Employee Retention Statistics: Latest Data & Summary

Last Edited: April 23, 2024

Highlights: The Most Important Statistics

  • 87% of HR leaders consider improved retention as a high or critical priority.
  • High staff turnover can cost up to twice an employee's salary.
  • 47% of HR leaders cited employee retention as their top workforce management challenge.
  • Over 25% of employees are high-risk for turnover.
  • Poor management could be costing your company an estimated $7trillion in lost productivity.
  • 75% of the causes of employee turnover are preventable.
  • New hires who went through a well-structured onboarding program were 69% more likely to remain at a company up to three years.
  • Companies that implement regular employee feedback have turnover rates that are 14.9% lower than for employees who receive no feedback.
  • Employees who do not feel adequately recognized are twice as likely to say they'll quit in the next year.
  • About 32% of employees would leave their job if they didn't feel appreciated.
  • Companies with engaged employees outperform those without by 202%.
  • When asked what leaders could do more of to improve engagement, 58% of respondents replied 'give recognition'.
  • Employees who feel their superiors treat them with respect are 63% more satisfied with their jobs.
  • Job insecurity ranks as one of the largest factors in employee disengagement, with 1 in 3 employees feeling their job is at risk.
  • Companies with poor contact and communication between employees and their superiors suffer 16% lower profit margin.
  • 51% of workers are looking to leave their jobs.
  • 89% of HR leaders agree that ongoing peer feedback and check-ins are key for successful outcomes.
  • 22% of new hires leave their jobs within 45 days of being hired.

Employee retention is a critical aspect of any organization’s success. High turnover rates can have significant financial implications and impact the overall company culture. In this blog post, we will explore key employee retention statistics that uncover trends, challenges, and opportunities for businesses to improve and strengthen their workforce retention strategies.

The Latest Employee Retention Statistics Explained

87% of HR leaders consider improved retention as a high or critical priority.

The statistic that 87% of HR leaders consider improved retention as a high or critical priority indicates a strong consensus among human resources professionals regarding the significance of employee retention within organizations. This high percentage suggests that retaining employees is a top concern for HR leaders, highlighting the recognition of the impact that employee turnover can have on an organization’s productivity, morale, and bottom line. It suggests that strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing employee retention are likely to be a focal point for many HR departments, reflecting the importance placed on maintaining a stable and engaged workforce.

High staff turnover can cost up to twice an employee’s salary.

The statistic “High staff turnover can cost up to twice an employee’s salary” indicates that the financial implications of frequent turnover within an organization can be substantial. When an employee leaves, the organization incurs costs associated with recruiting, hiring, and training a replacement, as well as potential productivity losses during the transition period. Furthermore, turnover can impact team morale and overall productivity, potentially leading to further financial consequences. By estimating that the cost of turnover can reach as high as double the departing employee’s salary, the statistic highlights the significant impact that employee churn can have on the financial health and stability of an organization.

47% of HR leaders cited employee retention as their top workforce management challenge.

This statistic indicates that nearly half of Human Resources (HR) leaders consider employee retention to be the most significant issue they face when managing their workforce. The high percentage highlights the critical importance of retaining talented employees in today’s competitive job market, as turnover can lead to increased costs, decreased productivity, and disruptions in operations. HR leaders are likely focusing their efforts on implementing strategies to attract, develop, and retain employees in order to maintain a skilled and engaged workforce, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the organization.

Over 25% of employees are high-risk for turnover.

The statistic “Over 25% of employees are high-risk for turnover” indicates that a significant portion of the workforce within a particular organization or industry is at a heightened risk of leaving their jobs. High turnover rates can have negative implications for businesses, leading to increased recruitment and training costs, decreased productivity, and potential disruptions in company operations. Identifying employees who are at risk for turnover is crucial for employers to implement strategies aimed at improving employee retention and job satisfaction, ultimately enhancing overall organizational stability and success.

