Turnover is a challenge across industries for most HR professionals, but it may be a particularly acute issue this time of year. A new analysis has found a five-year trend of higher summer turnover. Despite that risk, experts say, there are a handful of strategies HR can pursue to reverse the trend today.
ADP Research, in analyzing ADP’s payroll data over that five-year timeframe, revealed that the average turnover rate jumps to 3.56% during the summer months, compared with 3.14% during the balance of the calendar year.
“For employers, having data-driven insight that turnover rises in the summer months can help them adjust their talent strategy to proactively focus on retention,” says Amy Freshman, senior director, Global HR at ADP.
While the end of summer is already in sight, Freshman advises HR to redouble retention efforts now to stave off the risk of summer turnover in 2026—and promote higher retention throughout the year.
By taking an “always-on, year-round approach” to retention, organizations can build a culture where employees are aligned with their leaders, working toward a common goal, and ultimately, stay longer with the company.
“Clearly, there are strategies to ensure that summer turnover doesn’t have to negatively impact your business,” Freshman says.
She offers four key focus areas.
Check-ins can help
Freshman says regular check-ins can have a meaningful impact on reducing the risk for higher summertime turnover.
“Check in early and often and monitor for resignation warning signs,” Freshman explains.
This strategy should include year-round stay interviews—not just exit interviews.
“Taking a consistent pulse on employees is foundational to increasing retention in the summer as well as the rest of the year,” Freshman says.
HR should ensure team leaders have weekly check-ins with employees, during which they can recap the week prior, plan the week ahead and, most importantly, ensure the team knows they have the organization’s full support.
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Turnover is a challenge across industries for most HR professionals, but it may be a particularly acute issue this time of year.