Engagement program for employees who are on Business wait (Bench)

[Gunjan Banerjee]

Hi All,

Hope you all are doing well. I have a small issue to be discussed.

We are into IT services , and for some time we have noticed high attrition rate in the on bench employees.

Due to recession we don't have much of project currently in our hands, because of that we have few employees on bench, and are resigning.

We have implemented few programs like asking them to start their own projects or design a new product, take up some certification course, and company will pay.

I wanted to know is this a good idea to implement. and if u can suggest some more ideas.

Regards,
Gunjan

[Doug Shaw]

Good idea? Sounds like it. If the company can afford to reskill folk, inspire creativity etc then I think congratulations to them. We have a similar issue, though it affects a large number of people. They're not resigning but they're on the bench right now. A lot don't have required skills. We don't seem willing (or maybe able?) to retrain these folk...So I dropped a note to our CEO recently suggesting we could offer part-paid secondments or sabbaticals. People could do community projects, work in 3rd sector, learn other skills etc and be available for work @ a date in the future. Employer gets a bit of relief on the wages bill right now and potential for a much more engaged workforce with some cool new experiences to bring to the company. Individual gets opportunity to do whatever that thing is that he/she always wanted but never had the time?? Got to be cheaper than recruiting again in xx months time. Haven't had any feedback but it might be an idea you could add to your already very exciting pot?

Good luck!

Doug

[Gunjan Banerjee]

Hi Doug Shaw,

Thanks alot for your suggestions.

Regards,
Gunjan

[Ben Simonton]

Rather than produce some program from the top down, why not ask some of them what they would like and make it an individual program. Start by asking and then if agreement, help that person. Then move on to the next person. You would start with the very best people and then work down from there until you run out of resources.

Best regards, Ben
http://www.bensimonton.com/articles.html

[Gunjan Banerjee]

Hi Ben,

Thanks alot for the suggestions, but individual approach will be little time taking. But yes we can do the same with a group. It will be a team building activity also.

Please suggest.


Regards,
Gunjan

[Ashim]

The strategies you have in mind are fine except that the company may not be able to sustain these programs for long. And this time around, it looks like a long wait before the situation for IT companies can recover. The employees on the "Bench" have a significant level of knowledge and skills and real time experience that should not be allowed to idle. Unlike machines which are purpose built, human beings can be engaged in a multitude of tasks and during uncertain times like these they would be only too happy to contribute in meaningful ways.

You may try engaging these employees in counselling younger employees, training and developmental activities and possibly developing manuals, designing improved work processes etc. This shall help the employees stay involved, feel valued and keep them current. The other employees shall also benefit from shared experiences and the air of concerns around the organisation may just start to warm up.

This shall go a long way in helping them to ward off feelings of uncertainity and nervousness. Consider these employees on the bench moving away with a wealth of knowledge which your organisation may have spent significant resources to nurture. It would be a big loss when your company is back on track.

I can imagine the turmoil that the Bench is experiencing and your concerns are quiet valid.

[Gunjan Banerjee]

Hi Ashim,

Thanks alot for the suggestion, i will try to implement your ideas.

Regards,
Gunjan