Recently I attended a Seminar, hosted by the RCSA and presented by Kevin Wheeler, on retaining motivated and productive employees under the prevailing challenges of the 21^st Century. The workplace environment is no longer a "one-size-fits-all" with many generational differences and ever changing workplace conditions. There are currently 3 major worldwide trends within the workplace including an aging workforce, fewer skilled workers, and several different generational attitudes.

Now, more than ever there is an interaction of several generations within our workplace:

• Baby Boomers (40 - 60 year olds - accounting for 28% of our working population)
• Generation X (28 - 40 year olds - 16%) and
• Generation Y (< 28 year olds – 25%)

Whilst in today’s market it is evident that employers are not offering a candidate "a job for life" it is imperative that both the employer and employee find the best possible match for their current circumstances. To ensure the union is successful and profitable for both parties the hiring process and decisions must be based on skills, competencies, personality, corporate cultural fit and job requirements. As indicated in the above diagram, whilst the hiring process is important, it definitely does not stop there. The new staff member must be supported and oriented well, and their performance continuously managed throughout the entire period of their employment.

Do you KNOW who you have working for you? Apply the above ideas to be sure your staff "stay and stay motivated"!

Prepared by: Michelle Novotny