Six ways to boost employee retention

Amid the Great Resignation and “quiet quitting” trends, employers are looking for ways to retain their valuable employees. To cut down on turnover in a tight labour market, employers should endeavor to create a strong workplace culture where employees feel valued and motivated, according to Kiljon Shukullari of HR consultancy Peninsula Canada. Below are six areas to target to build an attractive workplace with sticky employees.

The first and likely most important area is salary and benefits. Persistent inflation has spurred many people to change jobs for better pay, so ensuring a company’s salary and benefits are aligned with industry standards is a central way to cut turnover.

Another important measure, according to Shukullari, is ensuring clarity in job expectations and responsibilities during the interview process. For example, being transparent about the necessity of occasional overtime might initially dissuade some applicants, but it will help prevent dissatisfaction that may lead to turnover later on.

Recognizing and rewarding good work is an effective avenue to make employees feel valued and appreciated. Shukullari says companies can hold socials and contests in the holiday season with gift cards and other rewards, but even small gestures like shoutouts over team chats can be a good idea.

Next, work-life balance is a key way to decrease burnout and associated higher turnover. Employers should set realistic workload and deadlines, the HR advisory manager says, setting up one-on-one meetings to offer support and to make sure workload is manageable.

Workers may also leave because they receive few opportunities for advancement at a company. Managers should consult with their staff on career goals and provide tools and resources for advancement. Companies can also provide tangible career advancement by providing training programs, creating internal mentorship and pipeline programs, and promoting from within to fill vacancies.

Lastly, remote/hybrid/flexible working arrangements are an excellent perk in the battle for retention. Many employees will change jobs at or near the same compensation level if the other role allows for remote work. It is particularly attractive to parents with childcare duties and enables workers to save money on commuting. Remote work also allows workers to save on cost of living by not having to live in increasingly unaffordable Canadian metropolises.