Skip to content

Listening-Informed Manager Development Helps Gannett Reduce Employee Turnover by 50%

  • Reduced turnover from 23.4% to 11.7%
  • Increased engagement by 25%
  • Lifted internal mobility to 44% versus 25% benchmark

The Opportunity

In 2023, Gannett identified five key areas for enhancing employee experience: manager relationships, performance clarity, belonging, future vision, and work barriers. Survey data indicated specific paths for strengthening manager effectiveness and employee connections to organizational goals.

The Solution

Gannett implemented a multi-channel listening strategy through their Your Voice Engagement Survey, pulse surveys, and continuous feedback mechanisms. Key initiatives included:

  • A Manager Effectiveness dashboard tracking leadership behaviors
  • Quarterly check-ins and talent reviews
  • A focused leader portal supporting management development
  • New employee resource groups including MENA Forward and Ability Forward
  • Mental Health First Aid certification training
  • A self-ID survey measuring workforce diversity

The organization aligned individual goals with company objectives, tripling the number of employees with documented goals in Dayforce from 19% to 57%.

The Impact

Gannett’s survey data reflected the clear progress made across all focus areas. Manager effectiveness scores surpassed benchmarks by 6+ points in key areas: treating employees with respect (+6.6), showing individual care (+7.4), and providing performance feedback (+9.2).

  • Employee sentiment showed substantial gains:
  • Optimism rose 16%
  • Confidence in senior leaders increased by 9%
  • Company competitiveness perception improved by 13%
  • Belief in survey feedback utilization grew 6.4%

DEI initiatives yielded positive results, with belonging scores rising 13 points since 2021. Perceptions of fair treatment (+9) and diversity value (+8) exceeded benchmarks.

The comprehensive approach to employee experience produced lasting organizational improvements. Turnover fell from 23.4% to 11.7%, while internal mobility reached 44% — significantly above the LinkedIn benchmark of 25%. Survey participation increased by 11% over the three-year average, indicative of growing employee trust in the feedback process.