Attracting and Retaining Employees During the Great Reshuffle
May 24, 2022
Attracting and Retaining Employees During the Great Reshuffle

The labor market is a bit unpredictable at the moment. Economists previously warned of a “Great Resignation,” a time when employees were expected to quit in record numbers and leave considerable vacancies in the workforce. This actually happened somewhat—according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were a record number of resignations at the end of 2021. Although the number of quits dropped at the beginning of 2022, the employment market is back to experiencing record-high quit rates.


However, while mass resignations still took place, the concern about massive numbers of workers leaving the workforce hasn’t come to fruition. Rather, instead of quitting the workforce entirely, employees have simply been finding better jobs. Economists have begun referring to the situation not as the Great Resignation but as the “Great Reshuffle.”


This article explains how employers can focus their attraction and retention efforts to capitalize on this moment of worker fluidity.


Overview of the Employment Situation

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many workers became disillusioned with their positions. Some were concerned about having to work in person despite fears of infection; others struggled to manage both work and child care responsibilities. Many of these workers were entry-level and also lacked basic employee benefits.


Summarily, worker grievances became more salient even as working conditions became less safe due to COVID-19. Finally, toward the end of 2021, many workers hit their breaking point and opted to leave their current employers. Employees’ key decision factors revolved around compensation, benefits and the flexibility of remote and hybrid work.


Economists initially feared these employees would stay out of the workforce, living instead off savings accumulated during the pandemic. But in recent months, that hasn’t happened. According to the BLS, employee quits reached a record high of 4.5 million in March 2022. However, total employment has trended up, with total nonfarm payroll employment rising by 431,000 in March.


This means that workers who left their unfulfilling positions seem to be seeking more rewarding careers. Sectors hit hardest by mass resignations include food services, health care, transportation, warehousing and utilities, according to BLS data. Effectively, industries that employed large numbers of in-person workers throughout the pandemic appear to be struggling the most to retain talent.


Employer Attraction and Retention Tips

It’s impossible to make every employee happy with a single workplace solution; there is nuance to every resignation. However, there are some common strategies employers can explore when trying to attract and retain workers who want something more from their careers.


Invest in Worker Career Growth

One of the best ways to figure out what perks employees want is to simply ask them. According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends survey, employees say they want more professional development (59%), workplace flexibility (48%), and mental health and well-being resources (42%).


Investing in workers by expanding professional and well-being opportunities is the opposite of what employees participating in the Great Reshuffle are used to doing. Employers can simultaneously enhance their staffing levels and worker skill levels by offering these workers a chance to enrich their careers via upward mobility. Pairing these programs with additional mental health resources can also help employers scale their operations while reducing cases of burnout.


Offer Flexibility

As previously mentioned, LinkedIn’s survey shows that 42% of workers are looking for greater workplace flexibility. This could mean allowing employees to work from home in some situations, letting employees choose their working hours, permitting employees to take time off unexpectedly or allowing any number of workplace arrangements.


Essentially, a “flexible” workplace compromises where, how and when employees work. Given the desire for flexible working conditions, adding such opportunities could be an easy way for employers to attract and retain workers. However, this is really only an option for sectors that don’t rely on in-person workers.


Provide Stability and Safety

Mental health and general well-being are now commonly discussed in employment conversations. After enduring the COVID-19 pandemic for so long, workers refuse to compromise their well-being for a paycheck. Employers can help demonstrate how much they value their workers by expanding mental health and well-being resources. Providing such assistance can reduce potential burnout and help retain employees longer.


Reach Out Directly

At the end of the day, the most worthwhile workplace offerings will be the ones employees desire. While some solutions are generally universal, such as increased compensation, employers may uncover additional options by reaching out directly to employees. In other words, employers can ask employees what perks or benefits would convince them to stay with the organization longer. This could even uncover overlooked solutions that might make employees just as happy as other more costly options.


Conclusion

There’s no one solution to the current labor market issues. But, the good news is that there still seems to be a high number of potential workers available; it’s just a matter of attracting and retaining them. By listening to employee desires and offering tangible perks, employers can help maintain their staffing levels.


