PPB September 2019

Making (And Keeping) The Team In today’s tight labor market, job opportunities are abundant. How do I ensure my employees stick around? by Danielle Renda Q A DISTRIBUTOR ASKS: With the workforce growing more competitive, I’d like to focus on strengthening my employee retention efforts. What sort of programs, initiatives or incentives do other distributors offer to keep their top talent? Recognition on even the smallest level, from onboard swag kits to years-of- service awards, is important. People want to be part of something great—so make their work life great. RENA WELLS-ASHFELD, CAS National Sales Manager Advance Corporation Cottage Grove, Minnesota Not all people are motivated by the same things. We asked each person last year, “What one thing would make your job perfect?” Here are a few things they said: one wanted to work fromhome one day a week, one wanted to attend a class and two wanted standup desks—all easy to give. KATE ANDREWS IVORY President and Owner GIDI Promotions Portland, Oregon Giving them an onboarding care package when they start, so they can be proud of where they work, is important. Also, setting goals along the way and rewarding them—even if it’s with something small so they feel appreciated. Set goals on reaching out to so many people a week, setting so many appointments or the number of sales, for example. If you make it a fun place to work, they will tend to stick around. MICHELLE ALTOBELLI, MAS President and Owner Altobelli Advantage, Inc. Rogers, Minnesota A few “beyond benefits” ideas include: 1 Bring your baby to work with you after maternity leave is up for as long as we can manage working with the baby around 2 Group outings: we’ve done so many fun things, but my favorite was “Best of KC Brands” where we rented a trolley car and toured cool companies in KC, had lunch, etc. 3 Weekly fun stuff, like “Drink Cart Friday” and “Ice Cream Sundae surprise” 4 A catered monthly birthday lunch 5 Valentine’s Day cookie decorating contest 6 Bring your dog to work anytime 7 Flexible schedules, so we can be better parents JANICE GAUNCE President and CEO Grapevine Designs, LLC Lenexa, Kansas 12 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | INNOVATE