Download - Helping Them Keep the Job
(c) 2005 All Rights Reserved--The Widing Group
Helping Them Keep the JobJob Retention Strategies for Adults
Presented by Michele Martin
(c) 2005 All Rights Reserved--The Widing Group
Overview
Who is Most Likely to Keep the Job?
Preparing for Retention Before Program Exit
Engaging Job Seeker Customers in Follow-up
Engaging Businesses in Follow-up
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Who is Working 6 Months Later?
Interested in and enjoys the work Possesses the skills to do the work Has formed positive relationships with
supervisor(s) and co-workers Is making enough money to support
expected standard of living Has effectively dealt with both expected
and unexpected problems Company is a “good match” for the
customer’s values
(c) 2005 All Rights Reserved--The Widing Group
Interested Customers Keep Jobs
Career plan based on:AssessmentResearch“Informed choice”
Job search facilitation that focuses on preparing and matching job seeker to the right job
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Skilled Customers Keep Jobs
Know customer proficiency, not just a list of “skills” Document, where possible Get demonstrations of skill
Ensure that any training programs develop customer proficiency
Get clear, specific knowledge of job requirements
Help customers find work for which they are prepared
(c) 2005 All Rights Reserved--The Widing Group
Customers with Positive Relationships Keep Jobs
Consider the “corporate culture” in the job search phase
Help customers anticipate potential scenarios and how to deal with them
Teach customers key skills: Participating in a performance review Asking for feedback from a supervisor Dealing with “problem” co-workers
Support the customer in the first days/weeks on the job
(c) 2005 All Rights Reserved--The Widing Group
Self-Sufficient Customers Keep Jobs
Customers will ask themselves: “Is the money worth the effort?”
So . . . Teach customers:
Salary negotiation skills Strategies for evaluating job offers
Help customers anticipate the reality of their paycheck vs. expenses
Teach customers “strategic job hopping” Continue job development after placement
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Customers Who Plan Keep Jobs
Plan for the expectedPlan for the unexpectedHave a back-up planPlans should:
Be specificIdentify alternativesIdentify resources and contact info
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Well-Matched Customers Keep Jobs
Help customers know themselves and their values
Encourage customers to research corporate culture.
Encourage customers to weigh job offers based on match with company, not just money.
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The Exit Interview
Case manager initiatedReview/revise career & service planProvide resource informationReview follow-up
procedures/expectationsEstablish e-mail accountReview incentive plan (where
applicable)Customer satisfaction survey
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Don’t let the customer leave without:
Clearly defining next steps
Reviewing critical retention issues such as transportation/child care
Discussing preferred mode of communication during follow-up
Emphasizing retention and advancement and available supports
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Follow Up Standards
Staff initiated—same staff personFrequent/regular intervals of contactTypically:
After first dayOnce a week during first month Bi-monthly through remainder of the
period or as neededStandardized questionnaire that
focuses on pro-actively identifying retention problems
(c) 2005 All Rights Reserved--The Widing Group
Follow-Up Strategies
Phone, e-mail Face to face—lunch times,
before/after workCommunity based –Work with FBO’s
and CBO’s to provide ongoing mentoring and follow-up in the community, with a focus on career advancement.
Emphasize convenience, continuity, meeting the needs of working people
(c) 2005 All Rights Reserved--The Widing Group
Follow-up Do’s & Don’ts
DON’T: Contact the
customer only when you need something
Have irregular contact
Be punitive or judgmental
Forget that people are working
DO: Coordinate with
other service providers
Provide “just-in-time” services that respond to customer needs
Help solve problems in context
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Other Retention Strategies
Use recognition, special eventsProvide ongoing education and
training at business siteHave supports for emergency
situationsPhone numbersArrangements with community partnersAccess to emergency funds
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Supporting Advancement
Inform customers of training programs, job openings that will allow them to improve their position
Communicate about alternative sources of funding for education
Provide ongoing career planning support through mentorships, activities.
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Working with Business
Help businesses: Develop accurate, detailed job descriptions Outline a training plan for new hires Anticipate and address potential problems
Develop an employer retention service— “call us before it’s a crisis”
If there are periodic increases, try to negotiate smaller increments at more frequent intervals
Plan for “upgrade OJTs”
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Customer Service Standards
Identify and respond to specific business needs
Speak the language of businessUse business standards of
communicationE-mail, voice-mail, websites
Solve problems & create solutions—no excuses
Under-promise and Over-deliver
(c) 2005 All Rights Reserved--The Widing Group
Presented by:
Michele RoyThe Widing Group936 N. 5th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19123(215) 923-4059