Retaining workers has become a major issue for companies across the state and the nation. Pinched by a labor shortage, employers are getting creative in their efforts to keep workers from jumping ship. Of course, money doesn't hurt. But corporate culture, benefits, job environment, public recognition, job satisfaction and a company's long-term outlook are also considered when workers mull a job change, employers say. It's easier to find new contracts and customers, but there's a lot more competition for a limited pool of qualified employees, George says.
Companies have to maintain workers.
It's a tricky balance. In the past year, more than 70,000 jobs were added statewide. Telecommunications, one of the state's fastest growing industries, added 34,000 jobs in the past three years, according to the Massachusetts Telecommunications Council. And more than 70 percent of the state's software companies are expected to add jobs this year, according to the Massachusetts Software Association. Job growth is not unique to Massachusetts.