This report examines the ways in which Australian employers retain skilled staff and the ways in which employers enhance their ability to use the skills of their people. 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 employee retention is if they feel they are learning and progressing in their careers.
In this interview Steve Davis talks with researcher Andrew Smith about his report 'To have and to hold: Retaining and utilising skilled people', which looked at the ways Australian employers retain skilled staff and enhance their ability to use the skills of their people.
Through an analysis of major surveys, as well as interviews and case studies with firms in four industries - construction, retail trade, manufacturing and health and community services, this research brings us closer to an understanding of the factors that influence training expenditure. The research shows that survey data needs to be complemented with a program of research in a number of industries to provide a richer understanding of the drivers of employer expenditure and practices.