Employee turnover can increase business costs significantly. Turnover is particularly costly when the economy is experiencing a period of low unemployment. This fosters a job-shifting environment, which results in lost productivity and increased recruitment time periods. Therefore it is pertinent that employers attract quality employees and increase retention efforts.

On Tuesday, October 16, 2007, a workshop will be held to address employee recruitment and retention. Several key issues will be covered including: recruitment techniques, retention efforts, immigration, hiring, background investigations, and applicant testing.

The keynote speaker, Kristine Sexter, has spent 19 years researching the best methods for recruiting, developing and retaining top talent. Ms. Sexter is nationally renowned for her work with clients in the healthcare, hospitality, and manufacturing industries. Other speakers include Attorney Richard Salamy and Attorney Tim Eisel. Mr. Salamy will discuss immigration issues related to employment, and Mr. Eisel will cover a variety of issues ranging from background investigations to hiring.

The workshop will be held in the Ardmore Convention Center from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The workshop is offered free of charge and lunch will be provided.  Workshop sponsors are: Southern Workforce Board, Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, Workforce Oklahoma, Southeastern State University Center for Regional Competitiveness, and the Governor’s Council for Workforce and Economic Development. Local employers are encouraged to take advantage of this workshop. Registrations must be received prior to October 10, 2007 and can be found here. For more information please contact Darla Thomas at 580 924-5331.