Finding new roles for existing staff within your organisation

In spite of many economies being under pressure to grow and the problem of high unemployment levels, acquiring and retaining good people is a constant challenge. Simon North explains.

Why is the issue of finding new roles for individuals who are already within your organisation worth discussing? Clearly the issue of keeping what we typically call “talented people” is an increasing challenge as the demand for really good workers continues to grow. In spite of many economies being under pressure to grow and the problem of high unemployment levels, acquiring and retaining good people is a constant challenge.

The cost of bringing in new people is high, both in terms of recruitment costs and getting the new recruits up to speed in their roles. The risk of bringing in new staff to the organisation and hoping they’ll adapt also needs to be taken into account. We would much prefer our training investment to be put into employees who are staying with us and helping us grow the organisation rather than to be put into new starters wouldn’t we – assuming of course that those we are investing in are good people?