Golf as an Employee Retention Tool

I recently read an article targeted directly at HR Directors and leaders of major employers.  The author talked about the “five factors that highly engaged workplaces have in common.”  Among the list, terms like alignment, social fulfillment opportunities, belonging, and recognition and employee pride/ownership were pervasive. 

Upon re-reading, I found the second item, “provides social fulfillment opportunities” really jumping out.  Anecdotally, it would seem that most adults spend more time with their coworkers than their own family members these days.  In that context, most employees (aka normal people,) want to share in reliable relationships with meaning and substance, in both personal and professional spaces.  Literally, when it comes to the workplace, most people want to be work among those who see one another as their family members and true teammates.  When viewed in our current digital culture, and it’s shallow at best tendencies, to have friends that you can totally rely on or enjoy spending eight hours together is nearly priceless.

There’s also good news here for major employers.  The PGA of America and partner golf facilities around the country recently unveiled an idea that fits right in this wheelhouse.  The idea is that any major employer can offer Get Golf Ready (GGR) as an “employee benefit” or Talent Development opportunity to their employees in partnership with one or more golf facilities nearby their location or near employees’ homes. 

Briefly, here’s how it works: The PGA will provide you/ the HR department with a customized “interest survey” template to gauge employee interest in the offering.  For those who are interested, they can then be offered the chance to register for a GGR program at one of these facilities with the employer reimbursing some, all or none of the cost (or just create a “special XYZ, Inc employee pricing/package”) depending on the desires of the employer and the current Health & Wellness benefits in place.  Registration is setup via an online link (24/7) so employees can register when it’s convenient for them.  Several success stories are available with major employers around the country including KPMG, Lexmark and Deloitte.  For more information, contact Sandy Cross at the PGA of America via scross@pgahq.comor 561-624-8477.