Finding and keeping skilled staff can be a real challenge especially in today’s labour market which is experiencing some of the lowest unemployment rates in the last five decades. We asked TelstraSuper Chief People Officer Krithika Hansen for her top tips for retaining talent.

Provide opportunities to keep employees engaged

Employees want to feel like their work is meaningful and that they’re making a difference. Think about different ways employees can continue to feel challenged and use their skills and talents.

“We want people to feel like everything they do matters not just to the organisation but to each other. When they come to work, they not only get to do the work that brings out their strengths but also enables them to feel like they belong.”

Embrace flexibility

Allowing employees to have flexible work schedules can help them manage their personal and professional lives. This can include hybrid working, flexible hours, or other arrangements such as job share or time-in-lieu.

“Covid reminded people how important the value of balance is and had them re-evaluate what matters most,” says Ms Hansen. “We’ve also seen an increase to the uptake of wellness programs, as more people recognise the need to take care of themselves. Simple acts like encouraging team members to get out at lunchtime can be really valued.”

Offer competitive pay and benefits

Offering competitive pay and benefits remains one of the best ways to keep employees happy. It’s important that salaries and benefits are comparable to other companies in your industry.

“Benchmarking is a great way to make sure you’re keeping up with your competitors, but don’t forget to include other benefits. These could include your office location, hybrid working arrangements, paid parental leave, or learning and development opportunities,” says Ms Hansen.

Employers could consider offering additional employer superannuation contributions or even paying the cost of life insurance premiums through super as part of their employee value proposition.

“It’s a great way to super-size your offer, take advantage of tax benefits, and show the employee you care about their whole self,” she says.

Harness feedback

Regularly checking in is vital to understanding what’s happening in your workplace and what your talent is thinking. Be sure to listen to employees and take their feedback seriously. It can help you create a great work environment and culture where employees feel respected and heard.

“It’s important to provide regular and ongoing feedback on what they are doing well and where you see opportunities for improvement. This allows your talent to understand the areas they can focus on to grow and develop and help the organisation achieve it’s objectives,” says Ms Hansen.

Want to find out more about using super to retain talent?

Talk to TelstraSuper to find out how. Visit www.telstrasuper.com.au/employers

About TelstraSuper

TelstraSuper is an award-winning profit-to-member fund that offers employers a superannuation plan to support and nurture their number one asset, their employees.
Insurance with a best in industry award (Chant West 2022), the option for employer-paid premiums as an added employer benefit, investment options which have demonstrated a history of great performance over the longer-term and tailored financial education are just some of the services TelstraSuper offers. TelstraSuper's vision is to give members and their families the confidence to enjoy a better future than they ever imagined.
TelstraSuper welcomes employers to join its corporate plan. Contact our team to learn about partnering with TelstraSuper 1300 544 889