6 Pillars of Employee Retention

Strengthening Employee Retention: The Six Most Important Factors

Employee retention is more crucial today than ever. Talent shortages, high turnover, and increased expectations of employers make it essential for companies to develop strategies for the long-term retention of their employees. Satisfied and engaged employees are more productive, loyal, and contribute significantly to the success of the company.

But what factors play a role in this? And how can companies ensure that their employees want to stay? In this article, we explore the six central pillars of employee retention – and show how digital solutions like Sundae OS can simplify processes.

A Structured Onboarding for a Successful Start

The first impression counts – this applies not only to new employees but also to companies. A chaotic or disorganised start can make new team members feel insecure or overwhelmed.

Best Practices for Good Onboarding:

• Clear processes and responsibilities: Who is responsible for onboarding? What tasks will the new person take on in the first weeks?

• Digital support: Automated onboarding processes, e.g., via an invitation link, enable a swift and straightforward introduction.

• Independent data entry: New employees should be able to enter their personal data, tax, and bank information directly – this reduces administrative effort.

• Social integration: A mentor or buddy system helps new employees feel comfortable faster.

Tip: Sundae OS enables digital onboarding, where new employees can independently enter all relevant information. This saves companies time and avoids unnecessary paperwork.

Clear Structures and Transparent Communication

A common reason for job dissatisfaction is a lack of transparency. Employees want to know what is expected of them, what development opportunities they have, and how decisions are made within the company.

This is how it works:

• Regular feedback discussions: Employees should receive regular feedback on their work – not only in annual reviews.

• Clear responsibilities: Who is responsible for which tasks? Clear roles and processes provide more security within the team.

• Digital documentation: Important information such as employment contracts, certificates, or policies should be centrally accessible.

An example from practice: With a digital personnel management system like Sundae OS, master data, employment contracts, and qualifications can be stored in one place – saving time and increasing transparency.

Work-Life Balance and Flexible Work Design

A healthy balance between work and private life is a crucial factor for many employees. Those who feel constantly overworked or lack flexibility in their working hours will become dissatisfied in the long term.

What companies can do:

• Flexible working hours and home office options offer employees more freedom.

• Fair shift planning: Especially in the hospitality and retail sectors, it is important for shifts to be fairly distributed and for individual availability to be taken into account.

• Stress-free holiday planning: Digital absence systems make it easier to process holiday requests quickly and avoid overlaps.

Digital support: Sundae OS allows for intelligent shift planning, where employees can enter their availability themselves and swap shifts with each other – promoting more personal responsibility and flexibility. Additionally, holiday requests and sick days can be submitted quickly and flexibly to the employer via a ticket system.

Development Opportunities and Career Prospects

No one wants to be stuck in a professional dead end. Employees who see no development opportunities often switch to companies that actively invest in their further development.

Measures to promote employees:

• Further training offerings and workshops: Seminars, online courses, or internal workshops ensure continuous learning.

• Clear advancement opportunities: Companies should provide transparent career paths.

• Targeted promotion of employees: Those with special skills or interests should be specifically deployed and further developed.

Tip: Digital solutions like Sundae OS help manage qualifications and document further training – ensuring no development opportunity is lost.

Corporate Culture and Appreciation

A valuing corporate culture significantly contributes to keeping employees motivated. Those who feel seen and recognised put in more effort and identify more closely with the company.

How appreciation can be achieved in the workplace:

• Regular recognition and praise: Small gestures such as a 'thank you' or public praise can make a big difference.

• Good team culture: Joint events, open communication, and respectful interaction strengthen cohesion.

• Involvement in decisions: Employees should have the opportunity to contribute their ideas and shape processes.

Additional benefit: A good work environment positively impacts employer branding – satisfied employees recommend their employer and contribute to positive external representation.

Fair Compensation and Additional Benefits

Salary is not everything – but it plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction. Besides a fair wage, additional benefits can contribute to retention.

Which benefits are particularly appreciated:

• Company pension schemes or other financial incentives

• Travel cost subsidies or meal vouchers

• Employee discounts or bonuses for special achievements

• Health promotion through sports offers or ergonomic workstations

Transparency in personnel costs: Systems like Sundae OS allow for real-time cost display for personnel expenses, enabling companies to strategically invest in benefits without overspending their budget.

Conclusion: Employee Retention as a Long-Term Strategy

The long-term retention of employees requires a holistic strategy that goes beyond an attractive salary. Clear structures, appreciation, development opportunities, and a good work-life balance play a crucial role in this.

Digital solutions like Sundae OS can assist companies in streamlining processes, more effectively engaging employees, and creating a modern work environment. Ultimately, both sides benefit: employees remain motivated and loyal – and companies secure committed talents in the long run.