Understanding Staff Perceptions of Turnover in Corrections

Abstract

Correctional staff turnover is a critically important but under-researched topic, and studies are lacking of how staff perceive the problem. By using a descriptive survey method, this study examined such perceptions of turnover among a sample of correctional officers. Staff attributed turnover to insufficient pay and benefits as well as to key areas of the work environment, including interpersonal conflicts, stress, unfavorable treatment and lack of recognition from superiors, and perceived lack of input. A third of respondents indicated they are likely to leave their jobs in the next three years. We conclude that correctional staff may consider alternative employment prospects and contemplate turnover when they experience a sense of devaluation, especially where devaluation is accompanied by perceptions of low efficacy on the job. Key Words: corrections! correctional staff! employee turnover! employee perceptions Employee turnover has been studied across various disciplines, and it is a serious problem in the field of corrections. Correctional agencies spend considerable funds from limited budgets on personnel recruitment, selection, and training (Kiekbusch, Price, &