Did you know that it can cost up to 18 months’ salary to lose and replace a manager, and up to six months’ salary to lose and replace an hourly employee?

If those numbers sound alarming to you, you’re not alone. While it’s commonly known that turnover can affect your bottom line, most companies are unaware of the true cost of employee turnover. 

At the beginning of a new year, employees typically look for fresh starts and new opportunities. Boom – Turnover. Unsurprisingly, this is a massive headache for managers, as losing valuable employees can be stressful and time consuming to deal with, not to mention it’s tough on the checkbook.

So, why is the cost of turnover so high?

Do these numbers seem surprising? Let’s take a look at the factors that come into play during the hiring process, and those that are likely to put a dent in your wallet:

• Administrative expenses related to the exit of an employee

• Overtime paid to other staff while the position is vacant

• Advertising expenses for job postings

• The time it takes for management to review applications, interview candidates, and conduct reference checks

• Administrative expenses related to the hiring and onboarding of a new hire

• Resources and time spent on orientation and training of the new hire

• Disruption of supervision during orienting and training of the new hire

• Procedural or administrative errors which may occur while the new employee is learning

• Loss of productivity while the new employee is learning responsibilities and tasks

Which industry is faced with the most employee turnover, why?

The hospitality industry is plagued with high rates of turnover; including retail trade, hotels, restaurants, and leisure positions. Why is the hospitality industry faced with a seemingly transient workforce? Employees in the industry listed the following as their top reasons for leaving their hospitality related positions:

• Lack of recognition from management or supervisors for good work

• Lack of opportunity for promotion, growth, or advancement

• Lack of access to new skills, education, or training

It is then evident that a great deal of turnover is completely preventable by providing employees with recognition and opportunity. Concerned about your employee retention? There are several key factors that would cause employees to stay or leave a position.

What are some retention tips to minimize turnover?

• Someone does a job well? Tell them they have done well. Recognition and appreciation are very strong motivators.

• Always communicate clearly and effectively with your employees when designating work. When expectations are misaligned, miscommunication and avoidable errors can cause frustration with the position.

• Provide employees with better, more constructive feedback to allow them to see clearly what steps they need to improve and become successful in a role.

• Ask an employee for their input before you make a decision that affects their job.

• Make sure employees are set up for success – provide access to all resources necessary to complete their job.

• Share information with your employees – let them know you trust and appreciate them!

By implementing these retention practices in your workplace, your employees will certainly take notice of the effort you’re making to engage them and display your appreciation. The best part is, these practices are completely free.

For more insight into the implications of making new hires in your organization, download TPD’s Real Cost of Hiring Worksheet!