RETENTION. INNOVATION. RETENTION. INNOVATION.
Let’s face it. Even after September 6th our workforce will not bounce back. So many factors go into our current shortage of workers.
- Baby boomers continue to retire faster than younger generations are entering the workforce.
- Covid created the opportunity for many to experience a slower pace of life, and they’ve chosen to continue that pace, away from full-time work.
- We continue to have a mis-match of skill sets in those available to work, and openings to fill.
Whether we like it or not, we need to be looking to find new ways to get our work done. Choosing automation, re-defined mission and priorities, or creating customer self-service opportunities, it is time to move outside of the box.
“but we’ve always done it this way….. “
Yep, maybe we have, but now is the time to do different, see different, try different, ACCEPT Different. Ooooo… that is hard, but necessary! Staying inside your ‘always done it this way’ box can cost you dearly.
Choosing to re-focus your work and services. Sometimes business grows in a direction that was un-intended and perhaps not welcome. You can change your business model. Yes, you really can. If you have creeped away from your mission…. Sit down with the team and assess.
Customers in a restaurant may need to place their order at a counter, or before they enter, or via kiosk. Fewer workers are needed to deliver food.
We’ve already seen self-check-out in our retail community, and although I see social media posts saying it is taking away jobs… it is filling a need that is going unfilled by humans.
You already have GOOD workers, now, let’s keep them. Look into what you can do to appreciate them… how? Tell them! Take them to lunch, enjoy time together outside of a work atmosphere by going to a special dinner, go throw axes, go kayaking together, give them an extra day off. Crazy Thought…. How about asking them how they would like to be thanked. Maybe they’d like a gift card to their favorite LOCAL store or restaurant. Perhaps they’d like one-on-one time with you, or time to volunteer for their favorite LOCAL non-profit. It doesn’t have to be one size fits all. And yes, you may need to review your pay scale, benefits, etc. Are you flexible with their hours? Are you including your employees in decisions that affect their work, and your business? All of these things matter to your employees.
Later this month, we’re excited to share with you a business that pivoted HARD, created OPPORTUNITY, was so dang INNOVATIVE…. they’re the recipient of a really big deal award. Nope…. We’ve been asked to keep it on the down low for now. No worries, you’ll know who it is and you’ll be as proud as I am. If this business had waited out covid, they wouldn’t be here now. They chose pivot, create, and innovate over certain closure.
I hope you’ll consider your options with an open mind and an open heart. If you are struggling, bring in a respected mentor or peer, ask your employees, or reach out to others in your industry. The opportunity IS there, but some of us need more help seeing the possibilities, and that’s okay. We are all here to help!