Reach out to SimcoHR to discuss your attraction and retention strategy or request additional workplace guidance

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The Employer's Guide to 2026 Minimum Wage Updates

November 5, 2025
As we move into 2026, employers across many states and localities are preparing for significant minimum wage increases. Nearly 20 states and more than 40 local jurisdictions will raise their wage thresholds effective January 1, 2026. This poses important planning, budgeting, and compliance considerations, especially for mid-sized employers like those that partner with Simco, where payroll, HR, benefits and advisory services intersect. Below we’ve summarized key state and local minimum wage updates and outlined the steps you should take now to stay ahead of the changes and mitigate risk. State-Level Minimum Wage Increases (January 1, 2026) The table below highlights selected state increases scheduled for January 1, 2026.

The Benefits of Outsourcing HR: Save Time, Cut Costs, and Boost Engagement

October 24, 2025
When HR Is Overloaded, Your Business Feels It For many small to mid-sized businesses, HR is one of the most critical (and most overextended) functions. From payroll and benefits to onboarding and compliance reporting, administrative tasks can quickly consume your team’s time, leaving little room for strategic work that actually moves the business forward. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. A recent survey from Champions of Change: isolved’s Fourth-Annual HR Leaders’ Research Study found that 51% of HR leaders spend four or more hours a day answering repetitive questions. This time could be better spent on employee engagement, culture, and growth initiatives. When HR teams are pulled in too many directions, the consequences ripple across the entire organization, resulting in missed deadlines, frustrated staff, compliance risks, and ultimately, higher turnover. Why HR Leaders Consider Outsourcing Outsourcing HR isn’t just for businesses without dedicated HR teams. In fact, a survey of 1,000 HR decision-makers found that 76% could benefit from outsourcing certain tasks, even though only 54% currently have plans to do so. HR outsourcing allows organizations to offload both core and strategic tasks, including payroll, benefits administration, recruitment, onboarding, compliance support, performance management, employee relations, and workforce analytics, without adding headcount. This augmentation provides a multiplier effect: a small HR team can function like a much larger one, accomplishing more in less time. By leveraging experienced HR professionals through outsourcing, organizations can free up internal HR teams to focus on initiatives that directly impact business growth, such as talent development, employee engagement, and culture-building. Routine administrative tasks, when handled externally, no longer distract from these high-value priorities. The True Cost of Administrative Overload Overburdened HR teams don’t just affect your internal operations; they impact your employees’ experience. Inconsistent onboarding can create a rocky first impression for new hires. Delayed payroll or benefits questions lead to frustration and decreased trust. Compliance oversights expose your business to fines and legal risk. Even small inefficiencies add up. According to the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), organizations that leverage an outsourced HR model achieve an average ROI of 27.2% per year, saving around $1,775 per employee while paying $1,395 per employee for outsourced services. That’s not just cost savings, it’s a reinvestment in your team and your business. The Power of Strategic HR Outsourcing Outsourcing doesn’t mean giving up control or handing HR off to a faceless provider. Done strategically, it’s about extending your team. Administrative tasks like payroll, benefits, onboarding, and reporting can be handled efficiently by experts, while HR teams gain confidence that compliance requirements are being met. Most importantly, it frees internal HR to pivot from reactive, day-to-day tasks toward engagement, culture-building, and retention strategies. Outsourced HR support can scale with your business, providing additional expertise during busy periods, leaves of absence, or rapid growth phases. The impact is clear. Teams feel supported, employees feel heard, and the organization operates smarter, not harder. With the right outsourcing partner, a small HR team can act like a team of 10, and a team of five can perform like a team of 25, all while maintaining compliance and efficiency. Retention Starts With the Right Employee Experience When administrative burdens are reduced, HR teams can focus on creating meaningful experiences for employees. Transparent processes around pay, benefits, and policies build trust. Faster, more organized onboarding leaves a strong first impression. Access to modern self-service HCM tools empowers employees to manage their own information, reducing repetitive questions and improving engagement. By leveraging experienced HR professionals to handle gaps in internal processes, organizations can enhance overall employee satisfaction, ensuring every interaction, from onboarding to open enrollment, feels seamless and supportive. A Smarter Approach to HR Means a Stronger Business Across industries, companies are recognizing that HR outsourcing is no longer a luxury. It’s a strategic advantage. Organizations that adopt a blended model of technology and advisory support report measurable reductions in administrative workload, cost savings compared to maintaining fully in-house HR teams, and improved engagement for employees. Strategic HR outsourcing allows internal teams to shift from transactional tasks to big-picture initiatives, creating a more resilient, efficient, and high-performing workforce. At the end of the day, HR isn’t just a function; it’s the backbone of your organization. When it’s overextended, the entire business suffers. But with the right support, HR teams can focus on meaningful initiatives, employees feel more valued, and the business benefits from measurable ROI. Strategic HR outsourcing isn’t about replacing your team, it’s about empowering it. Your people, your culture, and your bottom line all benefit. Curious how Simco's HR Advisory services can help your business? Let's talk today.

