Your team’s success depends on keeping the best talent. In today’s job market, it’s especially important to hold on to your star players. According to CNBC, 65 percent of workers are looking for a new job, and this number could climb higher before the year’s over.

So, how can you work to retain your top talent? You can start by staying in touch with what they’re thinking. Are they happy in their role? Do they want to do something different? Does your company offer competitive compensation?

Bryan Otte, founder and CEO of HR Plus, says that broad surveys can give you a general picture, but it’s much better to dig deeper and find out what’s going on. In his work with CEOs and other executives, he often hears employee feedback on three main themes. We discuss these themes and Otte’s suggestions in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.

1. They want to know about future opportunities. Otte hears from many employees, “No one asks me what I want to do when I grow out of this position.” He encourages leaders to take an interest in their employees’ professional development. Ask them what skills they want to learn and what roles interest them. When your team members see a future with your company, they will likely want to stay. They benefit and you benefit by not losing productivity and trying to fill an open position. Otte says it’s a good idea for leaders to schedule informal quarterly conversations about employees’ aspirations.

2. They want to be asked about their ideas. Leaders may expect their top-performing employees to share their ideas and suggestions, but here’s the thing: Employees want to be asked for their input. Otte says leaders may not ask for ideas because they don’t want to be seen as less creative or not as knowledgeable as their team members. That’s ego talking, he says. Take time to ask your employees for their insights. They will feel like their opinion and expertise matters, and you just might learn something new.

3. They want to be appreciated. A little thank you can go a long way at boosting morale. Otte points out that humans want to feel connected to each other and to know that their work is important. Have you taken time to reach out to your team members and acknowledge the stress they have felt during the pandemic and how you appreciate their continued hard work? You may feel uncomfortable sharing gratitude, but Otte suggests you practice. It will help you feel better as a leader and can help you relay your genuine appreciation to your employees. When workers feel appreciated and valued, it can lead to more engagement, increased productivity and better retention.

Keeping talent is good business. Make sure you take time to connect with your employees in meaningful ways. Have conversations with them about their career goals and their ideas. And be sure to reach out regularly with a heartfelt thanks for all they contribute to your team.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Bryan Otte is founder and CEO of HR Plus, a Washington, D.C.-based consultancy helping companies win the war for top talent.