October 2018
A thought on Employee Retention 
Think of the excitement you felt when that perfect hire was made. There was the outstanding résumé, the impressive interview. You felt, almost immediately, this individual was the right fit for the position. And you were right! The first few years had proven the decision was a good one. Now, there’s another important matter to be addressed: you want this employee for the long haul. As a hiring manager or a business owner, you shouldn’t take it for granted they’ll stay without your intentional effort. 

One of the greatest challenges facing any company today is the ability to retain its employees. A Forbes magazine article written by CEO Jack Altman, “Don’t Be Surprised When Your Employees Quit,” cited a Gallup Poll statistic indicating that over 50% of employees leave their positions due to dissatisfaction with their bosses. That’s too large of a number for those in management positions to dismiss. But what kind of boss is causing the exodus?

I observed many things during my years in the corporate world. When most employees were unhappy with their bosses, it wasn’t usually because that manager was belligerent or a tyrant. The majority of instances of dissatisfaction with superiors stemmed from the fact that workers felt unsupported. Often times it’s the acts of omission rather than the ones of commission that make the biggest difference. However unintentional the neglect is, these consequences will generally hinder overall function and morale.

Check your company’s self-awareness and assess how it invests in its managerial processes and employee development. Investing in training for you and your employees’ specific needs will be worth the time and financial cost. The alternative is a revolving door of employees, entering and exiting an unsupportive workplace. That’s what’s too time consuming and expensive. Provide the kind of environment that fosters an atmosphere where employees can flourish and be loyal to.

Let’s face it: the time when employees stuck with the same company for 40 years—through thick and thin—is a thing of the past. Companies that operate without a good managerial system for their workers do so at their own peril. In these ultra-competitive times, capable employees will exit stagnant workplaces to find greener pastures. Investment in your workforce is not a luxury anymore—it’s actually a necessity.


The USF Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education is taking a prominent role in creating a world-class workforce in the Tampa Bay area. Call one of our advisers at (813) 974-5550 today and have them develop a plan for YOU .  

Mark Koulianos, Director
USF Office of Corporate Training and Professional Education


Mark Koulianos is the Director of the USF Office for Corporate Training and Professional Education and has spent 20+ years working in the corporate world. Read Mark's Full Bio