Keeping Your Team Intact
February is a time of contradictions.  For many, it's still cold outside and cabin fever is setting in.  For others, change is in the air.  There are hints of spring, and we're starting to plan our summer gardens.

But change can be contagious.  As we consider new possibilities at home, our imaginations often turn to opportunities for professional change.  For leaders, that's a delicate balance, and focusing on retention in February can help you hold on to valuable team members in the coming months.

This month's newsletter focuses on proactive retention.  We hope that these resources help you limit turnover this spring.  Have you had good luck retaining your staff?  Let us know how your secret.  We'd love to share your insights with our partners!

Retention as a Platform for Social Justice & Equity

By Beth M. Laux, Ed.D.
This article is part of QCS's 2023 leadership series.
Retention is a hot topic in the workforce.  As employees look for opportunities to grow, leaders are struggling to incentivize them to stay.  This tension between the thirst for change and the need for stability is difficult, and leaders need to strike the right balance.

In a recent webinar hosted by the American Council on Education, panelists discussed some of the factors that drive employee turnover (Education, 2023).  According to a study conducted by CUPA-HR, 75.9% of employees indicate that low wages are the cause of turnover (Human Resources, 2022).  As we begin Black History Month, leaders have a responsibility and an opportunity to think about compensation through the lens of social justice and equity, and how those challenges connect to employee retention. 

Research shows that wage inequality is a persistent issue for minorities and women (Brown & Brown, 2021; Bureau, 2022).  This has far-reaching consequences.  Socially, this pattern stifles the prosperity and well-being of entire communities.  In the workplace, it compromises our workforce and reduces our ability to deliver impactful services and programs. 
  
As we begin Black History Month, leaders have a responsibility and an opportunity to think about compensation through the lens of social justice and equity.

​As leaders look for ways to retain critical staff members in the coming months, take this opportunity to review your compensation paradigm through a social justice lens.  Start by asking some key questions:

  • Are the minorities and women in your organization compensated fairly for the work that they do? 
  • Are they actually compensated for all of their work, or are portions of their work uncompensated (ie, service, extra projects, unacknowledged overtime, etc.)? 
  • Does their compensation reflect the value that they bring to your organization? 

​As you reflect on pathways forward, QCS is here to help.  To celebrate Black History Month, we are happy to share our company Diversity Statement.  One of our 5-year goals is to use our work to systematically address issues of wage inequality.  In doing so, we lift economies and communities.

What is your organization doing to address income inequality?  How have you used this strategy to improve retention?  Drop us an email and let us know!

References

Brown, A. and Brown, A.  (2021).  Gender pay gap in U.S. held steady in 2020.  Pew Research Center.  https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/05/25/gender-pay-gap-facts/

Bureau, United States Census.  (2021) Income and Poverty in the United States: 2020.  United States Census Bureau.  https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2021/demo/p60-273.html

Education, American Council on. (2023).  Faculty and staff burnout: What to do about it.  https://www.acenet.edu/Events/Pages/Faculty-Staff-Burnout.aspx

Human Resources, College and University Professional Association for. (2022).  CUPA-HR 2022 Higher Education Employee Retention Survey: Initial Results.  https://www.cupahr.org/surveys/research-briefs/higher-ed-employee-retention-survey-findings-july-2022/
​

Simple Short Cuts

Increasing Employee Retention
The Challenge
Leaders are bracing for more turnover in the workforce.  High turnover makes our programs and services vulnerable, and leaders need to be proactive to address the problem.

Solutions
There's no magic formula for solving retention issues.  Experts recommend using a varied and creative approach.  Need ideas?  Here are some tips to get started.

Reassess Compensation

Emeritus offers 14 strategies for improving retention in 2023.  QCS's favorite tip: Assess employee compensation. 

Address Burnout

Forbes provides a holistic list of retention strategies.  QCS's favorite tip: Provide wellness options that include time to address burnout.

Leverage Diversity

SHRM promotes authenticity and inclusion as a retention strategy.  QCS's favorite tip: Increase psychological safety in the office.
QCS proudly celebrates communities of color during Black History Month and every month during the year.  Learn more in the QCS Diversity Statement.

QCS Spotlight

Services for Federal Agencies
Public service is changing.  QCS partners with government agencies on a wide range of projects, initiatives, and programs.  As a woman-owned small business, we offer competitive services including:

  • Project Management
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  • Custom Training
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Want to learn more?  Visit our website to get started!

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