How to retain your best managers

The very best managers are adept at motivating and getting the best out of their staff, so retaining these workers should be a key objective for 2013. Basic salary increases, career progression and new challenges are all ways of doing this.

New research published by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) suggests that this will be much easier this year, HR Magazine reports.

Managers want more training

While 57% of managers say that they are intending to stay with their firm this year, businesses should not be complacent. The research from ILM shows that offering training would be a good way to keep managers motivated:

• 38% would like to develop their leadership skills
• 16% want to improve their time management skills
• 15% want to improve their communication skills

Work to be done

Charles Elvin, chief executive of ILM, told the HR Magazine: “It isn’t surprising that so many are hoping 2013 will bring a more positive outlook for their companies, as the ongoing recession has made times particularly tough for managers.

“We know that effective leadership and management skills are key to organisational growth, so at a time when managers are being tested more than ever, the availability of support and development is critical.”

With this in mind, retaining excellent managers will also lead to a positive year for businesses as they keep the experience needed to drive their operations forward.

Other key employees are also more likely to stay if their managers do, so assessing where managers are at should be a key business aim for the early weeks of this year.