Many organizations - and certainly SMEs - are struggling with staff shortages. The consequences are immediately noticeable: remaining employees take on extra tasks and the workload increases. In the short term this seems like a solution, but in the longer term it brings with it risks: stress, lower productivity, mistakes and eventually even dropout due to illness or burnout. This creates a vicious cycle that only exacerbates the shortage.
As an employer, how do you ensure that employees stay connected to your organization despite high workloads, are motivated and do not drop out? Our Labor & Health Advisor, Marian Danenberg, shares seven practical ways to engage and retain employees.
1. Provide strong onboarding
A good start is crucial. A new employee who feels welcome and is properly onboarded will be productive faster and stay connected to your organization longer. Onboarding goes beyond explaining systems: it's about culture, collaboration and expectations.
2. Support work-life balance
A healthy balance prevents overwork. Think of flexible working hours, work from home options or starting the conversation about what works for the employee. This shows that you have an eye for the person behind the job.
3. Encourage personal development
Employees who can develop are more motivated and loyal. Offer training, coaching or advancement opportunities. Small steps are often enough to make a difference.
4. Invest in health and wellness
Vitality deserves attention - both physical and mental. By catching signals of stress or workload early and providing appropriate support, you prevent absenteeism and retain resilient employees.
5. Give personal attention
A listening ear, a compliment or a personal conversation often makes all the difference. Create a safe work environment where employees feel seen and heard. As a manager, you play a key role in this.
6. Celebrate successes
Especially during busy periods, it is important to dwell on successes. A small gesture or joint celebration strengthens motivation and team spirit. Humor, informal moments and having fun together provide lightheartedness when the workload is high.
7. Be transparent
Staff shortages sometimes require difficult choices. By informing and involving employees in decisions in a timely manner, you increase understanding and commitment. Transparency strengthens trust in your organization.
From vicious cycle to positive spiral
Solving staff shortages is no easy task. However, you can ensure that employees stay motivated and feel connected. By investing in well-being, development and personal attention, you prevent work pressure from turning into stress or absenteeism. In this way you break the vicious circle of shortage → workload → absenteeism and build a positive spiral of motivation, commitment and loyalty. Would you like to spar about how to approach this in your organization? Then feel free to contact us.
