Abstract:
This research is an investigation focused on general labor unskilled employees and job
retention. The purpose of this study is to consider the construct of readiness to work as a
screening tool to address high turnover rates of these employees. Areas discussed which
negatively impact applicants include stress and external locus of control. Social support is
considered as a buffer against negative effects. Motivational interviewing, after obtaining
an individual’s readiness to work, is used to increase readiness to change. By
understanding, an individual’s current level of readiness to work, applicants can be better
assigned to a person-environment fit. These considerations will benefit managers and
applicants due to a more consistent workforce and provide a way to increase
understanding. For the focus of this research the topics of readiness to change, person
environment fit, motivation, social support, locus of control, and turnover intention will
be discussed. The practical application of this research is general labor unskilled
employees, but there is a high generalizability among other populations.
