Marathon County aims to reduce employee turnover rate to 15% by 2024

The Marathon County Board Executive Committee meeting on April 10, 2025, focused on employee retention and resignation rates within the county workforce. Vice Chair Dickinson highlighted the importance of understanding these metrics as part of the county's strategic objectives, particularly the goal to maintain a resignation turnover rate of 15% or lower by the end of 2024.

Lance, a committee member, presented data showing a fluctuation in turnover rates over the past three years. In 2022, the turnover rate was 18.6%, which improved to 11.5% in 2023 and rose slightly to 13.2% in 2024. Projections for 2025 indicate a turnover rate of approximately 13.4%. While these figures suggest progress, they also raise questions about the underlying causes of employee turnover, especially among less tenured staff.

The committee discussed the broader context of workforce trends, noting a significant decrease in employee tenure across various sectors, including public safety and education. Currently, only 32% of county employees have more than ten years of experience, while 55% have less than five years. This shift reflects a national trend towards more transactional employment relationships, where employees frequently change jobs for better pay and benefits.

The committee emphasized the need for further analysis of turnover causes, particularly through employee exit interviews. It was noted that many employees leave for higher compensation elsewhere, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic, which has altered workforce dynamics and expectations.

In response to these challenges, the committee is exploring improvements in onboarding and training processes to enhance employee engagement and retention. The discussion also included comparisons between public and private sector turnover rates, with a recognition that different industries face unique challenges.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of addressing employee retention as a critical factor in maintaining a stable and effective workforce in Marathon County. The committee plans to continue examining turnover trends and implementing strategies to foster a more committed and experienced employee base.