11 Retention Strategies That Work

Nothing solidifies a laboratory more than a core of dedicated technicians. The longer your employees are with you, the better trained they are and the better service they provide--not to mention the dollars saved in avoiding turnover costs. Depending on the employee's position and level of expertise, replacing an employee can cost you anywhere from 25% to 150% of his annual salary in recruiting, hiring and training costs.

In light of our industry's ongoing personnel shortage, keeping your key employees is more important than ever. Paying an adequate, competitive salary and providing benefits is a given for retaining talented dental technicians. Your employees need to feel that they and their families are financially secure, now and in the future.

However, money alone won't ensure employee retention and loyalty. You must provide them with a total package that isn't easily found at the laboratory across town. "Challenge, growth opportunities,...