ORGANIZATIONS SUCCEED THROUGH THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR PEOPLE
SUCCESS STORIES
Once employees are hired, it is essential for businesses to provide clear direction on expectations through training and development and performance management. Clear expectations provide a bridge between what the new employee brings to the organization, how it will be applied, and then specialized as the employee builds upon their skills and experience throughout their career. Career ladders and pathways are instrumental in creating a roadmap to achieve this shared vision – developing talent and growing your assets, which can become a competitive advantage for both parties.
ORGANIZATIONS SUCCEED THROUGH THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR PEOPLE
BY CINDY O’ DONOVAN
Hiring the right people at the right time with the right skills in the right jobs, providing a work environment where employees enjoy coming to work every day, and developing their talents, skills, and abilities to bring out their best performance ensures a company’ s success. As the labor market has tightened, businesses have become more aware of the need to leverage more from their employees, keeping them engaged both at work and in the community.
Hiring the right people is the most important thing a business can do. Many companies report problems finding and retaining good employees with the skills and attitudes they need to grow and maintain their business. Yet experienced and educated job seekers report they can’ t find jobs. Traditionally, students have been encouraged to go to college, racking up tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt- presently averaging over $ 37,000. Yet, employers say recent grads do not have the skills and work ethic they need. What is it that is truly missing from the process and how do we correct it?
�� 80 percent of employers report difficulty filling jobs ���1 in 4 workers will stay with their employers less than a year �������������������������������150 percent of first year salary ���30 – 50 percent of new hires fail
Finally, statistics show companies with strong cultures show strong profits. According to Biro( 2014), revenues increased by an average of 22.2 percent for the 2014 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For. Higher engagement of employees leads to greater performance results and can be attained through effective business management and human resources practices.
Addressing these three critical areas of the“ people” aspect of any organization, large or small, creates a win-win for everyone involved. It’ s not rocket science, and it doesn’ t need to be expensive. It requires a desire to do the right things right, a willingness to listen, to engage and partner with others to create the workforce of the future. There is a tremendous amount happening on this topic in our local business community. Our local business success depends on it.
Cindy O’ Donovan is owner of Right4 Your Business, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in the“ people” business with expertise in human resource management. She has a B. A. in Organizational Communications, a M. A. in Leadership and Management, and is designated as a SHRM Senior Certified Professional( SHRM-SCP SM) through the Society of Human Resource Management. O’ Donovan has over 30 years of professional experience in a variety of roles and business settings, from large corporations to nonprofit organizations and small businesses.
O’ Donovan has facilitated Community Conversations on Workforce Development and the Community Forum on Seniors and presently serves as Chair of the VHEDC Workforce Action Committee. For more information on services, workshops and presentations, and her new book on building a culture of engagement“ Tune In and Tune Up: Simple and Low-Cost Ways to Increase Profitability Through People,” please visit www. right4yourbusiness. com or call 651-295-1843.
28 Vadnais Heights Business Guide & Community Profile