Attracting and retaining top talent is a challenge that companies of all sizes face, especially those in rural areas or operating on shiftwork schedules. Those factors can make it difficult for workers to be able to commit, whether because of transportation difficulties or other factors, leading to increased absenteeism and difficulty retaining staff. High turnover can then cost a company in revenue, decreased productivity, and a decline in overall workplace morale.
For HR professionals and decision-makers in manufacturing, food production, and similar industries, developing sustainable, year-round employee retention strategies to minimize turnover is a must — ultimately, creating a happier and more loyal workforce.
Fresh Ideas to Turn Down Turnover
When looking at retention of employees strategies, some tried-and-true methods include raising wages, giving retention bonuses, offering overtime and incentives, improving benefits packages, and strengthening company culture through team-building activities. However, these approaches are just the starting point. Let’s explore some additional creative and sustainable strategies to keep employees happy, engaged, and committed to your organization.
1. Upgrade Workplace Facilities
A comfortable and versatile work environment can significantly impact employee satisfaction and retention. Investing in upgraded facilities like clean, well-maintained break rooms, rest areas, and amenities like kitchens can boost morale. Offering separate quiet zones and collaboration rooms can make a big difference, too. In fact, a recent study found that employees prefer to have the choice between quiet spaces for focused, individual work and separate spaces for group work and collaboration projects. When employees feel valued and have access to a variety of upgraded spaces to relax, recharge or work together, their overall morale improves, leading to increased retention rates.
2. Start Health and Wellness Programs
Implementing health and wellness programs that focus on physical and mental well-being can also help. One study found that businesses with wellness programs report a 29% decrease in turnover due to burnout and a 32% decrease in turnover among millennials. Amenities like on-site fitness centers, companywide wellness challenges, and access to mental health counseling services are a few examples of health and wellness perks. Overall, encouraging and supporting a culture of both mental and physical health can reduce stress, prevent burnout, and increase employee engagement.
3. Offer Adjustable Hours or Flexible Schedules
Flexible work schedules are a highly sought after benefit that can help improve retention rates — especially in a post-COVID world, when people place a greater value on work-life balance. Options like flexible start and end times, compressed workweeks, or the freedom to choose a hybrid workweek allows employees to better manage their personal needs and reduces stress. Nicolas Bloom, a Standford Professor of Economics, recently described how a “well organized hybrid” model can contribute to a 5% increase in overall productivity. In this model, all employees work in the office and from home on the same days. Giving employees more control over their work schedule will ultimately lead to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover.
4. Provide Reliable Transportation for Employees
One of the major barriers to employee retention, particularly in rural areas, is the lack of reliable transportation to get to work. Companies that operate seasonally or outside of typical public transit hours face similar retention challenges, too. People want to work, but they either can’t afford the commute or don’t have transportation options. The result is many jobs to fill, and no people to fill them.
However, solutions do exist! There are a variety of commuter benefits available in metro areas, and companies in rural areas can partner with a company like SHARE Mobility to provide commuter transportation benefits like shuttle services or ride-sharing programs. This type of benefit is not only affordable, it fills a key need for employees who have trouble accessing dependable travel to and from work. Creating a reliable last-mile connection can help reduce stress, improve punctuality, and contribute to better work-life balance. Share Mobility offers an all-in-one transportation program management platform designed to simplify transportation logistics and ensure a dependable commute for your workforce, creating a win-win for you and your employees.
5. Allow Job Sharing
Job sharing is a flexible work arrangement where two employees share the responsibilities of a full-time position. This option can help retain employees who may not be able to commit to full-time hours due to personal reasons like caregiving responsibilities or pursuing further education. According to one study, job sharers are even 30% more productive than their full-time co-workers. Job sharing can also help prevent burnout while increasing overall job satisfaction, leading to a more positive work environment.
6. Get Involved Locally
Building a strong connection to the local community and charitable causes can increase employee engagement and retention. Encouraging employees to participate in these activities helps build a strong bond between the company and the community, making employees feel more connected. This is especially important for companies looking to hire and retain younger generations. Gen Z employees may be most likely to participate in these events, as they often have a strong desire to make an impact. This means that companies can not only create a sense of belonging and pride by getting involved in local events, but they can also attract and retain talent aligned with those core values, too.
7. Encourage Time Off
Encouraging employees to use their vacation days and personal leave can have a strong positive effect, helping them to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Many employees hesitate to take time off, fearing it may negatively affect their standing within the company. Mental Health America suggests encouraging employees to actively use vacation planning tools, ask your management to openly discuss PTO options, and to lead by example. By actively promoting the use of vacation time and even adding additional vacation hours where possible, along with approving requests easily, companies can help increase job satisfaction and reduce turnover.
8. Sponsor Training and Improvement
Investing in employee development is a key strategy for improving retention of employees. It’s so important that 94% of employees said they’d stay with their employer longer if the company invested in their development. By providing opportunities for skill development and career advancement through workshops, courses, and certifications, companies show their commitment to employee growth. A well-trained and continuously improving workforce is more likely to feel engaged, valued, and loyal to the company. Moreover, employees who see a clear path to advancement within the organization are less likely to leave for other opportunities.
Conclusion
Reducing turnover and increasing retention requires a proactive approach and a commitment to creating a supportive and flexible work environment. By implementing these innovative strategies, companies can foster a more stable, satisfied workforce — all leading to improved productivity and reduction of costs.
At SHARE Mobility, we understand the importance of reliable transportation as a key factor in employee retention. Our all-in-one transportation program management platform is designed to provide a dependable last-mile connection, helping companies maintain a consistent and engaged workforce. To learn more about how our solutions can support your employee retention strategies, we invite you to explore our website or contact our sales team.
