How to Keep Good Staff

Small companies, big turnovers

Small businesses are losing staff at a greater rate than their larger counterparts, according to a survey conducted by the Australian Institute of Management (AIM). The survey used responses from 779 private and publicly listed companies from various industries, including 218 small companies.

“Voluntary staff turnover in small companies has shot to 13.6 percent, up from 10.3 percent last year and notably higher than the 12.6 percent for large companies,” reports Dr Jennifer Alexander, chief executive of AIM NSW/ACT.

Pay rises have been healthy across the board, but small companies can no longer rely on just remuneration and benefits to retain employees. The top reason given for staff resignation, according to 43.4 percent of employees, was to progress their career.

“This shows that small organisations need to do a better job of developing career pathways for their staff,” she says. “Their challenge will be to manage their staff’s needs more effectively within their means, such as offering more personalised mentoring and providing more clarity around progression opportunities within the organisation.”

* Source: AIM National Salary Survey 2007

Team-Building Giveaway

Although traditional incentives to keep staff include rewards, creating the right staff culture is just as important. And training and team building exercises that help to establish your workplace as one your employees want to be a part of, is a good place to start.

Which is why we want to help you reward staff and get the team working with this team building giveaway, courtesy of Jenolan Caves House and Dynamic Business magazine.

One lucky reader will win a Jenolan Caves Team Building Weekend package for up to six people, valued at $3,000.

The winner and their team will be able to explore the beauty of the Jenolan Caves underworld and its many natural beauties, from imperial limestone arches, underground rivers, and richly decorated chambers.

And there are plenty of activities to keep you occupied aboveground, too. Take a leisurely walk down to Carlotta Arch where you can gaze out across the intriguing Blue Lake or follow the trail along Jenolan River where you’ll find many rare examples of the local geology, flora and fauna.

The prize includes two nights accommodation for up to six people, all meals and accommodation at Jenolan Caves House, team building activities including an adventure caving tour, bush navigation and orienteering, as well as a full day’s use of a conference room for meetings.

To be in the running, simply email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it by November 30, and tell us in 25 words or less why your business would benefit from a team-building exercise.

For further information on what’s on offer at Jenolan Caves House, visit www.jenolancaveshouse.com.au