Retention: You’ve Hired. Now What Are You Doing to Keep Your Staff?

Employee Retention

We all know the value of good employees. The ones who are self-motivated, loyal to the company, and are team players willing to support others to make the organization the best it can be. This translates into a better working environment for all, increased morale and productivity, and a better customer experience, which impacts of course on bottom line and/or recognition for the company.

But how do you plan to keep these employees? Here are just a few of the things you need to be looking at.We all know the value of good employees. The ones who are self-motivated, loyal to the company, and are team players willing to support others to make the organization the best it can be. This translates into a better working environment for all, increased morale and productivity, and a better customer experience, which impacts of course on bottom line and/or recognition for the company.

But how do you plan to keep these employees? Here are just a few of the things you need to be looking at.

1. Career development opportunities —demonstrating loyalty and commitment to an employee through career development opportunities is a benefit that is very successful in helping to retain workers. Challenge workers by giving them more interesting work. Continuous learning and managing talent appropriately should be one of the key tactical initiatives discussed by your HR team and line managers. Create opportunities for your employees to continuously develop their skills, be that through in-house training or financial support for external education. Show your employees that you are interested in developing a career path plan with them.

2. Workplace flexibility —today’s workforce desires a better work/life balance. Better understand generational differences (i.e. ,the millennium generation, baby boomers), and create work environments to suit their needs. Flexibility around work hours and location can be a key retention tool, as can the ability to telecommute, childcare facilities in the building, flex days, time for children or eldercare.

3. Incentives and compensation — not everything is about salary, but if you’re not at least in the ballpark with the industry average it could be a reason for losing someone to the competition. Ensure you are competitive and highlight non-monetary benefits to address competition from other industries (e.g., do you provide opportunities for career development, flexible hours or the opportunity to be mentored?).

4. Recognition and respect — show your employees that you value their successes and appreciate the effort made to meet their goals. Recognize these employees publicly within the organization and celebrate publicly, be it through awards, the company newsletter/blog, etc.  

5. Organizational culture — do your employees feel part of your organization? Do they have a sense that what they do matters, and understand how their work relates to the company vision? Adopt progressive human resources practices to stay on top of what is motivating employees (“stay” interviews) and develop tailored retention plans based on workforce demographics. Management that is sensitive and creates a welcoming and respectful workplace as demonstrated through appropriate compensation, a good work-life balance, and appreciation for excellent performance will contribute to a culture where employees feel appreciated and proud to represent the company.

To keep good employees, you must meet their needs and expectations, and understand what keeps them inspired. Senior managers must understand the dynamics of their current employee base, the drivers of turnover, and the best ways to communicate with their employees. Remember the things that initially draw people to a company (pay and benefits) are not the same thing that keep them there. Work-life balance, career development, performance management and company culture all become part of the equation when an employee starts thinking, “Should I stay or should I go?”  


Michelle Branigan is CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    Code Question on Section 24 – Patient Care Areas

    July 14, 2025 The rules for the installation of panelboards, circuits, and bonding in Patient Care Area depends on whether the area is designated as either, Basic Care, Intermediate Care or Critical Care. How are these areas defined? Read More…

  • Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    Ontario’s Institutional Component Drives Non-Residential Construction Intentions in May 2025

    July 14, 2025 In May, the total value of building permits issued in Canada rose by $1.4 billion (+12.0%) to reach $13.1 billion. The increase in construction intentions was driven by Ontario’s institutional component (+$1.3 billion). On a constant dollar basis (2023=100), the total value of building permits issued in May increased 11.8% from the previous month and was… Read More…

  • Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    Plan Group Partners in Construction of UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital

    July 14, 2025 Plan Group is proud to be a partner in the construction of the UHN Surgical Tower at Toronto Western Hospital. Plan Group will provide work on the project in: Mechanical: Plumbing, HVAC, Controls, Medical GasElectrical: Lighting & Controls, Power Distribution, Emergency Generators, UPSTechnology: Structured Cabling, AV Systems including Digital Signage and IPTV UHN’s 15-storey Surgical… Read More…

  • How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    How Canada Can Equip Workers for a Low-Carbon Future

    July 14, 2025 The Canadian economy is shifting towards low-carbon industries, and the workforce is shifting with it. New roles are emerging, traditional ones are evolving and the demand for skilled workers is growing fast — particularly in light of the ambitious nation-building agenda the federal government has set out. In the federal Speech from… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    OEL Apprentice Success Project Available Until March 2026

    July 14, 2025 With renewed funding by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund, the OEL Apprentice Success Project is now available for another year until March 2026. The project is part of OEL’s Employer Engagement Program (EEP) consisting of wage, training, and equipment subsidies for apprentices. These funding opportunities are available to OEL Members and non-Members. For… Read More…

  • EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    EB Horsman Unveils New Mural at Campbell River Branch

    July 14, 2025 EB Horsman & Son are thrilled to unveil a new mural at their Campbell River branch, painted by the talented Kwakwaka’wakw artist, Adam Lewis. “This stunning piece celebrates Indigenous heritage and our community spirit,” said EB Horsman on LinkedIn. “As we mark 125 years of serving Western Canada and 55 years in… Read More…

  • Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    Glenco Electric Celebrate New Red Seal Team Members

    July 14, 2025 “The Red Seal Journeyman designation is the highest recognition in the trades, and we’re proud to have seen so many of our team members earn it under our watch,” said Glenco Electric on LinkedIn. “At Glenco, we’re big on mentorship and promoting from within. When you combine that with driven, hard-working professionals,… Read More…

  • Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    Canada and Ontario Investing to Improve Energy Efficiency in Province’s Agri-Food Industry

    July 14, 2025 The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $3 million and launching the third intake of the Agricultural Stewardship Initiative (ASI) to help farmers implement projects to improve the energy efficiency of their farming operations. To support the province’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will help local agriculture, agri-food… Read More…