As the economy picks up, you can’t pay too much attention to staff retention. Your employees — particularly your top performers — will become more and more likely to explore their career options as conditions improve. Don’t wait until key staff members receive offers from competing firms to show them how much you value their efforts. Here are some simple yet effective management techniques that will help you keep your best accounting professionals:

• Show ongoing interest in professional growth. The annual review should not be the only time you inquire about an employee’s job satisfaction. “Re-recruit” team members by periodically asking about their short- and long-term goals, and helping them create roadmaps to reach those objectives. For example, if a stellar employee is looking for work at a more senior level, support his or her professional growth by offering an expansion of responsibilities and access to relevant training or mentoring programs. Remember: An unchallenged top employee is an unhappy employee.
• Be generous with gratitude. One of the best retention strategies costs nothing and couldn’t be easier to implement. All you have to do is say “thank you.” Praise and appreciation are excellent motivators. But time-strapped managers often overlook the power of positive reinforcement, falsely assuming people know that they’re valued. No matter how busy you are, make the effort to give staff sincere, specific and timely recognition. A handwritten thank-you note or a public pat on the back can do wonders to boost morale.
• Relinquish the reins. Trust is a virtue. Give your team members the freedom to take ownership of their projects. Encourage them to try new approaches and take smart, calculated risks. Empowered employees who know that they’re accountable for their decisions and actions are typically more engaged, resourceful, successful and happy than those who feel micromanaged.
• Hire insiders. Loyalty begets loyalty. Whenever possible, promote from within to show that there’s room to move up within your organization. When employees see that talent, dedication and hard work are consistently noticed and rewarded by management, they are much more likely to stay on board.

Robert Half International has more than 360 staffing locations worldwide and offers online job search services on its divisional websites, all of which can be accessed at www.rhi.com. This article is provided courtesy of Robert Half Management Resources, North America’s largest consulting services firm providing senior-level accounting and finance professionals on a project basis. For further information, visit www.roberthalfmr.com or follow Robert Half Management Resources on Twitter at twitter.com/roberthalfmr