How Do You Retain Great Employees?

Written By Joshua Baugh

Start With Connection, Growth & Support

Every company talks about retaining talent, but real retention isn’t about perks or quick fixes. It’s about building an environment where people want to stay—where they feel connected, valued, supported, and able to grow.

My passion is recruiting and developing life-long employees. Over time, I’ve built a simple framework that consistently strengthens culture and retention:
Connect. Collaborate. Equip. Build. Support.

These five pillars form the foundation of any team that thrives.

1. CONNECT

Great workplaces make people feel part of something bigger than a job description.

Connection means bringing together different people, backgrounds, and departments to solve problems side-by-side. It means creating energy—getting teams excited about improving processes and supporting each other.

When people feel connected, they stay.

2. COLLABORATE

Collaboration isn’t a meeting—it’s a mindset.

High-retention cultures:

  • Recognize and develop each person’s unique abilities

  • Invite all ideas to the table

  • Ensure every voice matters

  • Encourage open, judgment-free problem solving

When employees know their contributions influence the direction of the company, commitment skyrockets.

3. EQUIP

A team can’t perform with confidence if they don’t have the tools they need.

Equipping means providing:

  • The right training

  • The right resources

  • The right information

  • The right guidance

I want to see people fully confident in what they’re tackling—because they’ve been set up for success from day one.

4. BUILD

People stay where they grow.

Retention isn’t about holding employees in place—it’s about developing them. That includes:

  • Building confidence

  • Building skills

  • Building knowledge

  • Building a team that grows together

When an organization invests in development, employees invest back in the organization.

5. SUPPORT

Support is the backbone of loyalty.

Support isn’t a buzzword—it’s a stable environment where employees feel safe, respected, and heard. It includes:

  • A true open-door policy

  • Leaders who take issues seriously and address them

  • Space for people to be themselves

Employees stay when they trust their leadership.

Long-Term Commitment Matters

Companies that truly care about retention take long-term steps, not short-term gestures. One meaningful commitment:

Fight for the best health care possible—and cover at least 75%.

It sends a powerful message: we support you and your family.

Better benefits lead to stronger loyalty, less stress, and a culture people never want to leave.

Retention Is a Philosophy, Not a Program

People don’t stay because of slogans, snacks, or temporary incentives.

They stay where they feel:

  • Connected

  • Heard

  • Equipped

  • Growing

  • Supported

  • Secure in the long term

If you build that kind of environment, you don’t need to “fight turnover.” Your people will stay because they want to.

Joshua Baugh
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