Employee retention in government jobs isn’t always easy. Many of these jobs, including customer support, health care, and crisis management, are high-stress. Employees face burnout due to challenging work and many positions have high turnover rates. Hiring managers can ensure employee retention by focusing on supportive practices, benefits, and work-life balance initiatives.
Show Company Values Through the Application Process
Employee retention starts with the application process. The application process is an employee’s first impression of the organization. Before an applicant starts their position, they can learn valuable information about the organization and how it supports its employees. If an agency can ensure employee well-being through mental health services and other resources, hiring managers are more likely to find hard-working employees.
Implement Supportive Practices
Creating a supportive work environment in high-stress positions can greatly improve employee longevity. Managers and supervisors can implement some of the following strategies:
- Promote open communication and regular check-ins that offer a safe space for discussing work challenges and concerns. Regular check-ins help managers recognize early signs of stress and make changes accordingly.
- Create support groups so employees in similar roles can discuss their roles, share coping strategies, and receive support and advice from colleagues.
- Demonstrate leadership commitment and accountability. Employee satisfaction starts at the top. Leadership must build a healthy work environment where employees feel they can establish a career, rather than just have a job.
Provide Benefits that Specifically Address Stress Management
Traditional benefits such as health insurance, dental plans, or retirement plans are important, but they don’t always address issues such as mental health. Support for high-stress government roles can include the following:
- Flexible working options such as flexible hours, shift rotations, or work-from-home. This is especially effective for employees who juggle intense workloads and stressful personal lives.
- Paid time off for mental health recovery. Offer “mental health days” to give employees time to recharge and prioritize their well-being.
- Wellness programs can provide resources such as meditation, yoga, or fitness reimbursement that help workers achieve work-life balance in the public sector.
- Financial wellness programs can offer financial planning assistance or workshops on budgeting, savings, and investment. This can help remove the financial stress that many employees face and prevent it from compounding on their already stressful position.
- An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a work-based program that offers free and confidential assessments, short-term counseling, referrals, and follow-up services to employees who have personal and/or work-related problems. EAPs address various issues affecting mental and emotional well-being.
Create Career Development Initiatives
Many applicants aren’t just looking for a job, they’re looking for a career. When agencies ensure that all employees have equal opportunities to advance in their careers, they increase the chance of employee loyalty.
Organizations can create programs that identify and promote well-qualified candidates for senior-level positions. For example, providing access to courses or workshops that help employees acquire new skills, develop resilience, or build leadership experience can be useful in high-stress roles. Mentorship and coaching programs also create opportunities for senior employees to work closely with recent hires to develop these skills.
Recognition and Appreciation Initiatives
Employees, especially those in demanding roles, want to feel appreciated. Recognizing their hard work can help alleviate some stress. Recognition should be both public and private. Employee of the Month programs, shout-outs in team meetings, or personal messages from managers can boost morale. In addition, rewards programs such as extra paid time off, bonuses, or gifts such as care packages can show appreciation.
If you are looking for ways to improve employee retention, consider the QuickSeries® EAP app. Our app enhances your program’s effectiveness by providing valuable features and modules to assist your employees in managing stress and other personal issues that impact their job performance, health, and overall wellness. Reinforce your program’s significance and highlight your dedication to your workforce’s health and safety.