Retaining staff is the most important priority for employers in 2007, according to new research.

« back

A survey by employment consultants Manpower revealed that 72% of businesses believe that holding onto staff will be a priority for the coming year - with 35% saying it was the top priority.

"The range of HR priorities and concerns facing employers emphasises the challenges of running a business - and in particular of managing the most important asset an organisation has - its people," said Mark Cahill, managing director at Manpower.

"Holding onto the best people is very much an issue for employers this year. And in a tight labour market, it has never been more important for employers to pay close attention to their retention policies."

Holding onto staff proved to be more of a concern for smaller firms according to the research. It was a key priority for 38% of small businesses compared to only 23% of larger firms.

On the flip side, larger firms were far more concerned with staff absence management. More than a fifth of large companies said this was an issue compared to 2% of small businesses.

"Keeping staff turnover low takes time and investment. Lower staff turnover results in a more motivated and productive workforce and reduced recruitment costs," added Cahill.

"Pay and benefits are always important for workers, but employers also need to think of ways in which they can make a difference in other ways - from the developmental opportunities they provide staff, how they communicate with staff, and even the nature of the working environment."