INFLUENCE OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES ON EMPLOYEE RETENTION IN PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
Mary Wairimu - Master of Science (Human Resource Management), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
Dr. Magdalene Ndeto (PhD) - Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Kenya
ABSTRACT
In Kenya, Pharmaceutical Companies face the challenge of fulfilling the ever-increasing technical need for pharmacists therefore shortage of qualified technical personnel. These companies are faced by the challenge of ever-increasing need of qualified technical personnel; therefore, employee retention becomes a critical strategy for these firms in Kenya. This study sought to establish the influence of HRM strategies on employee retention in pharmaceutical companies in Nairobi City County. The research design adopted was descriptive. Targeted respondents were 42 human resource managers in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies. The study selected a sample of 42 respondents. Questionnaire was the selected data collection tool. Collected data was screened, cleaned, coded, and entered. Analysis of quantitative data was done with the use of descriptive statistics and findings presented using tables, graphs and pie charts. A multiple regression analysis was performed with the aim of establishing the relationship of response and predictor variables. From the findings of the study, it was established that employee recruitment, training, employee engagement, and employee recognition are positively related to employee retention. The study also found that organizations provides clear job descriptions on advertised vacant job positions, all the received applications are reviewed and the suitable candidates are called for interviews, based on the interview and their experience. Job training help employees to clearly understand what fellow employees in other departments do and employer is able to understand the skill base of their staff. Employees who are engaged get involved and interested in their job and there is less likelihood that they will leave their job. Employee recognition promotes great job satisfaction and work enjoyment shown with more time spent on work and less complaints and negative effects like absenteeism and stress are lower. The study recommends pharmaceutical companies to have and establish an employee recruitment process that is used for recruitment purposes. Pharmaceutical companies should ensure that they have established training policies; this ensures training takes place in the organization. Further, each employee should be given an opportunity to be trained. Pharmaceutical companies should put in place strategies of recognizing their employees. Employees should be appreciated for their work from time to time; this helps them to work under minimum supervision to achieve organization’s goals. In addition, pharmaceutical companies need to engage employee in different organization activities such as decision making, this makes employees feel that they matter in the organization hence, enhances employee retention.