Building Safe, Sustainable, and Engaging Workplaces

When we think about #retention, it's easy to focus on trendy perks or high salaries. But my conversation with Joseph Ricci , President and CEO of the TRSA | Association for Linen, Uniform and Facility Services Industry , revealed something deeper: employees stay where they feel safe, valued, and like they’re part of a bigger mission.

The textile rental and services industry may not get much attention. Still, it’s a $50 billion industry that impacts our daily lives—from the uniforms we wear to the hygienic hospital linens that save lives. Joe’s insights offer a fresh perspective on how workplace culture, safety, sustainability, and purpose can retain employees and elevate them into long-term contributors.

Here are actionable lessons you can apply to your own workplace—regardless of your industry.

1. Safety First: The Foundation of Retention

Safety isn’t just a compliance issue—it’s a retention strategy. Joe explained how TRSA members focus on creating safe and comfortable environments for employees, and the results speak for themselves: lower turnover, higher productivity, and better morale.

Here’s how you can make safety a priority:

• Assess Your Environment: Is your workplace too hot, too noisy, or uncomfortable in any way? Simple fixes like cooling systems or noise reduction measures can make a big difference.
• Involve Employees in Safety Plans: Encourage employees to share concerns and suggest improvements to create a safety culture.
• Promote Safety as a Shared Responsibility: Host regular safety training and celebrate milestones to reinforce its importance.

Employees who feel safe are more likely to stay—and thrive—in your organization.

2. Sustainability: A Retention Superpower

Today’s workforce wants more than a paycheck—they want to know that their work aligns with their values. Sustainability is directly tied to business performance and employee pride in the textile industry. Joe highlighted how TRSA members reduce water, energy, and chemical use to improve the environment and the bottom line.

How can your workplace embrace sustainability?

• Connect Sustainability to Your Mission: Explain how your organization is reducing its environmental impact and why it matters.
• Take Small Steps That Add Up: Introduce initiatives like recycling programs, energy-efficient equipment, or partnerships with eco-friendly vendors.
• Tell the Story: Employees want to be part of something meaningful. Share success stories about how your company’s efforts are making a difference.

Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for retention too.

3. Growth from Within: Building Careers, Not Just Jobs

One of the most inspiring things Joe shared is how the textile services industry promotes from within. Many CEOs in the industry started as line workers, proving that the path from entry-level to leadership is achievable with the right opportunities.

Here’s how you can build a culture of growth:

• Invest in Training: Whether it’s technical skills or leadership development, training shows employees you’re committed to their future.
• Create Career Pathways: Map out clear advancement opportunities so employees can see a long-term future with your organization.
• Recognize Growth: Celebrate promotions and milestones to reinforce that hard work pays off.

Employees who see a future with your company are far more likely to stay.

4. Rethink Employee Attraction Strategies

TRSA members are getting creative to attract talent, from building facilities close to employee communities to offering competitive pay (often 20-25% above minimum wage). They also focus on improving the workplace environment to stand out in a competitive hiring market.

How you can attract and retain top talent:

• Focus on Location: Make your workplace accessible via public transit or build facilities close to employees' neighborhoods.
• Pay Above the Market: Competitive wages show that you value your employees’ time and talent.
• Create an Employee-Centric Culture: Employees talk—and if you’re known as a great workplace, recruiting becomes much easier.

5. Embrace Technology for Efficiency and Engagement

Technology is transforming the textile industry, from automation that reduces water use to systems that make jobs easier and safer for employees. However, Joe’s key takeaway is that technology should support employees, not replace them.

Here’s how you can use tech to empower your workforce:

• Streamline Repetitive Tasks: Use automation to reduce manual work, allowing employees to focus on higher-value activities.
• Upskill Your Workforce: Train employees to use new tools and systems. This not only boosts productivity but also keeps employees engaged and excited.
• Highlight Innovation: Show how your company’s use of technology makes it a modern, forward-thinking workplace.

When technology and people work hand-in-hand, both retention and efficiency improve.

Quick Wins for Your Retention Strategy

1. Prioritize Safety: Make sure employees feel physically and emotionally secure at work.
2. Lean Into Sustainability: Share your company’s efforts to reduce environmental impact—it resonates with today’s workforce.
3. Invest in Training: Build career pathways that empower employees to grow within your organization.
4. Think Local: Recruit from nearby communities and ensure your workplace is accessible.
5. Modernize with Purpose: Use technology to create efficiency, not eliminate jobs.

What’s Next for Your Workplace?

Joe’s insights make one thing clear: retention is about more than policies or paychecks—it’s about creating a workplace where people feel safe, valued, and part of something meaningful.

Take a moment to reflect: What small changes could you make this month to improve safety, sustainability, or employee growth?

Please share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you’re working to crack the retention code in your organization!

Here's the link in case you'd like to listen to the full conversation: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/cfbd2117-42c8-4528-8a5b-ed43bb966af7/

#EmployeeRetention #WorkplaceCulture #SustainabilityAtWork #LeadershipDevelopment #WorkforceEngagement #SafetyFirst #PurposeDrivenWork #EmployeeExperience #RetentionStrategies #EmpoweringEmployees