It’s hard to find a good employee, so when you do find the right person you want them to stick around. As the boss, there are things you can do to help ensure that your employees and co-workers not only stay but thrive in their jobs.

• Choose carefully

Don’t rush and hire someone on impulse. Take the time to find someone who has the credentials and experience and the drive to want to do the type of work you are offering. This could take weeks or even months. Don’t be afraid to hire someone who has less experience yet is passionate about the opportunity. A passionate, dedicated, and enthusiastic employee is worth his or her weight in gold.

• Don’t give them more than they can handle

Suffocating your workers with heavy workloads or long hours will only lead to burnout. There’s nothing wrong with giving someone more responsibility but be careful not to overload your employees simply because you know they can get the job done. Eventually, they may feel as if they are doing more than their fair share and start to lose interest in their job.

• Show that you care

People who spend eight or nine hours a day together develop bonds that go beyond work. Show that you care about your co-workers on a human level; celebrate their milestones and successes, and empathize with their sorrows and challenges

• Honor your commitments

If you make promises to your employees, keep them. The promise could be as simple as holding a company picnic or as lofty as a merit-based promotion but to the employee, each is a symbol of your character and trustworthiness as a boss. If for some reason you have to change or cancel a promise, be sure to explain why

• Offer opportunities to grow

People become bored when they are forced to remain in a static position. Offer new opportunities and challenges, and let employees explore their own passions as well. Their creative energy will overflow into the workplace and create a thriving environment. Listen to your co-workers and offer feedback. It’s up to you as the boss to keep employees motivated, otherwise, complacency will set in.

• Win their trust and respect

Other than offering the highest pay around, brainstorm some of the reasons someone would want to work for you. Do you offer a flexible work schedule, liberal earned-leave policies, or company-paid education? A little imagination can help you create benefits to attract and keep top-notch employees. Poll your employees from time to time to learn more about their goals and motivations and how they want to be treated. Keep the lines of communication open and above all, keep an open mind.