Small business owners, what is one innovative approach you've taken to retain top talent?

Question

In the quest to retain top talent, we've gathered innovative strategies from a diverse group of small business leaders, including CEOs and Founders. From aligning expectations during the hiring process to welcoming constructive criticism, explore the twenty-four unique approaches these professionals recommend for keeping your best employees engaged and committed.

Amy Volas · Answer

Retention starts within the hiring process, a principle close to my heart. Analyzing over a decade of data for my own company and customers, I've discovered that turnover decreases when the employer and employee are aligned. Often, both parties focus so intensely on selling themselves to achieve the desired outcome quickly that they overlook critical context.
When I've lost top talent or helped customers recover from such losses, the root cause is misaligned expectations. To counter this, I've adopted an intentional, transparent, and precise approach to hiring. A key component of my process is a hiring scorecard.
Rather than selling perks or the future vision, I emphasize practicalities versus the theoretical while setting expectations early and often together.
The scorecard helps me create highly effective onboarding, training, coaching, and enablement programs that benefit the individual. It also serves as a handy tool for 1:1s to collaboratively discuss what's changed, improved, opportunities, and gaps.
The truth will emerge eventually; it's better to ensure alignment upfront than to hope for it later. I approach hiring like a chess master, not a gambler. While it may require more effort initially, this method fosters a cycle of attracting and retaining top talent, leading to faster growth in the long run.

Arvind Rongala · Answer

As the founder of Edstellar, I have implemented a continuous learning and development program as an innovative strategy to retain top talent. We provide our employees with the opportunity to enroll in a diverse selection of professional development courses that are specifically designed to align with their career objectives and personal interests.
This program not only facilitates the improvement of our team members' abilities and the progression of their careers but also ensures their continued involvement and motivation. Through our investment in the professional development of our employees, we have observed a rise in employee retention rates and a boost in job satisfaction. Other small businesses might derive advantages from this method by fostering a culture of ongoing education and showcasing a dedication to the professional growth of their personnel.

Jon Hill · Answer

One innovative strategy I’ve found beneficial for retention is to tie flexibility to an employee’s performance and loyalty. We are primarily in-office with our workplace model, but many of our recruiters and consultants can easily do their work from anywhere, and we do have remote communication and collaboration systems in place. The main concerns with allowing remote work for employees are whether they’ll be equally productive as when they’re in the office, and whether they’ll be available for clients when they’re needed. 
By making this an option available to strong performers, we both allow our strongest employees the flexibility they need to maintain their ideal work/life balance and ensure that the people who work remotely have already demonstrated their ability to be productive and meet the needs of clients assigned to them. This is a win-win for both employees and our company, and allows us to retain top talent better.

Lucas Botzen · Answer

Our global workforce management platform helps companies navigate the complexities of international hiring and retention.
We retain top talent by focusing on work-life balance. With a diverse and global team, we’ve learned that recognizing and accommodating different cultural attitudes toward work and personal life is key.
For example, we’ve introduced flexible hours and remote working to match our employees’ different time zones and personal commitments. This has not only boosted morale but also productivity, as employees feel more in control of their work schedule.
Our wellness programs for physical and mental health offer regular breaks and resources for stress management. Putting work-life balance first has resulted in a huge increase in employee satisfaction and retention.

Ashley Kenny · Answer

Our not-so-small startup knows that much of our growth and success is the direct result of our ability to recognize and retain top talent. We never lose sight of how we can value and support our talented staff, hoping to sustain their personal desire to remain on our team. One key approach is our understanding of their individuality. We support a policy of flexibility and understanding that carries through from personnel scheduling to performance review. 
We complement this policy by providing various individual supports, including career planning, as ways to retain our top talent. For example, our fulfillment manager is an incredible addition to our team. To support and keep her, we've provided ways for her to grow, personally and professionally. We demonstrate strong support for her flexible schedules, asking how her work obligations can match her life goals.

Jean Magny · Answer

As President of Genius Solutions, retaining top talent has been key to our success. We invest heavily in employee training and cross-training, which gives staff opportunities to grow their skills and take on new responsibilities. This breeds loyalty and motivation.
For example, we recently had an ambitious programmer who wanted to learn more about project management. We provided her with courses and mentoring, and she now leads some of our largest ERP implementations. She has become invaluable and has no desire to leave.
We also sponsor further education for our staff. Recently, we sent two of our consultants to an advanced course on lean-manufacturing principles. They returned bursting with new ideas and have since helped several clients dramatically improve efficiency.
Investing in your people pays off. Give staff challenging, meaningful work and help them reach their full potential. They'll become deeply invested in the success of your company and help drive growth and innovation. Our employees are our greatest asset.

