#United States #Rolling Meadows #Employee Retention #Gallagher #Talent Benchmarks

Gallagher's 2025 U.S. Talent Benchmarks Report

In the midst of economic challenges, the importance of employee retention has reached unprecedented heights for U.S. employers. Gallagher's 2025 U.S. Talent Benchmarks Report, drawing insights from more than 4,000 organizations across various industries, reveals that enhancing employee retention ranks just behind revenue growth as a top operational priority. This shift highlights a critical transformation in the workplace landscape, where traditional engagement strategies are being replaced with more employee-centric approaches.

Key Findings from the Report

The report showcases how organizations are increasingly prioritizing the individual needs of employees. One major revelation is that the significance of “career growth pathways” has eclipsed the traditional focus on “trust and confidence in senior leadership” as the primary driver of employee engagement. This change indicates a noticeable shift in employee expectations; individuals are now more inclined toward opportunities for personal development and autonomy in their career paths.

John Tournet, U.S. CEO of Gallagher's Benefits & HR Consulting Division, remarks, "We’re witnessing a fundamental shift in what employees value, and organizations must adapt to retain their talent. The trust in leadership significantly impacts employee engagement and retention rates. Leaders who fail to evolve face risks of continuous attrition, making it difficult to grow and compete in this challenging environment."

Addressing Burnout and Mental Health

Another significant aspect highlighted in the report is the concerning readiness of organizations to manage the escalating issue of employee burnout and mental health challenges. A staggering 67% of employers express concern over stress and burnout, yet only 24% have implemented mental health training for managers and HR leaders.

Proactive measures are being taken by some organizations, which include stress management programs, mental health days, and onsite meditation facilities. However, the overall lack of comprehensive training for managers presents considerable obstacles in providing frontline support to employees facing mental health issues.

Inclusion and Diversity Initiatives

The report also sheds light on the evolving focus on Inclusion and Diversity (ID) initiatives, with 74% of employers actively working on enhancing these practices in 2025. Larger organizations lead the way in these efforts, recognizing ID as a stabilizing force amidst economic uncertainty. AI technology is increasingly being utilized to promote inclusivity and mitigate bias in hiring processes, yet only 24% of employers are training their teams on incorporating inclusive behaviors into daily tasks.

John Tournet adds, "AI has the potential to significantly boost inclusion if deployed thoughtfully. If poorly managed, it may perpetuate biases; however, when combined with human empathy and creativity, it can truly enhance equity and connection within organizations."

Conclusion

Gallagher's 2025 U.S. Talent Benchmarks Report stresses that companies committed to deliberate engagement, robust mental health support, and inclusive practices position themselves to attract and retain the best talent. Such strategies are not merely about compliance; they are essential for building trust and resilience for sustained success in today’s dynamic work environment. Organizations engaged in developing a comprehensive people strategy centered on holistic wellbeing will be better equipped to navigate future challenges and foster thriving workplaces.

About the Report

The Gallagher 2025 U.S. Talent Benchmarks Report is part of an extensive series that examines workforce trends and employee engagement. Compiling insights from a range of Gallagher surveys, this report serves as a critical resource for organizations aiming to optimize their people strategies, ensuring a focus on the wellbeing of their employees and communities.