Your Medicare Plan Is Discontinued: What’s Next?

October 14, 2025
If you recently received notice that your Medicare plan, or Medicare Advantage plan, is being discontinued, you’re not alone. Across the country (and right here in New York), insurers are scaling back or exiting less profitable markets ( Kiplinger ). While this can feel stressful, there are steps you can take to make sure your coverage doesn’t lapse and to find a better plan for your health and budget. Why Are Plans Being Discontinued? A mix of financial pressure, federal reimbursement changes, and rising health costs is driving insurers to reduce their Medicare Advantage footprints: Some major insurers are cutting back or exiting entire counties. For example, UnitedHealth announced it will discontinue its Medicare Advantage presence in 109 U.S. counties in 2026, according to Reuters . Local carriers in New York are also making changes: MVP is dropping several plans, and CDPHP is eliminating certain drug-coverage options, the Times Union explains . These shifts are happening alongside tighter government funding and increased regulatory strain. Because insurers must absorb the extra cost of covering benefits while meeting regulatory caps (for example, on prescription drug out-of-pocket limits), some plans become financially unsustainable and are discontinued ( the Kaiser Family Foundation ). Steps to Take if Your Plan Is Discontinued Here’s how to act so you don’t lose coverage: 1. Review the notice you received carefully Your insurer is required to send you a non-renewal or discontinuance notice. It often includes deadlines, whether you can enroll through a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), and what options you have. 2. Note the relevant enrollment period The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 to December 7, 2025 , during which you can switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. If your plan was discontinued, some notices allow you to select a new plan until December 31 without penalty. In limited cases, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) following the discontinuation. 3. Research your options early Don’t wait until the last minute. Compare plans available in your area. Key things to look at: Provider networks: Will your doctors still be covered? Drug formularies: Does the plan cover your medications and at what cost? Premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket max: These can vary significantly. Benefit trade-offs: Some plans reduce supplemental benefits (vision, dental, wellness perks) when trying to maintain financial viability. 4. Enroll in the new plan Submit your enrollment by the relevant deadline (typically December 7 for the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). However, If your plan was discontinued, you may have until December 31 to choose a new one without penalty). Make sure the new plan starts January 1 to avoid coverage gaps. 5. If your plan wasn’t discontinued, still review Even if your current plan remains active, benefits, networks, and costs often change each year. It’s wise to compare alternatives anyway, especially after insurer shake-ups. Why Timing & Support Matter Delays cost you: Failing to enroll by deadlines could mean losing drug coverage or being locked into a less ideal plan. Support can ease the burden: Licensed agents can help you compare side-by-side, explain trade-offs, and guide you through enrollment. You deserve the best match: Everyone’s health and financial needs differ. Don’t settle for the first available option unless it truly fits. How Simco Can Help At Simco, we understand the stress of sudden plan changes. Our licensed insurance advisors are ready to: Help you interpret your discontinuance notice Compare plan options available in your area Assist with enrollment paperwork Explain benefit trade-offs and cost implications You don’t have to navigate this alone. Whether your Medicare Advantage plan was discontinued or you’re simply exploring your options, our team is here to support you. Contact us today to schedule a 1-on-1 consultation, and let us help you find the plan that keeps you covered and confident in 2026 and beyond.

Have a question? Get in touch.