DIRECTOR’S DESK
Programming That Continues to Resonate with Members and Keep Employees Engaged BY JOHN OSPINA
W John Ospina is GAWDA’s executive director. He can be reached at GAWDA Headquarters in Hollywood, FL, via telephone at 844-251-3219 or via email at jospina@gawda.org.
8 • First Quarter 2023
orkforce recruitment and retention continues to be a challenge for many employers. Unemployment is at an all-time low of 3.4%. There are currently 1.9 jobs available for every unemployed person. This shortage of workers makes holding on to current employees more important than ever. While having a competitive salary is important, studies have shown that money alone is not enough to retain employees. Today’s employees value having a strong belief in the organizations mission, higher job satisfaction, a greater sense of appreciation, and an environment that supports collaboration with peers. These factors are all ranked higher than monetary incentives. The one positive thing that COVID reminded us of, is that we are an essential business that provides essential products that support almost everything we touch in a wide variety of industries. That mission is something we’re all proud of. So, how do we continue to build on the other value propositions that keep employees engaged? By continuing to invest in their training and education and allowing them to engage with peer groups both virtually and in person. Many of you already do this by taking advantage of the benefits GAWDA provides and the continual changes we make to provide a better member experience each year. This years SMC will be in Philadelphia and has over 16 presenters between the main stage and in the educational breakout sessions. The Contact Booth Program will end with a reception to help keep the networking momentum going. Peer groups like the WGW and the Young Professionals also have activities planned during the SMC. You can see more information on this event beginning on page (56).
Our Annual Convention will be held this year in Maui, Hawaii, at the Grand Wailea. We will see the return of the Reverse Contact Booth Program (aka the GAWDA 360 program) prior to the traditional Contact Booth Program. Last year, we had over 150 attendees take part in the 360 program and surveys showed that it was wildly popular. Keep an eye out for more information on this and other programs during the Annual Convention in the near future. Our consultants continue to add value through their monthly webinar, their individual interactions with members and their yearly safety seminars. Read more on how they help members stay informed and engaged starting on page (12). Our member-driven committees continue to provide value in many areas of our association. Participation in these committees is a great way to develop peer support groups that can be invaluable in your employee’s career. Learn more about these groups beginning on page (32). Our webinars also continue to be a great way to support employee education. There are both free and fee-based webinars. One particular webinar series this year has attracted over 125 attendees right out of the gate. Our GAWDA Master Business Academy (aka GAWDA MBA) is a 10-week series that has a mix of self-paced learning and instructor led webinars. Members who have expressed interest in taking the program but were not able to participate this first time around will be able to participate in future offerings. You can get more information about this program at https://www.gawda.org/gawda-mba/. These are just a few examples of how GAWDA provides programing to help members be more informed and keep employees engaged. As always thank you for your continued support of our industry and association.
