All Star - Blog

Attracting and retaining key talent has always been a top concern for business leaders and it is especially so in these days of historically low unemployment. Without accurate intelligence, business leaders are tempted to throw cash at the retention problem. Cash is King, right? So why not use cash to reward employees? Because research shows that tangible rewards are far more effective than cash.

Studies and experts confirm that companies with higher employee engagement are more profitable, have lower turnover, higher shareholder value, greater productivity and more. Companies with a positive corporate culture enjoy higher levels of employee engagement and better attract and retain talent. In the years since these initiatives have surfaced in corporate America, Human Resources has typically been charged with both increasing employee engagement and building a positive corporate culture. Are these initiatives better suited to the Marketing department?

At this time of year many individuals and companies are exploring new or updated health insurance programs. Insurance companies offer significant benefits to companies that have documented wellness programs, so companies are making a significant investment in improving the health of their workforce. A study conducted by Fidelity revealed that over half of employers (56%) offer a wellness program to their global workforce, with 40% of the budget directed at incentives for employees to participate.

Employee engagement, company culture, customer experience: These three components can’t exist in a vacuum. A company with a strong culture has highly engaged employees, who therefore positively impact the customer experience. Where to start?

The Incentive Research Foundation has recently completed a study on U.S. Federal Regulations on non-cash rewards. According to those surveyed, 70% are “extremely” or “very” knowledgeable about the tax and other regulations regarding non-cash rewards. That same percentage reports that they are proactive in their approach to program design - and change the design frequently in order to comply with regulations.

A recent survey of Chief Executive Officers finds that retaining talent is the #1 internal challenge and concern. CEOs must balance long-term goals and short-term results. Regardless of the demographics of the workforce, all employees want to know that their work has meaning and that they’re appreciated. Rewarding and recognizing employees for excellent performance is on every list of ways in which to retain employees. Employee turnover is disruptive and expensive. Here are some factors that contribute to the cost of employee turnover:

The concept of industrial athletes was born in the last decade or so and refers to those who employees who make their living using their knowledge, skills and abilities to perform a job that often requires physical demands. The term industrial athlete is accurate as defined because there are definite similarities between what we normally think of as an athlete and an industrial athlete. How are you supporting the industrial athletes in your company?

June was National Safety Month. Did you take full advantage by focusing employee attention on safe work practices? Here are some helpful tips for planning Safety Month activities for next year from the National Safety Council (NSC):