The big picture: The Eagle Hill Consulting Employee Retention Index has fallen to its lowest level since 2024, indicating a growing likelihood of U.S. employees leaving their organizations in the next six months.

Why it matters: This decline, particularly among experienced Gen X and Baby Boomer employees, signals potential significant brain drain and leadership gaps for businesses.

Between the lines:

• The Index dropped 2.1 points to 102.1 in Q3 2026, down from a peak of 105.8 in Q3 2025.
• Baby Boomers and Gen X show the sharpest declines in retention outlook, while Gen Z is more likely to stay.
• Workplace culture sentiment has deteriorated across most segments, erasing a year of gains.

Staffing & HR impact: Staffing leaders must proactively address disengagement among critical talent pools to prevent future turnover, even as current labor market data shows subdued hiring. Recruiters may find increased opportunities to place experienced professionals as retention sentiment weakens.

The bottom line: Employers should not mistake a slow job market for lasting loyalty; proactive retention strategies are crucial to mitigate impending turnover risks.