Retention, the ability to keep employees satisfied and choose to stay with their organisation, took a devastating blow during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the U.S. alone, more than 4 million people quit their jobs in April of 2021. By November 2021, that number soared to a record 4.5 million.¹ The phenomenon of so many employees leaving their jobs after a year of health crisis earned the mass exodus the distinctive title, “the great resignation.”

Which raises the question: In a climate increased turnover, how do you keep employees working and reduce turnover?

First, it’s helpful to understand why employees stay. A recent study by SHRM² identified five leading factors that keep employees happy and satisfied with their jobs:

1. Respectful treatment of all employees at all levels
2. Compensation/pay
3. Trust between employees and senior management
4. Job security
5. Opportunities to use their skills and abilities at work