The Silent Threat to Retention: Why Smart Leaders Protect Their People When Life Happens

By Cynthia Iorio, CEO Monarque Solutions When Life Disrupts Work, Retention Is on the Line

Retention is the quiet crisis simmering under the surface of many organizations. It's not just compensation or career development driving turnover—it's life. Personal crises, like a serious illness or the needs of a loved one, are pushing high performers to the brink. And often, no one in leadership sees it coming.

I know, because I’ve lived it.

A few months ago, I sat down with a former boss to reflect on the period when I was supporting my mother through terminal cancer while still leading a demanding role. I asked him how he saw me manage during that time, and what he remembers most about it.

He said something that stuck with me:

“You protect your A players.”

Leadership That Safeguards Talent

His words weren’t just sentiment—they were a strategy. He ensured I never had to question whether I belonged, even when I started missing meetings, delaying deadlines, or delegating more than usual. He shielded my reputation and reinforced my value.

When my mother’s condition worsened, he encouraged me to use the company’s leave-of-absence policy—something I hadn’t even considered. That support allowed me to step away with dignity and care for my mother, without sacrificing the career I had spent 20 years building.

And when I returned, I was re-engaged, focused, and more committed than ever. I stayed because someone made it possible for me to go.

Your Best People Are Facing Silent Battles

This story isn’t unique. Behind every high performer is a human being with a life outside of work. And for many, that life includes caregiving responsibilities, medical crises, or other intense personal challenges.

• 1 in 3 employees is currently caring for a loved one.

• These employees span all levels of your organization—from the C-suite to high-potential middle managers.

• Most are suffering silently, fearing that asking for support could jeopardize their career.

  
  

The Retention Risk Hiding in Plain Sight

Failing to recognize and respond to this reality is costing organizations more than they realize.

🔻 Rising turnover among high performers

🔻 Increased absenteeism and burnout

🔻 Loss of institutional knowledge

🔻 Broken leadership pipelines

Retention isn’t just about engagement or perks anymore. It’s about how you show up for your people when life throws them a curveball.

Retention Starts with Strategic Support

Forward-thinking organizations are learning that empathy is not a “soft” skill—it’s a business strategy. When companies provide proactive support for employees navigating personal crises, they gain:

✅ Higher loyalty and commitment

✅ Faster re-engagement after leave

✅ Stronger leadership pipelines

✅ Reduced turnover of key talent

At Monarque Solutions, we partner with companies to design practical, cost-effective strategies that retain top talent during life’s toughest moments—before it’s too late.

Is your company prepared to support top performers facing personal challenges?

Don’t wait for turnover to tell you something’s wrong.

🗓️ [Book a free 30-minute discovery call] with Monarque Solutions and explore how to future-proof your retention strategy.