Personal Attributes Framework for Talent Retention

Abstract

The 21st century world of work is characterised by exceptional levels of talent mobility as employees try to satisfy their own requirements, with a resultant growing concern among organisations about the retention of talented employees. Organisations in the 21st-century workplace are increasingly realising that employees are their most valuable asset, and as a result they are constantly trying to create an employment brand that is attractive to both existing employees and potential talent, while competing in a “war for talent”. Recent research emphasised that it is not only monetary awards or stability that influences an individuals’ decision to remain with an organisation, but that several personal attributes also play a role in the retention of valuable employees. These personal attributes include self-esteem, employability attributes, organisational commitment and career adaptability. Based on the relationship found between these personal attributes and retention, human resource practitioners and industrial psychologists should utilise interventions to assist individuals to enhance their personal attributes in order to enhance their intention to stay.