Retaining qualified personnel is a challenge that requires constant two-way communication with the team. Good communication practices are seated deep in an organization's philosophy of operation, and cannot be introduced into the firm overnight. It is a fact that those teams where such solutions operate hold an important trump card in difficult economic times. Thanks to an effective flow of information in both directions, it is possible to maintain transparency of actions and understanding as to the common goals of the firm as a whole. Without these things it is virtually impossible to maintain a good atmosphere within the firm and a high level of employee motivation. All factors affecting employees' level of commitment should ideally be researched on a regular basis.

A crisis is a test for businesses, checking whether in difficult conditions they are able to introduce solutions suited to the situation. Those who can operate effectively at such moments are normally those who have invested in the skills of their employees and have up their sleeves potential candidates who, based on their knowledge and experience, can instantly take up key positions in the firm. The best results at this time are achieved through flexible forms of financial remuneration for employees who make an exceptional contribution to the firm's expansion and the maintenance of its market competitiveness. Appreciation of the extra effort put in by such persons in spite of the crisis, particularly in sectors that have not yet suffered too badly, is necessary in order to retain them within the firm. In the present situation qualified, goal-oriented specialists will have no difficulty finding work.

Joanna Kostrzewa, Human Resources Director at Inter Partner Assistance Poland