Durham Strategic Plan Dashboard
Prosperity
Status Indicator: 
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Initiative: 4.11 Develop retention strategies
Innovative & High Performing Organization
Description
Retention strategies are essential for the City of Durham to preserve institutional knowledge and ensure continuity in service delivery. Over the course of their careers, employees develop expertise in handling complex tasks and an understanding of local policies. Experienced, high-performing employees play a crucial role in fostering a positive work culture, building trust with the community, and establishing long-term relationships that contribute to the city's stability and effective governance.
Key Measures & Data Analysis
The City's turnover rate is trending down, and is close to returning to pre-pandemic levels. These have followed national trends. Following the implementation of significant updates to compensation in July 2024 based on a market study, it is anticipated that this will help with both retention and recruitment.
Full-time Employee Turnover
Why is it important?
Retaining employees with institutional knowledge and experience is essential for continuity of services and efficiency of City services. Implementing retention strategies can contribute to City staff feeling valued and supported, in turn raising morale and productivity. As older staff members begin to retire, having effective retention strategies allows talented staff to be placed in these roles, preventing knowledge gaps and minimizing disruptions in leadership. As many City staff work with residents and the broader community, having familiar faces lead to building trust and confidence in the City's ability to deliver services.
What have we been doing?
- Reviewed & reformatted exit interview survey
- Reviewing and updating policies (Disciplinary, Acting Assignment, Break Time for Nursing Mothers, Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Policies)
- Implemented changes resulting from Class and Comp Project
- Implemented benefit vendor updates
What's next?
- Employee Engagement Survey Administration
- Employee Engagement Survey Action Plan Development
- Employee Engagement Survey Action Plan Implementation
City Website Home Page: Durham, NC | Official Website (durhamnc.gov)
Budget Website Page: Budget & Management Services Department | Durham, NC (durhamnc.gov)
Budget and Management Services Department
Office of Performance and Innovation
Strategy and Performance Division