Growth Opportunities
Leslie Carver 
Although so many people look at January 1st as the perfect time to set goals since it is the new year, that date never worked for me.
I think it’s because Human Resources usually doesn’t get a breather until mid or late January. If your benefits renewal is effective January 1st, you’re probably double and triple checking everything. Are you working with new vendors? Are the new deduction amounts updated? Did the new enrollment selections update correctly? Are employees waiting on ID cards or are you still waiting on paperwork from employees? We even make sure that payroll is updated with maximum contribution amounts like retirement and flexible spending. Add W-2s and 1095-Cs to the list and it’s no wonder January may not feel fresh and new!
The great news is you’re so close to marking all of those year end and new year responsibilities off of your list! While you definitely have other responsibilities waiting to be taken care of, I’d like to encourage you to pause and reflect. What went well last year? What needs improvement? How are you going to grow? How are you going to help others grow? Two of the ingredients in my Recipe for Employee Retention are personal and professional development opportunities.
Do you or your employees need continuing education credits? Are you interested in becoming a better communicator or leader? Are you struggling with a skill? Could you use a refresher course on some software? When was the last time you gave your employees these opportunities?
Employees feel appreciated when their employer believes in them. You’re spending time and money to help them grow. You support their dreams and goals. You give them something to look forward to. You may be providing an opportunity they wouldn’t be able to afford on their own.
I know so many of you are overwhelmed. You’re just surviving day-to-day and believing the lie that you’ll get to it later. You and I both know that if we don’t make time to do something, it may never get done. My friend and mentor, Joanna Williams of J. Marie Consulting, said it best, “There are seven days in a week and someday isn’t one of them.” Let’s get “someday” scheduled now!
Schedule that course. Go to the meeting. Plan the trip to attend the conference. You may be surprised how just getting started will make a difference!