Nonprofit HR Unveils 2023 Talent Retention Survey Results

Nonprofit HR, a consulting firm dedicated to providing strategic human resources solutions to nonprofit organizations, has released the findings of its highly anticipated 2023 Talent Retention Survey, showing both significant progress and key areas to improve. This comprehensive survey, conducted across the nonprofit sector, reveals significant improvement in talent retention compared to a year ago, primarily among both women and employees ages 31-49. However, significant challenges remain with retaining employees of color as well as employees under 30.

The 31-49 age group showed a remarkable 25% improvement in retention compared to a year ago. When asked which age segment was most difficult for nonprofits to retain, that group was only identified by 21% of respondents.  The positive shift could perhaps be attributed to companies embracing the hybrid work model and employees benefiting from that added flexibility. Additionally, when asked which gender respondents had the most challenge retaining, only 30% said women, a 17% decrease from a year ago. This is highly significant as both the above groups were large parts of the “Great Resignation” of 2020 and 2021.

"Conducting a survey of talent retention allows us to truly gauge the pulse of the workplace and see how nonprofits are adjusting to the new normal,” said Lisa Alexander, CEO of Nonprofit HR. Attracting, developing and retaining a talented and engaged workforce is more important now more than ever before for nonprofits. Having the right talent determines a mission’s success— namely, their skills, knowledge, experience, motivation and engagement.”

Despite this progress, the survey also shows persistent obstacles that remain. A significant 53% of respondents report challenges with retaining employees under 30 years old. Many times, employees in this age group are emerging professionals, not long out of college or training programs and are still deciding their career path. While it is understandable for them to be the hardest group to retain, it still represents a significant challenge in talent retention for nonprofits.

Another challenge is retaining employees of color. When asked which race or ethnicity respondents had the most challenge retaining, 21% said black or African American, nearly double the percentage of any other ethnicity. This challenge underscores a crucial area for improvement as nonprofits plan their 2024 talent retention strategies.

The survey results can be seen here (opens as a pdf).

Source: Nonprofit HR

The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with NonProfit PRO. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of the staff of NonProfit PRO.