How a homeless shelter cut employee turnover in half

Nonprofit human services agencies represent a growing component of the US' workforce. Unfortunately, management practices among these agencies often do not use modern techniques to increase training, creativity and morale. One homeless shelter's efforts at a variety of management improvements to increase organizational morale, efficiency and communication are examined. The employee turnover rate had been hovering around 60% for several years. From 1990 to 1991, the rate dropped to 38% and remained low for the next 2 years. Enhanced communication and suggestions made by current employees, as well as by staff during exit interviews, were critical in bringing about this change. New management, increased training opportunities, implementation of a pension plan, improved medical benefits, and better recruitment procedures also helped. Although only 2 of the reasons for reduced turnover were fee-driven, increased training and pension and medical plans, all the reasons contributed to increased efficiencies.