News & Events
An Urge to Purge
Many businesses tell us that one of their biggest ongoing productivity issues surrounds their staff - new and old. These same businesses also acknowledge they don't spend time planning or developing their workforce.
In most cases this may simply be that employers don't know what they don't know. One of the first actions they take when identifying non productive staff is to "get rid of the slackers and find someone else".
When asked how this worked for them, most reply it doesn't make any difference but does take time, effort and money to make replacements. JJ Richards and Sons had such a problem and decided to do something about it. With their School to Work model, the organisation now boasts an integrated learning place where school based trainees aren't just 'taken up' they are chosen for their interest in the business.
The model is effective - promote traineeship positions, interview and induct (not only the students but their primary care givers and their teachers), review them during several weeks of work experience and based on this 'watch and see' approach, offer a place.
So many great stories come out of this model - students going from D level grades to B+ grades, over 80% retention rates, other staff are engaged and mentor - but best of all - the next JJ Richards and Sons workforce is generated. Keeping in mind that this model wasn't developed overnight but rather with consideration of the employment, education and training systems in place, it does highlight however, that with a little planning and a focus on developing staff operations, a successful workforce model can be implemented.
Reports are that this program is so successful, the team at JJ Richards and Sons at Underwood are now working with other branches of the organisation across Australia. With many programs available in Logan to assist job seekers, provide training, organise work experience and assistance with finding 'just the right trainee for you', there is little wonder employers often don't which way to turn for advice and support.
Like the model described above, the first step was acknowledging a need. To help you get started, the LOED Workforce Development program can help you navigate your 'model'. Contact Marita Tomlinson on (07) 3412 4884 to discuss.
