Filling open positions takes time, energy, and resources‌ — ‌and when turnover is high, the hiring process can start to feel endless. Finding the right candidates is only half the battle; keeping them engaged and committed is where the real challenge lies. So, how do you create a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated to stay?

While competitive salaries and benefits play a role, they aren’t always the deciding factor. Employees want to thrive personally and professionally, and a strong wellness strategy can make all the difference. Let’s explore how investing in workplace wellness can reduce high employee turnover.

High Employee Turnover Rates? A Wellness Strategy Can Help

In this post:

1. The Cost of High Turnover

2. How to Improve Employee Retention

3. Wellness Strategies That Help Reduce High Turnover Rates

a. Mental Health Support

b. Physical Wellness Programs

c. Work-Life Balance Initiatives

d. Career Growth and Professional Development

e. Recognition and Engagement

4. Overcoming Common Challenges

5. Strive Employee Retention Initiatives

The Cost of High Turnover

More than just a frustrating pattern, high turnover rates are expensive and disruptive. The costs of recruiting, hiring, and training new employees add up quickly, often reaching 50%–200% of a departing employee’s salary. It also slows productivity, putting extra strain and pressure on the remaining staff, and weakening morale.

What does it mean when employee turnover is high? There are root causes that need to be addressed, such as:

• Burnout
• Lack of growth opportunities
• Toxic workplace culture
• Poor work-life balance
• Employees feel undervalued
• Employees feel overworked

Organizations looking to improve employee retention must focus on understanding why people leave‌ — ‌and more importantly, what would make them stay.

How to Improve Employee Retention

The good news? Your workplace doesn’t need to be flawless to keep people from leaving. Stress is inevitable — but employees can cope more effectively when they’re driven by a sense of purpose, know their contribution is valued, and have a voice that’s heard.

Research shows there’s a link between strong wellness initiatives and lower turnover rates. Investing in wellness programs, meaningful engagement initiatives, and a supportive workplace culture positively impacts how employees feel about their future within the organization.

Wellness Strategies That Help Reduce High Turnover Rates

To make a real impact on retention, go beyond health perks with a holistic approach to helping employees manage stress, maintain balance, and stay engaged.

Mental Health Support

Supporting mental health with resources like EAPs is a great start, but do your employees actually utilize its services? Organizations must be proactive — ensuring employees are aware of what’s available to them and feel comfortable seeking assistance. Train managers to recognize when someone is struggling and encourage open, judgment-free conversations.

Signal to employees that mental well-being is not just talked about, but truly valued with policies and initiatives they care about (survey them). For example, flexible schedules give people breathing room and agency, while weekly classes or education sessions teach stress management and resilience.

Physical Wellness Programs

Sedentary or high-labor environments can lead to chronic pain, fatigue, and stress-related illnesses that drain energy and impact job satisfaction. Physical wellness programs can help mitigate this by giving employees tools and opportunities to take care of themselves in ways that fit into their workday.

Gym discounts may work for some, but they often go unused. Help employees integrate activity into their daily routines with:

• Walking breaks and meetings
• Stretching breaks
• Ergonomic workstations (standing desks, walking pads, etc.)
• Onsite or virtual fitness classes
• Wellness challenges
• Healthy food and drink options

While feeling physically healthy is just a piece of the puzzle, prioritizing movement boosts mood, energy, and resistance to burnout.

Work-Life Balance Initiatives

Employees don’t just leave jobs for better pay‌ — ‌they leave for better lives. A lack of work-life harmony is one of the top reasons for high employee turnover. From simple boundaries like respecting off-hours and limiting meetings, to flexible schedules and hybrid/remote options, give employees the freedom to do their best work.

Some organizations even offer paid time off for mental health, wellness, and volunteering as part of their workplace well-being strategy.

Career Growth and Professional Development

Employees that can work towards their future, whether through new skills, mentorship, or leadership opportunities, are more motivated and committed to business goals. They’re likely to make genuine connections and invest in the organizational culture. Prioritize professional development with:

• Detailed growth paths — what advancement looks like, i.e. promotions, lateral moves, skill-building, etc.
• Continuous learning opportunities — workshops, tuition assistance, certification courses, and industry conferences.
• Mentorship — pair up employees who can guide one another’s growth and leverage cross-functional projects.
• Recognizing & rewarding progress — celebrate mastering new skills, earning new certifications, and promotions.

When employees don’t see a path forward, they naturally start exploring other options. Keep top talent engaged and dedicated by providing clear career growth opportunities and leadership that truly supports their development.

Recognition and Engagement

People are most connected to their work when they know their efforts matter. Awards and bonuses are always enjoyed, but don’t forget simple, consistent gestures that can make a big impact. Publicly acknowledging accomplishments, offering personalized rewards, or even a genuine “thank you” from leadership can reinforce an employee’s sense of purpose.

Unexpected notes, gift cards, or half days for a job well-done are other ideas for showing frequent appreciation. Employees feel more invested in the organization’s success when they are involved in making decisions, taking charge of projects, and having their voices heard.

Tip: Strive hosts chair massage for Employee Appreciation Events, Team Morale Initiatives, and Recognition Awards regularly!

Overcoming Common Challenges

Tackling high employee turnover is a challenge — start small, measure impact, and build momentum over time.

You don’t need a large budget.
Focus on culture-driven changes like mentorship programs, flexible work arrangements, and consistent employee recognition.

Involve employees in shaping solutions.
Survey your people, integrate wellness into the workday, and make strategic adjustments based off direct feedback.

Focus on sustainability.
Don’t treat employee well-being as a one-time perk — secure leadership buy-in, embed it into the culture, and align initiatives with business goals (improving employee retention!).

Strive Employee Retention Initiatives

Managing workplace wellness programs adds to an already full plate for HR and wellness teams. Partnering with a wellness vendor streamlines the process, reducing administrative work while ensuring employees receive engaging and sustainable opportunities.

Strive specializes in hassle-free, turnkey wellness solutions, allowing organizations to offer impactful programs without the extra workload. With the logistics handled, HR teams can focus on strategy, engagement, and long-term wellness goals.