MAKING sure your staff feel valued is one of the most important aspects of retaining committed employees.

Robin Goddard, of Bibby Financial Services, which has a base in Basingstoke, said: "You will not only benefit from increased productivity and higher revenues, but you will also be able to retain valued employees and attract higher-calibre job candidates."

His suggestions for letting workers know how valued they are include:

1. Treat employees as partners in the firm and keep them informed about business performance. Ask staff for their views on key decisions that are likely to affect them, and actively encourage suggestions to improve the way you do business.

2. Communicate regularly with employees by holding regular meetings to review performance and discuss forthcoming projects and deadlines.

3. Keep the faith. All great relationships are built on trust. Build an atmosphere of empowerment and teamwork. Allow staff to make decisions on their own and avoid a blame culture by acknowledging mistakes are an inevitable part of the learning process.

4. Be a good listener. The key to any successful partnership is always being prepared to listen. Try to empathise with staff members to understand exactly where they are coming from.

5. Celebrate the good times. All too often in business, we focus on the negatives and pay little or no heed to the positives. Praise your employees when they are doing a great job and celebrate that new business win by opening a bottle of bubbly.

6. Make the small things count. Get in tune with your gentler side and think about what steps you can take to make the working environment better for staff.

Simple touches such as a pleasant room for tea breaks, free tea/coffee and biscuits and fresh flowers in reception can significantly improve the working environment.

7. Lighten up and have some fun. Don't be afraid to adopt a more relaxed approach to work. Introduce "dress-down Fridays" or pin up a "joke of the week" on the notice board. Use social events to introduce an element of fun, such as a monthly drink at the local pub.

8. Find out what makes them tick. Don't be afraid to ask your employees what their needs are and what motivates them.

Money isn't the "be all and end all" to everyone. There are many alternative benefits that are powerful motivators including flexible working hours, additional unpaid leave and training courses.

9. Cherish your top performers. Don't lose valued employees to the competition. Review pay and benefits on an annual basis to ensure you are in line with the industry standard and reward outstanding performance or loyalty accordingly.