August 2008 Vol 1, Issue 3         The    Performance    Catalyst        Why Read HRTips?   HRTips is a fresh, succinct, quick-read e-newsletter provided to you by Ted and John at HRGroup.  HRTips provide catalysts---insights designed to help you select, manage, develop and retain the right people in the right jobs and ensure that your business flourishes from improved productivity and superior performance.     HRGroup Client Quote: "The effects of HRGroup's work are measurable.   We've used them for years, and on every project we have been more than just satisfied ---  we have been very satisfied."    President, Outsourced Sales Underwriting Company HRTip     "Keeping Talented People Working . . .                                 and Working for YOU!!"     When employees feel overworked, under-recognized or dissatisfied --- they will eventually find new work that offers them what they really want.        You won't find "being taken for granted" at the top of any list of what talented workers want in a job.  In "Keeping Good People - Strategies for Solving the #1 Problem Facing Business Today"  five reasons are given explaining why talented people leave their jobs and go elsewhere:    "I don't get what I need to do my job well." People really want to do a good job.  But when they are frustrated by too many rules, incompetent supervisors, inadequate tools or insufficient information, they take action --- they start looking for other places to work.   "They wouldn't miss me if I were gone." Even though leaders may value employees, they don't tell them often enough.    If they are regarded as expendable, employees will look for a position where they are appreciated.   "There's no opportunity for advancement." People want to grow --- to sharpen their skills and pick up new ones.  If workers don't see learning opportunities in your organization, they'll find a place where they can learn and grow.      "It doesn't feel good around here." If workers are concerned about their company's reputation or physical conditions like comfort and convenience and safety or the clarity of their mission, they will search for a new work environment in which they are comfortable.     "The compensation doesn't meet my needs." Of course workers want fair compensation.  But, the first four reasons listed above take priority.  If they are not well-met --- even if pay checks are substantial --- you'll hear: "you can't pay me enough to stay here"!!   Are You Retaining Top Performers by addressing what they need and want? Every organization is challenged to select and retain the best talent possible, but the most talented employees are in demand --- and on the move.  To counter that, consider investing in an Organizational Survey that will assess what your staff needs and wants.  Armed with that information you can develop targeted strategies to keep top talent working for YOU. HRGreenTip    Since we're all working and playing on this big blue orb together, Ted and John  thought they'd include some ideas to   help everyone "Green It Forward."       Develop your Green Employer Brand to protect the environment and enhance recruitment and retention.   As part of becoming a "green employer" various strategies for alternative transportation and/or commuting should be examined and implemented. Examples include: Travel reduction practices substituting video conferencing in lieu of meetings Telecommuting policies to allow employees to work from home one day per week or even one day per month. Implementation of 4-10 workweeks where feasible including rotating days off to continue to provide for customer and internal coverage. Company assistance in encouraging, organizing and rewarding car/van pools. Providing a financial incentive (ranging from $1,000 to $5,000) towards the purchase of a hybrid - then add preferred or free parking as an added ongoing incentive. Promoting and supporting the use of public transit and biking. These strategies and other similar ones have proven effective in organizations adopting a "green brand" in terms of reducing the organization's carbon footprint, enhancing recruitment and retention, and at the same time improving customer loyalty and public opinion.   Definitely a "win-win"!   Future editions of HRGreenTips will include additional components of a Green Employer Brand. HRGroup Green It Forward Program   In addition to providing green tips with each of our newsletters, HRGroup has partnered with Energy Star by pledging to do our part to make our planet greener.    If you or others you know would like to help us acheive our goal it is as simple as clicking the Energy Star image to the right.  There is no cost to pledging---just invest a minute or two of your time and you will be contributing to a more verdant world!! HRGroup In Action      Case Study: "Selecting the Best and Ensuring Job Fit"        HRGroup was approached by a start-up organization that needed to hire - fast!  The organization defined six unique positions to fill.  HRGroup and its partner organization introduced their fast-forward, innovative style of selection and recruiting.      Since all jobs have unique requirements, it is critically important to understand what is required for superior performance in each position before the recruiting and selection processes begin.  Therefore, we introduced a patented benchmarking process that assessed each position based on its key accountabilities --- which describe why the job truly exists --- and identifies the behaviors, workplace motivators and personal skills required by the job for superior performance.  Once each job was benchmarked, recruiting and selection processes were started.   The recruiting process we use is extremely effective.  It utilizes the web to source both active and passive candidates, and then introduces validated assessment tools to identify candidates that not only have the education and experience necessary, but also the personal skills, behaviors and workplace motivators that are vital to long-term, superior performance.  The patented benchmarking process and the candidate assessment procedure add an element of science to what is otherwise the art of recruitment and selection.     The start-up organization's six positions were filled . . . and twelve months later, all of those initial new hires are still in place and displaying superior performance!!!        Diagnose Needs ~ Identify Obstacles ~ Recommend Strategies ~ Measure Results Ask the HRPros       What is your most difficult Human Resources issue?   It's likely we can help...if you just ask.    Please forward your issues/questions to us and we will incorporate them into future e-newsletters.                                Want more information? Call Ted or John at (480) 753-6188, shoot us an email at info@hrgrouponline.com, or visit www.hrgrouponline.com.   Don't hesitate to "Pay It Foward" by sending this e-newsletter to someone who could benefit.