Employee turnover is something every manufacturing company must manage. The cost of an employee leaving is often quite high, so focusing on retention can help businesses craft a strong workforce for the long haul and limit the amount of time, energy, and money that must be committed to finding replacement workers.

Luckily, there are things manufacturers can do to reduce turnover that are relatively easy to implement. Here are three easy ways manufacturers minimize turnover and how you can get started.

If your salary and benefits offering don’t measure up to your competitors, you will inevitably struggle when it comes to retention. Employees want to be paid fairly for their work and, if your business doesn’t step up, they will seek out opportunities with competitors who will.

Now, you don’t necessarily have to go far above industry norms. Instead, make sure your total compensation packages are at least in line with other manufacturing businesses in the area. That way, your employees will feel they are being treated fairly.

It may take some research to determine if your offerings are competitive. But there is a significant amount of information available online that can help get you started.

Showing your employees appreciation for all that they do can go a long way. Anything from a simple, but specific, “thank you” to an employee appreciation event to merit-based pay raises can help show your workers that you recognize their accomplishments and value their contributions.

You don’t necessarily need to praise your staff for everyday tasks for this approach to be effective. Instead, look out for significant accomplishments, like exceeding production quotas or wrapping up a major project, and intentionally acknowledge what it took to get there.

If you want to reduce turnover, then you need to make sure you are bringing the right people onboard in the first place. Selecting candidates that aren’t a proper match increases the odds they won’t stay for the long-term.

For example, a new hire who is destined to conflict with the company’s culture, regardless of whether they are suitable skilled, likely won’t fit in with their co-workers or enjoy the environment. And unhappy workers are more likely to harm overall productivity and ultimately quit.

Similarly, a candidate who doesn’t possess the right skills will struggle in the role, which could lead to them quitting or the need to terminate their employment.

However, by choosing a right-fit candidate, you are more likely to end up with a happy and productive employee. Plus, if they enjoy their time at work, they probably won’t be interested in heading out the door too quickly.

If you are seeking top talent for your vacant positions, and want to reduce turnover at your company, the professionals at The Advance Group can connect you with some of the area’s most skilled job seekers. Contact us today to discuss your hiring needs and see how our services can help your retention goals.