Tips for Retaining Employees in 2024
June 23, 2024
Around 27% of U.S. workers quit their jobs in 2023, which, according to a common turnover calculation, cost employers nearly a trillion dollars to replace. Unfortunately, turnover is expected to climb this year, and labor experts predict another form of the “Great Resignation” to take place as workers choose to leave their jobs. Employee retention remains a critical challenge this year for employers across industries. A LinkedIn survey found that 85% of workers plan to look for a new role in 2024, which is almost a 20% jump from the previous year. The trend particularly applies to younger generations, including Generation Z, millennials and Generation X.
While today’s workers see both the possibilities and risks of job or career changes, many are choosing to explore new opportunities and leave their current employers. This article outlines tips for employers on employee retention.
Reasons Why Employees are Quitting
In the past few years, many workers have joined the mass exodus from the workplace. In general, workers are leaving employers due to the following:
- Inadequate salaries
- Limited career advancement
- Work-life imbalance
- Health and family issues
- General unhappiness with management or the company
Employees are taking more ownership of their happiness, finding the job that’s the best fit for them while still fulfilling other personal responsibilities.
Retention Best Practices for Employers
As the job market evolves and employee expectations shift, companies must adopt innovative strategies to keep their talent engaged and satisfied. Consider these strategies for retaining employees:
- Foster a positive work culture. A positive workplace culture is foundational to employee retention, regardless of the current labor market. Employees are more likely to stay with a company where they feel valued, respected and part of a cohesive team. Foster an inclusive environment that celebrates each employee and promotes collaboration. Employers can regularly recognize and reward employee achievements to boost morale and create a sense of belonging.
- Offer competitive compensation and benefits. In 2024, competitive compensation goes beyond salary. Employers must provide comprehensive benefits packages that address the needs of their workforce. This may include health and wellness programs, retirement plans, paid time off (PTO) and flexible working arrangements.
- Provide career development opportunities. Employees are likelier to stay with a company that invests in their professional growth. Employers can provide opportunities for skill development, training, career advancement, mentoring and career pathing.
- Embrace flexibility. Flexibility has become a key factor in employee retention. Working remotely or having flexible hours can significantly enhance job satisfaction. Hybrid and remote work models allow employees to effectively balance work and personal life.
- Promote work-life balance. Promoting work-life balance is essential for preventing burnout and maintaining employee well-being. Encourage employees to take breaks, use their PTO and disconnect after work hours.
- Cultivate strong leadership. Effective leadership is crucial for employee retention. Leaders should be approachable, empathetic and transparent. Leadership training can help ensure managers are equipped with the skills to support their teams effectively. Authentic and strong leaders can inspire and motivate employees, fostering loyalty and commitment to the organization.
- Encourage open communication. Open and transparent communication is vital for a healthy workplace. Encourage employees to share their ideas, concerns and feedback without fear of retribution. Transparency builds trust and can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Solicit and act on employee feedback. Regularly soliciting employee feedback can help identify potential issues before they escalate. Employers can gather input from exit interviews, surveys, suggestion boxes and oneon-one meetings. More importantly, when organizations act on feedback, it demonstrates to employees that their voices are heard and valued. This transparency can significantly improve job satisfaction and retention.
- Enhance employee engagement. Engaged employees are more likely to stay with their employers. Enhance engagement by involving employees in decision-making processes, providing meaningful work and creating opportunities for social interaction. Employers can organize team-building activities and company events to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of community.
- Recognize and reward performance. Regular recognition can significantly boost employee morale and retention. Employers may consider a recognition program that acknowledges both individual and team achievements. Various forms of recognition exist, such as bonuses, awards, public acknowledgment and career advancement opportunities. Regardless of the reward, consistent appreciation can reinforce positive behaviors and commitment.
- Invest in employee well-being. A healthy workforce is more productive and loyal. Furthermore, employee well-being is a holistic concept that includes physical, mental and emotional health. More than ever before, today’s workers need resources and programs that support overall well-being, such as mental health days, counseling services, fitness programs and stress management workshops.
To be impactful, employers should also regularly monitor the effectiveness of their retention strategies and be prepared to adapt as needed.
Summary
Retaining employees in 2024 requires a multifaceted approach that addresses workers’ diverse needs and expectations. As more workers consider exploring new job opportunities, savvy employers can implement various strategies to not only enhance employee retention but also contribute to a more engaged and productive workforce.
Employers should continue to monitor trends and consider strategies to retain and attract talent in response to the changing dynamics of the workforce. Contact Simco today for more workplace guidance.
