Retaining good people through a focus on talent and purpose : Proper inductions make employees feel as though they truly belong

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how best to ensure that good recruits stay with a company. Design/methodology/approach – The paper explains the importance of proper inductions to make talented people feel as though they truly belong. It also presents a framework that can help companies systematically to train their managers to be effective facilitators of engagement. Findings – The paper advances the view that among the worst experiences of the workplace is one in which the individual feels to be merely a pawn in the great corporate game; the best where he or she feels that the company provides opportunities to do meaningful work in a supportive context. Practical implications – The paper demonstrates that facilitating personal growth is the clear role of line managers, and that the strategic provision of other processes such as coaching, mentoring and facilitated workshops tailored to an individual organization's needs is essential in ensuring that personal growth can take place. Social implications – The paper highlights how ensuring that each individual thrives can help to improve the lot of society as a whole. Originality/value – The paper emphasises the importance of a good communication strategy in helping to ensure that employees give of their best.