by Laurie Kahn
We all know how much toll and costs turnover can create, especially when it is a key person that leaves, whether it be on their own or not. It is also costly when an employee gets sick and cannot perform their job. Reports indicate that unscheduled employee absenteeism costs an average of $755 per employee per year.? It's important that our employees are kept fit both physically and mentally to be on top of their game. Many star performers are working longer and not only need to be trained in new ways to be effective in their jobs, but also need to remain physically fit to keep a healthy brain. The bureau of Labor Statistics projects that 24% of the US labor force or about 40 million people will be 55 or older in 2018, up from 18% in 2008.
Here are some ideas that your company can put in place to help keep your team smart and in fighting shape:
? Build a benefits program that encourages staff to work out regularly, stop smoking and have regular physicals;
? Require and encourage staff to take advantage of their vacation time and leave them alone when they are gone. Some companies require that their staff take a week at a time and not break it up day-by-day so that they can really relax;
? Cut a trade or special pricing with a nearby health club and create competitions with incentives to participate;
? Many companies bring in a masseuse on a regular basis to offer mini-massages to help lesson stress, thus more time off;
? Put together a sports team to participate in local contests such as softball, basketball, golf, tennis or swimming
Don?t forget their brain!
? Don?t assume they all know it all ? have a weekly meeting where each person brings up areas where they need help and use other staff to share ideas on what has worked for them to learn those skills, to offer pointers and to share practical experiences while brainstorming on new ideas;
? Bring in clients to talk about how to best service them, some of your team may need to hear it directly from the source to make an impression;
? Offer challenges to increase their learning, individual goals are great to get someone to the next level;
? Hold interactive meetings where all participate, if some won?t play, offer incentives when a good idea or comment is offered by those that do to encourage all being involved;
? Invest in books, subscriptions or training and require learning out of the box
By investing in building a fit team, you will benefit from less down time, more creative thinkers and will become known as an employer who cares, thus helping recruitment.
Laurie Kahn is Founder and President of Media Staffing Network and can be reached at 480-306-8930 or via e-mail at laurie@mediastaffingnetwork.com.
Visit the Media Staffing Website www.mediastaffingnetwork.com
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