Dinesh Agarwal · Answer

One innovative approach I've taken to retain top talent at RecurPost is fostering an entrepreneurial mindset within the company. Early on, I realized that talented individuals thrive when they have the autonomy to innovate and the space to grow their ideas. To support this, I implemented a system where employees can pitch their own projects or product enhancements. We allocate dedicated time and resources for these initiatives, allowing team members to lead and execute their ideas from conception to completion.
This approach has been instrumental in building a loyal and motivated team that is committed to RecurPost's success.

Paul Sher · Answer

To retain top talent, we introduced a "Growth Pathway" program, blending personal and professional development. By offering tailored training and clear advancement opportunities, we empower employees to shape their own career trajectories. This approach not only boosts engagement but also demonstrates a genuine investment in their futures. Seeing their growth reflected in our success makes it easier to keep the best team members motivated and committed.

Jeff Peek · Answer

As an immigration attorney, I've adopted an innovative strategy to retain top talent by offering flexible work arrangements and emphasizing work-life balance. Acknowledging the demanding nature of legal work, particularly in immigration law, I've implemented policies granting my team more control over their schedules and work settings.
For instance, I've introduced a hybrid work model allowing attorneys and staff to work from home on selected days, aiding in managing personal responsibilities and reducing commute-related stress. Moreover, I promote time off and ensure fair workload distribution to prevent burnout.
This approach has proven highly successful in talent retention. By fostering a supportive and flexible work environment, team members feel valued and respected, resulting in increased job satisfaction, morale, and loyalty to the firm. Cultivating a culture that prioritizes work-life balance not only aids in retaining skilled professionals but also boosts productivity and well-being overall.

Will Baker · Answer

Top talent stays where they can get something that no one else can offer. We see this model used in start-ups, where their approach is to shower talent with high salaries, fun work cultures, and amazing benefits. Small businesses often don't have the resources to compete in this way with larger firms, so the second-best thing is to offer something that is off the table in a larger organization, an enhanced work-life balance. 
This can look like a four-day workweek, flexible hours, the ability to sometimes take extended time off, just to name a few. To some, these options will sound extreme, but the reality is that four days of top talent can be much more impactful than five days of average. Small businesses have the advantage of being able to afford this type of flexibility; use it to your advantage.

David Rubie-Todd · Answer

We realized that our employees value growth more than quick monetary gains, especially in their careers. To address this, we implemented a 'Roadmap to Success' program, which outlines potential career trajectories within our company. This roadmap provides a detailed overview of the roles employees can aspire to attain based on their performance and tenure.
Each stage on the roadmap is accompanied by the skills and achievements required to progress to the next level, offering clear and attainable goals. Additionally, we provide ongoing professional development opportunities, such as workshops, mentorship programs, and access to industry conferences, to help our employees acquire the necessary skills to advance. I would say that this approach not only aligns with their aspirations but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth within the company.

Gauri Manglik · Answer

Retaining top talent has always been a top priority for me as a leader. Over the years, I've learned that truly innovative approaches to employee retention start with building a people-first culture. One approach I'm particularly proud of is our mentorship program.
We matched our up-and-coming superstars with executive mentors for a six-month structured program. The goal was to provide high-potential employees with individualized guidance, support, and advocacy from senior leaders. My mentorship experience early in my career was invaluable, so I felt strongly about paying it forward.
The results exceeded our expectations - 90% of mentees said it made them more likely to stay long-term. The bonds built between mentors and mentees created a web of care and connection across our organization. It's just one example of how investing in people and relationships transforms employee loyalty. When talented people feel valued, challenged, and supported, they stick around. That's been my experience, at least.

