The Forum Corp. advises companies to "retention reality check", guard against loss of talent to improved job market
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Offers 5 strategies to affirm commitment, retain employees

Boston, MA, May 17, 2004 Employers should use the nation's improving jobs picture as an opportunity to ensure that their employees are satisfied and committed to their work -- or risk losing them to other employers, according to Ed Boswell, CEO of The Forum Corp., a leading manager development and employee training company serving the Fortune 1000.

The federal government reported Friday that jobs grew in April by 288,000, fueled in large part by the addition of 123,000 new professional and business services jobs. The gains followed March's unexpectedly strong job growth report. The improving employment picture is expected to cause workers to begin looking to new employers for job advancement. Various studies in recent months have projected that workers will begin looking for new jobs once the economy improves.

"People quit managers, not companies," said Boswell, whose firm's clients include 130 members of the Fortune 1000. "That's why it's so important for managers to monitor the five key drivers of employee satisfaction and commitment, and why it's critical for companies to make sure their managers have the skills to do so."

According to Boswell, managers can help their people feel good about their jobs and happy in their roles by making sure employees:

• Understand how their jobs contribute to the execution of the organization's strategy and the achievement of its goals.
• Have the opportunity to do meaningful work and improve their skills through interesting assignments and developmental projects.
• Feel as if they are part of the organization through collaborative team environments, open communication and knowledge sharing.
• Believe the organization is committed to employees' work/life balance.
• Receive competitive salaries and benefits, as well as appreciation and recognition for good work.

"By improving the abilities of managers to understand what matters to employees and by equipping them with the tools to meet those needs, companies build their employees' trust. They get better performance from their people today and have protection against possible employee departures in the future," said Boswell.

About Forum

The Forum Corp. is a global leader in creating learning solutions that address important business issues, with proven expertise in leadership development, sales performance, customer service and the implementation of loyalty-building customer experiences. Its clients include 130 members of the Fortune 1000. Visit Forum at www.forum.com.