Employment figures are improving. In May, jobs grew by 25,000 in Canada and 41,000 in the US. private sector.

It's good news in many ways, but from an employer's point of view, there's a downside to this tentative recovery. With more jobs available, employees are beginning to look around for better opportunities elsewhere.

An atmosphere of fear, like the one we experienced during the recession, keeps people stuck. An increase in confidence gets them thinking about roaming.

And who will be the first to seek new opportunities?

Of course, it will be our strongest, most skilled, most courageous employees. The very ones we want to keep.

And who will stay, no matter how attractive the outside world? Some fine, dedicated employees, for certain, but also people who see themselves as marginally attractive to employers.

In the worst case scenario, improved employment opportunities remove our best employees and leave behind the least capable.

Employee development programs, including 360 assessments, can be part of the solution.

First, they raise the bar, letting all employees know that skills and commitment matter.

To our most valued employees, they send two more crucial messages.

The first is: "We're paying attention. We can see how well you're producing. You're not going to be ignored."

The second is arguably even more important: "Here's what you're doing well. And here, according to those who know your work best, are areas where you could improve. Now, how can we help you?"

Those messages appeal to employees who have a lot of potential, are eager to grow, and are open to feedback from their peers. In other words, the kind of employees we don't want to lose.

360-degree feedback helps reduce the impact of monetary seduction. Why should they roam, when their most important values are being addressed right here at home?

So if you've put assessment and development programs into cold storage during the recession, it's time to take them out again. Or if you've never used them, start now, and reduce the likelihood of saying goodbye to your best employees.