Andrea Herran of Focus HR Consulting reflects on some causes of employee turnover and performance problems and discusses some ways to address these problems. Retaining employees is addressed mainly as a function of cultural fit between the employee and the organization and the employee’s skill set match to the position. The importance of clearly communicating performance expectations is highlighted.

Questions

1. Herran gives the example of an organization with a rigid and strict culture, characterized by strictly enforced rules. The organization provided no leeway or creativity in how work processes were carried out. She then pointed out that “California style, laid-back” employees would never work out there regardless of their skill sets because the culture was too uncomfortable. Do you agree with her? Why or why not? 

2. Which drivers of retention does Ms. Herran address in the video?