Since I’ve moved on from AEP, I figured I’d drop some thoughts for anyone in management who actually wants to fix what’s broken.
First off, rethink your pay structure. People aren’t going to stick around for below-market salaries while being expected to take on extra responsibilities. Pay needs to reflect workload and experience, not just your budget goals.
When it comes to advancement, start investing in your own people. Too many qualified folks get passed over while external hires are brought in with no understanding of the culture or team dynamics.
And please, drop the corporate fluff about culture. Most employees know it’s performative. If leadership wants to talk about trust and integrity, they should try practicing it.
Lastly, if there’s any hope of rebuilding morale, stop thinking short-term and start actually developing your teams. People want to grow, not just grind. And when they do speak up, maybe try listening instead of brushing it off.