Poor management could be costing your company an estimated $7trillion in lost productivity.

The statistic suggests that poor management practices within companies may be resulting in a significant loss of productivity, estimated at $7 trillion. This indicates that ineffective leadership, decision-making, communication, or organization within firms could be hindering employee performance and ultimately impacting the bottom line. The magnitude of the estimated financial impact highlights the importance of strong management practices in maximizing productivity and profitability for companies. Addressing and improving management quality could potentially unlock substantial value and enhance overall organizational success.

75% of the causes of employee turnover are preventable.

The statistic “75% of the causes of employee turnover are preventable” suggests that a large majority of reasons why employees leave a company could have been avoided or mitigated through proactive measures. This statistic highlights the potential impact of strategic human resource management practices in reducing turnover rates and improving employee retention. By identifying and addressing the root causes of turnover, such as poor management, lack of career development opportunities, or inadequate work-life balance, organizations can create a more supportive and engaging work environment that encourages employees to stay longer. Implementing preventative measures based on insights from data analysis and employee feedback can ultimately lead to higher employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall organizational success.

New hires who went through a well-structured onboarding program were 69% more likely to remain at a company up to three years.

The statistic indicates that new hires who participated in a well-structured onboarding program were 69% more likely to stay at the company for up to three years compared to those who did not go through such a program. This suggests that an effective onboarding process plays a crucial role in employee retention, potentially leading to greater job satisfaction and commitment to the organization. By providing new hires with the necessary support, guidance, and information during their initial period of employment, companies can improve the chances of retaining talented employees for the long term, ultimately benefiting both the individual and the organization as a whole.

Companies that implement regular employee feedback have turnover rates that are 14.9% lower than for employees who receive no feedback.

The statistic indicates that there is a 14.9% lower turnover rate in companies that consistently provide feedback to their employees compared to those that do not offer any feedback to their employees. This suggests that regular employee feedback plays a significant role in enhancing employee retention within organizations. Employees who receive feedback are likely to feel more engaged, valued, and supported in their roles, leading to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates. By fostering open communication channels for feedback, organizations can potentially create a more positive work environment that encourages employee growth and development, ultimately contributing to lower turnover rates and improved employee retention.

Employees who do not feel adequately recognized are twice as likely to say they’ll quit in the next year.

This statistic suggests a strong relationship between employee recognition and retention within an organization. Specifically, it indicates that employees who do not feel adequately recognized for their work are at a significantly higher risk of leaving their jobs compared to those who do feel recognized. The implication is that recognition plays a crucial role in employee engagement and satisfaction, serving as a key factor in their decision to remain with the company or seek opportunities elsewhere. By addressing the recognition gap, organizations can potentially improve employee retention rates and create a more positive and fulfilling work environment.

About 32% of employees would leave their job if they didn’t feel appreciated.

The statistic that about 32% of employees would leave their job if they didn’t feel appreciated highlights the importance of recognition and acknowledgment in the workplace. This statistic suggests that a significant portion of the workforce values feeling valued and recognized for their contributions, and that lack of appreciation could have a direct impact on employee retention. Employers should take note of this finding and prioritize strategies to show appreciation for their employees in order to foster a positive work environment and retain talent within the organization.

Companies with engaged employees outperform those without by 202%.

The statistic implies that companies with engaged employees, who are emotionally committed and focused on their work, deliver significantly better performance compared to those without engaged employees. Specifically, the data suggest that companies with high employee engagement levels achieve a 202% higher level of overall performance in various key areas such as productivity, profitability, customer satisfaction, and innovation. This highlights the strategic importance of fostering employee engagement within organizations, as it can lead to substantial competitive advantages and improved business outcomes.

When asked what leaders could do more of to improve engagement, 58% of respondents replied ‘give recognition’.

