Help desk employees commonly leave their positions due to lack of self-worth, feeling isolated, poor training, high stress, and better opportunities elsewhere. The industry standard annual turnover rate for help desk workers is 30-40%. Programs that can help retain help desk staff include implementing contracts for training costs, job rotation, flexible shift scheduling, assigning administrative duties, allowing breaks, workplace visits, and continuous learning opportunities. While retention programs may be effective to some degree, the high baseline turnover rate of 30-40% suggests they have limited impact, though more staff may be retained internally even if they move to different roles.