Workforce Report | Retention Matters: The Importance of the First 90 Days

We are wrapping up Q1 of 2023 and seeing emerging data highlighting the squeeze on talent in Ohio and across the U.S. National hiring rates are trending up, although still slightly below pre-pandemic levels. As of September 2022, the labor participation rate across the country was an average of 0.6% higher than the previous year but 1.0% lower than pre-pandemic participation rates in December 2019 (63.3%). 

What should we know about those newly onboarded employees? New hires are 53% more likely to retain for one year if they reach 90 days of employment. How can you make those critical “first 90 days” and beyond attractive enough to keep the newest additions to your team?

• Honest Job Postings: One of the biggest reasons for new hire turnover is that the job responsibilities don’t match expectations. Communicate responsibilities throughout the hiring process, from the job posting onward. Revisit your organization’s job descriptions AND externally facing job postings to ensure the expectations and measurements of success match. 

• Flexibility of Work: Work flexibility is one of the top demands of today’s applicant pool. Evaluate each job function and determine how/when/where an employee can do the work. 

• Wage Access: Establishing early wage access programs means investing in your employees. Future employees reap the benefits of a better benefits package, which could help attract applicants. A way for employees to receive payment for hours worked without waiting for the next pay cycle to process. 

What are you doing in your organization to become an “Employer of Choice”? Reach out to the Chamber and share your strategies, and we may feature you and your company in our Workforce Report!

Kelly Fuller 
Vice President of Talent & Workforce Development 
KellyFuller@columbus.org