How to retain specialized employees

In a world with ever-changing technology, it is becoming extremely common for employees to specialize in their roles. It is nothing new for managers to have to supervise people who know more than they do about certain areas of technology, but it is a whole new world when money just isn’t enough to keep the best employees around.

Managers may appreciate their specialized employees; they may even thank and praise them from time to time, but is a nice pat on the back still enough? What steps are they taking to show their best employees that they value their expertise?

If you’re a manager or aspiring one and you don’t know the answer to these questions, here are a few ideas:

• ·        Make sure money is the root of any dissatisfaction – If you have truly maxed out the amount you are willing or able to pay your employees, this may not be the step for you. However, it seems careless not to ensure one of your prized employee, who’s earned better pay is getting it. This is no the be all end all solution to employee retention, when the employee has reached a satisfactory amount of money they will start to search for it in other areas.
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• ·       Value work-life balance – To assume being fully attentive at work is the most important aspect of your employee’s day is just plain naive. Due to emerging technologies the constrains of the traditional Monday through Friday 9 am – 5 pm work week have been eliminated. So, what is holding you back from giving your employees the flexibility to come in later or leave earlier in order to take the kids to school or indulge in their favorite hobbies?
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• ·         Make work fun – Not every day needs to be a circus act, but what’s the harm in having a little fun at the office? Plan monthly team outings, volunteer together, have a themed potluck. If your employees can have fun together they can be productive together. Removing some of the stuffy, formal work relationships will only boost office morale.
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• ·         Invest in career development and give them the opportunity to use it – You hire the best employees who will help you reach your business goals. They are staying with your company and organization when they likely have other options if they looked. Instead of using their knowledge and skills, invest in them as professionals. It will likely be one of the best returns you ever get on an investment.

I haven’t researched any science behind the ideas listed above, but I have experienced them personally. When your employees love coming into work each day, you’re doing something right. If you start to notice someone distancing themselves or having a couple rough weeks, it may be time to try something new. 

Samantha Zobel