Employee turnover: what it is and what it means

Employee turnover is the flow of entries and exits of staff in a given period. It is not a problem in itself; it becomes a signal when it affects key people, concentrates in certain functions or accelerates with no visible cause. Unlike attrition — only natural exits such as retirement or the end of a contract — turnover includes all exits, including voluntary resignations and early terminations.

Distinctive: flow of entries and exits
Distinctive: including voluntary resignations
Essential: of staff
Essential: in a given period
Constant: entries and exits

Glossary

Employee turnover

The flow of staff entries and exits in a given period; it becomes a signal when it affects key people, concentrates in specific functions or accelerates with no visible cause.