With employees changing jobs and leaving the work force at record levels, the so-called Great Resignation has been tough on employers.

Given pending legislation, employers must know how to not only become an employer of choice, but also what they can offer employees in terms of wages and total compensation.

Before COVID —  let’s call it BC — we knew the working days of traditionalists ages 76 to 99 and baby boomers ages 57 to 75 were numbered and their retirements would leave a gap other generations in the work place with smaller populations wouldn’t fill.

With COVID, we saw those generations leave even earlier than expected. 

Then came the Great Resignation. In April 2022 alone, 3.4 percent of workers quit their jobs, leaving 221,000 open positions in their wake.

Do you know what your business needs to remain competitive with Generation X ages 41 to 56, Millennials age 26 to 40 and Generation Z ages 25 and younger?

Look at your benefit offerings to see if you can be creative within the areas of social responsibility and possible community work days as well as employee wellness and health club discounts and pet insurance. That’s not to mention making sure your company mission and values are communicated and incorporated into your workplace culture.

Even as you strive to be an employer of choice, make sure your company is up to date with all the Colorado employment laws and get ready for what’s coming. 

Are your hourly employees getting their correct number and time of breaks as well as uninterrupted lunch time, sick time and travel time. Do you know how to post a position under the new Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act? Do you know what FAMLI is? 

If not, the Western Colorado Human Resource Association offers help with its monthly meetings and conferences. The WCHRA can not only get you the information you need to deal with changing generations in the work force and employment laws, but also connect you with a network of human resource professionals.

Come check us out. The WCHRA has scheduled a free networking event at the Grand Junction Rockies starting at 6:35 p.m. July 26 at the Suplizio Field Pavilion at 1315 North Ave. A free legislative law update is set for Aug. 2 to offer information on recently enacted employment laws.

To register for these events and learn more, visit the WCHRA website at www.wchra.org. 

The WCHRA helps businesses to not only find talent, but also make a better world.