Retaining top employees is a challenge for many businesses, especially in industries like landscaping where competition for skilled talent is high. One approach that’s gaining traction is a framework called MAGIC, created by the leadership experts at DecisionWise.  

By focusing on five core areas—Meaning, Autonomy, Growth, Impact, and Connection—MAGIC helps companies create a work environment that keeps employees engaged, motivated, and loyal. Here’s how it works: 

What Is MAGIC? 

MAGIC stands for: 

• Meaning: Do employees feel a sense of purpose in their roles? For a landscaping company, this might mean employees feel like they’re truly enhancing outdoor spaces and contributing to the beauty of the community. 

• Autonomy: Are employees trusted to make decisions about their work? Allowing employees to have control over their tasks and to work independently can significantly boost morale. 

• Growth: Are there opportunities for employees to advance their skills? This doesn’t necessarily mean promotions, but providing access to training, mentoring, and resources that support long-term professional development. 

• Impact: Do employees understand how their contributions drive company success? Clear communication about how each role fits into the bigger picture helps employees see the value in their daily work. 
• Connection: Are employees building meaningful relationships within the company and industry? A sense of community among teams, leaders, and clients is crucial for fostering a sense of belonging. 

Angela Pulcheon, Ewing’s Talent Engagement Manager, recently explained the value of MAGIC and shared tips for implementing it in a landscaping company. According to Pulcheon, companies can approach MAGIC implementation in two main ways: proactively or reactively. 

Two Paths to Employee Retention: Proactive vs. Reactive Approaches 

Proactive Approach: By proactively focusing on one or more MAGIC areas, companies can build a culture that values retention from the ground up. This means making efforts year-round to create an engaging and supportive environment. 

Reactive Approach: For companies looking to address specific issues, a reactive approach may be more effective. Leaders can identify the MAGIC area where employees feel the least engaged and work to improve that aspect of their work experience, helping employees feel more supported and valued. 

Communication Is Key 

No matter how well-developed an employee retention strategy is, it won’t be effective if employees don’t know about it. Communication, says Pulcheon, is the cornerstone of keeping employees informed and engaged.

Employers should regularly share their efforts to improve the workplace, whether that’s through a new Total Rewards package, ongoing professional development opportunities, or success stories that celebrate individual and team accomplishments. 

“An employer could implement a comprehensive Total Rewards Package, apply the MAGIC framework, and provide a great employee experience,” Pulcheon notes, “but if they don’t communicate these initiatives, they will fall on deaf ears.” Regular updates, recognition of employee wins, and celebrations of milestones like anniversaries and birthdays all play a role in creating a positive work environment. 

Frequent Feedback Drives Engagement 

Pulcheon also emphasizes the importance of employee feedback. Small, frequent surveys—using tools like Microsoft Forms, Google Docs, or SurveyMonkey—can give managers quick insights into how employees feel about topics like engagement, growth opportunities, and benefits.  

These mini-surveys, usually 3-5 questions, help companies gauge employee satisfaction and make real-time improvements. 

As companies across the landscaping industry seek ways to retain talent, MAGIC offers a strategic, focused approach to building a workplace that employees want to be part of.  

By prioritizing meaning, autonomy, growth, impact, and connection—and communicating these values clearly—landscaping companies can create a culture where employees feel valued and motivated to stay.