You probably track progress in all kinds of ways, from revenue to new accounts. But what about your team’s development? Growth isn’t just about numbers but about people, too. Your team members may want to stretch their skills, lead new projects or try something outside their comfort zone. With the right support and opportunities, you can keep them engaged and moving forward with you.

Considering that replacing an employee can potentially cost 200% of their annual salary, it pays to create a solid retention strategy. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share some ideas from Insperity’s Michelle Kankousky on how to inspire your best promo pros to stay and grow at your company.

  1. Create mentorship opportunities. According to Kankousky, mentorships help prepare your team’s movers and shakers for their next pivot. She says you can create a formal mentorship program or encourage more organic mentorships, like arranging for an aspiring leader to meet regularly with a director. The purpose, she says, is to help employees feel more prepared for their next role.

  2. Give your employees stretch projects. Maybe you ask employees to lead a big meeting or head up a new initiative. Kankousky says these kinds of projects give them a chance to expand their skillset. Ask your team members what kinds of projects interest them and let them know why you’re choosing them for various projects.

  3. Offer job shadowing. This is a way to showcase potential opportunities within your company, Kankousky says. Say, for example, a team member wants to take on a new role in your organization. Job shadowing allows them to spend time with someone currently in their desired role. This way, they can see if the job is a good match for their interests and skills. Job shadowing doesn’t have to be formal, Kankousky says. It works as long as the participating departments or groups are on the same page.

  4. Create a culture that supports career mobility. If you want employees to see that there will be ample opportunities within your company, Kankousky says you must show them from the get-go. Shine a spotlight on your team’s top performers during employee orientation. Explain how they moved up the ranks at your company. Keep those stories going by reminding employees they shouldn’t pigeonhole themselves into any single role.


Take time to show your employees what’s possible at your company. Maybe it’s creating mentorship opportunities, letting them take the lead on bigger projects or helping them expand their industry knowledge. When you invest in their growth, you give them more reasons to stay and grow where they are.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Michelle Kankousky, MBA is an employee experience designer for Insperity. She has nearly two decades of HR experience.