Many nonprofit employees in Central Indiana appear to be dissatisfied, with 40 percent reporting that they’re likely to change jobs in the next 90 days, according to a Not-for-profit News survey of 461 respondents. Of those, 21 percent said there’s a 50 percent chance they would change jobs and 20 percent rated that possibility as “very likely” — at least a 70 percent chance.

That number shifts from 40 percent to nearly 54 percent when the timeline for a potential job change is expanded to “within the next 12 months.” According to the 2021 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, voluntary turnover — situations in which employees choose to leave their jobs — is typically 25 percent.

When asked what mattered to them most in a job, survey respondents cited flexible schedule (68 percent), higher pay (57 percent) and remote work (47 percent) as their top three criteria. 

One survey respondent said, “Don’t make me come back to the office more. I am far more productive at home. There is no need to commute 1.5 to 2 hours in a day to attend a 1-hour meeting. If virtual worked at the height of the pandemic (when you wanted it) then it can still work now (when I want it).

Another said, “The culture at my institution is completely broken. Trust between the staff and leadership at the senior and board level has fully dissolved. Within my own department I don't feel like there are advancement opportunities for me, but more broadly, many staff feel discouraged, undervalued, and heartbroken over continued institutional shortcomings. If my employer were to provide a clear advancement plan for me and work towards more transparency between leadership and the staff, I would love to stay.”

Burnout was cited as a major problem by numerous survey respondents. One employee responded, “Get me help. I cannot do this alone and I am drowning,” while another commented that they needed “more help in the office and fewer long nights.”

The survey findings reflect recent trends throughout the state of Indiana, according to Megan Nail, vice president, Total Rewards Practice, for First Person Advisors, and state director for the HR Indiana Society for Human Resource Management.

“I hear from HR professionals and employers throughout the state of Indiana, and what they're dealing with,” Nail said. “The pandemic has impacted mental health, wages and our ability to recruit and retain employees. I have never seen anything like this in the 20 years that I've been in the profession.”

Chelsea DuKate, founder and HR people consultant for Red Envelope Consulting, said employers will need to consider remote work as the new normal — not the exception in the coming years.

Are you paying fair wages to your employees? Do the wages motivate your employees? Find out by classifying or ranking the job positions in your workplace.

a. Rank by market. You compare each worker's position to a similar position within the job market. Be careful. Compare job duties, not job titles.

Example: Is the position of customer service representative in your organization worth more or less than what the average customer service representative makes at other organizations?

b. Rank by evaluation. You give a title to each position and rate one position against the others.

Example: Is a customer service representative more important than an administrative assistant, a supervisor, a bookkeeper?

c. Rank by job duties. You break down each job into a cluster of job skills and duties, then award points to these different skills. Add them up, figure out which positions have the most points and deserve the most pay. This method works best for smaller and newer businesses or organizations where each employee will likely wear several different "hats."

Example: A customer service representative in your organization not only answers customer requests. He or she also checks on orders and makes suggestions on inventory. This person comes in on Saturdays and prepares reports for accounting’s use. How do these skills compare with those of other positions?

Make sure your employees understand that a wage and salary ranking plan will make fair and equitable wages. Answer their questions early.

Host successful fall fundraising events with confidence webinar on Aug. 25 at 12:30 p.m. Understand the current state of nonprofit events — what’s currently working, and what considerations your organization should weigh when deciding how you can make the biggest impact. Presented by Network for Good. Cost: Free. Register

Have a legal question? Local attorneys will provide free legal advice to the community about various issues, from landlord/tenant issues to child custody and bankruptcy. Talk with the attorneys by phone on Sept. 14 from 6-8 p.m. Call (317) 269-2000 or learn more

Strategic planning in uncertain times webinar on Sept. 17 at noon. For many organizations, COVID-19 presented serious challenges, but it also presented opportunities to reevaluate and redefine what is possible. Learn recent trends in strategic planning needed to move forward despite continued uncertainty. Presented by Hedges, hosted by National Bank of Indianapolis. Cost: Free. Register

Effective staff and board roles webinar on Sept. 23 from 10:30 a.m.-noon. Maximize the strengths and effectiveness of executive and board leadership through a better understanding of the complementary yet distinct roles that staff and board members play in nonprofit organizations. Hosted by Hedges, with presenting sponsors Faegre Drinker and Katz, Sapper and Miller and supporting sponsor FirstPerson Advisors. Cost: $60. Register  

6 weeks to a successful #GivingTuesday campaign webinar on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. Learn creative ideas and expert tips on everything from communications and enlisting peer-to-peer ambassadors to incorporating virtual strategies and following up with donors. Presented by Nonprofit Tech for Good. Cost: Free. Register

The Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute training experience is accepting applications for its 2022 class. The training, with access to top thought-leaders, is ideal for senior leaders and board members in philanthropy, and those seeking to hold executive roles in the future. Applications are due Oct. 28. Apply

United Way of Central Indiana is hosting a Go All IN event to provide 700 homebound seniors with resources they otherwise would not be able to afford. Volunteers are needed to make the care kits on Sept. 9. Register

VonLehman CPA Advisory Firm  Right pay motivates employees

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