How to Gain and Retain Quality Employees During and After a Pandemic?

Today, payroll specialist and long-time VBCBA member, Michael Cairns, was the VBCBA guest speaker. His topic is on the minds of many businesses as we come out of the COVID-19 Pandemic: How do you gain and retain quality employees during and after a pandemic? His speaking notes on this timely topic are listed below.

GAINING NEW EMPLOYEES AND RETAINING EXISTING ONES:

• Talk to them more -- get to know their family if possible
• Offer benefits if possible – (included with the position or available for the employee to pay for)
  • AFLAC
  • Legal Shield
  • EAP (Employee Assistance Program)
    • Big increase in the use of EAP (better than 211, but…)
    • 211
• Raise their wages if possible and/or incentivize them over time (establish wage goals)
  • Establish a 401K – offer a contribution if possible and offer direct deposit if possible (banks will usually cooperate)
  • Have employee handbooks
  • Get W-2s out early in January
  • If hurt on the job, be sure W.C. is available and easy to accomplish (should not have to go to emergency room)
  • Human resources department availability (your insurance company can be of assistance)
  • Have a good safety program (get employees involved/safety meetings)
  • Free or reduced pricing on movie tickets, bowling, miniature golf, etc.

MAKE THE EMPLOYEE FEEL SPECIAL – If you don’t, someone else will!

GETTING YOUR PREVIOUS EMPLOYEES BACK ON THE JOB:

• Should have had quick access to the PPP (Paycheck Protection Plan) Funds may still be available!
  • Takes time, but the quicker the better!
• Very difficult previously because of the “shutdowns,” masks, etc.
• Difficult to answer employees when they say, “I can make more by not working.”
  • They will lose out on benefits
• Sadly, you may have to raise their wages (give bonus or overtime)
• If not already, get some of the above benefits started!
  • Offer them “things” they didn’t have previously

Should you have any payroll or HR-related questions, please contact Michael Cairns.