During The Great Resignation in 2021, companies across the country were seeing the highest rates of job quitting in decades. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the quit rate reached an all-time high of 3% in late 2021, the highest rate since it started recording data in 2000. Many workers cited insufficient wages and increased cost of living, limited opportunities to advance their career, hostile work environments, lack of benefits, and job dissatisfaction as their reasons for leaving, according to Pew Research Center. 

Harrigan Sanitation Solutions operates under a system of igniting the passions within each of its partners’ teams, inspiring them to set goals and achieve them above and beyond. When employees feel valued, they feel empowered to get the work done and achieve continuous improvement. 

Fortune Magazine reports about 75% of employees wish they felt more valued at work, and those who don’t feel valued in the workplace will often end up leaving their jobs in hopes of a better experience. The American Psychological Association (APA) found in 2012 that half of all employees who said they didn’t feel valued at work intended to look for a new job in the next year. 

It’s important for businesses to factor employee engagement into their workplace. Harrigan has found that the key to recruiting and retaining people who stay and thrive within food processing facilities is establishing a “pit crew” with a growth mindset. 

Employees who feel valued are more likely to report higher levels of engagement, satisfaction and motivation than those who do not. This evidence is why each Crew Chief at Harrigan leads their crew from the bottom up, meeting weekly to discuss ways to achieve continuous improvement. We engage in deliberate practices, including a strengths-based approach, creating connections across teams, and establishing meaning in each employee’s work. The culture at Harrigan fosters a sense of employees being able to say:

• They are part of a true team.
• They are needed for their unique strengths.
• They belong and are an important part of their crew.
• They fulfill their desire to use their skills to help others.

As a result of Harrigan’s Trustworthy Teams and “pit crew” model, we are proud to report an industry-low employee turnover rate. With lower turnover, our partners save costs in less time recruiting and training new employees. With engaged employees, companies will also save costs by meeting production numbers and fewer people working overtime.

If you are interested in joining one of our Trustworthy Teams, view our job openings here — or contact Harrigan if you are looking for a partner to fulfill your company’s sanitation needs.