Employee Retention: Secrets from ‘The Best Job Ever’

One burning question that often arises in the business world is, "How do I retain and recruit better talent?" Despite offering good pay, good benefits, and flexible work schedules, some businesses struggle to attract the right individuals. This is a conversation we frequently have with clients.

Seth Godin, renowned author of "The Song of Significance," provides valuable insights into this matter. Rather than asking people how to retain talent, he posed an even better question– "What were the characteristics of the best job you ever had?" Through his extensive interviews with thousands of individuals from different countries, Godin identified fourteen key characteristics that emerged as the most common answers.

Let's explore the first four characteristics that stood out:

1. I surprised myself with what I could accomplish. ~60%
2. I could work independently. ~50%
3. The team built something important. ~50%
4. People treated me with respect. ~35%

The top characteristic mentioned by 60% of respondents was the feeling of surprising themselves with what they could accomplish. This suggests that individuals thrive when they are given the opportunity to exceed their own expectations.

The second characteristic was the ability to work independently. Having autonomy and trust from their employers allows employees to showcase their skills and take ownership of their work.

The third characteristic highlighted the importance of being part of a team that builds something important. It goes beyond just going through the motions; employees want to contribute to a greater purpose and feel a sense of fulfillment.

Lastly, people emphasized the significance of being treated with respect. Feeling valued and respected in the workplace is crucial for employee satisfaction and retention.

Interestingly, the factors that often come to mind, such as pay and the ease of work, ranked in the bottom four items on the list of characteristics. While important (there is a minimum that must be met), they were not the primary reasons why individuals considered a job to be the best.

In today's world, businesses often attempt to make jobs easier and increase pay as a means of attracting and retaining talent. However, this approach may not always yield the desired results. According to Godin's findings, the challenge and difficulty of a job can be a significant motivator for employees. Simplifying tasks without providing a sense of challenge may lead to disengagement and decreased retention!

To retain exceptional talent, it is essential to focus on the top characteristics that emerged from Godin's research. Encourage individuals to surpass their self-imposed limitations, provide opportunities for independent work, foster a sense of purpose within the team, and ensure respectful treatment for all employees.

The days of fifty-year employment with a single company are becoming rare. Acknowledging this shift, it is crucial to adopt a mindset of renting talent. Invest in your employees while they are with you, ensuring their growth and development. When they eventually move on, celebrate their contributions and the knowledge they gained – and the value they added – during their tenure. This approach fosters positive relationships and word-of-mouth recommendations.

While there is no silver bullet for eliminating turnover, by focusing on the four key characteristics – surpassing self-expectations, independent work, contributing to something meaningful, and respectful treatment – businesses can significantly improve retention rates.

Remember, it's not just about pay and ease of work. It's about creating an environment that challenges and respects employees, allowing them to thrive and contribute to something greater.

Only Action gets you closer to your dreams - do something that your future self will thank you for.

-Coach Rory Sheppard