High Retention Doesn’t Mean High Engagement
Don’t be fooled – high staff retention doesn’t necessarily mean your team is happy. Right now, it likely reflects fear, not loyalty.
Australia’s workforce is under pressure. The cost of living is climbing, economic uncertainty is high, and employees are cautious. According to Deloitte, nearly 75% of employees are staying in their roles because they see the job market as too risky—not because they’re engaged. Many are simply waiting for conditions to improve before they move on.
Two out of five (40%) workers say they’re planning to leave in the next two years, with poor compensation the top driver. But 74% of employers say they’re struggling to meet pay expectations.
So, what can businesses do?
Start by recognising your people. If you can’t lead with salary, lead with appreciation. At Brownie Points, we help companies improve engagement and boost loyalty through meaningful recognition—something every employee craves, especially in tough times.
The bottom line? High retention might look good on paper, but it could be masking deeper issues. The real risk isn’t losing staff now—it’s losing them all at once when the economy turns.
Invest in an engagement strategy now. Your future workforce depends on it.
Tony Delaney, CEO, Brownie Points
