Date of Award
Summer 2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Education (EdD)
Committee Chair
Betsy Jones
Abstract
This convergent mixed methods study examined employee engagement and retention strategies for frontline merchandisers during the first 90 days of employment at Refresh Drinks (pseudonym) in North Carolina and South Carolina. Guided by Herzberg’s (1959, as cited in Miner, 2005) Two-Factor Theory, the study investigated how onboarding, management engagement, professional development, career advancement, and recognition influenced early employee experiences and retention. Quantitative data were collected from 75 participants using Likert scale survey items, while qualitative data were gathered through open-ended responses to provide deeper insight into employee perceptions. Findings revealed that onboarding and management engagement were perceived as strong organizational assets, with employees reporting feeling welcomed, supported, and connected to leadership; however, qualitative findings indicated that onboarding lacked sufficient role-specific preparation, and workload expectations were not always clearly aligned with job realities. Professional development was viewed positively, yet employees expressed a need for clearer advancement pathways. Recognition and rewards emerged as the weakest domain, with participants reporting inconsistent acknowledgment of their contributions. Overall, the findings demonstrated a clear imbalance between hygiene factors and motivators, where strong leadership and onboarding reduced dissatisfaction, but insufficient recognition and advancement opportunities limited true engagement. The study concludes that improving role-specific onboarding, enhancing leadership communication, establishing transparent career pathways, and implementing consistent recognition systems are critical strategies for improving early employee engagement and retention. These findings provide actionable recommendations for mid-level leaders and contribute to the literature on frontline workforce retention.
Recommended Citation
Williams, Valerie M., "Employee Engagement and Retention Strategies for Merchandisers within the First 90 Days of Employment at Refresh Drinks - Mixed Methods" (2026). Doctor of Education Dissertations. 294.
https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/education-dissertations/294
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