5 Key Factors Affecting Employee Retention and How to Improve Them

Employee retention is a major challenge for HR professionals today. With 65% of employees actively seeking new job opportunities and 88% of executives experiencing higher turnover rates, it’s clear that organizations need effective strategies to keep their best talent.

In this blog, we’ll explore five critical factors that impact employee retention and offer actionable tips to improve each.

5 Key Employee Retention Strategies

1. Set Employees Up for Success

One of the most important factors for employee retention is setting your team up for success. When employees feel confident in their roles and see growth opportunities, they are more likely to stay with your organization. Here’s what you can do: 

• Match Skills to Roles: Ensure employees are in positions that align with their skills and passions.
• Set Clear Goals: Provide clear expectations and the resources needed to meet them.
• Offer Training and Development: Invest in ongoing professional development to keep employees engaged.

2. Promote Work-Life Balance and Personal Well-Being

Today’s employees highly value work-life balance. Offering flexible work arrangements can make a significant difference in job satisfaction and help you stand out from competitors. Here’s what you can do: 

• Offer Flexible Work Hours: Provide options for flexible schedules or hybrid work.
• Encourage Personal Time: Don’t just have a PTO policy; encourage people to use it guilt-free. Some organizations have even implemented Unlimited PTO plans that allow employees to decide when to take PTO and how to use it. The employer provides little-to-no parameters as long as tasks are accomplished as expected and the organization does not suffer negative repercussions. 
• Support Mental Health: Offer resources and programs for stress management and mental health. For more information, check out this blog on supporting employee mental health at your SMB.

3. Ensure Greater Stability and Job Security

Employees are more likely to stay with a company that offers stability and a clear growth path. Demonstrating your company’s strength and future prospects can help retain your top talent. Here’s what you can do:

• Communicate Vision: Share your company’s long-term goals and growth plans.
• Show Stability: Highlight your organization’s financial health and market position.
• Provide Career Development: Offer clear paths for advancement and professional growth.
• Prioritize Internal Hiring: Create opportunities for internal promotions and lateral moves to enhance job security and help employees envision a long-term future with your company.
  

Employees often wish to change careers, be it a promotion or simply trying their hand at something different. Offering employees the opportunity for movement within your organization can boost your retention rate and even prove beneficial in the recruitment process.

4. Offer Competitive Salaries and Benefits 

Competitive salaries and benefits are key to retaining employees. Rewarding quality work and loyalty can help you keep your best team members. Here’s what you can do: 

• Define Pay Structure: Establish transparent salary ranges and promotion criteria. Transparency in pay builds trust and helps employees understand their career progression within the company. Consider implementing pay bands or levels docs and sharing these openly with your team.
• Offer Regular Reviews: Conduct performance reviews to discuss raises and promotions. This time can also be used to recognize achievements, identify areas for growth, and set clear expectations for the future. With BerniePortal’s Performance Management feature, you have the tools you need to track one to ones and make data-driven decisions to improve retention.
• Enhance Benefits Packages: Provide comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses. A comprehensive benefits package goes beyond just health insurance and retirement plans. To truly stand out, consider offering benefits that address the diverse needs of your workforce. 

5. Build a Strong Company Brand and Culture

Your company’s reputation and culture play a significant role in employee retention. A positive work environment and strong employer brand can attract and retain top talent. Here’s what you can do: 

• Cultivate a Positive Culture: Foster an inclusive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued and heard. Encourage open communication and promote a sense of belonging. One way to do this is by implementing a recognition program to acknowledge hard work and achievements. 
• Promote Your Brand: Highlight your company’s values, mission, and successes. You can do so by showcasing employee success stories, customer case studies, or by leveraging employee advocacy. Your current employees are your BEST brand ambassadors.
• Continuously Improve: Regularly assess and enhance your company culture and practices to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Be proactive about gaining feedback from your employees through regular employee surveys or focus groups that dive into specific cultural issues at your workplace.

Additional Resources

You can stay informed, educated, and up to date with important HR topics using BerniePortal’s comprehensive resources:

• BernieU—free online HR courses, approved for SHRM and HRCI recertification credit
• BerniePortal Blog—a one-stop shop for HR industry news
• HR Glossary—featuring the most common HR terms, acronyms, and compliance
• Resource Library—essential guides covering a comprehensive list of HR topics
• HR Party of One—our popular YouTube series and podcast, covering emerging HR trends and enduring HR topics
• Community—the HR Party of One Community forum, a place devoted to HR professionals to ask questions, learn more, and help others