Fri, 24 Jun 2011
More than six out of ten executives in the UK are very worried about their ability to retain their most skilled workers when the economy recovers, a recent study has revealed.
Research by accountancy firm Deloitte found that 65 per cent of executives are either highly or very highly concerned about whether they can keep their top employees.
Figures released this week by training consultant Krauthammer indicate that their concerns are not unfounded.
A survey conducted by the company revealed that 27 per cent of respondents had low levels of commitment to their employers, with the same number saying they were neutral or uncommitted.
Deloitte suggested that companies should try to use similar strategies to those employed in consumer branding.
Eddie Barrett, a director in the firm's human capital consulting practice, said companies need to learn from the way the consumer goods sector keeps customers.
He explained that companies should try to cultivate an image of themselves as an "employer of choice" in order to engage and retain their skilled members of staff.
"As with previous recessions; any upturn in the economy will unleash pent up demand by employees acting on their desire to move on. Companies really need to be thinking about this and seek to attract and engage those already within the organisation," he asserted.
The expert claimed ensuring there is a focus on staff training would also help companies keep workers when the economy starts to pick up.
Providing employees with development opportunities could also have a positive effect on staff retention levels, he added.
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