hand holding up a phone, taking a picture of the beachOne of the toughest parts of running a business is recruiting great employees.

Another tough part? Once you’ve got a great employee, you want to keep them. That can be challenging these days, especially when it comes to younger workers.

Employee retention is a challenge that all business owners struggle with, from the local coffee shop to the big city corporate office. Let’s explore some methods to help you keep your best employees on the team, and take a look at how a cutting-edge communication system can give you the advantage you need.

 

Hire the Right Person – And Put Them in the Right Seat

Jim Collins, author of Good to Great, famously said:

First Who… Then What. We expected that good-to-great leaders would begin by setting a new vision and strategy. We found instead that they first got the right people on the bus, the wrong people off the bus, and the right people in the right seats—and then they figured out where to drive it. The old adage “People are your most important asset” turns out to be wrong. People are not your most important asset. The right people are.

This perfectly captures the sentiment that having the right person in the right role within your organization is the bedrock of strong employee retention. When someone’s skillsets align with their job requirements, employees are more likely to feel challenged but not overwhelmed — a sweet spot for professional engagement.

 

Empower Employees with High-Quality Orientation

Job orientation isn’t just about administrative tasks – it’s an important step for integrating a new hire into the company culture, as well as ensuring they understand their role and the value they bring.

A lackluster onboarding experience (one that’s disorganized or impersonal) can negatively impact a new employee’s enthusiasm and their confidence, possibly leading to early disengagement – maybe even turnover.

On the other hand, a comprehensive and welcoming orientation process shows new hires that their employer invests in their success right from the get-go. This positive experience sets a good tone. It fosters a sense of both belonging and loyalty, setting the stage for a motivated, productive work relationship.

 

employees working in the office, sitting at a desk, using phones and computers

 

Employee Retention Through Development Opportunities

By providing comprehensive training, companies can equip their employees with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in their current roles and prepare for future advancements.

But that’s just the beginning.

Clearly defined pathways for advancement within the company motivates employees by demonstrating the company’s genuine interest in their career progression. This results in a more skilled and competent workforce – it also fosters a culture of loyalty and high morale, since employees feel valued and see tangible opportunities for growth.

 

A Voice over Internet Protocol System

Which brings us to the communications technology we mentioned earlier. One often-overlooked tool in the arsenal of employee retention strategies is a robust Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system.

What is a VoIP system?

In short, it’s a technology that enables you to place phone calls through a broadband internet connection rather than a traditional phone line. It allows you to be able to work from anywhere you can get an internet connection. The home, the cottage, the Vrbo rental can be your office for the day, week, month or year. It brings with it an array of advantages, particularly in the context of retaining your quality workforce.

 

Streamlined Internal Communication

One of the most immediate benefits of a VoIP system is the seamless internal communication it provides. Supervisors can be contacted with the click of a button. Discussions can be conducted via voice or video calls without the limitations of traditional phone systems. Messages can be relayed on multiple devices.

This level of easily accessible, direct communication makes everyone’s job easier. It also supercharges a sense of inclusion — crucial for employee satisfaction.

 

Boosted Confidence

There’s great confidence to knowing that help is just a call away.

With VoIP, employees can easily seek guidance from their colleagues, bridging knowledge gaps within moments. Getting the answers they need in such a short time helps ensure that they feel supported in their roles. The collaborative environment provided by VoIP reinforces the idea that your company is invested in the success of its employees.

 

Increased Flexibility

Indeed, the adoption of VoIP technology significantly enhances the modern work environment by promoting flexibility and connectivity beyond the traditional office space.

For many employees, the ability to work from various locations – from the home office to working on the road – gives them much-needed flexibility. And it helps teams stay cohesive and efficient regardless of physical location.

Businesses that leverage VoIP technology nowadays are finding themselves with a powerful advantage, attracting and retaining top talent by offering the benefits of telecommuting – forging a more satisfied and productive workforce.

 

a phone sits next to a pool

 

The Smart Solution for Enhancing Communication

As Jim Collins said: The right people are your most important asset. And keeping the right people on the team can be a challenge, but investing in a VoIP system is a solid strategy for creating a work environment that many employees want to be a part of.

By enhancing communication, offering support, and providing flexibility, VoIP systems can significantly contribute to an uptick in the satisfaction and, ultimately, a great level of employee retention.

Want to install a VoIP for your business? Smart Link Solutions can help!

With over 30 years of excellence providing top-notch results for businesses of all sizes, Smart Link Solutions boasts a dedicated team of service-oriented experts prepared to elevate your brand to new heights.

For more information, contact Smart Link Solutions today!