These questions are being answered by Learn HR, a market leader in the provision of HR and payroll training and nationally-recognised professional qualifications.
Q: How can we stop staff going to a competitor?
A: If someone has already given notice to leave, don’t rush to send them off with pay in lieu but try to keep them in employment doing something that is within their contracted work albeit isolated from new developments or other topics that might be of interest to the competitor.
Alternatively you could send them home on garden leave on full pay but you might prefer to have them doing something useful and in an environment where you can keep an eye on them. They certainly should not be allowed to go and work for the competitor while they are under notice with you.
For the longer term, however, it is important to note that employees will only leave if working for someone else appears more attractive than working for you. Check that your salary levels and other terms and conditions of employment are satisfactory.
Talk to your employees and keep them involved in whatever is going on. Consult them over issues that might affect them. Ask if they have any problems with work. If possible offer career development and progression. And importantly – show interest in them and their work, giving praise when they have done something well.
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