Why would I want to work for your company?  Or, if I am already employed by you, why would I want to stay?

In a competitive market where companies compete for market share, customer loyalty, brand positioning and even employee talent, your ability to answer these questions may well determine your company's future success.  Success in retaining and acquiring customers, as well as driving brand preference, is a direct outcome of the quality of talent your company is able to attract and retain.

For ideas on how to ensure your company ranks as one of “the best places” to work among your potential applicants and employees, check out the companies who made this year’s Fortune magazine list of “The 100 Best Companies to Work For.”

By and large, the companies with the lowest turnover (e.g., 2%) and the highest rankings are those who provide an open culture and who invest regularly in their employees.

Companies with an open culture create opportunities for all of their team members to make contributions – at work and in their community.  Employees at all levels within the organization are viewed as trusted advisors. Transparency and collaboration lead to widespread support for business decisions, new initiatives and organizational change.

Fortune’s list provides many examples of how successful companies invest in their employees. Health and wellness programs, generous compensation and benefits, quality of life initiatives, and training opportunities reflect how much these companies value their employees.

If I asked you the questions I posed earlier, how would you answer? 

For more on attracting and retaining employee talent, please see:
• Fortune’s 100 Best Companies: What Words Describe You?
• Brand Loyalty Begins at Home…With Your Employees
• Managing for Great Performance