Best Practices in Recruiting and Retaining Talented Staff.

A. Retention
Retaining the most talented workers is a multifaceted process, but we’ve broken it down into practical steps in a series of key areas, from orientation to business development.
B. Employee Orientation
These steps can help your firm make a great first impression:
· Let people know what they’re getting into
· Formally welcome new staff to the firm
· Provide a manual
· Assign mentors
· Encourage follow-up questions
· Don’t be a stranger
C. Career Development
These best practices include general guidelines for all employees’ career development.
· Provide education
· Whenever possible, share decision making
· Acknowledge staff
· Let staff show their expertise
· Create detailed job description
· Set clear performance expectations
· Create a compensation plan
· Take advantage of the review process
· Reorient advancing professionals
D. Motivational Programs
· Offer professional compensations and benefits
· Allow staff to have client contact
· Treat employees like family
· Keep the door open
· Find out what employees want
· Involve relatively new hires in the recruiting process
· Create a pleasant office environment
· Pay for professionalism
· Keep your technology up to date
· Open up management meeting
· Be flexible
· Celebrate success
· Find the fun in the busy season
· Recognize important milestones or accomplishments’
· Set standards for the staff treatment
· Be aware of the need for change



Source: White paper from AICPA