Employee retention is strongly influenced by opportunities for growth, advancement, and long-term career development. According toHuman Resource Management, 16th Editionby Gary Dessler,succession managementis a key driver of employee retention because it signals to employees that the organization is invested in their future.
Succession management involves identifying, developing, and preparing employees for future leadership or critical roles. Dessler explains that when employees see clear career paths and development opportunities within the organization, they are more likely to remain committed and less likely to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Performance metrics and competency databases are tools used to measure and manage performance and skills, but they do not directly motivate employees to stay. External sourcing focuses on hiring from outside the organization and does not contribute to retaining existing employees. Therefore, the strongest driver of employee retention among the options issuccession management.
Source:
Gary Dessler,Human Resource Management, 16th Edition, Chapter on Career Development, Succession Planning, and Retention
