CHECKLIST – BECOMING AN ‘EMPLOYER OF CHOICE’
Attracting and keeping great talent has never been harder — or more important. In a highly competitive job market, being just a “good employer” isn’t enough. The best candidates are searching for more than a paycheque — they want purpose, flexibility, recognition, and a workplace that aligns with their values. That’s why smart business owners and practice leaders are focused on becoming an Employer of Choice.
Whether you’re running a busy practice, a growing business, or a high-performance team, the key to long-term success lies in how well you engage, develop, and retain your people.
This Employer of Choice checklist unpacks the proven drivers of workplace excellence — from culture and leadership to recognition, wellbeing, and career growth.
Use it as your blueprint to:
- Build a magnetic brand that attracts top-tier talent
- Create a high-performing team culture that people love
- Retain your best staff with meaningful benefits and support
- Future-proof your organisation by investing in people
Let’s explore what it really takes to become the kind of workplace your people never want to leave
TOP TIPS TO BE AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE
To attract and retain top talent, your organisation must be seen as credible, ethical, and admired in your field. People want to work for businesses that are well-regarded, socially responsible, and making a meaningful impact.
- Being Respected in your Industry
- Your Reputation – a “Cool” Brand
- Corporate Social Responsibility demonstrated
- Social Consciousness & Charitable Acts
- Environmentally Aware – recycling, energy efficiency etc
- Worthy & Ethical products & services
- Nice Facilities & Workplace Environment
- Good Location – Office Position
CURATE YOUR CULTURE
A thriving workplace culture doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built intentionally through shared values, expectations, and behaviours. Creating a positive, high-performance environment fosters loyalty, teamwork, and long-term staff satisfaction.
- Build a culture of success and achievement
- Core Workplace Values & Ethics are evident
- A unique “Brand” culture
- Set High Standards
- Expectation of performance
- Seek Quality not Mediocrity
- Honesty & openness
- Provide opportunities for feedback
- Hire only the Best
- Honour Older/Mature Workers
- Support Diversity
- Encourage Fun in and out of the office
- Celebrate at Every Opportunity
- Teamwork & Collaboration
- Reduce Status – Space Allocation,
- Remove the Carparking Hierarchy
- Relax the Dress Code
- Reduce Formality
- Give Access to Information
- Practice Open Book Management – Be Transparent
- Fuel excitement
- Enable Public recognition
- Focus on Innovation & Creativity
- Value Research & Development
- Availability of Resources
- Facilitate Better Communication – Internal & External
- Company Rituals and Traditions
DEVELOP YOUR LEADERSHIP
Strong leadership is the backbone of any successful organisation. Inspiring, honest, and future-focused leaders set the tone, nurture talent, and drive a sense of purpose across the business.
- Inspire Servant or Humble Level 5 Leadership
- Future Oriented & Visionary
- Communicate the Vision to all the team
- Deliver Open & Honest Feedback
- Be receptive to Feedback from others
- Create a caring, Coaching Environment
- Opportunities for transfer & promotion
- Take Action and Terminate people if required
- Be Visible & Accessible
- Reach out on a personal level (empathy)
- Recognize special occasions
- Welcome New Employees
- Encourage & Embrace Change
- Avoid Corporate Politics
- Push Accountability down the ladder
- Facilitate High Performance
TAKE CARE OF YOUR PEOPLE
When employees feel supported and valued as whole people — not just workers — they perform at their best. Providing practical support, flexibility, and care builds loyalty and a strong emotional connection to your organisation.
- Provide Corporate Support – EAP Employee Assistance Programs
- Advocate Work/Life Balance
- Encourage the recruitment of friends
- Encourage relationships among employees
- Create a Home-like Environment
- Safe & Healthy working conditions
- Provide the right equipment
- Be technologically up to date
- Champion flexibility in all forms
- Support Recognition and Rewards
- Involve the Employee’s Family & Kids
- Promote Ease and Convenience
- Use Technology to stay connected to others
- Holidays – Annual Leave – is Mandatory
- Stage Employee Appreciation Events
FOCUS ON GROWTH & OPPORTUNITY
Top performers crave learning, development, and career progression. Offering structured growth pathways, skill-building, and mentoring shows your commitment to each individual’s success.
