Jason Leverant, the President and Chief Operating Officer of the AtWork Group, a national staffing firm, addresses the issue of unhappiness at work due to lack of faith in employers and financial pressures. A survey by Alight reveals that only 41% of people believe their employer cares about their well-being, with three-quarters of U.S. employees reporting moderate-to-high stress levels, particularly among Generation Z and millennial workers.
The current record-low unemployment and skills gaps in the workforce are exacerbating the problem of retaining talent, as employers aggressively recruit qualified workers. To address this issue, Leverant suggests implementing a mentoring program as a way for small businesses to retain employees and attract talent. According to Gallup, employees often search for new job opportunities to increase pay, improve well-being, and find opportunities for growth and development.
Implementing a mentoring program can be a win-win for both employees and employers. It provides support and guidance for employees to excel, helps build leaders, creates a learning culture, and boosts employee confidence. A mentoring program can also boost morale among existing team members by showing faith in their performance and allowing them to contribute to the future of the business.
Retaining talent is a significant challenge for small businesses, with at least 47% of business owners finding recruitment and retention somewhat difficult. Mentoring can be a lifeline for small businesses and should be a priority. Leverant offers tips for small businesses on starting a mentoring program, including selecting the right mentors, starting during onboarding, relying on industry associations for support, highlighting the program during the hiring process, and seeking out mentors for small business owners.
Overall, a mentoring program can help employees thrive, improve workplace morale, and give businesses a competitive edge. Leverant emphasizes the importance of investing in employee development to retain talent and attract new employees, particularly in the current competitive job market. By prioritizing mentoring and providing opportunities for growth and development, small businesses can create a positive work environment and increase employee satisfaction and retention.
