b'EXPERTS CORNERExpectationsvs. RealityAlyssa FoskeyUGA SBDC Valdosta State UniversityD o you have turnover issues? If you answered yes, then you know the value of your workforce. Businesses must have a highly skilled labor force to compete in todays market, no matter the industry. This labor force must have work ethics, or what we call soft skills, as well as the technical skills to perform the job. When our workforce does not meet our standards, do we ever ask why? Is it because they dont want to or is because they dont know too? This leadsEmployees are the lifeblood of a business, and its the companys to the question, as to what happens duringresponsibility to set performance expectations to help employees the onboarding process or is there even anto be successful. We simply cant expect employees to know what to do and what not to do. Cell phones are a hot topic, especially onboarding process?today, since the youngest members of the workforce have grown Effective onboarding is crucial for any new employee.up using them. If a business owner has a no cell phone policy Onboarding is the process of teaching all new employees theduring work hours, then this should be communicated in the culture of the organization and providing them the necessaryemployee handbook. Its poor management to allow cell phone tools and resources to complete the job. People want touse for days, then reprimand an employee for using a cell phone know what is expected of them so they can perform to theduring work hours. Set the expectations for all employees from expectations of the employer. This onboarding process is alsothe start. the perfect time to set the expectations for your business. AnIf you are a business owner, or know of one, that is having employee handbook is the most effective way to communicatetrouble setting employee expectations, or needs assistance the rules, policies, procedures, and any additional details worthyin developing a proper employee handbook, the UGA Small of being written. Once the new employee has the opportunity toBusiness Development Center is a confidential, no-cost resource read the employee handbook, they may have questions to clarifythat can assist with these challenges. Located on Valdosta what is expected in the new position. As a final step, have theState Universitys North Campus, the SBDC is equipped with employee sign the handbook to acknowledge they have read andthe necessary tools to assist in preparing an effective employee understand the information. handbook. Contact the office today for more information.akfoskey@valdosta.edu229.245.3738 georgiasbdc.org62 SG MAGAZINE| FALL 2019 BUSINESS + CULTURE63'