Preparing and Retaining Tomorrow's Leaders

This paper describes the programs the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has implemented to retain experienced staff and managers to minimize the impact of retirements. Additionally, options explored to offer alternative work schedules are discussed. Finally, the actions taken to improve the salaries of employees in order to retain more of the existing workforce are detailed.Due to the successes of the programs, DEQ has seen a decline in turnover from 17.10% in FY06 to 12.25% in FY08. Additionally, base salaries have increased in excess of 25%, and payments have been made for student loans, Pay for Performance and excess benefit allowances during the same period. Also, the in-house training implemented by DEQ has been successful in the number of attendees and the increase in confidence shown by new managers. Overall, DEQ has seen an improvement of employee morale as a result of the implemented programs.