It’s a common story: job seekers declare, “I want a long-term job where I can plan to retire,” while employers, especially attorneys, say, “I need someone who will stick around this time.” So why is there such a disconnect between hiring and training employees who truly last?
Since January 1, 2012, we’ve sifted through over 250 resumes and conducted 50 phone interviews, and every potential employee seems to want stability. Meanwhile, employers want the same thing. The problem? It’s not a lack of desire, but rather a lack of commitment and investment in the hiring and training process.
The Disconnect in Hiring and Training Employees
Commitment and Investment from Employers
One major issue is that many employers, particularly attorneys, expect instant results. They don’t always recognize that hiring someone is an investment, much like any other important business decision. New employees require time, attention, and guidance to get up to speed.
In our analysis of past employees who left or were let go, one theme consistently stood out: a lack of investment from the employer. Employers want their new hires to hit the ground running, but they often overlook the need for regular, consistent time spent developing their people. Investing in a relationship with your team members is the key to retention and success.
The Secret Ingredient to Long-Term Success
Take, for example, Molly’s experience hiring a new Event Coordinator in July 2011. This was her third hire for this role in under two years. Despite having systems, manuals, and training videos in place, previous hires didn’t last. So she made a commitment to spend 90 minutes every Tuesday with the new hire, focusing on training, feedback, and relationship building.
The results? Six months later, not only did the new employee stay but she was promoted within the company. Her replacement is starting soon, and this cycle of hiring and training employees continues to improve, all thanks to a small but consistent investment of time.
How to Effectively Train, Keep, and Grow New Employees
If you want to avoid the revolving door of employees, the solution is simple: invest in your team. Spend time getting to know them, listening to their needs, and helping them grow. This is the secret ingredient to hiring and training employees for long-term success.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps:
- Commit to regular time with your new hire. Whether it’s weekly or bi-weekly, set aside time for one-on-one training and discussions.
- Listen actively. Understand what your employee needs to succeed and grow in their role.
- Be patient. Instant results aren’t realistic. Give your employees time to learn and adapt to the company culture.
- Empower them. As they grow, offer them opportunities to take on more responsibilities and be proactive in their role.
The Secret to Hiring and Training Employees Who Stay
The secret to hiring and training employees who stick around isn’t about finding the perfect candidate who needs no attention. It’s about making a commitment to invest in your people. By spending time developing your employees, you’ll not only keep them long-term but also help them grow into valuable assets for your business.
For more insights on team management and development, visit our free resources at fire.h50.us/~hrgnmpwr/dev2/.
