Part Two: How to Keep Great Employees Once You’ve Hired Them
You’ve hired someone you’re excited about—now what? Retaining great employees is just as important as finding them. In service-based businesses, turnover can be one of the costliest challenges. Here are practical ways to reduce employee turnover and build a team that sticks.
Set Clear Expectations
Start strong by defining what success looks like:
- First Week: Outline daily tasks and goals.
- First Month: Share benchmarks for progress and learning.
- First Six Months: Clarify long-term responsibilities and performance expectations.
When employees know what’s expected, they’re more confident and productive.
Create a Streamlined Onboarding Process
A smooth onboarding experience sets the tone for the entire employee journey. Provide a clear to-do list for the first few weeks so new hires know what to expect and how to succeed.
Make It Welcoming and Fun
Help new team members feel valued from day one:
- Send a small welcome gift (flowers, snacks, or a handwritten note).
- Host a casual meet-and-greet or virtual pop-up party.
- Schedule short “get-to-know-you” sessions with each team member they’ll be working with.
These small gestures build connection and reduce first-day nerves.
Build a Feedback System
Regular feedback keeps everyone aligned and engaged:
- Monthly team surveys to gauge employee experience.
- One-on-one meetings with supervisors to address concerns and celebrate wins.
- Semi-annual reviews to discuss growth, performance, and expectations—especially during peak periods.
Open communication helps prevent surprises and fosters trust.
Final Thoughts
You didn’t start your business to become a full-time bookkeeper, and your team didn’t sign up to drown in paperwork. Reducing turnover starts with smart hiring and continues with thoughtful onboarding and support.
Need help streamlining your operations or offloading your bookkeeping? Let’s talk. Your team—and your bottom line—will thank you.
