4 Proven Strategies to Reduce Employee Turnover Before It Starts

Hiring and training employees is a major investment—one that can feel like a waste when turnover is high. The good news? You can prevent it before it starts. 

Retaining top talent isn’t just about offering competitive salaries. Employees want purpose, growth, and a workplace culture that makes them feel valued. If those factors are missing, they’ll start looking elsewhere. 

So, how do you keep employees engaged and committed for the long run? Here are four proven strategies to reduce turnover before it starts. 

1. Hire for Both Skill and Culture Fit 

Many companies focus only on skills and experience when hiring—but culture fit is just as important. Employees who don’t align with your values, work style, or expectations often leave quickly, even if they have the right technical abilities. 

Here’s how to hire for both skill and culture fit: 

• Define your company culture—What are your values? What type of work environment do you offer? 

• Ask behavioral interview questions—Find out how candidates handle teamwork, conflict, and problem-solving. 

• Involve multiple team members in the hiring process—Get input from people who will actually work with the new hire. 

• Prioritize adaptability—The right candidate should have both technical ability and the mindset to grow with your company. 

💡 Tip: If a candidate has the skills but doesn’t fit the culture, they might not last. Hiring someone who aligns with your team’s values leads to stronger engagement and retention. 

2. Set Clear Expectations During Onboarding 

The first 90 days can determine whether an employee stays or starts looking for another job. Confusion, lack of training, or feeling disconnected from the team can make new hires regret their decision. 

A structured onboarding process sets employees up for success: 

• Define job responsibilities upfront—Be crystal clear about what’s expected. 

• Provide proper training—Don’t throw employees into the deep end without support. 

• Assign mentors or onboarding buddies—Help new hires feel connected and supported. 

• Communicate company goals and values—Show them how their role contributes to the bigger picture. 

💡 Tip: A great onboarding experience increases retention by making employees feel confident, prepared, and valued from day one. 

3. Invest in Ongoing Career Development 

Employees don’t just want a paycheck—they want growth opportunities. If they feel stuck, they’ll start looking elsewhere. 

Here’s how to keep employees engaged and growing within your company: 

• Provide regular training and skill development—Workshops, certifications, and mentorships show employees you’re invested in their future. 

• Offer clear career progression paths—Employees should know what it takes to move up in your company. 

• Encourage cross-training and new projects—Give employees opportunities to expand their skills and take on new challenges. 

• Have regular career conversations—Don’t wait for annual reviews to discuss growth opportunities. 

💡 Tip: Employees who see a future in your company are far more likely to stay. Invest in their growth, and they’ll invest in your business. 

4. Conduct Stay Interviews to Address Issues Before Employees Leave 

Exit interviews tell you why employees are leaving—but stay interviews tell you how to keep them before it’s too late. 

A stay interview is a one-on-one conversation where you ask employees what they like about their job and what could be improved. 

Here’s what to ask during a stay interview: 

• What do you enjoy most about working here? 

• What’s one thing that would make your job better? 

• Do you feel valued and supported in your role? 

• What skills do you want to develop? 

💡 Tip: Conduct stay interviews at least once a year to identify and fix small problems before they turn into reasons for employees to leave. 

Need Help Finding & Retaining Top Talent? 

At Riverway, we don’t just help you hire—we help you build a team that stays. 

Here’s how we make hiring easier for you: 

✅ We provide top-tier talent—Skip the hassle of searching for the right candidates. We bring them to you. 
✅ We get top talent to say YES—Our expertise ensures candidates are excited to join your company. 
✅ We offer a 60-day guarantee—If the hire isn’t the right fit, we’ll replace them at no extra cost. 

At Riverway, we find the right person for the right job. Contact us today to learn how our expertise can help you find top talent quicker.