Are Your Employees Preparing to Walk Out?

We survey CE Pro readers every year about their biggest challenges. Over the past several years, "finding good employees" has not been high on the totem pole of responses, supplanted by things like "the economy," "homebuilding" and "the Internet."

Your technicians and sales staff were probably just "happy to have a job" during the recession. But a recent study by Right Management show many employers are starting to face a different situation.

For the first time in years, the number of people quitting voluntarily is higher than the number fired or discharged. The study also says 84 percent of employees plan to seek new employment in 2012, up from 60 percent in 2011.

According to CareerBuilder, more than one-third (34 percent) of employers reported an increase in voluntary turnover in 2011 and 43 percent were anxious they might lose top talent in 2012.

Photos: How Do Your Wages & Benefits Compare?

So, now is the time to check in with your key employees and perhaps set up risk/reward programs to keep them motivated, happy and employed with your company. One good benchmark that could help prevent an exodus of good employees is to compare your benefits and wages against the CE Pro Wage & Benefits Survey.