Send to KindleIn a recent blog (August 15), I addressed the question of whether retention is a matter of interest in recessionary times. Sylvia Ann Hewlett is the President of the Center for Work-Life Policy (http://www.worklifepolicy.org/index.php/pageID/26) and author of several books, including Off-Ramps and On-Ramps: Keeping Talented Women on the Road to Success (2007) and a recent update to that book. She addresses this topic in this video: http://www.worklifepolicy.org/index.php/pageID/63. She clearly agrees with me that turnover is not just yesterday’s issue; it is tomorrow’s issue, too.
Ms. Hewlett sees the harm done to business through low morale, lack of trust and general disengagement. She encourages leaders to enable employees and leaders to recharge in stressful times. Her new book addresses this topic—Top Talent: Keeping Performance Up When Business Is Down.
In my upcoming book, Difference Works: Improving Retention, Productivity and Profitability through Inclusion, I focus on creating cultures of inclusion as a way to increase morale, engagement, retention and overall business results. I urge managers and leaders to develop understanding of difference and acquire tools to behave inclusively NOW. Leaders who wait until turnover is again “today’s” threat will find it is too late.
What do you think of Sylvia Hewlett’s remarks? What do you think of my approach? Do you think leaders are focused on employee engagement and retention? Should they be? If so, what will make them focus on them when employees are still clinging to their jobs?
