Highly skilled supervisors can help improve employee satisfaction and retention at state and local public health agencies. According to the 2024 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS), 86% of employees are satisfied with their supervisor, and 51% of employees who are planning to stay cited satisfaction with their supervisors as a reason to do so. But among those intending to leave, 22% cited their supervisor as a reason. Compare your agency’s results with the national average.
Prospective supervisors should be assessed based on the qualities of effective managers. Hire supervisors based on skills like listening, empathy, humility, coaching, planning, and delegation to ensure they have the skills to motivate their employees to stay. And like any employee, supervisors require training, development, and support to improve their leadership and managerial skills.
