Retention refers to an organization’s ability to keep employees—especially top talent—over time. It encompasses strategies and policies designed to minimize voluntary turnover and maintain a stable, productive workforce. Retention initiatives typically include onboarding, career development, engagement, recognition, work-life flexibility, competitive compensation, and inclusive culture.
Strong retention not only reduces hiring and training costs but also preserves institutional knowledge and improves morale. Key success metrics include retention rate (the percentage of employees who remain over a given period) and turnover rate (the inverse).
Effective retention depends on transparent leadership, growth opportunities, consistent feedback, and aligning company values with employee expectations. Organizations that invest in continuous learning, supportive management, and employee wellbeing tend to enjoy significantly higher retention rates.
