Focus — Business Minute

(continued from page 38)

Glatt emphasizes the importance of good communication from the recruitment process through the screening conversation, interview and throughout onboarding. “The quality and speed of frequent communication are part of the keys to success” in recruiting and retaining new employees, he says.

Once they are onboard, employee engagement is key to success. This measures the extent to which employees are involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work. “Workplace engagement really matters,” says Glatt.

Now “work must have meaning for today’s workers,” he says. In the case of landscape contractors and their employees, they must see and understand that their work enhances the lives of their customers. “For Baby Boomers and Gen X, mission and purpose are 100 percent families and communities.”

They are also looking for opportunities. “Development requests are cries for help,” says Glatt. “They want opportunities to get to the next level.” Performance reviews don’t work. Providing someone in the organization who can coach or mentor employees does, he says. It requires that the coach provides meaningful feedback.