Employee retention strategies are becoming more important as finding and keeping good employees gets harder for many businesses. While pay is still important, employees are also looking for opportunities to grow, feel supported, and enjoy where they work.
This is especially true in industries like baking, grocery, and breweries, where teams work in fast-paced environments and rely on strong communication, teamwork, and leaders who often take on multiple roles.
Employee retention is not just about lowering turnover. It is about creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and want to stay and grow with the company.
During a recent HR session hosted through the Cooperative Leaders Collective program for our co-op members, Organizational Development Manager Thomas Schultz shared ideas on employee retention strategies.
A key concept discussed was “employee stick,” which occurs when employees feel connected, supported, and motivated to stay and grow with the company.
Why Employee Retention Strategies Matter
Employee turnover can affect every part of your business. In baking, grocery, and brewery operations, turnover can disrupt production, customer service, and team efficiency. When employees leave, companies often spend extra time and money hiring and training new people.
Employee retention strategies start with leadership, not just HR. In some organizations, leaders also have to take on HR tasks because there is no formal HR department. This makes their role even more important in shaping the employee experience. The way leaders communicate, support their teams, and set the tone for workplace culture has a big impact on whether employees choose to stay. Employees want to feel valued, respected, and given real chances to grow within the company, and they notice this most through everyday leadership.
Small changes can make a big difference over time, such as:
- Recognizing employee contributions in daily work environments like production floors, bakeries, or retail settings
- Improving communication between leaders and staff
- Supporting professional growth and learning opportunities
What is “Employee Stick”
Employee stick is the idea of creating a workplace where employees want to stay and do their best work. It focuses on more than just keeping employees on the payroll. It is about building real connection, trust, and motivation within a team.
During the session, this idea was used to describe employees who feel engaged in their work, supported by leadership, and confident that they can grow within the company. When “employee stick” is strong, employees are more likely to stay long-term, work with purpose, and contribute at a higher level.
Signs of Employee Stick and How to Use It
Creating employee stick starts with leadership. It is not just about being in charge, but about simple, steady actions that help employees feel valued and connected. These signs can also help leaders build stronger teams.
- Acknowledgement – Notice your employees and take time for real, focused interactions. Even small moments of attention can show employees they matter.
- Connection – Build a workplace where employees feel connected not only to leaders, but also to each other. Strong relationships at work help improve trust and teamwork.
- Feedback – Give feedback often, not just when something goes wrong. Positive recognition is just as important as correction. Encourage employees to also share feedback with each other to build a culture of growth and support.
Employee Stick versus Stay
In baking, grocery, and brewery environments, you often see two types of employees: those with “employee stick” and those who simply “stay.”
Employee Stick
Employees with employee stick:
- Understand their role and expectations
- Want to do their work well
- Feel connected to the company
- Are motivated and engaged in their work
Employees that Stay
Employees who simply stay:
- Are present at work but not highly engaged
- Focus mainly on completing tasks
- May not feel connected to the company
- Are often working primarily for a paycheck
How Leadership Impacts Employee Retention
Leadership sets the tone for employee retention. The way leaders communicate, recognize employees, and handle challenges directly shapes how people feel about their work.
When employees feel seen, supported, and given clear direction, they are more likely to stay engaged and committed. That connection builds trust and strengthens employee stick.
Leadership also influences growth. Employees stay longer when they understand their future with the company and feel supported in building their skills.
Supporting Co-op Members Through the Cooperative Leaders Collective
HR advisory services help growing businesses strengthen leadership implement employee retention strategies that build more engaged teams.
This session was part of the Cooperative Leaders Collective program, designed to provide co-op members with practical leadership and workforce resources.
As part of the pilot season, the session focused on employee retention strategies and how leaders can build stronger teams through communication, engagement, and growth opportunities. It was the first of several planned sessions, with additional topics rolling out throughout the year to help businesses build strong, sustainable workplaces.
Employee retention and leadership development are just one piece of the bigger picture. Future Cooperative Leaders Collective sessions will also explore IT and phishing scams, sales strategies that attract the right customers, and marketing approaches that help businesses stand out without adding to the noise.
Interested in attending our other sessions? Contact us today to sign up!
