Corrections Officer Turnover at Marquette Branch Prison During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses and organizations saw significant turnover rates, and in the field of corrections, the situation was no different. This case study will review and interpret the work environment factors that led to the resignation of corrections officers at the Marquette Branch Prison between April 1, 2020, and April 1, 2022, as there was a significant increase in resignations as well as violent assaults on employees during this time. The objective of this study is to explore the perspectives and experiences of resigned corrections officers to identify the reasoning behind their resignations and to suggest possible strategies to reduce turnover rates, improve employee working conditions, and improve the well- being of corrections officers at Marquette Branch Prison. This project is significant because it gives corrections officers who left their jobs a chance to talk about their experience, identify factors that lead to poor working conditions and decreased employee well-being, and it allows for suggestions of ways to improve work environment conditions, job satisfaction, and employee wellness. There are few similar studies available, and this will be the first research that looks at turnover at a specific prison facility during the COVID-19 pandemic. Marquette Branch Prison is a large employer in its community, and understanding the effect that its work environment has on employees—who are community members—and their families is essential.