HR Panelists Recommend Employee Retention Programs as Cure for High Turnover in Electrical Industry
DENVER, Colorado — July 23, 2013 — Employee turnover is a crucial concern to Colorado’s electrical contractors, according to the companies that attended a July 18th Human Resources Panel Discussion at IECRM in Denver. In response, a panel of four HR experts recommended that the most effective way to reduce turnover is to invest in employee retention programs such as medical benefits and paid time off.
The panelists included Kate Raabe, Esquire at Stettner-Miller Law, David Scott, Human Resources Manager at Encore Electric, Sharry Charest, Human Resources Recruiter at Kenny Electric, and Sarah Elms, Human Resources Generalist at IES Commercial. The discussion was moderated by IECRM Director of Operations, Kristin Kim Haynes.
The root of the turnover problem is a unique supply-demand situation. Contractors in the Mountain States are winning more projects within a surging construction economy, yet struggling to find enough qualified and licensed electricians to complete the projects.
The four HR panelists explained that it is vital for contractors to plan and invest in employee retention programs to secure their talent, both now and into the future. Medical, dental, and vision benefits were noted as most important, with paid personal time off coming in second. Other suggestions for retention programs included wellness perks such as fitness refunds, ongoing professional development, and company vehicles.
Attendees at the July 18th HR Panel Discussion included ADK Electric Corporation, Conserve-A-Watt, Integrity Electrical Solutions, and LEI Companies.
The next HR Panel Discussion at IECRM will take place on Wednesday, February 19, 2014. Sign up for other free seminars at IECRM by visiting www.iecrm.org. To learn more about IECRM, becoming a member or partner of the trade association, or about electrical apprentice training and continuing education opportunities, please visit www.iecrm.org or call (303) 853-4886.