Ways you could be losing your employees

I was at a networking event recently, and in the chaos that these events tend to be, I found a group of people that I generally liked, and to a person each of us said something to the effect of, "as soon as the economy picks up, I'm gone." Turns out there's a mini-nation of VHRG's out there looking to do the same thing as this VHRG (third person... BOOM!). Reasons for the desire to move ran the gamut: money, fresh start, tired of the company, tired of the people, never any good news, beat down, etc.

But along these lines, the topic turned to what could be (or could have been, if they were as far gone as me - trust me, met a few, even at companies that I think wouldn't be too bad to work for) to save these orators, poets, and statesmen of HR. Here's some of the stuff that we came us with...

1) Spending money - GASP! Times are tough, VHRG! There is no money! True. But I'm not talking about raises or bonuses. I'm talking about a party. I'm talking about a social gathering where people remember that we are- first and foremost - people. I have two friends in the hotel industry, they are convinced that the year-end party is a dinosaur at this point. Find a place and get a deal and spend a little to have a good time. If employee say, "I'd rather just have a raise." The response is, "It's this party or nothing. What do you choose?"

2) Not checking on your employees - This is to the end of not verbally pumping up employees. Many companies think that a review equals a raise. Incorrect. A review (especially a positive one) even without a raise could make employees feel at least as if the work they are doing counts for something and is being noticed.

3) Not updating the employees - What is the company doing to try to get new business? What suggestions do you have for business success? How is the company doing? Let get everything out on the table. Have ideas of how to grow business? Bring it on!

4) Reminding them that the job market and economy sucks - Tell them that they are lucky to even still miraculously be employed while you're at it (Punk Rock HR, nailed this last week). Then kick their dog. That'll drum up loyalty real quick.

5) Not having fun - Create your own fun. Contests. Games. Parties. Come up with something, anything that you could do to make the current work situation suck less. Your goal needs to be to return the smiles to the company (even if it's for 30 minutes).