How to Face 2025 Turnover Challenges Head-On

Still recovering from Halloween? Well, here’s one more scare—only this one’s for 2025: employee turnover, and it’s coming in a big way! Don’t worry, though, I’m not here to spook you with doom and gloom but to offer a heads-up and a few tricks (and treats!) to keep your best people on board.

As the Employee Retention Index (ERI) shows, certain demographics, particularly Gen Z females, are the most likely to consider greener pastures next year. To help you keep top talent, here’s what you can start doing right now…

To support retention, focus first on your current team members. Here are a few ideas to create a stronger, more attractive workplace:

Address Staffing Gaps – Don’t pretend short staffing doesn’t affect your team. Acknowledge their extra efforts openly and sincerely.
Train and Incentivize Recruiting – Teach team members what to look for when they spot great service out in the world and reward them for bringing new talent on board.
Consider Raises Over New Hires – Sometimes, your team may be willing to take on a bit more for better pay instead of adding a new person.

For low-effort, high-impact retention practices, try these ideas:

Check In Regularly – Schedule intentional one-on-ones, even quick five-minute chats, to reinforce their importance to you and the team.
Praise Deliberately – Public and private recognition matters more than you might think. A small acknowledgment of someone’s efforts can go a long way toward fostering loyalty and reducing burnout.

It’s time to raise the bar on employee appreciation.

Pizza parties and birthday celebrations are nice, but are they enough to retain top talent? To truly stand out and foster loyalty, go beyond the basics with meaningful, memorable appreciation.

Start with personal, handwritten notes that acknowledge each team member’s unique contributions and growth—this simple gesture can have a lasting impact. Make shout-outs a tradition during team meetings, recognizing wins and hard work. As a leader, ensure you’re setting the standard with a high acknowledgment ratio, leading by example.

Then, elevate your appreciation game with quarterly “surprise and delight” perks. For instance, consider gifting a house-cleaning service—it’s a practical, thoughtful reward they’ll talk about and value more than a typical bonus. By intentionally investing in unique appreciation strategies, you’ll create a workplace so rewarding and positive that your team wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else.

Lastly, if you’re looking for a meaningful team-building event, consider The Team Transformation Experience in February 2024. It’s a virtual event designed to build unity and loyalty, complete with “wow” boxes and a team-focused, motivational experience that’s easy to join and budget-friendly.

As you set 2025 goals, consider making a specific, actionable plan for retention—it’s as crucial as any other performance goal. Let’s take charge of retention and make your team one they’d be proud to stay with.

Proactive, Productive and Profitable,

Dino