Would you say this is a high turnover of staff?

[diligesmore]

I started my job in October, working in the office for a charity.

We’re a small team of 15 staff in total.

Since I’ve started, 5 colleagues have handed in their resignation. Do you think this is a high turnover of staff? I think so, but another colleague thinks it’s normal!

Yes I would say that's high turnover

33% isn't it? My organisation (Gvt arms length body) is currently running at c20% and the Exec board are almost having kittens.

Yes I would say it is high turnover
we have the same problems at work people leave all the time
I would leave if I could afford to!

That's v high. Particularly for a small charity, where there's a good basis for a positive work culture. Sounds like something toxic is happening.

Unless it's down to funding.

Objectively yes but whether this is actually an issue is hard to say without knowing why people have gone. If one has given up work post Mat leave to be a SAHM, one has retired at 65, one has got a great promotion elsewhere, one has moved countries etc, that’s all fine. If people are leaving to take similar roles elsewhere that is more of an issue.

1/3 of staff leaving is huge turnover.

I think these things do sometimes happen all at once. Jean who's been there forever finally decides to move on and everyone else realises there are other opportunities out there too, but if colleagues think this is normal for the company, yes it's high if it's happening regularly.

15% is considered a desirable rate, I believe

Yes, it's a high turnover but might be nothing to worry about if they are on fixed term contracts due to lack of funding etc

Or is it that people are working in very stressful roles for very little pay ... also quite common in small charities!

I definitely get the feeling that people have been unhappy for a long time. When I started, it was a nice atmosphere but looking back maybe people were putting on a front. We’re paid poorly, but it’s a charity so I expected that!

There's no reason why charities should pay staff poorly.

Maybe, maybe not. I once worked in a place for years with very low staff turnover, then several people all left within a few months, and then barely anyone left for years afterwards. Those who left all had genuine and different reasons, one left due to pregnancy, another left due to relocating, someone else left to set up a business with hubbie, another simply retired. 33% sounds a lot but it's only 5 people - it's a big percentage because you're only a small department of 15. I'd be more worried if it was 33% of a larger department of, say 50 or 100!

There has been a lot of moving around since Covid so maybe not that unusual. Also with the cost of living people are desperate to find higher paying jobs.

If the charity is paying low wages and everyone's living costs have gone up it might be people are having leave rather than wanting too

But yes that does seem high turnover

Although I once worked in an office of 6 where 13 people left in 12 months (I was number 13), that's the kind of turnover where you know you have issues!

It’s very high. 10% and under over 12 months is desirable. Over 15% with no cause is concerning. 20% on up is sinking ship.

33% in 6 months= 66% over 12 months is completely fucked level.

Don't work in a call centre then! We were running at 200% in 2018!

You will always get quite a high turnover in low paid jobs. People understantably need more money these days. So it cannot be assumed they are leaving because the job, though you will know better than us.

I agree with you on one level, but the reality isn't always like that. Small charities are often strapped for cash, and funders expect the moon on a stick for very little money. Charities often have a choice between paying much less than the staff deserve or giving up and shutting down. Generally, those with a strong mission tend to find people who are prepared to work hard for the cause despite the low wages. I'm not saying that they shouldn't be paid more, but often that's the only option if they want to keep doing what they're doing.

A lot of the public seem to be outraged by the notion that charity staff - even those doing professional roles - get paid at all!🙄

I've just resigned from my job working for a charity. Poorly paid, worked like a dog. Nothing but complains despite being really productive and efficient.
Go above and beyond to give a great service but there is a toxic undercurrent that is very common within charitable organisations.

I think this is it really. Management have a superiority complex and the organisation is so small but patronising. I didn’t feel welcomed when I joined and am having doubts now.