Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1390499
PalletCentral • July-August 2021 27 of culture you want to build. It is a living breathing entity with living breathing individuals doing the work. Create the company from the top down so that people will think twice about leaving. In the annual employee review process, change the communications angle. Why not say, "We can't do this without you. e contributions you have made are valuable. What can I do to keep you here?" So many employees never hear this… yet they should. As management, your job is to remove obstacles so they can be successful in their work. Ask, "What is getting in the way of your work?" Maybe they need new tools. Maybe they need a bus pass to get to work on time, a flexible schedule, or upgraded software. Ask them, "What can I do to help connect you to your dreams?" Maybe it is more training, college night classes. Maybe they want a new career. While they are working for you, help them get to the next level. ey will be leaving anyway, and this will make them more productive and appreciative while they work for you! In the rare instance ask for a pay raise that cannot be given, be honest. Tell them, "I cannot do a 20% raise in pay, but I know you love to fish. What if we give you off on Wednesdays during fishing season?" Or, "I know you just had a baby, what if we allow you to work two days a week at home." Where is the workforce going in the future? I believe we are headed for the biggest job churn in economic history. In 2020, everyone was grateful just to have a job. We are now coming out of it successfully. People will forever remember how you treated them in 2020 during COVID-19. Saying 'we appreciate you' is the #1 thing asked for by employees and the #1 thing that was not being given, according to my research.