The True Solution to Employee Turnover is Upskilling
Employee turnover has become one of the biggest challenges facing employers today. Businesses across Ontario are losing skilled staff faster than they can replace them. While many companies look for quick fixes, few address the root of the problem.
For employers searching for real employee turnover solutions, upskilling stands out as one of the most effective and long-term approaches. Keep reading to find out why.
Employee Turnover is Hurting Businesses Financially
In Kitchener-Waterloo and Guelph, many employers are feeling the pressure of high employee turnover.
According to this study, turnover has cost businesses almost $30,000 annually in rehiring expenses and lost productivity. The same study claims that costs can be as high as $100,000 for businesses with above average turnover rates.
Turnover doesn’t always happen overnight. It builds slowly, often starting with frustration or uncertainty. By the time an employee resigns, the decision has usually been made weeks or months earlier.
Why Employees Leave (and How Employers Get It Wrong)
If you have a high turnover rate, the question you’re probably asking yourself is “why?” Many employers assume employees leave mainly for higher pay, but this isn’t a solution, it’s an excuse. Compensation does matter but it’s rarely the only reason.
Employers tend to have higher turnover rates when:
- Employees don’t see a future with the company
- Employees feel their skills are no longer growing
- The Employee’s role has changed, but support hasn’t
- Employees feel unprepared for new expectations
- Employees feel that the company isn’t invested in them
When employers focus only on wages or perks, they miss the bigger picture. Growth and security play a major role in retention, and employees often choose growth opportunities over a higher salary.
Why Upskilling Is the Best Employee Turnover Solution
Upskilling addresses the reasons employees leave instead of treating the symptoms.
What Is Upskilling and Why It Matters
Upskilling means helping employees build new or improved skills so they can succeed as their roles evolve. This could involve technical training, digital skills, leadership development, or industry-specific knowledge. For upskilling, companies often utilize a mix of internal mentoring as well as external upskilling programs.
Upskilling is the best employee turnover solution because it directly resolves the main issues that make people leave good companies.
- Employees don’t see a future at the company — Upskilling gives employees a better sense of job security and growth. It makes them consider their future in the company and demonstrates that you’re invested in seeing them move up the organization.
- Employees feel their skills are no longer growing — Upskilling provides the targeted skill growth employees crave, allowing them to evolve their career journey in a way that feels right to them.
- The Employee’s role has changed, but support hasn’t — Upskilling gives you the chance to support employees by training them in skills that are relevant to their new role.
- Employees feel unprepared for new expectations — Upskilling programs are designed to directly target skills that are underdeveloped, helping employees feel more confident.
- Employees feel that the company isn’t invested in them — Upskilling proves to employees that you are invested in their growth and potential, especially with programs that are self-led and personalized.
Upskilling gives employees a reason to stay. It shows that the company is willing to invest in their future, not just their output.
Employees who receive training are more likely to:
- Stay engaged in their roles
- See long-term career paths internally
- Adapt to change instead of resisting it
- Feel valued by leadership
As an employee turnover solution, upskilling builds trust and stability.
Employee Turnover Is Costly, Upskilling Saves You Money
Replacing an employee is expensive. Recruiting, onboarding, and lost productivity quickly add up. In many cases, turnover costs far exceed the price of training.
Upskilling reduces these expenses by keeping experienced staff in place. Employees who stay require less ramp-up time and contribute more consistently. Over time, this leads to stronger teams and lower hiring costs.
How to Implement Upskilling as an Employee Turnover Solution
Step 1: Identify where turnover is happening
Start by looking at which roles have the highest turnover or are hardest to fill. These positions often change quickly or require skills that are in short supply. Upskilling in these areas delivers the fastest impact.
Step 2: Understand why employees are leaving
Exit interviews, performance reviews, and informal check-ins can reveal skill gaps or career concerns. Employees often leave because they feel unprepared for new responsibilities or don’t see growth ahead.
Step 3: Focus on employees who want to grow
Not every employee needs the same training. Identify team members who are engaged, reliable, and open to learning. These employees are more likely to stay when given development opportunities.
Step 4: Choose practical, job-relevant training
Upskilling should support real work, not distract from it. Training must align with current roles or future needs. Short, targeted programs are often more effective than broad, general courses.
Step 5: Use the right mix of internal and external support
Internal mentorship helps employees apply what they learn. External providers bring current expertise and structure. Combining both reduces strain on managers and improves learning outcomes.
Step 6: Communicate the purpose clearly
Employees should understand why training is being offered and how it supports their role. When upskilling is positioned as a long-term investment, trust and retention improve.
Step 7: Treat upskilling as an ongoing strategy
One-time training rarely solves turnover. Regular learning opportunities signal stability and commitment, helping employees feel consistent security to plan their future with your organization.
Flexible Upskilling for Any Industry: Pathways Upskilling Program
Pathways offers flexible upskilling programs designed for today’s workforce. With training facilities in Kitchener and Guelph, Pathways works closely with employers to support employees across industries.
We deliver a self-led experience that prioritizes your employees’ goals and weaknesses, helping them prepare for new roles, become more confident, and demonstrate more effectiveness and efficiency in day-to-day tasks.
Programs focus on practical, transferable skills that align with real job requirements. Employees receive personalized support, helping them build confidence and clarity around their career direction.
By combining education with one-on-one guidance, Pathways helps employers reduce turnover while preparing teams for future needs.
Having external upskilling help is great for reducing strain on company time and resources, as well as introducing fresh skills not currently available in your organization.
Let’s chat about how we can help your organization thrive!