- People want to learn & grow
- Concentrate on Individual Growth
- Supervisors are responsible for development
- Advocate Mentoring & Coaching
- Offer more Training & Development
- Encourage Skill Enhancement
- Build Competence & Confidence
- Provide Cross Training
- Offer a range of Growth Opportunities
- Support Employee Involvement in Volunteering
- Promote from Within
- Arrange sideways transfers for Variety & Growth
- Move Beyond Job Descriptions with Roles
- Clear the way for Young leaders/fast trackers
- Make Learning Convenient
- Everyone can teach someone
- Collaborate with Educational Instititions
PROVIDE MORE MEANINGFUL WORK
People want more than a job — they want to feel their work has purpose and impact. By connecting roles to bigger outcomes and offering intellectual challenge, you keep your team motivated and engaged. As Simon Sinek says – Start with WHY?
- Opportunities to make a positive difference
- Focus & Concentrate on measurable results
- Provide More Intellectual Challenges
- Encourage Collaboration
- Clarify Your Expectations
- Hold People Accountable
- Stretch people to reach their full potential
- Stimulate Creativity
- Rotate Job Assignments
- Empower High performers
- Support Decentralized power
- Offer Stimulating Opportunities
- Focus on the Customer & Results
- Eliminate Restrictive Policies & Procedures
- Focus on Mission, Goals & Profits
- Thank people for Making a Difference
GOOD COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
With rising cost of living, fair pay matters, but it’s only the starting point. A compelling mix of rewards, recognition, health benefits, and financial incentives helps attract high-calibre people and inspires them to stay. If you want an “A Team” – its more than just money.
- Use Performance Based Pay
- Pay for Results
- Profit sharing for Accomplishment
- Give Share Options if possible
- Direct Electronic pay & Billpaying
- Arrange Employee Insurance
- Arrange Annual Physical Examinations
- Wellness Programs – Corporate Fitness Centre
- Encourage Good Eating
BENEFITS OF BEING AN EMPLOYER OF CHOICE
Becoming an Employer of Choice isn’t about ticking a few boxes or offering surface-level perks — it’s about creating a workplace where people genuinely want to be. It’s a strategic commitment to your team’s wellbeing, growth, and sense of purpose.
By fostering a standout reputation, building a vibrant culture, developing strong leadership, and investing in your people’s success, you position your business as a magnet for top talent. In today’s competitive landscape, the best employees have choices — and they’re choosing organisations that value trust, opportunity, and meaning.
Use this checklist as your roadmap. Start with small, consistent actions. Lead by example. And remember — the most successful organisations aren’t just the ones with great products or services. They’re the ones where people love to work.
RECOMMENDED READING
BOOKS ON CULTURE & EMPLOYEE EXPERIENCE
-
The Best Place to Work – Ron Friedman
A science-backed guide to building a workplace where people thrive, focusing on motivation, performance, and satisfaction. - Delivering Happiness – Tony Hsieh
The Zappos story on how customer service, employee engagement, and values-driven leadership create a legendary company culture.
BOOKS ON LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE
-
Good to Great – Jim Collins
Introduces the concept of Level 5 Leadership and outlines how great companies build sustained success through humility, discipline, and people-first thinking. -
Leaders Eat Last – Simon Sinek
A powerful look at how trust, safety, and empathy drive loyalty and performance in teams. -
Multipliers – Liz Wiseman
Explains how the best leaders amplify the intelligence and potential of others — critical reading for empowering high performers.
Further Resources on this website
- Dave’s List of the Best Leadership Books
- Book Summary – Good Boss, Bad Boss by Robert Sutton
