You’d done it. You hired a great new employee. Now comes the hard part - how do you keep this phenomenal employee?

Small business owners across the country are dealing with this scenario.

Workforce shortages have long been a problem in Western North Carolina and there isn’t a high number of unemployed workers available. In fact, several Western North Carolina counties were under the four percent mark of unemployment when numbers were released in January, including Polk (3.9), Avery (3.9), Jackson (3.8), Watauga (3.8), Ashe (3.7), Henderson (3.7), and Swain (3.6).

There are a number of industries, specifically healthcare, that have experienced several years with a deficiency in employees. 

Retaining employees has become one of the more important aspects of being a small business owner.

Here are several ways, compiled from blogs and news stories on the web, for owners to keep their most valued employees.

According to Just Economics of Western North Carolina, which is a regional, membership organization based in Asheville whose mission is to educate, advocate, and organize for a just and sustainable economy that works for all in Western North Carolina, the living wage rate in Buncombe County for 2026 is $24.10 per hour. For employers in WNC counties (excluding Buncombe) the 2026 ‘Rural’ Living Wage Rate is $17.55 per hour.

Reports state that the national living wage for this year is $24.16.

While hitting that living wage rate is an important step in retaining employees, business owners also need to regularly review the wage to make sure you’re offering competitive compensation. Additional incentives, like bonuses or revenue sharing, are another way to increase a salary.

Public Recognition

Hard work should be rewarded and giving employees a shout out during a meeting or naming someone “employee of the month” is a great way to show that you notice when someone is doing a good job. 

Sometimes a simple “thank you” note after the completion of a big project is meaningful to an employee. Other no-cost ideas are: write a letter of praise for someone and send it to their senior supervisor and their personnel file; mention an employee on the business social media page for their outstanding work; create and post an “Employee Honor Roll” in your reception area; or give employees an extra-long lunch break after a hard morning.

Work-Life Balance

Employees are looking to find a place that values their life outside of work. To do so, employers can offer flexible work hours and options for working remotely. Bosses should encourage their employees to use their paid time off and boundaries should be clear about expectations, particularly when it comes to after-hour communication. 

There are several benefits to a positive work-life balance, including less-stressed employees, professional successes, and improved mental and physical health. All of these could lead to a happier employee who stays longer in their position.

Professional Development Opportunities

Learning isn’t just for those still in school. Professional development is often considered a positive in business environments. 

According to a report from Harvard University’s Division of Continuing Education, “professional development can help to bolster employees’ confidence in their work. Greater confidence can, in turn, translate into higher overall job satisfaction, employee performance, productivity, and overall morale.”

Not only can professional development help retain employees, it could be a key for attracting better talent to your business. 

Building Community Within Your Business

There’s something to be said about a group of coworkers headed to a local rage room to blow off steam following a big presentation. If that isn’t your team’s vibe, think of something different. 

Plan an evening of painting and wine. Go do goat yoga. Bring in a surprise meal for the staff.

Team-building activities and social events are a way to build community within your employees. Studies have shown that employees who feel a sense of belonging within the work community are more likely to stay. The right environment, where employees feel valued and connected, creates a more engaged workplace. It could help business owners keep their best employees.