At ECL, we believe our people are our greatest asset. That belief has shaped every decision we’ve made over the past several years, especially during one of the most challenging times in recent history.

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented change across the manufacturing industry. Like many organizations, we faced disruptions and uncertainty, which contributed to high turnover in 2020 and 2021. Rather than reduce our workforce or pause development efforts, we made a conscious choice to invest in our people.

In the spring of 2021, we introduced a new wage model and point-based system designed to help associates earn while they learn. This initiative gave employees a clear path for advancement and was supported by a comprehensive training matrix focused on internal development, cross-functional learning, and skill-building. Our goal was not only to support our team through difficult times but also to create a workplace where people could build long-term careers.

The results of this approach are clear. In 2021, our turnover rate reached 56.2 percent, but we began to see steady and meaningful improvements in the years that followed. In 2022, our turnover rate dropped to 51.5 percent, then to 32.3 percent in 2023. In 2024, we saw a further decline to 17.7 percent. So far in 2025, our turnover rate is at just 4.6 percent.

Even our mid-year comparisons show how far we have come. As of June 2024, our turnover rate stood at 10.0 percent. One year later, in June 2025, it has dropped to 4.6 percent. This steady decrease reflects more than just a statistical trend. It represents the impact of a strong workplace culture, a clear focus on people development, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right for our team.

Our strategic focus on fostering a culture of courage, collaboration, and continuous learning has been key to our success. At ECL, we are not just building a workforce. We are building a community where people are seen, supported, and given the space to grow.

We have proven that when you choose to lead with people, everything else follows. The numbers show the impact, but it is the stories, the loyalty, and the pride in our halls that tell the real success.

ECL is not just where careers are built. It is where people grow with purpose and stay with intention.