The Cost of Retaining Employees

One of the greatest challenges facing the private and public sectors lies in finding qualified personnel to fill the vacancies created during the recession of 2008 and the effects of the Pandemic. Those effects, although thought to be behind us, are still very fresh in the minds of recruiters and HR directors across.

It has taken almost a decade to recover from the faltering economy and the subsequent layoffs and furloughing of employees. Then came the effects of COVID and with that came shutdowns throughout many sectors of our economy.

The public sector is not so immune from the dubious effects that were felt in the private segment of our economy. Previously those jobs in the public sector were felt to be safe, unlike in private industry. In the 70s parents could often be heard cautioning the next generation to seek refuge in the “safe and secure public sector.” Some of those parents became victims of large corporate entities downsizing and the dreaded pink slips seen due to mismanagement and the failure of certain industries to listen to their customer bases regarding a number of concerns, as well as competition from off our shores.

Here in Southwest Florida, we have witnessed extraordinary growth, both in Collier and Lee Counties. Therefore, the demand for housing and the “urban sprawl” that has been evident over the years on the east coast of Florida has begun to arrive, and with it the demand for goods and services. It is estimated that 1,000 people a day are moving into Florida.

County and municipal governing agencies are in dire need of skilled employees, and the competition for that valued asset is heating up on a daily basis. Nurses, medical technicians, firefighters/paramedics, pharmacy technicians, law enforcement personnel and so many others are in high demand throughout Florida.

Competition for well-trained and high-value employees is high, especially for potential new hires, as well as those who are already serving in surrounding communities. The retention of skilled employees is a priority throughout the country.

Salary information is available to anyone via a public records request.