Corporate

WSPS.CA | 2022 HEALTH & SAFETY LEADERSHIP SURVEY WHITE PAPER 17 ATTRACTION AND RETENTION OF STAFF Nearly three quarters of employer respondents (71%) indicate that they have lost employees to preventable issues. They believe the primary reasons for departure are mental health and coping with increased workload, early retirement, and opting to remain on government benefits. Employees agree that increased workload and mental health are the primary factor causing some to leave, but they disagree with employers on the other two. They rank desire for increased flexibility, and in cases where workload has increased, additional pay, as the second and third reasons behind decisions to leave. Kristy Cork, a Mental Health Consultant at WSPS, says she's not surprised to see these numbers. "Employees are looking for more flexibility and are focused on self-care, and employers are starting to realize this isn't a fluffy concept. It is about work/life integration. You don't work your day and then shut off work, and we have more responsibility in our personal and home lives. We have to figure out how to integrate life and work in a way that works for everybody." The article Workplace Wellness + Communication = Retention, published by the International Association of Business Communicators notes, "More companies are realizing that a competitive compensation package is more than the numbers. It must also include perks that address work-life balance, equity and inclusion, and overall wellbeing. However, the path to creating such a workplace continues to elude companies still transitioning through the ripple effects of a global pandemic. Those companies continue to experience a revolving door of talent—and money." 5 Cork says that listening is key. "We guess or make assumptions about what people want. We think things are a concern but we need to ask employees before making major changes or implementing programs. Otherwise, employers are at risk of putting resources where they won't have the desired impact." In the article Employees Want Wellbeing From Their Job and They'll Leave to Find It, 6 Gallup says, "People want a good job and a life well-lived. With record-high resignations and a labor shortage, some leaders now realize that they need to provide more than check-the-box wellness programs and perks to retain their best." Gallup also uses "stay surveys" and conversations to help employers proactively manage this risk. "One of the best ways to outmaneuver turnover is to have frequent, meaningful conversations with employees. Now, more than ever, leaders need to enable supportive conversations with employees about their wellbeing, job expectations, development goals and more—factors that influence employees willingness to stay." 7 " One of the best ways to outmaneuver turnover is to have frequent, meaningful conversations with employees." — Gallup

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