In a job market where 1 in 3 workers are actively looking for a new job—even when employed—employee retention has become more critical than ever. Gone are the days of decades-long tenure. Today’s top performers expect meaningful work, growth opportunities, and a workplace that recognizes their value.
So why do great employees leave? Often, it’s due to avoidable mistakes that chip away at morale and motivation. Below are three key “don’ts” that drive attrition—paired with actionable “dos” to build loyalty and engagement.
❌ Don’t: Reward Bad Management
✅ Do: Invest in Leadership That Inspires
Employees don’t leave companies—they leave managers. When poor leadership is tolerated or even rewarded, it signals to team members that performance and professionalism don’t matter. A Gallup study found that 70% of the variance in team engagement is determined by the manager.
What to do instead:
Train your managers to be mentors, not just task overseers. Encourage emotional intelligence, career development coaching, and regular one-on-ones. Great leaders inspire retention by actively contributing to employees’ professional growth.
❌ Don’t: Ignore Outstanding Performance
✅ Do: Recognize and Reward What Matters
Overlooking hard work is one of the fastest ways to demoralize top talent. Recognition doesn’t have to be flashy—but it does need to be sincere, specific, and timely.
What to do instead:
Use spot rewards to celebrate achievements in real time. Whether it’s an extra afternoon off or a gift card to a favorite brand, small gestures reinforce that good work is valued. The Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform makes it easy to deliver tailored rewards instantly—think CVS®, Uber Eats, or wellness-focused options.
A 2024 report by Workhuman and Gallup found that employee recognition increases productivity, engagement, and retention by 22% when done frequently and meaningfully.
❌ Don’t: Let the Workday Become a Grind
✅ Do: Keep the Culture Fresh and Engaging
Routine can be reassuring—but monotony kills motivation. Employees want to feel energized, connected, and curious about what’s next. A stagnant culture drives innovation—and your top performers—out the door.
What to do instead:
Spice up the workweek. Host walking meetings. Run creative brainstorms in new settings. Celebrate milestones and involve your team in shaping company culture. When employees feel heard and engaged, they’re far more likely to stay.
Make Retention a Daily Priority
Top performers want to be led well, recognized often, and inspired by their workplace. The companies that excel at retention don’t leave it to chance—they build it into their culture. Platforms like Engage2Reward help organizations turn recognition into action, with scalable, customizable reward options for every team and budget.
