Client: We keep losing employees before we even finish training them. It’s frustrating to invest time and resources into hiring, only to have them leave so quickly. Why is this happening, and how do we stop it?
Consultant: That’s a costly and frustrating problem. When employees leave early, it’s often a sign that expectations weren’t aligned, onboarding wasn’t engaging, or they didn’t feel connected quickly enough. The good news is there are ways to fix this.
Client: Okay, but how do I figure out what’s driving them away?
Consultant: Start by gathering feedback. Exit interviews are helpful, and they only capture people after they’ve decided to leave. Instead, try stay interviews—quick check-ins with new hires during their first 7,14, 30, 60, and 90 days.
You might say:
“We want to make sure your experience here matches what you expected. How’s it going so far? Are there any surprises—good or bad?”
This helps you spot concerns before they turn into resignations.
Client: What if they say they just found a ‘better opportunity’?
Consultant: That usually means one of two things: they weren’t fully committed to this job in the first place, or they didn’t see enough long-term potential to stay.
You could respond with:
“I appreciate your honesty. When you accepted this job, what did you hope it would offer that maybe wasn’t there?”
Their answer might reveal gaps in pay, workload, culture, or career growth that you can address for future hires.
Client: I don’t have time to hold everyone’s hand. What can I do to keep people engaged early on?
Consultant: The first few weeks set the tone. If employees feel lost, disconnected, or unsure about their decision, they’ll leave. Strengthening your onboarding process can help. We aren’t saying “hold their hand” we are staying it’s a two way street and you have to be as engaged as you want them to be.
Try these strategies:
✔ Assign a buddy or mentor for the first 90 days
✔ Make sure expectations are clear and achievable
✔ Check in regularly with a simple, “How’s training going?”
A small investment in early engagement prevents much bigger losses later.
Client: What if they’re leaving because they feel overwhelmed?
Consultant: That’s a red flag that training may not be paced well. If employees feel like they’re drinking from a fire hose, they may assume they’ll never catch up and leave before they fall behind.
You could say:
“I want to make sure our training process sets you up for success. Does the pace feel manageable, or is there anything we can adjust?”
If multiple employees feel overwhelmed, it may be time to adjust the training timeline.
Client: What about pay? Could that be the issue?
Consultant: Compensation absolutely plays a role, especially if employees leave for better pay elsewhere. If you’re seeing consistent early turnover, a pay comparison may be necessary.
You might ask:
“Did compensation factor into your decision to leave? If so, what would have made this role more competitive?”
This helps you determine if pay is a deal-breaker or if other factors are playing a bigger role.
Client: So, the key is to get feedback early, make onboarding engaging, and ensure pay is competitive?
Consultant: Exactly. Employees need to feel confident that they made the right choice. A strong first impression, clear expectations, and a supportive training experience can make all the difference.
And if you need help refining your onboarding strategy or competitive pay analysis, we’re here to support you.