Why Businesses Should Have a People Strategy 

In today’s competitive business environment, it is important to have a fit for purpose People Strategy. Small businesses regularly face challenges that require strategic planning and effective management to ensure growth and success. While focusing on product development, marketing, and financial stability is crucial, one often overlooked aspect is the importance of having a well-defined people strategy. A people strategy is essential to attract, retain, and develop talent, creating a solid foundation for long-term success. 

This blog explores using a people strategy to attract top talent, increase employee retention and make sure your spend on employee development is focused and helps drive organisational success.  

Attracting Top Talent 

Attracting skilled and motivated employees is a significant challenge for small businesses, especially when competing with larger organisations that may offer higher salaries and extensive benefits packages. A well-crafted people strategy helps small businesses stand out by showcasing your unique culture, values, and growth opportunities. By clearly defining your company’s mission and vision, you can attract candidates who identify and are attracted to your brand and are more likely to be passionate about contributing to your success. 

A people strategy that emphasises core values, open communication, and teamwork can help create a strong sense of community and belonging among employees. This, in turn, can lead to higher levels of collaboration, innovation, and productivity. 

Learn more about strategic human resources from CIPD.  

Employee Retention 

Employee turnover can be costly and disruptive, particularly when you have limited resources. A people strategy that prioritises employee engagement, satisfaction, and development can significantly reduce turnover rates. Offering competitive compensation, benefits, wellbeing initiatives and opportunities for professional growth are key components of a successful people strategy. And fostering a positive work environment where employees feel valued and recognised for their contributions enhances loyalty and long-term commitment to your organisation. 

Enhancing Employee Experience and Development 

Investing in employee development is crucial to stay competitive and adapt to changing market conditions.  A learning organisation is resilient and able to deal far better with change. A people strategy that includes training, mentoring, and career development opportunities can help employees acquire new skills and knowledge, enhancing their performance and contributing to the overall mission of your organisation. By supporting employee development, you can also foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ensuring you remain agile and responsive to industry trends. 

Read more on this article on why employee development matters more now than ever.  

When employees understand how their roles contribute to the organisation’s success, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to perform at their best. Additionally, a people strategy that includes regular performance evaluations and feedback can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that employees are continually growing and developing in their roles. 

In conclusion, a comprehensive people strategy is essential to attract, retain, and develop talent and build a strong company culture. By prioritising your employees and creating a supportive and engaging work environment, you are setting yourself up for success. 

Contact us to discuss how our support can help you to create a fit for purpose People Strategy.