Appearing before Parliaments’ Public Accounts Committee (PAC), last week, provincial leaders said high staff turnover, had adversely affected their work.

Employee retention is a persistent problem that affects most organisations today.

There are plenty of opportunities for qualified individuals and top talent is always sought after.

Therefore, districts, provinces and government institutions should be asking themselves what needs to be done to keep a committed workforce.

The Human Resources (HR) departments play a vital role in employee retention.

HR officers should be able to spot talent and reward it.

Constant seminars, training, workshops should ensure that employees have plenty of opportunities to upgrade their skills. 

Remuneration and related packages form an essential foundation for effective staff management and retention.

Although money may not be the only incentive, competitive packages motivate workers and financial reward remains a stronger incentive that will attract, retain and motivate qualified employees.
 
The net results from better remuneration schemes are the creation of a confident, loyal and happy work force, ready to meet the performance targets.

A talented work force will start searching elsewhere if they feel stuck in a situation where there is no improvement in sight.

These can be avoided if the districts, provinces develop clear employee retention policies and strategies.

Ends