January 2009 - Issue 11

Manpower launches first Middle East research paper highlighting importance of staff retention plans

Adoption of multi strategy approach key to increasing retention, says global leader in employment services

Manpower Middle East, part of the Manpower group, a global leader in employment services and the largest employment services provider in the GCC, has launched its first Middle East-focused research paper. The regional Green Paper discusses the growing need for companies to implement robust retention plans for staff and offers a variety of strategies to improve retention levels.

“The Middle East region is steadily increasing the size and depth of its talent pool which is excellent news for companies looking to expand and hire new staff, but the challenge to keep them in the organisation is also growing. Staff turnover is a genuine concern for employers and effective retention is all about ensuring that you provide the right environment and opportunities in order to retain the talent you have,” said Varina Nissen, Managing Director, Manpower Middle East.

“Sustainable retention strategies that focus on the needs of the employees are becoming an imperative for Middle East companies. Our Green Paper offers employers practical solutions that can be implemented without significant investment or organisational change, which can have a genuine impact on retention levels.”

Flexible remuneration and benefits policies, learning and development opportunities for high performers, improved working conditions and ‘talent management’ – providing clear career paths and job profiling for employees – are some of the suggested methods to assist employers with retention levels.

“Increased compensation levels alone are not sufficient to increase retention,” explained Nissen. “Companies need to consider a wider range of policies and adopt a multi-strategy approach in order to be considered a long-term employer of choice.”

The discussion paper highlights the need for employers to focus on staff engagement as a tool to retention, with recent studies showing that 85% of engaged employees remain with their current employer. “Employees who feel included and engaged with their company tend to “give” to the organization by way of creativity and innovation versus disengaged employees who are only looking to “get” what they can from their employers.”

“As a global leader in the employment services industry, Manpower is an expert in the world of work and therefore best placed to help employers know what’s new and what’s next. This Green Paper is a great example of how Manpower helps companies to look ahead, to understand and offset now against challenges in the future,” concluded Nissen.