Job Retention

What are job retention strategies? Job retention strategies are aimed at helping workers keep their jobs and can include regularly checking in with job holders, assisting them in emergencies (such as a car breaking down or last-minute child care issues), and supporting hiring managers with on-the-job issues. Retention assistance can be offered to employers or directly to employees without employer involvement. Job coaching is a more intensive type of retention assistance, where program staff work individually with new hires at the job site to assist with training, onboarding, and retention. Retention assistance is commonly used to assist newly hired people with disabilities.

Who provides job retention strategies? Strategies can be delivered by a variety of different staff in education and training programs. 

Why are job retention strategies important? Job retention strategies are important for supporting newly placed workers, especially those with little or no job experience or with personal challenges to employment. Workforce programs are often held accountable for meeting job retention goals. This is true in publicly funded programs, such as those funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or those supported through foundations or other private grants.