Retention
This data is used by organizations to develop employee retention strategies. Analyzing data on employee tenure, exit interviews, turnover rates, and reasons for leaving helps identify trends that impact retention. This informs policies on employee satisfaction, career development opportunities, and retention incentives.
In This Section
Length of Service
- Typically, state employees with 5 years of service have met the minimum number of years required (vested) to be eligible for the pension benefits.
56% of the Executive Branch Has 5 or More Years of Service
Notes:
Includes permanent or intent to become permanent employees only.
Executive branch only (excluding higher education institutions).
Does not include legislative and judicial branch agencies.
Last Updated: 07/31/2025
Time Period: as of 06/30/2025
Update Frequency: annually (end of fiscal year)
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Workforce Turnover
- Additional turnover analysis is available on the Layoffs, Retirements and Resignations pages.
- While turnover percentages capture employees leaving state service, some employees leave their current positions to move to another agency. See Movement Between Agencies for more information.
Executive Branch Turnover
Most Turnover Due to Resignations and Retirements
Note: “Other” turnover includes miscellaneous separations such as end of appointments, voluntary/involuntary disability separations, reversions, death, conditions not met, conditions not met – vax reqrd, and abandonment of positions.
Executive Branch Turnover
| FY21 | FY22 | FY23 | FY24 | FY25 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resignation | 2,973 | 4,806 | 3,855 | 3,611 | 3,567 |
| Layoff | 36 | 18 | 30 | 70 | 163 |
| Retirement | 1,667 | 1,811 | 1,403 | 1,465 | 1,463 |
| Dismissal | 126 | 120 | 109 | 128 | 140 |
| Other | 658 | 2,510 | 1,080 | 1,205 | 1,166 |
Notes:
Includes permanent or intent to become permanent employees only.
Executive branch only (excluding higher education institutions).
Does not include legislative and judicial branch agencies.
Last Updated: 07/31/2025
Time Period: 07/01/2020–06/30/2025
Update Frequency: annually (end of fiscal year)
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Turnover – Retirement
Average Age of Retirees Increased Slightly in FY25
Percent of Retirements Decreased in FY25
Notes:
Includes permanent or intent to become permanent employees only.
Executive branch only (excluding higher education institutions).
Does not include legislative and judicial branch agencies.
Last Updated: 07/31/2025
Time Period: 07/01/2020 – 06/30/2025
Update Frequency: annually (end of fiscal year)
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Turnover – Resignation
- There were 3,567 resignations in FY 2025.
- See New Hire Age for information on the number of new hires/rehires by age group.
- See Workforce Age for information on the total workforce by age group, including both permanent and nonpermanent appointments.
- See Turnover for information on all workforce separations.
Age Distribution of Resignations
Notes:
Includes permanent or intent to become permanent employees only.
Executive branch only (excluding higher education institutions).
Does not include legislative and judicial branch agencies.
Last Updated: 07/31/2025
Time Period: 07/01/2010–06/30/2025
Update Frequency: annually (end of fiscal year)
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Movement Between Agencies
- 1.3 percent of the executive branch workforce moved from one agency to another in FY 2025, compared to 9.3 percent who left state service.
- For information related to leaving state service, see Workforce Turnover, Retirements and Resignations.
Movement Between Agencies
Notes:
Includes permanent or intent to become permanent employees only.
Executive branch only (excluding higher education institutions).
Does not include legislative and judicial branch agencies.
Last Updated: 07/31/2025
Time Period: 07/01/2020–06/30/2025
Update Frequency: annually (end of fiscal year)
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Layoff Activity
Executive Branch Layoff Actions
Notes:
Includes permanent and nonpermanent employees.
Executive branch only (excluding higher education institutions).
Does not include legislative and judicial branch agencies.
Last Updated: 07/31/2025
Time Period: 07/01/2020–06/30/2025
Update Frequency: annually (end of fiscal year)
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Please fill out the Workforce Data webpages survey to help us improve our content and user experience.
Statewide Exit Survey
The statewide employee exit survey partners with agencies to collect data on why employees leave, where they are going, and understanding retention short comings. State HR manages the survey, collects the data, and analyzes the responses. Agencies may request data to distribute to agency leadership and inform internal HR departments to make better data-driven decisions. The statewide exit survey provides both the employee and organization the ability to end the work relationship in a productive manner.
The survey is administered by the Office of Financial Management – State Human Resources. Employees are expected to receive the survey by the organization they are leaving prior to exiting. Any employee leaving is eligible for the survey with the exception of terminated employees. Employees are not required to take the survey. Survey data submitted by the employee may not be immediately reviewed or monitored. If an employee would like to file a complaint, please use the resources webpage to find the best way to assist in the matter.
The dashboard below provides a summary view of enterprise and agency specific exit survey results. Utilize the filters and click the visuals for an interactive view of the data.
Washington State Employee Exit Survey Dashboard
Resources
- Statewide Exit Survey Questions
- Resources for employees with a workplace issue or complaint
- Data protection policy
- Employee Engagement Survey
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Please fill out the Workforce Data webpages survey to help us improve our content and user experience.