Recent WorldatWork research found that career growth is one of the strongest factors influencing whether employees stay with an organization. Yet many retention strategies remain heavily focused on compensation and benefits, often overlooking the signs that employees no longer see opportunities to learn, develop, or grow.

In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the connection between career growth and retention through a combination of research insights, practitioner experience, peer discussion, and practical application. Building on the research findings, Isioma Coker will share observations from her work across Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 organizations and introduce the Career Thermometer, a framework designed to help organizations identify and assess potential retention risks across wellbeing, purpose, growth, and workplace relationships.

Together, Isioma and WorldatWork COO Kawel LauBach will facilitate a discussion on how career growth fits within a broader Total Rewards strategy and why compensation alone is often insufficient to retain high-performing employees. Through guided discussion and interactive exercises, attendees will examine common retention challenges, reflect on their own organizational experiences, and explore practical ways to create more meaningful growth opportunities for employees.

Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the relationship between career growth and retention, practical tools for recognizing disengagement before turnover occurs, and actionable ideas for incorporating career growth more intentionally into their Total Rewards, talent, and retention strategies.