What does the term attrition mean, and what are the biggest causes of employee attrition rates?

Attrition is the speed or rate at which something declines. In recruitment, you may hear the term 'employee attrition rates' from your clients now and again. What this means is that a company is losing staff due to natural reduction including resignation, retirement, or relocation.

Keep in mind; this term refers to natural reduction. Employee attrition rates would not include mass layoffs for instance. Discuss with the interviewer that you understand what attrition means, and what the primary causes of employee attrition are. The hiring authority is looking for your ability to recognize and understand your clients' pain points.

"Employee attrition rates refer to the reduction of staff due to unforeseen or natural circumstances such as increasing retirement rates. I have helped many clients overcome attrition by working with them on proactive workforce planning. When a company sees where their employee attrition rates are going, they can act ahead and plan, rather than being reactionary."