Employee Retention Challenges – And How to Navigate Them!

Ruffy Galang | December 12, 2023

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It’s no secret that the key to overseeing a successful and smooth-running company is having the right people positioned in the right roles and retaining them for as long as possible. However, in the U.S. in 2023, that’s easier said than done. Employee retention issues are rampant and causing businesses to suffer.

Every month in the US, between 3 to 4.5 million people representing about 2.3% of the workforce, leave their jobs voluntarily. Many of those vacant positions go unfilled. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of October 2023, there were 9.6 million open job positions.

Looking at these numbers it’s clear that there are more available jobs than people willing to fill them. It also means that for business owners, finding qualified people is harder than ever.

As Ruffy Galang, CEO at Remote Employee says, “American companies are facing real challenges with finding – and keeping – employees. The cost of having to onboard and release multiple candidates is causing some companies to miss out on opportunities and are causing heightened strain on their other operations and other employees.”

In this article we’ll discuss current employee retention issues plaguing American companies today and provide tips on how to navigate them.

What is Happening To Employee Retention in the U.S.A?

The Great Resignation: A Mass Exodus

You’ve probably felt it firsthand or heard the buzz around the “Great Resignation.” It’s the unprecedented wave of employees voluntarily leaving their jobs since the start of the global pandemic. Not surprisingly, this trend is shaking the foundations of many businesses across the U.S.

The height of this trend was in 2022 and over 50 million people left their jobs. The rate of people quitting their jobs is slowing down. However, it’s still not easy for those dealing with low employee retention rates. Companies are still grappling with this mass exodus, trying to navigate its challenges and find meaningful solutions.

Emerging HR Trends: More Than Just Resignations

But, that’s not the whole story; employee retention challenges are not just about resignations. The modern workforce is evolving, with new HR trends emerging that are reshaping the traditional workplace.

Employees now prioritize remote work options, a better work-life balance, and a heightened focus on mental well-being. These shifts, while positive in many respects, bring their own set of retention challenges.

As a business leader, recognizing and adapting to these trends is crucial to navigate the changing landscape.

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What Industries are Struggling Most?

Across the board, industries are grappling with significant employee retention issues. While each sector faces its unique challenges, some are feeling the pinch more than others. As a business leader, you might be wondering if your industry is among those hardest hit. Let’s look into the sectors that are currently navigating turbulent waters when it comes to retaining talent.

• Education. Schools and educational institutions are facing staffing issues, not just with teachers but across all departments. The ripple effects are felt by students, parents, and the community at large.
• Healthcare. From nurses to physicians and administrative staff, the healthcare sector is experiencing burnout and high turnover rates, impacting patient care and operational efficiency.
• Retail. Whether it’s a local boutique or a large chain store, retailers are struggling with short staffing, affecting customer service and sales.
• Accounting & Finance. The demand for skilled professionals in finance roles is high, but retaining them has become a challenge, leading to disruptions in financial operations.
• Data Entry & Back Office. These roles, often overlooked, are crucial for smooth business operations. High turnover rates here can lead to significant operational hiccups.
• Administrative Roles. The backbone of many organizations, administrative staff ensure everything runs seamlessly. However, retaining these vital employees is becoming increasingly difficult.
• Hotels & Accommodations. The hospitality sector, already hit hard by the pandemic, is now facing challenges in retaining staff, impacting guest experiences.

While many industries are facing retention challenges, the above industries are currently navigating some of the toughest terrains. To move forward, innovative solutions will be crucial to address these pressing issues and ensure business continuity.

6 Underlying Causes Behind Employee Retention Problems

Pay Expectations: The Rising Demand for Competitive Salaries

You’re likely feeling the pressure to offer competitive salaries, especially with the rising cost of living and inflation. Employees today expect pay that not only reflects their skills but also keeps pace with the economic climate.

Shortage of Qualified Talent: The Demographic Challenge

As the U.S. grapples with an aging population, many industries are feeling the pinch. The baby boomer generation, one of the largest age groups in the country, is reaching retirement age. This demographic shift is leading to a significant number of experienced professionals exiting the workforce, creating a vacuum that’s not easily filled.

Work/Life Balance: The Quest for Equilibrium

Have you noticed your team’s increasing need for a work/life balance? Overburdening schedules and limited personal time can lead to burnout. It’s essential to recognize and address this need to retain your valuable staff.