Ross Albers · Answer

Our firm focuses on prioritizing both our clients and our team members. I have always believed that clients come first, and this philosophy extends to how we hire and nurture our talent. Our strategy begins with a meticulous hiring process where we focus on individuals' character and work ethic. By ensuring our team is composed of people who are not only skilled but also deeply committed to our clients' success, we are able to cultivate a culture where integrity and dedication are paramount.
We also invest heavily in the professional development and well-being of our team members by offering ongoing training and development programs to make sure our team stays at the forefront of legal advancements and industry best practices. This includes access to workshops, seminars, and certifications that enhance their skills and knowledge. Our firm pairs junior attorneys with experienced mentors to guide their career development, offering them insights and advice that are crucial for their growth. We try to create clear pathways for career progression within our firm. By recognizing and rewarding hard work and dedication, we motivate our team to aspire to higher roles and responsibilities.
Recognizing the demanding nature of the legal profession, we have also implemented policies that promote a healthy work-life balance. This includes flexible working hours, remote work options, and generous leave policies to ensure our team can maintain their personal well-being alongside their professional responsibilities. We provide comprehensive wellness programs that address both physical and mental health. These programs might include gym memberships, wellness workshops, mental health support, and regular health screenings, ensuring our team members are healthy and motivated. Focusing on these areas, we have strived to create an environment where our team members feel valued, supported, and equipped to excel in their roles.

Farhan Siraj · Answer

I have chosen to implement an extremely relaxed style of management. Some might even call it too lenient, but it has helped me retain some of my top talent. In my organization, as long as workers are able to complete assigned tasks on time and correctly, it doesn't matter if they are late or work unconventional hours. Beyond that, our workers can leave early on alternate Fridays, giving them the opportunity to plan their weekend getaways, spend more time with family, or simply relax and recharge. However, there are a few drawbacks to this strategy, and I have to occasionally put my foot down to make sure there are no lapses in productivity or backlogs. Nevertheless, the overall relaxed environment of my office has helped me retain top talent and compete with larger companies.

Amir Elaguizy · Answer

One policy we've introduced to retain top talent is increased support for parents and caregivers. Since the onset of the pandemic and the shift toward more remote work, some of our team members have faced challenges in balancing their work and caregiving responsibilities. We always strive to offer flexible working options or the possibility for reduced working hours and job-sharing, which allows parents and caregivers to better manage their professional and family obligations.
Additionally, our organization aims to provide further benefits to support parents and caregivers. These benefits include equal maternity and paternity leave, shared parental leave, and assistance with childcare costs, such as school fees, medical coverage, and onsite daycare. This enhanced support for parents and caregivers has significantly improved job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and has been crucial in helping us retain our top talent.

Justin Crabbe · Answer

Offering customized career development plans catered to every employee's goals and strengths has been one creative way I have kept top talent. Rather than a one-size-fits-all solution, I sit down with every team member to learn about their areas of passion, career aspirations, and skill set development goals.
For instance, I had a gifted graphic designer who showed interest in UX/UI concepts and web design. Rather than waiting for official training courses, I set up individualized coaching sessions with a seasoned web designer connected to us. This practical mentoring improved the designer's abilities and demonstrated our willingness to support their expansion.
I also support an internal mobility culture whereby staff members can explore various roles or departments within the company. This strategy not only keeps things interesting and challenging for team members, but it also helps us retain great people who might otherwise look for challenging tasks elsewhere.

Kyle Kozlowski · Answer

One innovative approach we've taken to retain top talent is to empower and enable our employees. For employees to thrive in their roles and remain with their employer, having a greater sense of ownership in their work is more important than ever. Micromanaging and other restrictive practices are not effective for staff retention in today's environment.
We make it a standard practice to provide our staff with a clear understanding of deliverables and timeframes, and then give them the freedom to decide how to complete their tasks. It's crucial to supply employees with all the necessary information, training, time, and resources needed to get the job done, so they can work independently and focus on producing their best work.
Whenever possible, we involve employees in decision-making processes that directly affect their work and the overall direction of the company. If direct involvement isn't feasible, we at least offer them the opportunity to ask questions, as even the best managers might overlook some key aspects of the work. This demonstrates respect for their contribution and helps employees feel a sense of ownership and connection to the future of the business.

Marco Genaro Palma · Answer

Creating a sense of belonging in the workplace is essential for retaining top talent. Employees need to feel valued and accepted, which can be fostered through various initiatives.
Implementing employee resource groups and diversity and inclusion programs can provide support networks and promote cultural awareness. Additionally, organizing activities that build community, such as team-building events and social gatherings, helps strengthen bonds and create a more cohesive and inclusive work environment.

