Hiring can be challenging, and I’ve written a number of blogs that will help you with this…..
- How to Cope When You Don’t Have Enough Staff to Meet Demand in Your Pet Business
- How to Hire the Best Pet Sitters & Dog Walkers With Ease.
So once you’ve managed to hire some good staff members, you’re gonna want to make sure you can KEEP them!
Here are my top tips for retaining your great staff members
#1. Hire People You Like and Who Like You
It’s just like customers. Not everyone is your ideal customer and as a business owner you get to choose who you attract as customers.
It’s the same with employees.
Really focus on hiring people that share the values you have as a business owner and as a person and these are the staff members most likely to stay long term.
#2. Treat Employees as Human Beings Who You Like and Value
It’s easy to get cynical as an employer and we’ve all had staff members that have really tried our patience.
But in my 12+ years running my Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Business, what I know is that the vast majority of people want to do a really good job.
And when you appreciate them as individuals and value what they do for your business they’re much more likely to stay.
#3. Take the Time to Get to Know Your Staff
It doesn’t have to take a lot of time! A simple friendly welcome when they’re in your offices or on the phone / e-mail on a daily basis goes a long way.
Take an interest in them and learn what’s important to them. Remembering their kid’s names, asking about their mum’s holiday they mentioned and especially asking about their pets will make them feel valued beyond just the work they do for you.
#4. Create Employee Benefits
- You could offer discounted Pet Sitting and Dog Walking services when they need them.
- Partner with other local businesses to offer reciprocal discounts.
- Find ways to give them the time off they want and need.
In short, make your business someplace you would like to work and the sort of staff you need are much more likely to stick around.
What do you do to keep your staff happy – let me know in the comments