Find ’em and keep ’em

These savvy employers have figured out how to build successful, loyal teams

1 of 3Jason Proulx and Erik Laithwaite are co-owners of Gerick Cycle & Sport in Trail, B.C. — Photo courtesy Gerick Cycle & Sport, Trail, B.C.

2 of 3Chris Holland is the owner-operator of Juggernaut Marketing Communications in Nelson, B.C. — Photo courtesy Chris Holland

3 of 3Amanda Hamilton of Tails Pet Supplies and Services, Rossland, B.C., plays with her pack. Photo courtesy Amanda Hamilton — Photo courtesy Amanda Hamilton

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In order to have a competitive edge in the marketplace, employers need a team that is happy to show up for work, eager to provide value to their clients, and proud of their company’s success. What’s the secret to attracting and retaining these people?

We polled nine West Kootenay businesses that ranked platinum in our Best of  Business readers’ survey, and they provided us with insights into their success with retaining loyal teams. Beyond the obvious incentives of good pay and benefits, here are some helpful—and sometimes surprising—suggestions.

1. Effective communication is essential.

From a daily communication book to an atmosphere that encourages questions to strategy meetings that invite staff input, there are all kinds of ways to make sure that communication happens.

“Good communication is like a relay,” said Amanda Hamilton, owner of Tails Pet Supplies & Services in Rossland, B.C. She and her sole employee, Micah Hinchcliffe, work opposing shifts and have perfected their hand-off, using a daily communication journal.

2. Provide good tools and training.

Don Catalano of L. Soligo & Associates in Trail suggested that company-subsidized courses and professional development days, as well as focused on-the-job training, solidify an individual’s commitment to the employer.

3. Acknowledge the value of the individual in a team effort.

Pinnacle Accounting in Castlegar conducts strategy sessions, inviting input from team members, and finds that a little appreciation goes a long way in building loyalty.

4. Hand over responsibility, and then back off.

Cary Fisher of Redstone Resort in Rossland believes that giving his staff responsibility and supporting their decision making creates a sense of investment and loyalty. 

“We don’t micromanage and tell them what to do every minute. We have had great success with retention even of seasonal workers,” Fisher said.

5. Look at your competition as a resource.

Chris Holland of Juggernaut Marketing Communications in Nelson suggested that your competitor may have a stack of resumes on hand, and if you have established a networking relationship with them, those resumes may be available to you when you’re looking for a new team member.

“Get to know your competition and start establishing relationships now,” Holland said, “so you can call each other if you need help.”

6. Celebrate.

Chris Bowman of The Flying Steamshovel Hotel  in Rossland always organizes a great Christmas staff party. Kim Clark of Kim’s Creations in Castlegar treats her staff to Christmas in July—their quieter season—and an occasional expenses-paid social blowout. Staff from The Pastry Shop in Trail enjoy a family atmosphere at work and frequently socialize together, as does the team from Gerick Cycle & Sports, also from Trail.

A combination of these strategies has been used to create strong and loyal teams for these Best of Business award winners.