Report Highlights Staff Retention for Non-Profits

Wednesday, 13 August 2025 at 06:24

It takes a deep dive into staff retention for non-profit organizations in London, Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas.

OXFORD - Non-profit organizations have been hiring lots of people in the London region, but they're struggling to keep them.

That's according to a recent report from the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board in partnership with the Pillar Non-profit Network.

It says 76 non-profits in London, Middlesex, Oxford, Elgin and St. Thomas were surveyed earlier this year. Close to 90 percent of them hired employees last in 2024, mostly for full-time and part-time positions.

Over half of them lived in the London Economic Region. Most of the non-profits also hired staff members from equity deserving groups including women, young people, immigrants, and racialized individuals. The report says this proves the non-profits are trying to provide a diverse and welcoming workplace.

Just over half of the non-profits paid their employees the living wage of $19.50 per hour. With that being said, some of them struggled to keep younger employees and older adults on staff. Close to a third of the people who left their jobs citied low pay as one of the main reasons, even if the non-profit offered training, flexible scheduling and wellness programs.

Petrusia Hontar, the Executive Director of the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board, says this report showcases good news and bad news.

"This year's data clearly shows the sector's dedication to inclusive hiring and local recruitment, It also highlights ongoing concerns around retention and wage equity. These insights are critical for shaping workforce strategies that consider the vitality of non-profits, meeting community needs, and rooted in local economic realities."

You can find the full report online here, or read a breakdown of the key findings online here.