Sabine Schopke · Answer

One innovative approach I have taken as a small-business owner to retain top talent was the introduction of a "Personal Growth Sabbatical" program for my employees. 
It allows employees to take a paid sabbatical every few years to pursue personal growth activities of their choice – such as travel, learning new skills, volunteering, or working on other personal projects.
The goal is to support employees in their personal and professional development, while fostering loyalty and long-term commitment to the organization.

Joseph Passalacqua · Answer

For my line of business, one of my strategies for talent retention is being more flexible with the schedule, internally. As long as we are able to meet clients' times with no disruptions, I allow my employees to select their shifts and adjust their hours on occasions where they need to attend to personal engagements.
Having a more accommodating ecosystem at work helps each talent to have a work-life balance, but more significantly, it has elevated their sense of accountability and responsibility, particularly in service delivery.

Joshua Volpe · Answer

Let me tell you about something that's been working really well for us at Kind Water. We started making a big deal out of the small wins our team pulls off every day. It's not rocket science—but it's made a huge difference.
A frustrating problem we were having with our bottling line was solved by one of our workers, Tom, with ease. A few minor headaches were avoided. We shared it with the entire team rather than simply saying 'good job' and calling it a day. You should've seen Tom's face—he was beaming. And here's the kicker: the next day, three other people came to me with ideas they'd been sitting on. It's like they suddenly felt their input mattered.
We keep this up with all sorts of things—someone going above and beyond for a customer, finding a way to cut costs, you name it. It's created this buzz around the office. People are more excited to come to work, they're sharing ideas left and right, and they're sticking around longer. Turns out, people really dig feeling appreciated for the little things they do. It's pretty cool to see how such a simple change has made everyone feel more like a real part of the team.

Carey Bentley · Answer

We’ve eliminated emails, meetings, and calls from our workflow altogether—a dream come true for high-achieving people who prefer to work uninterrupted.
We did it by moving all communication to Asana. Our team can find everything there, from small tasks to bigger projects, and because they can communicate directly through the app, it forces them to reconsider whether or not adding a phone call or email thread to someone’s plate is really necessary. Typically, it’s not.
Since the change, we’ve seen our team’s productivity improve tenfold. They now have greater clarity, make better decisions faster, and work together more seamlessly.

Adrienne Allaway · Answer

In my life-coaching business, I allow my coaching staff to have a flexible work plan. The agreement is always that, as long as the client is comfortable with the arrangement, just get the work done. However, we have a system where we all log our work hours. At the end of the month, the staff members are paid according to the number of hours they have logged and the number of clients they have brought into the business as a commission. This plan reduces their stress because it allows them to have a balance in both work life and personal life. This way, our company has been able to retain the most useful top talent for a long time.

Adam Klein · Answer

We welcome and are open to criticism from our top staff. If you aim to be an organization where your team feels valued and taken seriously, you must accept that sometimes there will be criticism directed at you or the company. It's not always pleasant, but is it necessarily a bad thing?
I've found that employees often bring new and fresh insights based on their expertise, insights that I, as an employer, might not have considered before. I allow them to be the specialists in their fields and take their opinions seriously when making decisions. We invite criticism, are open to it, and make it known that it is appreciated—but more importantly, we show that we value their input by acting on their suggestions.
Of course, this doesn't mean that every piece of criticism should influence your decisions equally; sometimes, employees may not have the full context of the company's operations. In those cases, I make it a point to explain the bigger picture in a transparent manner.

What Innovative Methods Do You Use to Retain Top Talent?

What Innovative Methods Do You Use to Retain Top Talent?

Align Expectations During Hiring

Invest in Professional Development

Link Flexibility to Performance

Promote Work-Life Balance

Recognize and Support Individuality

Invest in Training and Cross-Training

Foster an Entrepreneurial Mindset

Introduce a Growth Pathway Program

Emphasize Work-Life Balance

Offer Enhanced Work-Life Balance

Create a Roadmap to Success

Build a People-First Culture

Prioritize Professional Development

Adopt a Relaxed Management Style

Support Parents and Caregivers

Customize Career Development Plans

Empower Employees for Independence

Foster Workplace Belonging

Introduce a Personal Growth Sabbatical

Allow Flexible Scheduling

Celebrate Small Wins

Eliminate Unnecessary Communication

Implement Flexible Work Plans

Welcome Constructive Criticism