Despite the slow hiring in today's economic environment, many employers are struggling with employee retention, and it's not always because of the financial woes forcing employers to make work force cuts.

Instead, many employees are taking a proactive role in this economy and looking for work elsewhere. And given the expense it takes to recruit and train new employees, it's in an employer's best interest to hold onto its talent, says Sheryl Kovach, president and CEO of Kandor Group, a human resources consulting firm in Houston.

In many cases, employees are leaving their current positions because of poor communication, especially from executive-level leaders, Kovach says. Many employees get nervous that work force cuts are coming during a down economy, and that's often when rumors are started if there is no reliable communication. When those panicked rumors start, employees start looking at other options, including a new employer.