The pros and cons of high employee turnover are an interesting study in weighing opportunity against possible problems. While every business is different, a careful study of any business that displays high turnover can reveal reasons to embrace higher turnover rates. Instead of signaling problems on the horizon, it could signal opportunity.

Traditional Business Model...

Within the traditional business model, employers would see high turnover rates as undesirable. Most businesses invest thousands of dollars in training a new employee, and would avoid the loss of their training investment. In addition, employees usually take time to adjust to a new job setting and begin producing consistent results.

From a traditional professional viewpoint, many top people might avoid joining a firm that has the reputation of high employee turnover. It could be evidence of job expectations that are unrealistic, or a problematical management system.

Fast Advancement Potential...

Some businesses today invest less in employee training, and hire larger numbers of new people expecting high turnover rates. They seek employees who can produce results without much training. Independent self-starters who require little supervision may be the goal of such businesses. Those who seek fast advancement will benefit from the fast turnover if they can survive working in high turnover settings.

When new employees are constantly entering the company, seniority comes quickly. Along with seniority, salaries and commissions may rise more quickly as well. Employees who need supervision and value organization may find high employee turnover rates to be upsetting to their sense of security in the job setting.

Negative Message of High Turnover Rates...

Some people are difficult to work for, and cannot keep employees for that reason. Despite providing good training and adequate time to fit in, some bosses are not pleasant to work with. To prevent working in an "impossible" job, investigate why the person you might be replacing is no longer there. Pleasant working conditions are a high priority for most employees.

Weighing the Pros and Cons...

As with anything, careful analysis of why there is high turnover in any business is worth the trouble. With high turnover, there is less job security for the average employee. But, there may be higher wages and more opportunity for advancement. As employee turnover potentially eliminates valued associates, it also may eliminate unpleasant co-workers which would be an advantage. Highly structured offices with little turnover may feel safe, but also be less interesting to independent thinkers.

Those who thrive upon activity, and enjoy a good challenge may benefit from working in an environment that includes high employee turnover. One thing is sure, boredom will seldom prevail in such a job setting. Never pre-judge a good potential job because of a knee-jerk reaction to turnover statistics. You could miss out on the best job that you might have ever had.

Learn more about this author, Bob Schmidt.
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