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The Fourth of July is almost here, and communities across Ontario County are gearing up for a weekend filled with parades, fireworks, and hometown celebrations. Whether you're heading out for live music and lawn games or simply enjoying time with friends and family, there are plenty of ways to celebrate locally. At Simco, we’re proud to support our neighbors with practical tips to enjoy the holiday safely, while making sure your insurance coverage is up to date and ready for the unexpected. Where to Watch Fireworks in Ontario County JULY 3 Farmington – Fireworks at dusk with food trucks and live music starting at 6 PM (Farmington Town Park) Honeoye Lake – The beloved “Ring of Fire” lights up the lake, with parking available at Sandy Bottom Park JULY 4 Canandaigua – Lincoln Hill Farms hosts an all-day celebration (1–10 PM) with fireworks after dark, music, games, and more. ($30 parking, cash only) JULY 5 Canandaigua North Shore – Keep the celebrations going with another round of fireworks at dark JULY 11 Geneva – Free Summerfest fireworks at 9:45 PM at the Geneva Recreation Center Parade Lineup JULY 3 Honeoye – Parade at 7 PM from United Church to Sandy Bottom Park. Stick around for the Honeoye Community Band and the Ring of Fire afterward! JULY 4 Canandaigua – The city’s annual 4th of July Parade kicks off at 10 AM from City Hall and heads south along Main Street JULY 12 Geneva – Firefighters Parade begins at 7 PM on Exchange Street, ending at the Geneva Rec Center for SummerFest festivities What Fireworks Are Legal in New York? While fireworks are a staple of July 4th, not everything that sparks and explodes is legal in New York State. Using illegal fireworks can actually void your insurance coverage if something goes wrong. What’s Allowed in NY: Ground-based or handheld sparkling devices (like cylindrical fountains or cones) Wooden sparklers/dipped sticks Party poppers Snappers (the small “pop” ones) What’s Not Allowed (and Not Covered): Aerial consumer fireworks Firecrackers Chasers Roman candles Skyrockets Bombs (even small ones!) Metal wire sparklers (they burn much hotter than they look) Quick Tip: If it launches into the sky or explodes, it’s not legal. Stick to sparklers and save yourself a potential insurance headache. Insurance Tips for a Safe Holiday A little awareness goes a long way in protecting your home, family, and peace of mind this 4th of July. Stay within NY guidelines. If an incident is caused by illegal fireworks, your insurer may deny the claim. Keep safety front and center. Supervise all activities involving sparklers or devices and keep water nearby for emergencies. Know what your policy covers. Not every homeowner’s policy includes damage from fireworks-related accidents. If you’re unsure, reach out. We’re happy to review your coverage. Report incidents quickly. Prompt reporting helps ensure claims are handled smoothly and effectively. From All of Us at Simco We’re wishing you a joyful, memorable, and safe Independence Day. Whether you’re lighting up the sky with sparklers or relaxing lakeside with family, we’re here to help you protect what matters most, before, during, and after the festivities. Have questions about your insurance coverage this summer? 📞 Call us at 585-394-5482 or visit our Contact Us page.
As organizations continue to grow and diversify, the way we communicate at work is evolving, bringing new opportunities for inclusion as well as potential blind spots. One issue that often goes overlooked is accent discrimination: the tendency to judge, exclude, or undervalue individuals based on their speech patterns, dialect, or pronunciation. While accents are often rooted in geography, heritage, or culture, bias toward or against certain ways of speaking can influence decisions in hiring, promotions, evaluations, and daily interactions. For employers, particularly those in small to mid-sized organizations, understanding where this shows up and how to respond isn’t just about creating a respectful workplace. It’s also essential for risk mitigation and legal compliance. What Constitutes Accent Discrimination? Accent discrimination occurs when employees or candidates are treated unfairly due to the way they speak. This type of treatment may stem from overt, conscious bias, such as assuming someone is less capable based on how they sound, or from more subtle, unconscious preferences, like favoring those who speak in what’s perceived as a “standard” or “neutral” accent. Legally, accent-based discrimination can be considered a form of national origin discrimination, which is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Many states reinforce these protections through their own civil rights laws. Employers should be aware that even unintentional practices, such as informal communication preferences or subjective feedback, can result in compliance issues or reputational damage. Clear Communication vs. Discriminatory Practice It is important to distinguish between legitimate communication needs and bias. In certain narrowly defined circumstances, an accent may be relevant to an employee’s ability to perform essential duties. For instance, in roles that require precise, real-time verbal communication, such as emergency response or high-risk operational jobs, an employer may need to assess whether a language barrier or speech pattern materially interferes with safety or accuracy. However, such evaluations must be backed by objective evidence and a clearly defined business necessity. Vague discomfort, personal preference, or client feedback based on unfamiliarity are not valid reasons to deny someone an opportunity. Any decision related to an accent must be both job-related and supported by measurable performance impacts. Standardize Hiring and Promotion Processes to Minimize Bias One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of discrimination is by formalizing your hiring and promotion practices. Employers should examine whether their processes allow room for bias (conscious or unconscious) to influence decisions. Subjective impressions, especially in interviews or internal evaluations, can be disproportionately shaped by how a person speaks. To counteract this, companies should move toward structured, competency-based hiring frameworks. Use consistent criteria and scoring systems across all candidates, and rely on written assessments or role-specific tasks where appropriate. Similarly, promotions should be guided by documented performance metrics, not informal perceptions of professionalism or communication style. In doing so, not only do you reduce the chance for bias to affect outcomes, but you also make better staffing decisions that reflect skills, qualifications, and organizational fit: not speech patterns. Why This Matters More Now In today’s hybrid and remote work environments, the ability to navigate diverse communication styles has become even more important. With teams collaborating across geographic regions and cultural backgrounds, inclusivity in communication is essential for morale, cohesion, and productivity. Moreover, younger workers and job seekers are placing a high value on belonging and inclusion. Discriminatory or exclusionary behavior, intentional or not, can quickly erode trust and lead to disengagement or turnover, especially when tied to identity-based characteristics like accent or dialect. Employers who lead with fairness in communication are more likely to attract and retain talent, maintain strong teams, and avoid costly compliance missteps. Building a Culture Where All Voices Are Valued Ultimately, embracing different accents in the workplace is about genuine, judgment-free listening. Employers should encourage active listening practices, create space for respectful clarification when needed, and ensure employees feel safe speaking up, regardless of how they sound. Miscommunication is a solvable issue. Discrimination is not. Leaders who prioritize clarity, fairness, and consistency, rather than conformity, build workplaces that are both inclusive and high-performing. And the benefits go beyond compliance. They create environments where people thrive because they are heard and valued.
