Austin Human Resource Management Association

While we are wrapping up this calendar year and passing out “holiday” cards (and maybe some small bonuses), why don’t we get together with our senior management and give the gift of hope this holiday?  What I mean is, let’s put together a communication that outlines where we are as a company, how we’re doing against our objectives and what positive outlook we have going in to 2010.  Let’s get all of our employees on the same page with the core corporate objectives for the 1st and 2nd quarter of 2010. 

I believe the experience will build some solid hope for everyone.  I find that as employees are included in the inner workings of the company, its strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, they become more engaged and more secure in their jobs.  Security is the one gift all U.S. employees are praying for this season.

The return on investment for the company in this exercise will be increased retention and higher productivity – the scientifically proven results of increased employee engagement. 

If you haven’t heard the whispers from the headhunting community yet, the word is that Q1 and Q2 of 2010 will be a time of heavy cherry-picking for recruiters, and your top talent will be looking to make a jump for financial gains or career advancement, after sticking it out through the economic crunch and their employers’ related compensation and benefit reductions.  A simple act of inclusiveness may be the first best step to retaining this talent. 

For your ‘B’ performers, your gain is simple, yet very impactful improved performance.  They will be more incented to learn new skills, adapt to changes and be responsive to short term goals, when they understand the vision and strategy of the organization.

The communication might be in the form of a newsletter, a web conference or an all-hands teleconference, but the more personal, the better, and the involvement and leadership of your recognized top executive(s) is critical.  I would recommend a communication that engages as many senses as possible: sight, sound and touch.  In other words, an all-hands teleconference would be followed up with an email detailing the message from the call, followed by a postcard outlining in a “branded” way, the main points of the vision.  The last piece should soon be found tacked up on cubicle walls and taped to corners of white boards. 

In this way, your message carries forward into the new year and this tactile reminder provides and opportunity for reinforcement to the message.  Know, however, that your employees will hold you to your word.  If their post card says “Remember ESP: Excellence and Service will build our Profits,” and your decisions in Q2 of 2010 detract from employees’ ability to provide good customer service, your message will begin to work against you.

In sum, we have a major opportunity – and a challenge in front of us.  Our economy, world-wide, is turning for the better.  We can build on this positive trend with a message of hope, and set our feet on the path of integrity.  Let’s Roll!

For further ideas on this or related topics, feel free to contact Dan Medlin at dmedlin1@StarHR.biz, visit www.StarHR.biz or call (512) 750-6740.

Filed under: Informational Articles, Recruitment and Talent Management, Senior Forum