The statistic indicates that a majority of respondents, specifically 58%, believe that leaders can improve engagement by giving more recognition. This suggests that employees value being appreciated and acknowledged for their contributions and efforts in the workplace. By recognizing and praising employees for their hard work, leaders can not only boost morale and motivation but also foster a positive work environment where employees feel valued and engaged. Acknowledging the importance of recognition in boosting engagement highlights the need for leaders to prioritize showing appreciation for their team members’ work to enhance overall productivity and job satisfaction.

Employees who feel their superiors treat them with respect are 63% more satisfied with their jobs.

The statistic “Employees who feel their superiors treat them with respect are 63% more satisfied with their jobs” suggests a strong positive relationship between perceived respect from superiors and job satisfaction among employees. This indicates that when employees feel valued, appreciated, and respected by their superiors, they are significantly more likely to be satisfied with their jobs. This finding underscores the importance of fostering a respectful and positive work environment where employees feel supported and recognized by their managers, which can ultimately lead to higher levels of job satisfaction and potentially contribute to improved organizational performance and employee retention.

Job insecurity ranks as one of the largest factors in employee disengagement, with 1 in 3 employees feeling their job is at risk.

The statistic states that job insecurity is a significant contributor to employee disengagement, impacting a substantial portion of the workforce. Specifically, the statistic highlights that 1 in 3 employees feel that their job is at risk, indicating a pervasive sense of instability in the workplace. This level of perceived job insecurity can lead to decreased motivation, productivity, and overall engagement among employees. Employers should therefore take proactive measures to address this issue, such as providing clear communication, feedback, career development opportunities, and support to help alleviate employee concerns and foster a more positive work environment.

Companies with poor contact and communication between employees and their superiors suffer 16% lower profit margin.

The statistic indicates that companies experiencing inadequate contact and communication between employees and their superiors tend to have a 16% lower profit margin compared to those with effective communication practices. This suggests that open and clear communication channels within an organization can have a significant impact on its financial performance. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, decreased employee morale, inefficiencies, and ultimately lower productivity and profitability. Therefore, companies should prioritize fostering a culture of open communication to enhance their overall performance and bottom line.

51% of workers are looking to leave their jobs.

The statistic that 51% of workers are looking to leave their jobs indicates a significant level of dissatisfaction and potential turnover within the workforce. This statistic suggests that a substantial portion of employees are actively considering seeking alternative employment opportunities. It may be indicative of underlying issues within the workplace such as poor management, lack of career advancement opportunities, inadequate compensation, or a negative work environment. Employers should take this statistic seriously and take proactive measures to address the root causes of dissatisfaction in order to retain valuable employees and maintain a motivated and productive workforce.

89% of HR leaders agree that ongoing peer feedback and check-ins are key for successful outcomes.

The statistic that 89% of HR leaders agree that ongoing peer feedback and check-ins are key for successful outcomes indicates a high level of consensus among human resources professionals regarding the importance of continuous evaluation and communication in the workplace. This finding suggests that HR leaders recognize the value of regular feedback from peers in promoting employee growth and improving overall performance. By emphasizing the significance of ongoing interactions and feedback within teams, organizations can foster a culture of continuous improvement, enhance collaboration, build stronger relationships among employees, and ultimately drive successful outcomes.

22% of new hires leave their jobs within 45 days of being hired.

The statistic that 22% of new hires leave their jobs within 45 days of being hired indicates a relatively high turnover rate in the early stages of employment. This high percentage suggests potential issues with the hiring process, onboarding procedures, job fit, company culture, or other factors that may be leading to dissatisfaction among new employees. Employers should pay attention to these early departure rates as they can be costly, both in terms of recruitment and training expenses as well as potential impacts on team morale and productivity. Addressing these underlying issues through improvements in recruitment practices, onboarding processes, and overall employee engagement strategies can help reduce turnover rates and improve retention of new hires.

References

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About The Author

Jannik is the Co-Founder of WifiTalents and has been working in the digital space since 2016.

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