The 'War for talent' has long been decided - and the employees have emerged as the winners. I still sometimes get strange looks when I express this so clearly, but I firmly believe: Any leader who still thinks today that dependency is the best way to bind employees to the company is out of touch. We are in the 21st century, facing a shortage of skilled workers in practically all industries, witnessing Generation Y moving into leadership positions and Millennials stepping up as employees. Despite the uncertainty in the data and debates about who these elusive Y'ers and Millennials really are: We need these employees.
SERVICE REQUIRES ENTHUSIASM
Moreover, particularly in the hospitality industry, it is crucial that these individuals not only join us but also stay with us and be passionate about their company in the long term. Service requires enthusiastic employees - because only enthusiastic employees can ensure enthusiastic guests! As leaders, we are responsible for both. In the past, employees had the obligation to deliver, but today, as employers and leaders, we have at least an equal responsibility. The direct supervisor is the number one reason for resignations. Therefore, leadership is the crucial factor in inspiring and retaining employees. Leadership inspires employees - and employees inspire guests.
WHY DO EMPLOYEES STAY?
But what attracts employees? And most importantly, how do we ensure that they stay? Surveys conducted by HR agencies have consistently shown that salary, bonuses, and perks are not at the top of the list for years. Instead, factors that can be influenced by leaders through empathy are decisive: supportive leadership style, personal development opportunities, self-realization. These are factors that Corporate Monkeys (COMOs) as leaders struggle with - those bosses who still rely on dependency as a leadership principle. They are overwhelmed by the new freedom of employees.
FREEDOM IS THE KEY!
And a bit of COMO is in all of us, right? Let's work on it! The good news is: There are concrete actions that can be taken to meet the most important incentives for employees.
- Employees trust leaders who also trust them. So, let's give them decision-making freedom!
- Employees respect leaders who allow them to have a say and participate. So, let's involve them in decision-making!
- Employees love leaders who show interest in them. So, let's support their professional and personal development!
Although it may sound paradoxical: Loyalty among employees also exists only in freedom. To retain the best, it is wise to grant them freedom. So that they want to stay. Because the guest also senses this.
