Hello!

In today’s rapidly changing startup landscape, top talent can hop between opportunities faster than ever, making it a real challenge to keep your best people aboard.

But did you know it can cost up to twice an employee’s annual salary to replace them?

From recruitment and onboarding to lost productivity, the expenses add up—and can throw a wrench in your growth plans. That’s why employee retention has never been more critical. In this edition, we’re exploring practical ways to build a workplace culture that not only attracts top talent but also keeps them. Let’s dive in!

1. Onboarding That Sets the Tone

• Culture from Day One: A well-planned onboarding process is a powerful first impression. Offer clear expectations, introduce team values early, and provide resources to help newcomers feel at home.
• Mentorship & Buddy Systems: Pairing new hires with seasoned team members accelerates learning and instils a sense of belonging right away.

Why It Matters: Start strong. Research shows that effective onboarding can improve employee retention by up to 82% over the first year. That’s a major difference for any growing startup.

2. A Culture Aligned with Modern Work Expectations

• DEI Initiatives: Emphasising diversity, equity, and inclusion fosters innovation and trust. It also widens your talent pool by making your startup more attractive to a broader range of candidates.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hours or remote options can be a game-changer. When people feel respected and autonomous, they’re more likely to remain loyal.
• Well-Being & Mental Health: From mindfulness sessions to free counselling resources, addressing employee well-being isn’t just a box to tick—it’s a powerful way to show you care.

Why It Matters: People don’t just want a job; they want a work culture that respects their lives. Meeting these modern expectations can significantly reduce turnover.

3. Retention Strategies That Actually Work

• Personal & Professional Development: Offer skills training, internal workshops, or leadership pathways. When employees see a future with you, they’re less inclined to look elsewhere.
• Regular Feedback Loops: Frequent one-to-ones and performance check-ins help everyone stay aligned and motivated. Encourage open dialogue, and be prepared to act on suggestions.
• Celebrate Wins, Big or Small: Recognition goes a long way, whether it’s a simple shout-out or a milestone bonus. Consistently celebrating achievements keeps morale high.

Why It Matters: Genuine recognition and opportunities for growth build a sense of loyalty and purpose. Employees who feel valued are far less likely to look for greener pastures.

4. How OH Nederlands Can Help

At OH Nederlands, we specialise in building and maintaining strong teams for fast-growing startups:

• Subscription-Based Hiring: Get the talent you need with predictable monthly costs, making it simpler to plan budgets and avoid hefty, one-off recruitment fees.
• Expert Culture & Brand Support: We don’t just find candidates—we help you create an employer brand that resonates with people who share your vision and values.
• Retention-Centric Approach: Our focus goes beyond simply filling vacancies. We provide insights and best practices to help you keep the talent you invest in, so you can grow sustainably.
• Retention Focused Recruitment: Our aim is to supply top talent which remain in place for the long term; as a result, we offer a 6 month rebate period!

Tangible Benefits for You:

• Lower turnover costs and higher overall productivity.
• A cohesive culture where employees feel respected, challenged, and motivated.
• Better brand reputation, helping you stand out in a crowded startup ecosystem.

Your Next Step: Ready to Talk Retention?

If you’d like to explore these strategies further or discuss how we can tailor a retention-focused hiring plan for your startup, let’s connect. Simply reply to this email to schedule a quick 15 minute call.

By prioritising a strong culture and thoughtful retention strategies, you’ll not only save on recruitment expenses but also propel your startup towards long-term success.

P.S. Feel free to forward this newsletter to a fellow founder who’s grappling with high turnover—sharing is caring!!