Remote Work Needs: The New Normal

The pandemic has reshaped work paradigms. Many of your employees now see remote work not as a perk, but a necessity. Companies that don’t adapt to this new normal might find themselves facing higher attrition rates.

Career Growth and Development: The Path Forward

Are you providing avenues for your team’s growth? Employees seek opportunities for advancement and skill development. A lack of clear career paths or training programs can lead to feelings of stagnation and restlessness.

Company Culture and Values: Aligning Visions

Your company’s culture and values play a pivotal role in retention. Employees want to work where their values align with the organization’s. Ensuring this alignment can be the key to retaining top talent.

Tips to Navigate Today’s Employee Retention Issues and Challenges

Strategies to Enhance Retention Rates

In a recent study, 69% of employees say they’d work harder if better appreciated by their employer. Another report found that 86% of millennials would accept a pay cut for their ideal job.

It’s clear that when employees are happy, engaged, and feel valued in the workplace, they’ll stay – and be more productive. Sometimes the best way to overcome retention struggles is to take a good look at your current HR policies and corporate culture and see if they align with current trends and employee expectations.

• Flexible Work Arrangements. Have you considered offering flexible schedules or compressed workweeks? Catering to diverse employee needs can boost satisfaction and retention.
• Invest in Employee Development. Continuous learning is key. By providing training and skill enhancement opportunities, you’re not just upskilling your team but showing them you value them with growth opportunities.
• Enhance Benefits and Compensation. Think beyond the paycheck. Offering perks like wellness programs or child care assistance can make all the difference in retaining top talent.
• Foster a Positive Company Culture. A supportive and transparent work environment can work wonders. Regular team-building activities and open communication channels can strengthen team bonds.
• Prioritize Mental Health and Well-being. Mental health is paramount. Ensure you’re offering the support and resources your team needs to thrive, both mentally and emotionally.

Innovative Talent Sourcing Strategies

However, despite your best efforts, sometimes retention struggles cannot be solved internally. In that case, it’s a good idea to review your hiring practices and get creative. Consider the following ideas:

• Offshoring as a Strategic Solution. Ever considered offshoring? It’s a game-changer, especially for roles like data entry and back office. You can tap into a global talent pool while achieving significant cost savings.
• Leverage Technology for Recruitment. Embrace AI-driven recruitment tools and platforms. They can help you reach a wider, more diverse talent pool.
• Collaborate with Educational Institutions. Building partnerships with colleges can open doors to fresh, eager talent ready to make their mark.

Offshoring can resolve more than just poor retention rates. Learn more in our blog. Business Process Outsourcing – Everything You Need to Know Advantages of Collections Outsourcing Learn to Offshore Software Development the Right Way

How Offshoring Can Help Resolve Employee Retention Challenges for American Companies

As we’ve discussed, the challenges of employee retention and labor shortages are pressing concerns for many American businesses. But there’s a strategic solution that offers both relief and opportunity: offshoring. Let’s dig in.

Access to a Global Talent Pool

Dive into a vast reservoir of talent. Offshoring opens doors to specialized skills and expertise that might be scarce locally. Imagine having a team of dedicated professionals, bringing diverse perspectives to your projects.

Cost-Effective Solution

Your bottom line matters. Offshoring not only offers reduced labor costs but also significant operational savings. It’s about getting quality work without breaking the bank.

24/7 Operations

Time zones can be your ally. With teams in other timezones, your business can run round-the-clock, ensuring continuity and enhanced productivity.

Scalability and Flexibility

Business needs change, and offshoring provides the flexibility to scale operations up or down seamlessly. Adaptability is the name of the game.

Overcome Challenges In Employee Retention with Remote Employee

Navigating the challenges of employee retention and labor shortages can be daunting, but solutions like offshoring present affordable, realistic solutions. Consider Remote Employee.

With our guidance, you’ll gain access to a pool of professional, English-speaking talent from the Philippines, that are highly-qualified, experienced, and dedicated to delivering quality work.

Hire for the roles you need to fill, including:

• Back office administration
• Accounting
• Web development
• And more

Why struggle with a depleting and lackluster talent pool when you can tap into a global reservoir of qualified candidates?

Ready to propel your business forward?

Take the leap and explore new possibilities by contacting Remote Employee today.