First Responders and the COVID-19 Pandemic: How Organizational Strategies Can Promote Workforce Retention

Workforce retention is a current challenge for public administration, and there are continued questions about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the public safety workforce and their willingness to serve. Past studies have shown there are limits to what first responders will endure during complex and uncertain emergencies, leading them to potentially leave their position. Using a nationwide survey ( n = 3,582), in-depth interviews ( n = 91), and a visual methodology called PhotoVoice, this study examines the factors impacting threats to workforce retention (i.e., role abandonment and turnover intentions) among first responders and the ways public organizations can mitigate this negative impact. The results show personal or family risk may contribute to first responders’ decisions to quit, while an understanding of public risk may promote retention. We identify several organizational strategies (e.g., emotional safety, sufficient protective equipment, standard operating procedures) that may reduce retention threats.