Workplace expert shares how personality tests can improve business retention rates

Creating a happy and friendly work environment is key to maintaining a successful business, especially when nearly a third (32.4%) of US employees quit their jobs last year due to a toxic workplace.

Managers can achieve a positive work environment to improve retention rates by ensuring they understand the individuality of their employees, and one way to do this is by utilizing DISC assessments.

DISC is a non-judgmental survey that helps a person understand their behavioral preferences and personality style, and is aimed at improving an individual’s self-awareness.

Adam, co-owner of Online DISC Profile, explains: “When managers understand the unique behavioral needs of their employees, they can create and engage in a standard of work that matches those needs. 

There are four personality types, and each comes with a unique set of personality traits. The experts at Online DISC Profile have outlined how a manager can foster a happy work environment for each DISC type to encourage retention.

Dominance (D) types

D-type personalities are more likely to seek control over situations and become irritated easily if people or situations don’t follow their ways of working. Adam notes: “People with this personality type fear being taken advantage of, so to assuage this, team leaders can allow them to publicly express their concerns or skepticism.”

Additional tips include:

•   Giving them challenging tasks and the independence to identify solutions. Encourage them to take ownership of the solution, but set the expectation that other team members may need to give input (if necessary).
•   Allowing them time to work alone and pulling them into meetings when necessary with a clear agenda.

Influence (I) types

I-types are social people; they are generally very talkative and are more likely to attend a workplace social gathering than others, but they also fear disapproval. Business managers can do these things to improve retention:

•   Regular 1:1s should be held so they know how they are doing, get constructive feedback, and avoid worrying about disapproval.
•   Let them know of social gatherings and occasions with work to appeal to their social side.

Steadiness (S) types

Patience is a big personality trait for S-types, and you’ll frequently see them being the “moderator” or “counsellor” in a group. Additional considerations are advised for retaining this type of employee, such as:

•   Ensuring access to a calm workplace environment.
•   Ensuring that they are kept up to date with business news, including any monetary news, so that employees understand the state of the business and don’t have any fears of a loss of security in their job.

Conscientious (C) types

People with C-type personalities will typically want to take extra time to thoroughly understand the work they are given to avoid doing anything inaccurately, which is something that they may fear. 

Additional tips include:

•   Ensuring that all task briefs are accurate, full of relevant details and up to date so they can adequately get on with the task.
•   Understanding that as they focus more on the details and processes of things, these employee types might need more time on tasks.

Another consideration for employees is what perks or benefits are available, with Ahrefs data showing an average of 1,200 people globally searching for “jobs with benefits” every month. A recent Forbes Advisor Survey found that employer-covered healthcare is the most requested by employees, with life insurance, pension and retirement plans also important.

Adam highlights: “Personality is complex, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution to the perfect work environment. In our experience, when DISC is installed as a common language, it can help you understand yourself and those around you by providing a nonjudgmental system for talking about stressors, fears, and motivations—topics that can be tricky to broach in certain work environments.”

These are just some of the ways that DISC can help managers understand their employees and could lead to improved retention rates. You can find out more about how DISC can help with business retention, including information about what employees want as workplace benefits, online.

ENDS

About Online DISC Profile
Online DISC Profile, an affiliate of the TEAM Approach, was founded by John C. Goodman, MSOD, MSW. The organization provides over 150,000 assessments annually for purposes such as training, leadership development, and hiring. Its diverse client base includes Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, educational institutions, and religious organizations. The DISC Personality Assessment helps individuals understand themselves better and build more effective relationships. This well-researched and validated tool is both accessible and powerful for personal and professional development.

About Adam Stamm
Adam Stamm began his career with seven years in advertising and marketing, working with leading brands like Hyundai/Kia, State Farm, Walgreens, Pepsi, and Clorox. Driven by a desire to promote meaningful ideas rather than just products, he transitioned from the corporate world to join his family’s business.

At Online DISC Profile, Adam now applies his skills to support tools and services that foster professional growth, self-awareness, and healthier workplace cultures. Passionate about problem-solving and connection, Adam also serves on the board of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the Association for Talent Development, where he helps deliver educational programming focused on talent development.