact.
     
56.  Recognition
    Recognition of day-to-day work or achievements on special projects is, of course, greatly appreciated by staff.
     
57.  Avoiding overtime
    A high volume of overtime is not necessarily a sign of exceptional commitment. Sometimes it is caused by flawed process chains or sub-optimal task allocation. If a manager identifies the cause, this could help prevent any loss of motivation.
     
58.  Challenges
    Supporting and challenging team members – a delicate balance that should be taken into account when it comes to staff retention.
     
59.  Scope for responsibility
    Most employees welcome being given responsibility. It shows them that they are trusted and that their work is valued.
     
60.  Employee motivations
    Managers who understand their team’s motivations are usually one step ahead. They can tailor incentives to suit individual needs and thus create a special element of surprise.
     
61.   Short and sweet
    Team meetings are useful, but only if they are organised efficiently. Short, clear and to-the-point meetings are always appreciated by the team.
     
62.  Target agreements
    Employees are often very familiar with their agreed targets. Managers should take these agreements seriously and support their team members in achieving their personal goals.
     
63.  Human touch
    All staff members are only human… Not everyone can be motivated and full of drive every single day. A manager should develop a keen sense for these moments and provide encouragement at the right time.
     
64.   Rights & Responsibilities
    This point is usually already set out in the employment contract. However, should any ambiguities arise in the meantime, it is important that these are clarified straight away.
     
65.  Work-life balance
    A good balance between work and leisure time is very important to employees. Companies can score points by keeping an eye on their teams’ work-life balance.
     
66.  Feedback
    Both managers and employees can benefit from constructive feedback and, where necessary, adjust their behaviour to improve team morale.
     

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    Employee retention measures implemented by senior management

67.  Seeking dialogue
    Communication is often the key to success. Managing directors who are approachable to their staff and who occasionally seek direct dialogue are viewed positively by their staff.
     
68.  Communicating successes
    Has a department reached a milestone? Has a major contract been confirmed? In many companies, it is standard practice to share positive news about the company’s success.
     
69.  Blog
    Some companies run their own blog to communicate specific employee retention initiatives to the outside world.
     
70.  Fairness
    For many employees, fairness is one of the most important factors when it comes to staff retention.
     
71.  Credibility
    As well as transparent communication, it is important that what is said is true. In this way, the company demonstrates credibility and strengthens the relationship of trust with the team.
     
72.  Recognising achievements
    Not every success needs to be communicated throughout the whole company. A simple word of recognition also goes a long way towards boosting motivation.
     
73.  Mission Statement
    A clearly worded mission statement, developed in collaboration with the workforce, fosters team spirit and strengthens the company’s external image.
     
74.  Transparency
    A factual and transparent flow of information ensures that there is very little office gossip and leaves no room for rumours that could damage the working atmosphere.
     
75.  Press releases
    Official press releases can be a useful tool for communicating specific information to the public.
     
76.  Family-friendly policies
    Companies wishing to retain young, dynamic and qualified staff should not overlook the issue of family-friendly policies.
     
77.  Corporate identity
    To ensure a flawless public image and the positive corporate reputation that goes with it, consideration should be given to corporate design, corporate communication and corporate behaviour.
     
78.  Corporate Culture
    In most cases, senior management shapes the corporate culture and thus has a major influence on staff retention, whilst also serving as a role model for many aspects of workplace behaviour.
     
79.   Rewarding success
    Many companies operate with defined targets and associated bonuses. Spontaneous incentives for exceptional performance or the achievement of targets take employees by surprise and provide a boost to motivation.
     
80.  Collaboration
    To ensure that all the cogs in a company’s machine mesh together perfectly, teamwork should be a top priority. Some companies have set up dedicated rooms for brainstorming sessions or short meetings.
     
81.   Family & Friends
    Many companies give their staff the chance to bring family members or friends along to a company event. This is a lovely opportunity for the team to get to know one another and their wider social circle better.
     
82.  News News News
    Employees want to be well informed. Many companies use an intranet
    intranet, but the traditional ‘noticeboard’ or information sessions also offer a way to reach all employees.
     
83.  Guidelines
    What does a company stand for? What does a company aim to achieve? What kind of commitment does a company demonstrate? These and other questions can be answered using what are known as guidelines.
     
84.  Delegation of authority
    Delegating responsibility always involves placing trust in others. This gives managers greater decision-making power and the opportunity to lead their team independently.
     
85.  Diversity of ideas
    In some companies, there is a specific bonus for operational suggestions that are subsequently implemented.
     
86.  Celebrating events
    A well-organised annual company event can go a long way towards boosting staff retention.
     
87.   Loyalty
    Loyalty is one of the ‘must-have’ principles that a company should demonstrate to its staff.
     
88.  Anniversary
    Some senior management teams present anniversary gifts in person. This is a wonderful gesture of appreciation and gratitude for the loyalty of long-serving staff.
     
89.   Prokura
    Granting power of attorney is a good way to improve staff retention at management level.
     
90.   Social engagement
    Solidarity and social commitment are attracting increasing attention. Companies can win over their staff by demonstrating their own commitment in this area.
     
91.  Strategy
    Clear guidelines and strategic objectives help employees to define their own goals and tackle them with focus. Many team members expect a company to have a strategy for the future.
     
92.  Environmental commitment
    Some companies pay close attention to sustainability and thus contribute to a positive environmental footprint.
     
93.  Employees = Co-entrepreneurs
    Employee loyalty often increases when a team member feels part of the bigger picture. Their role should be valued and taken seriously.
     
94.   Communicating the strategy
    Senior management should ensure that the clearly defined strategy is communicated to all departments and, consequently, to all employees.
     
95.  Addressing dissatisfaction
    Misunderstandings or dissatisfaction can drive a wedge between employees and employers. Management should aim to resolve these as quickly as possible.
     
96.  Staff meetings
    Staff appreciate a little more warmth and variety at staff meetings. Company management can support the works council in organising these.
     
97.  Social media
    The use of social media is a valuable tool for enhancing the company’s public image.
     
98.  Strategy Implementation
    The board of directors, with the support of senior management, should ensure that milestones are achieved first and that the company’s strategy is ultimately implemented.
     
99.  Leadership Principles
    Team leaders should develop their own personal leadership style; however, it is helpful to work out some leadership principles together so that the management team is all pulling in the same direction.
     
100.  New Faces
     In some companies, new employees are personally welcomed by senior management. This is a lovely gesture to make the new team member feel welcome.