With summer travel in full swing and Labor Day just around the corner, expect a surge in time-off requests, and for good reason. Employees need time to recharge, spend time with family, and enjoy the season. For employers, especially in small to mid-sized businesses, this means finding the delicate balance between fostering a supportive work culture that respects employees’ need for time away and managing the practical realities of maintaining adequate coverage, meeting deadlines, and keeping operations running smoothly. The good news? With thoughtful planning, clear communication, and the right tools in place, you can navigate this busy season effectively, ensuring your team gets the rest they deserve without compromising business continuity. Here are a few practical strategies to help you manage PTO during the summer months while keeping your business running smoothly: 1. Plan Early and Communicate Clearly Encourage employees to submit holiday PTO requests well in advance. Set a clear internal deadline (e.g., “All holiday time-off requests must be submitted by August 15”) and explain the process upfront, including: How requests will be reviewed and approved How overlapping requests will be handled Any blackout dates or essential coverage periods A clear and consistent approach eliminates guesswork, reduces friction, and helps everyone feel they’re being treated fairly. 2. Use a PTO Policy That Balances Fairness and Flexibility Your time-off policy should include guidelines for high-demand periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Some companies use: First-come, first-served approvals A rotation system so everyone eventually gets prime time off A seniority or department-based system with built-in equity checks Whatever method you choose, consistency is key. A well-documented policy gives managers a framework to follow, and gives employees peace of mind that decisions are made justly, not arbitrarily. 3. Leverage Your HCM or Scheduling Technology If you're using a system like isolved , you already have powerful tools to streamline the PTO process. Automate request tracking, visualize department coverage in real time, and flag conflicts early to avoid blind spots. This gives HR and team leads the visibility they need to make smart, timely decisions. Bonus tip: Use system alerts to notify managers when coverage is thin, or configure it to close PTO windows automatically after a set date. These features take manual work off your plate while protecting productivity. 4. Cross-Train and Create Holiday Coverage Plans Rather than scrambling when someone’s out, prepare your team to adapt. Cross-train employees in advance so they can cover essential tasks if a teammate is unavailable. Before the busy season kicks in, put together a simple holiday coverage plan that outlines: Who will monitor essential tasks (client inquiries, payroll processing, etc.) What needs to get done and by whom each week Who’s available for backup support if needed A little upfront planning makes a big difference in keeping service levels steady during staff absences. 5. Appreciate Those Who Step Up Don’t let holiday contributions go unnoticed. Employees who work through the holidays or shift their schedules to ensure coverage deserve meaningful recognition. Consider: Spot bonuses or incentives Public recognition in a team meeting or internal email Additional time off (comp time) after the holidays Even small gestures show your team that their flexibility and dedication are valued, and that you see the extra effort. 6. Set Expectations With Clients (and With Your Team) If your operations will run on limited hours or staffing during the holidays, notify clients and partners well in advance. Clear communication avoids surprises and sets realistic expectations. Internally, define what’s essential versus what can wait, especially to avoid employees overworking during slower periods. When everyone understands what’s expected, your team can better prioritize, delegate, and breathe a little easier during the season. Final Thought: Flexibility Builds Loyalty The holiday season is a test of your workplace culture. How you support your team, especially when juggling competing needs, leaves a lasting impression. Even when saying no to a request, doing so with empathy and transparency reinforces a culture of trust, fairness, and respect. And in return, you'll see greater engagement, improved morale, and a team that’s ready to go the extra mile — during the holidays and beyond. Need help building better time-off workflows or updating your PTO policies before year-end? Simco’s HR and HCM experts are here to help. Let’s talk about how to balance compliance, efficiency, and employee satisfaction, all year round.
