Question: What is the #1 factor in morale, productivity, and retention of high performers? Answer: Supervisory relations between managers and direct reports. Question: How would you evaluate the supervisory relationships that exist in your company? Answer: 1.) If your answer is "great", then you're likely not to have significant retention issues. 2.) If you know relationships need to be improved, then it is generally worth investing the time and money necessary to improve those relationships. 3.) If you can't answer that question, then you should invest some energy into finding out the answer. Question: What is one important thing that employees want from their supervisors? Answer: Recognition. Teaching supervisors to properly recognize employee contributions is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to improve relationships. For starters, a simple "thank you" can go a long way. (I once heard a manager ask, "Why should I thank him for doing his job?". The glib response was, "Because it's part of your job." ) In looking at ways to save money, local politicians have said "Let's go after the low hanging fruit." Well, a "thank you" is a low hanging fruit. There are many ways to recognize employees from the simple expression of gratitude to formal recognition programs. Incorporate options and good examples into your supervisory training classes. Having trouble coming up with appropriate ideas? Contact us, we would be happy to help. For more information, contact E. K. Ward & Associates at 716-626-1188 or please click here.

The Retention Crisis May 2006 Newsletter By now, we've heard it many times:  we are on the verge of a retention crisis. With key leaders who possess valuable knowledge and company insight preparing to retire and a shortage of well-prepared, highly trained people to replace them, many companies are facing a critical challenge. OI Partners works with companies daily who are dealing with this issue. We've included some insightful articles in this month's newsletter to help you better prepare if this is something your company is facing, too. Separately, if you are attending the upcoming SHRM Conference in Washington, D.C. (June 25-28), OI Partners invites you to join us on Hotel Washington's Sky Terrace on Monday, June 26, from 5-9 p.m. The Sky Terrace overlooks the White House and other historic landmarks. Michael Flynn, a world-renowned sommelier, will conduct a fine wine tasting and food pairings demonstration during the evening. Mr. Flynn is D.C.'s finest and most award-winning sommelier. He serves as wine director for Kinkead's and Colvin Run Tavern, two of D.C.'s most famous restaurants. The Sky Terrace is on the 11^th floor of Hotel Washington at 15^th & Pennsylvania Ave. Please R.S.V.P. by June 20 to Vicki Carr at 508-820-3030 or vcarr@oipartners.net.  Please also stop by our booth at the show:  1104-1106.  We hope you can join us!  Anne Mahoney Glose OI Partners (Williamsville, NY) Please click on the links below to read the complete articles. Workforce Retention: A Growing Concern While the U.S. economy is currently robust, employers may soon face major challenges with employee turnover and retention. The steadily improving job market and the coming retirement of the baby boom generation are on a convergence course, potentially resulting in an expanding economy restrained by a shrinking labor pool-a scenario likely to produce an excess demand for talent, drive up ... Strategies for Retaining Retirees The first baby boomers will turn 60 this year, 2006. And thoughts of being 60 years old lead to thoughts of retirement. Though, retirement for the boomer generation is very different from the retirement model experienced by their parents. Today's retirees are not looking for a gold watch and a retirement party. They are looking for opportunities to remain vital, utilize their skills and knowledge and make a difference. The Great Global Talent Race Standing out from the crowd to attract and retain the best workers in ever-shifting locales is the global business challenge. Workforce management is an extreme sport in Hyderabad, India, a first-tier offshore hotspot where foreign multinationals compete with Indian companies for software engineers and managers. In the mad scramble to recruit and retain ... The ROI of Succession Planning Here is some ammunition for HR professionals looking to justify the cost of succession management and expensive benefits packages that can boost employee retention: Research from consulting firm AberdeenGroup shows a direct correlation between executive and middle management retention and companies that have formalized retention and succession programs. (see "Effect of Formal Plans on ... Motivating Employees Successful companies learn how to get employees to use their best efforts on a daily basis. Getting the best from employees requires the softer management skills. Managers must work to inspire and challenge individuals to do their best work. Quality of one-on-one relationships with managers and the trust and respect that managers show every day determine whether employees feel like they are valued by the company. The most valued employees are those willing to share new ideas, undertake new initiatives and are good at decision making. Click Here to subscribe to or unsubscribe from this newsletter To learn more about OI Partners, please click here.

E. K. Ward and Associates, Inc.
Anne Mahoney Glose
VP, Principal
4455 Transit Road, Suite 3B
Williamsville, NY 14221
(716) 626-1188
Enquiries: aglose@oipartners.net

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