Why They Stay Or Why They Go: The Keys To Good Employee Retention

Dec 31, 2015

This article is part of a series called Classic TLNT.

Editor’s Note: It’s an annual tradition for TLNT to count down the most popular posts of the year. This is No. 10 of 2015. Our regular content will return on Jan. 4, 2016.

We know that it’s far cheaper to retain an employee than to replace them.

But in order to understand how to retain, we first need to understand the elements that go into an employee’s decision to stay or leave their job.

Generally speaking, there are three broad categories of elements that make up an individual’s decision on to stay or quit their job:

Overall compensation;
Job satisfaction; and,
Career progression.

This article is part of a series called Classic TLNT.

Get articles like this

in your inbox

The longest running and most trusted source of information serving talent acquisition professionals.

Get articles like this

in your inbox

The longest running and most trusted source of information serving talent acquisition professionals.

The Rise of Experience Intelligence: Why Human Connection Is the New Leadership Advantage

Ron Thomas | Apr 1, 2026

When the Recruiter Stops Believing the Culture (and Candidates Can Tell)

Cassie Roe | Feb 11, 2026

Why Human Experience Trumps AI in Crisis, Transformation, and Cultural Integration

Ravi Subramanian | Feb 2, 2026

From the Boardroom to the Break Room: Where HR Really Belongs

Ron Thomas | Oct 29, 2025

You Are the Director of Your Life

Ron Thomas | Aug 6, 2025