Across the U.S., municipalities are struggling with high turnover rates in public works departments. As experienced workers retire and private sector competition grows, cities need stronger retention strategies to keep skilled employees on board.
Losing trained staff means higher hiring costs, lost productivity, and decreased service quality. The key to solving this challenge? Investing in workplace culture, training, and smart technology to make jobs more efficient and rewarding.
Here are five proven strategies to retain skilled public works employees in today’s competitive market.
The faster employees feel confident in their roles, the more likely they are to stay. A poor onboarding experience leads to early frustration and higher turnover.
Implement structured, hands-on training that accelerates learning. Citycare’s Training Companion provides real-time task guidance, best practices, and interactive tutorials, helping workers master their roles faster and reduce costly errors.
Employees stay longer when they see a future in their job. Public works positions often feel stagnant, leading workers to seek better-paying private sector jobs.
Establish a career development path with opportunities for:
- Leadership roles and promotions
-Training in specialized skills (e.g., equipment operation, compliance)
-Cross-training to expand knowledge and improve job flexibility
Public works jobs are physically demanding, and burnout is a major contributor to turnover. Workers need to feel valued and supported.
- Offer flexible schedules or seasonal work adjustments
- Provide better compensation and wellness programs
- Use smart technology like Citycare to optimize workflows and reduce unnecessary overtime, keeping teams efficient without overworking them
Skilled employees want to work smarter, not harder. Outdated tools and inefficient processes lead to frustration, wasted time, and unnecessary stress.
Equip teams with technology that simplifies daily operations, such as:
- Digital work orders to eliminate paperwork
- GPS-tracked dispatching for faster, more efficient routing
- Mobile-friendly training tools like Citycare that provide real-time, on-the-job support
Feeling valued and appreciated is a key factor in retention. Many public works employees leave simply because they don’t feel recognized.
- Regularly acknowledge hard work with performance incentives & awards
- Encourage team engagement through meetings and feedback sessions
- Create a positive culture where employees feel respected and empowered
Retaining skilled public works employees isn’t just about pay—it’s about providing the right tools, training, and work environment to keep them engaged and productive.
🚀 Want to see how Citycare can help improve retention in your municipality?