AM’s inaugural people conference attracted more than 100 HR professionals from franchised dealerships, carmakers, independent service centres and bodyshops, all eager to gain best practice strategy on issues from recruitment to coaching.

Tony Salt, head of quality, Investors In People UK
The golden rules of staff retention

In his period as an assessor and now head of quality at Investors In People UK, Tony Salt has built a broad knowledge of the tools which encourage employees to remain with a business, and conversely the issues that may drive them to leave.

Staff retention has become a costly issue for many businesses, in particular those in the automotive sector.

A recent YouGov survey found that half of 1,600 respondents plan to spend less than three years in their current role. Yet the same survey found only one in two businesses has a succession plan prepared for the loss of a key member of staff.

The survey revealed that a third had been in two jobs in five years, and a fifth were unhappy in their current job. Most common reasons for quitting were to get another job with better pay and benefits, to find a new challenge, for career progression, because of lack of recognition in their workplace and/or a lack of development opportunities.

Salt suggests a number of practices that are key to staff retention and will increase their sense of value: making employees a priority, treating them as individuals and involving them in recruitment and performance improvement.

In addition, ensure the induction process addresses their needs for training and support, and don’t forget the value of simply praising them for their work. (Feature continues in September 22 issue of AM magazine)

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