Research - 03.10.2024 - 09:00
Mr Fust, what are the challenges for Swiss SMEs in terms of employee retention?
Especially in a time when qualified specialists are becoming a rare commodity, SMEs are being challenged to develop creative approaches to attract new employees and retain them in the long term. This includes more than just offering attractive working conditions. From my interactions with SMEs, it is clear that exemplary leadership and an appreciative corporate culture are also crucial.
How did you develop these guidelines?
We spoke to a range of business owners, managers and experts and incorporated our practical experience in running an SME. Of course, it's not about implementing all the measures listed. It's more a case of identifying which measures are right for the company and its employees and how much the budget can stretch to cover them all.
What can SMEs do specifically to position themselves as attractive employers?
We have found that SMEs can score particularly well with an appreciative corporate culture, solid personnel development and flexible working models. Targeted employer branding and involving employees in decisions that affect everyone also improve an SME's attractiveness as an employer. It is particularly important to promote an open feedback culture and to respond to the needs of employees. The opportunity to take on responsibility can also be an incentive for many skilled workers to stay with a company in the long term.
Are there industry-specific differences here?
Yes, this can be seen, for example, in the case of production employees. There are fewer opportunities for flexible working models here than for jobs in the service and administrative sectors. In addition, there is also the question of what the main motivation of employees at work is. There are many differences here, partly also due to the level of pay.
In the guidelines, you emphasise the role of digitalisation. How important is it for employee retention?
Digitalisation offers SMEs many opportunities to offer more flexible working models such as home office. It can also help to optimise internal processes, automate routine work and support employees with digital training opportunities. Modern technologies can promote job satisfaction and thus also increase employee retention. Younger employees in particular often expect a modern digital infrastructure and a certain degree of digitalisation in order to be able to better master their daily work.
How do you rate the influence of corporate culture on employee retention?
Corporate culture plays a very important role in employee retention. A positive and appreciative culture strengthens employees' sense of belonging and loyalty. It is crucial that companies are clear about their values and that managers and employees live these values in order to create a working environment in which employees feel comfortable. This also means that deviations should be addressed and measures for improvement defined. Showing employees (verbal) appreciation for their work can have a positive effect on employee motivation and loyalty. The costs for this are manageable. I like to quote a metal construction entrepreneur who had a post-it stuck to his screen with the question: ‘Have you praised today?’
Conclusion: What measures do you recommend to SMEs to overcome the shortage of skilled workers?
In addition to retaining employees who are a good fit for the company, recruitment plays an important role. SMEs can consider how they want to position themselves with potential employees. And what makes them unique in order to be successful in the competition for the best employees. What are the three main reasons why your own employees enjoy working at the company? And what should persuade new employees to apply? Another helpful question is: Which information channels do potential applicants use? And how can your own employees be encouraged to search for potential employees in their network? These measures normally assume that you have already invested in employee retention.
The guide is also a good introduction to the SME Day on 25 October 2024 at the Olma Convention Centre in St.Gallen. What can guests expect at the conference?
This is where more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and managers from SMEs will meet a variety of speakers, including experts such as Miriam Meckel and Lea Steinacker, who will talk about leadership, AI and power in companies. The theme is “SMEs and power (or lack of it) – achieving success with natural intelligence”. In addition to the opportunities offered by AI, the discussions will also focus on the importance of human intelligence in SMEs.
The guide (in German) can be downloaded here.
Further information about the Swiss SME Day at:
kmu-tag.ch und kmu.unisg.ch/de/weiterbildung/tagungen/schweizer-kmu-tag
Images: OBT AG and KMU-HSG
