HR - Employee Retention – 7 Tactics to Retain Your Most Valuable Asset

Jim Stroud has a nice article about retaining your valuable employees once you have them. If companies aren't making a big push to hire then this down time is allowing people to assess the workers and find the true contributors and also figure out who is not helping the company. Take a look through the article and let us know your thoughts. http://www.therecruiterslounge.com/2009/11/03/employee-retention-7-tactics-to-retain-your-most-valuable-asset/

HR - 8 rules for recognizing and rewarding employees

The HR Specialist posted a nice article on rewarding employees. (Lots of people working on retainment lately!) Some of the things that are mentioned are defining the criteria for a reward, rewarding everyone who meets that criteria, paying attention to the specific wants of employees and remembering to say "Thank you." Thoughts? What are some unique ways you have rewarded your employees fora job well done?

http://www.thehrspecialist.com/hrs_articles/tools/memos_to_managers/26695/8_rules_for_recognizing_and_rewarding_employees.hr

HR - 20 tips for motivating recession-weary workers

Whether you have a hiring freeze, salary cut backs or the office has just slowed down, it is important to continue to drive the employees into action and stay motivated. Although it might be a bit hard right now, The HR Specialist made a great post of 20 tips to consider when keeping your employees motivated despite current economic situations.

http://www.thehrspecialist.com/hrs_articles/homepage_featured/26329/20_tips_for_motivating_recession_weary_workers.hr

Thoughts on the tips?

GENERATION - "Under 30? Looking for a job? You're not alone" & "the new year brings hope for graduates"

Came across this article talking about the challenges and the mind set of the younger generation currently hitting the job market or just about to enter the job market.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28663645

And this is another article that tackles information on the job market of the future and the new college grads.

http://www.cheezhead.com/2009/01/19/the-new-year-brings-hope-for-graduates/

What are your thoughts? I would have to agree with the first article when they talk about the new grads hitting the job market with too high of expectation. I like how they mention that this generation is going to have to get used to the idea of putting in the hours and the work to receive the reward they believe is due to them. Have you run into this problem with any new recruits?

HR - Employee Performance Evaluation - 5 Steps to Reduce Turnover, Improve Morale and Build Trust

Picture unrelated... somewhat. (Check out despair.com for more...)

Aside from the nice new look over at Recruiter's Lounge a detailed article on developing a process for a performance evaluation was posted. Take a look and let us know your thoughts.

What goals are people currently striving for?How do you document your achievements and the achievements of your teams?

http://www.therecruiterslounge.com/2009/01/14/employee-performance-evaluation-5-steps-to-reduce-turnover-improve-morale-and-build-trust/

RETAINING - 15 Questions to Ask Employees in Their First 60 Days

Here is an article from the HR Specialist that notes on how continuing communication between yourself and new hires can assist in determining factors leading to turnover. By maintaining this dialogue you gain insight to both the employee's satisfaction and review along with information regarding who influences your new hires most.
This reflection and evaluation can also play into gaining strength in the bond between your company and the younger generation by building this exchange between the two. As noted on various blogs, Generation Y / Millennials are actively seeking to have their voice heard and this is one of the many potential ways to meet that need.

Does your company currently have a system like this in place?
What actions are taken following these evaluations?

http://www.thehrspecialist.com/hrs_articles/homepage_featured/8128/15_Questions_to_Ask_Employees_in_Their_First_60_Days.hr

BLOGS - Houston Police Department Blog

http://www.hpdcareer.blogspot.com/

Blogs are a terrific way to create an open conversation with your candidates. They allow you to create the topic of a guided discussion and allow your audience to interact by leaving comments and questions.

The Houston Police Department currently has an excellent example of a blog in which they update frequently and respond to comments quickly and consistently. The Houston Police Department has done a great job allowing an inside glimpse at what is going on in training and letting new recruits to post their experiences.

In some cases, it is the lack of awareness of what is to be expected of them that drives candidates to resist applying or quit soon after getting themselves into a job. By creating videos/blogs/forums and opening a conversation with your candidates, there is a crucial exchange of information that helps candidates to make an informed and more powerful decision. With this informed decision, you help to eliminate the candidates that run through training and quit shortly after because the job turns out to be more than they expected. Let your candidates make the decision to apply after viewing all the angles they can and help to save your company time and money.

Blogs are a perfect chance to showcase testimonials for working for your company and they also help in involving current employees. Open up a conversation with your candidates today and start building a relationship with potential long-term employees.

GENERATION - Retaining Gen Y Talent: 6 Key Tips On How Keep Your Millennial Employees From Leaving

We all hope you had a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

We had a great BBQ with employees and family on the 3rd. It was a great chance to see everyone.

This is a short but informative article on retaining your Gen-Y talent; it covers what they are needing from you whether it be mentoring, a certain level of expected respect to be given or the limitations on advancement and how Gen Y views them.

http://www.mnheadhunter.com/mh/2008/07/retaining-gen-y.html