Building Success with Structure: The Key to Staff Retention and Business Growth In 2025.

By Elle Huempel

2025, one word has defined the goals for so many business owners, structure. It’s the foundation, the backbone, and the guide for everything we do. What I love most about my coaching journey is working with business owners that choose to reconnect with the basics, focusing on those essential yet often overlooked areas that hold everything together.

Structure And Simplicity

Policies and procedures, team meetings staff appraisals, these tasks often find themselves in the “too hard basket” or on the “one day” list. But business owners are diving into these tasks with a positive energy, and I couldn’t be prouder to support them as they cross their T’s and dot their I’s. Together, I am loving putting the pieces of the puzzle together for their business not only with them as the business owner but with their team too.

Every policy, procedure, or appraisal isn’t just a task to tick off, it’s a step towards clarity, consistency, and growth. These processes aren’t just “admin” jobs (although I do hear that’s how it feels), they’re the glue that holds teams together and lays the groundwork for longterm retention. It’s often like your housework, no one looks forward to doing it, but when it’s done gosh it feels good!

One of the most common frustrations I hear from business owners is, “I invest so much time in my staff, but they still leave.” It’s heartbreaking and frustrating, but when we dig deeper, the question often becomes - were the right processes in place to support and retain them?

The Retention Puzzle

We all dream of client retention. But what about staff retention? In my experience, this is the bigger dream. Retaining a well-trained, engaged team doesn’t just happen overnight. It requires intention, effort and yes, structure!

How often when assessing why someone may have resigned it is noticed:

• The honeymoon period ends, the enthusiasm faded.

• A new team member is employed & is thrown into the deep end but expected to just survive.

• Promises of recognition and support in the beginning are made but rarely fulfilled as often it is needed for a newly recruited team member.

These situations are avoidable with the right systems in place. Policies and procedures ensure consistency. Regular team meetings keep communication flowing. Staff appraisals provide an opportunity for feedback & growth and are a fantastic way to give recognition, motivate, allow clear direction and professional development. These aren’t just “nice to haves” they are essential for a workplace where staff feel valued, supported and engaged.

Building A Foundation Of Recognition And Support

Recognition matters and I think the small things matter most. Allocating time to check in with your team, listening to their concerns, and showing genuine appreciation goes a long way in building loyalty. How powerful a small gesture or even the most genuine ‘Thank You’ at the end of the day can matter so much.

Equally important is preparation. Before a new team member starts, ask yourself:

• Are they truly ready for the role?

• Do they have the tools, training, and support they need to succeed?

• Have you set clear expectations and communicated with them effectively?

Throwing someone in and hoping for the best isn’t a strategy, it is a recipe for burnout and staff turnover. Taking the time to set them up for success from day one creates a foundation for long term retention.

Nothing Worth It Comes Easy

Let’s face it!! Putting these systems in place isn’t easy. It takes time, effort, and commitment. How many times I hear, I know I really do need to action it! But the rewards are more than worth it. Staff stick around, clients keep coming back, and the energy in the workplace shifts to something positive and productive. AND your clients feel it too!

When the hard work is done, it is like magic. Teams bond, business grows, and the dream of staff retention becomes a reality. And that’s what I am here for, to bring the positive energy and support needed to make it happen.

Turn those “one day” tasks into today’s accomplishments.

Looking Ahead

Take the time to revisit your basics. Review your policies and procedures. Schedule those team meetings and appraisals you have said you would & haven’t just yet. Listen to your staff, they matter. Recognise their efforts, recognition feels so good! These steps may seem small, but they add up to something incredible. Remembering consistency is key. Staff retention doesn’t happen by chance, it’s built through effort, care, and consistency. And when you get it right, it’s like watching the pieces of a puzzle fall into place. There is no better feeling than seeing a team that sticks like glue, supporting each other.

I would love to hear from you!

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