To have and to hold: retaining and utilising skilled people

This report examines the ways in which Australian employers retain skilled staff as well as the ways in which employers enhance their ability to use the skills of their people. The study involved a variety of organisations representing a cross-section of industries from small to large employers. It focuses on the role of human resource management practices, including fostering a 'learning culture' and high performance work practices. The study found that while strategies such as increasing wages and family friendly policies may increase an employee's job satisfaction, the key driver in determining if employees remain with an organisation is if they feel they are learning and progressing in their careers. It also highlights that training, especially nationally recognised training, is strongly tied to decisions made by employees on whether they will stay with their employer.

A podcast of an Interview with Andrew Smith about this publication is indexed at TD/TNC 94.160. Show less