Retain Your Employees By First Knowing Why They Leave

The unemployment rate in the United States is currently 10.2%. Of those employed, 48% are actively looking for new jobs within the next year. Although we are living through an unprecedented time, it’s still just as important to maintain quality employees and to ensure a positive work environment, if not more than ever. Nowadays, people are filled to the brim with stress, worry, and the unknown, so as a business owner, it’s your job to do your best to create a consistent and overall positive atmosphere on the regular. If not, your staff may seek employment elsewhere. 

There are three things you must do to begin creating a positive environment: 1) hire the right people, 2) offer great benefits, and 3) pay above the standard rates. 

It’s also beneficial to know why employees tend to leave their current workplace. Some of these reasons could include…

Not engaged enough. 

Some employees will look for jobs elsewhere if they aren’t connected to their work. Without the passion, there is motivation lost. Rather than hanging onto a position where they feel as though they have no challenges or drive, they’ll look for a job elsewhere. 

Poor managers. 

It’s been said that most people don’t quit their jobs, they quit their managers. If an employee is leaving, the first place to look is management. Was the employee unhappy? Were their concerns about the workplace ever addressed? Employees want to feel valued and acknowledged. A simple “thank you” after making a request could change everything. It’s been said quality managers/bosses will sit down with their employees on a regular basis to discuss any questions or concerns they may have. 

No opportunity for growth. 

Nobody wants to stay in one place forever. If an employee feels stuck in the same position with the same tasks for the rest of their career, they will likely look elsewhere for a position where they can grow with a company and not remain static. If possible, find ways for your employees to grow. 

Outdated procedures and technology. 

Outdated equipment can be annoying and slow. It can also greatly impact how an employee is able to do their job. If they run into issues with the technology offered and address the issue with no resolution, they may seek employment elsewhere. Stay up-to-date when you can - not only for your employees, but for the business itself. Stay with the times!

Unclear company vision. 

If an employee is unsure where they stand in a company’s short-term and/or long-term vision, they may feel small or insignificant. Remember to reiterate the company’s vision and everyone’s role in reaching the finish line. We all just want to have a purpose - help your employees if they feel lost within the bigger picture. 

No work-life balance. 

This is a deal breaker for many. If there is no work-life balance, employees will start looking for another job within a company that values a healthy balance. Some people don’t mind being on the clock 24/7, but others have families and other engagements outside of work. Keep in mind that work is only one portion of a person’s day - not the entire piece. 

To help retain your employees, try to keep them satisfied as best as you can. Teamwork makes the dream work and you cannot do it alone. Take care of your team and be careful when adding new additions. Consider handing out employee surveys for honest feedback on your workplace environment to find ways to improve and grow together.