As a recruiter, I meet real estate assistants every day who are looking for new job opportunities. If they are currently employed they are often, they are leaving their current position because they feel unappreciated, overworked, and unfulfilled. They want to be recognized for the hard work they put into their agent’s business and they want opportunities to learn and grow.
Anyone who has had to hire more than one assistant knows that turnover is costly and disruptive. The hiring process can take weeks, and once you hire someone, no matter how good they are, you then have to train them. At a minimum, assistants should stay with you for two years. If your turnover is consistently higher than that, perhaps some of the suggestions listed in this article will help.
If your assistant is someone you would like to keep for the long term, there are many simple things you can do to make them feel appreciated and motivated to continue to do good work. Even though some of the suggestions on this list seem small, they can make a big impact in the life of your assistant.
Rewarding your staff doesn’t take a lot of money or time; but it does require that you care about the people whose job it is to support you, and that you understand what motivates them. Some assistants want growth opportunities, others need to be recognized for a job well done, and others want financial rewards. Knowing what motivates your team members is the first step to creating a reward system that fulfills its purpose; to recognize employees for a job well done and to motivate them to do even better.
Simple ways to reward and motivate your team:
- Flex Hours - If there's one reward that rises above the rest, it's flexible work schedules. Nearly every expert would agree that flex time is a perk that offers the most gain with the least amount of time or effort from the employer.
- Extra Days Off – Give your assistant a few extra paid days off to use as they see fit. Everyone can use more time to themselves or to spend with their family. Extra paid days off provide a chance for the employee to re-energize and continue to work at a high level for your business, and it doesn't really cost you anything extra to do so.
- Better Parking or Workspace – If possible, upgrade your assistant’s parking or work space arrangement. A quieter spot in the office or a more convenient parking space can do wonders to improve morale and productivity.
- Pay for Additional Training – Ask your assistant what software knowledge or other skill they would like help with, and send them to a class. Your investment in your assistant is also an investment in your business.
- Teach Your Assistant a New Skill – You have knowledge and experience that your assistant doesn’t. Take the time to share what you know.
- Pay for Health Insurance – This is a big one. Health insurance is expensive and important. Even paying for part of their coverage will demonstrate that you care.
- Send Flowers - Flowers are a simple way to say Thank You! and Good Job! to an assistant that has gone above and beyond for you.
- Upgrade Their Computer or Software – Up-to-date technology makes work easier and more productive. A bonus for both you and your assistant.
- Give Gift Certificates – A well earned massage or dinner at a favorite restaurant is an inexpensive way to reward your employees.
- Praise in Public – For some people, simply being acknowledged for the good work they do is enough of a reward. Praise in public; reprimand in private.
- Create a New Opportunity – A good assistant want to be challenged. If your assistant has had the same set of responsibilities for more than a year, take notice! Lack of growth opportunities is a top reason why assistants leave jobs. If your assistant has earned it, give them an opportunity to earn more money by learning a new skill or taking on a new responsibility.
- Pay for a Part Time Assistant – Sometimes there is simply too much to do. If your assistant is telling you that they don’t have time to get everything done, allow them to hire a part-timer for a few hours each week to cover clerical tasks.
- Pay For Their Cell Phone or Lease Payment – Instead of a raise that both of you will need to pay taxes on, offer to take over payments on their phone or car. This is a tax deductible expense for you, and a benefit to your assistant.
- Keep Your Promises – Show up for meetings on time, meet your deadlines, do what you say you are going to do. In other words, be a team player whom your assistant can count on to do their part.
Like any relationship, being a boss takes work. As an employer you are responsible for the livelihood and professional development of another person. This can be a rewarding experience that can challenge you and also help you grow as a person. If you have succeeded in finding someone with the talent, intelligence and drive to help you succeed in your career, I hope that you will recognize their efforts and show your gratitude. And remember, if you don’t, another agent will.
