If you’re an HR professional, chances are you’ve experienced a myriad of hurdles relating to attracting and retaining top employees in recent years. You’re not alone, as a whopping 73% of leaders have reported increased cognitive and emotional strain, with 87% concerned about escalating turnover and talent risks. A shortage of skilled workers equals lower productivity, reduced employee satisfaction and increased staff turnover. One of the greatest HR obstacles is attracting and retaining the most capable employees.
The era of traditional job perks such as high salaries and job safety is shifting, with employees now prioritising different factors such as a better work-life balance, meaningful tasks and better opportunities for growth. As opposed to the previous phenomenon dubbed “the great resignation”, this mindset change has sparked the trend of quiet quitting – with employees slowly disengaging from their roles. This highlights the need for innovative approaches both among HR professionals and within company culture.
In recent years, specifically following the 2020 pandemic, experts have found that only 15% of employees are actually engaged in their work. Many companies are struggling with high turnover rates and unhappy employees given that the modern workforce seeks spaces that align with their values and aspirations. Leaders who create a positive company culture that respects, understands and communicates with employees will increase productivity and be able to retain top talent.
When employees feel valued and connected, it shows in their work and loyalty. As the renowned business author, Tom Peters, stated, “the magic formula that successful businesses have discovered is to treat customers like guests and employees like people.” Understanding this shift in employee priorities and meeting your workers where they are is essential for the success of your company, and retaining top talent comes down to creating a space that keeps employees engaged, feeling appreciated and allows them to grow.
Communication is a powerful tool for retaining top talent and better learning what makes employees tick. By creating open and transparent channels for communication, companies can successfully engage employees and align their expectations with the goals of the organisation. Strategic communication also shows genuine consideration for employee wellbeing and help to create a positive company culture.
With today’s complexity and often uncertainty, internal communication and addressing engagement challenges is more important than ever and understanding how best to show appreciation to each employee, whether that be publicly or privately based on their preference, will help go beyond standard performance reviews – cultivating a positive company culture for higher morale and productivity.
Learning what employees need to feel heard, valued and connected to their co-workers and the company, aids in increased engagement. More than just satisfaction with compensation and benefits, engaged employees feel invested in their work and company, going the extra mile out of passion and alignment with company values. This leads to higher retention, better customer experiences and stronger financial performance.
Strategic communication also plays a pivotal role in encouraging innovation within companies, as when employees feel heard and valued, they are more likely to contribute new ideas and perspectives that can drive problem-solving. Communication channels can facilitate collaboration, breaking down silos and enabling the free flow of information and creativity between teams and individuals.
In today’s fast-paced workforce, it’s important to stand out from the rest by experimenting, taking calculated risks and exploring new approaches within your company. Open communication and better appreciation not only strengthens employee engagement but also encourages thinking outside the box and diving deeper into innovative ideas, all of which are critical for long-term business success in this competitive landscape.
Cathy Geerts (Chief HR Officer at European HR and payroll services provider SD Worx) says, “to build organisational resilience and to generate true value, business leaders realise they’ll have to connect more directly and deeply with employees.” Adding, “HR needs to pull out all the stops to keep up with employees who are seeking out a better work-life balance and looking for employers to meet their needs.”
At PDS, we believe we have mastered the art of communication and help businesses to develop tailored communication campaigns that resonate with employees. From onboarding initiatives that create a welcoming atmosphere for new hires to recognition programs that celebrate employee milestones, PDS campaigns prioritise meaningful engagement. By leveraging these solutions, companies can build loyalty, boost productivity and ultimately retain their most valuable asset – their people.
Our tailored approach allows us to create strong messages and styles that can be dynamically applied in the future, working alongside and complimenting existing ideals. Big or small, PDS will create the perfect campaign for you.
Overcoming the ongoing war for talent requires proactive measures that resonate with today’s workforce. Strategic communication not only encourages positive engagement and helps to alleviate turnover, but it also creates a thriving company culture where employees feel valued and connected to their companies mission, leading to overall business success. Through this proactive approach, companies can come out ahead in the competitive landscape, ensuring sustained growth and resilience among evolving workforce dynamics – holding onto the best of the best.
Established in 1998, PDS is a print, design, communications and marketing company that combines creative ideas and insights with our knowledge and experience of the production process. Our full range of services encompass communications, marketing services, print, design, merchandise, storage, fulfilment, and logistics, underpinned by our intuitive online management system, PDS+. Partnering with us will improve the efficiency of your organisation, save time and reduce costs, while also taking your communications, creative design and print production to a whole new level.
Are you ready to transform your workplace into a hub of engaged, motivated employees? Download our comprehensive eGuide to learn more about our effective communication strategies tailored to your company’s needs, built on proven strategies that increase positive communication and engagement.