As an employer, one of your biggest challenges is recruiting and retaining key talent. So why not give them what they want while getting a little something in return? When an employee approaches you to participate in a swap, you’ll need to know what’s in it for you. Here are some of the most valuable benefits:

Retention of key employees.

It’s likely that your employee who wants to swap thought long and hard before they came to you with the proposition. Swapping is obviously something they feel passionately about. In the past, if an employee wanted to spend a few weeks or months out of the office, they had to quit their job and the fact is losing an employee costs a lot of money. Not only are there lost productivity and morale issues, but also recruitment fees and resources. Why even let them consider quitting when you can help them have it all and help your business in the process?

Out hire the competition.

Many businesses offer similar compensation and benefit packages. When employees are making a decision about where to go, sometimes the little perks make a big difference. Being a business that promotes and encourages swapping of responsible employees can be just enough to bring in the big guns.

Local presence for remote clients.

If you have an important client in London or Paris, why not send an employee over as a local resource? Having a local presence during a key project shows commitment to the client and demonstrates their importance.

A rejuvinated employee with enhanced experience.

When your employee returns from their swap, they’ll be creatively rejuvenated from collaborating with talented creatives and being surrounded by a unique culture. They’ll appreciate the experience you gave them and be more loyal to your business. Plus, you’ll be able to tout international experience!

Newfound knowledge shared with your team.

Your employee will bring back newfound ideas and knowledge about creativity, processes and client relations after being surrounded by a new culture for a few weeks or months. They’ll have seen what works and doesn’t for another company and it’ll give them a new perspective on how to tackle some of your business challenges.

Access to potential new clients.

Depending on who you send on the swap and their capabilities, you may find you’re able to sell your services to a new, expanded audience. Your employee can spend part of their time abroad making contacts and spreading the word about your capabilities.

The cool factor.

Let’s face it, when you conference in an employee from Amsterdam, Moscow or across the US, clients will think that’s pretty cool. It gives you an international allure. Just be prepared to start each meeting discussing the weather.

PR.

Share your swap experience with the press. This is “news” compared to how most employers conduct business.