News & Insights

Think Like a Coach: Retaining Top Talent in a Competitive Market

In today’s competitive job market, hiring managers must think more like college coaches navigating the transfer portal. Just as top-tier college programs must continually re-recruit their best athletes to keep them from transferring, companies must actively engage and retain their high-performing employees year after year. Employees, like athletes, have more options than ever, and those who do not see a path to advance will be quick to explore new opportunities.

Lessons from UConn’s Dan Hurley

Dan Hurley, Head Coach of the UConn men’s basketball team, underscored the realities of today’s player movement in a recent 60 Minutes interview: “50% of my roster or more is at least considering going in the portal … in a couple of those cases they’ve already talked to the coaching staff at future school and have an idea of what their NIL (money) is going to be there.” This same dynamic exists in the business world – top performers are constantly being courted by competitors, and some are already weighing outside offers before their current employers even realize they’re at risk of leaving.

Re-Recruiting Employees: A Continuous Strategy for Retention

For hiring managers, this means implementing strategies to continuously “re-recruit” top performers. Regular one-on-one check-ins, career development discussions and opportunities for meaningful work can make employees feel as invested in the company as the company is in them. But it’s not just about money. Players don’t enter the transfer portal solely for a bigger payday; they often seek more playing time and a chance to prove themselves. Hiring managers need to ask: Are my up-and-coming employees getting ‘playing time’? Are they getting the opportunity to showcase their skills and grow in their roles?

Create a Sense of Belonging

Just as coaches invite players into their homes to foster personal connections, managers should create an environment where employees feel a sense of belonging – whether through mentorship, leadership accessibility or developmental initiatives that reinforce their potential future with the company. Employees who feel valued and see a clear path forward are far less likely to look elsewhere.

Build a Culture Where Talent Stays and Thrives

Ultimately, businesses that adopt this proactive retention mindset will see greater success in keeping their best talent. In the same way that college coaches fight to keep their star players from transferring to another program, hiring managers must continuously work to reinforce why their top performers should stay. The organizations that master this approach won’t just retain talent; they’ll build a culture where high achievers want to stay and grow.