Finders Keepers? The Challenge of Retaining Talent in Asia

With attrition rates as high as 40% in some sectors – most notably, but by no means only, in Financial Services – and with high-growth markets such as China and India presenting particular challenges for the region, it is perhaps not surprising that over 90% of the HR professionals who participated in our study agreed that talent retention remained a top priority for Asia in 2011.

Although there was general agreement that 2011 has seen a slow-down in the hemorrhaging of talent as compared to 2009 and 2010, and that attrition rates were more favourable than anticipated, there was widespread recognition that the issue remains a critical one.

The few who reported minimal levels of attrition were far from complacent, admitting that retention was an area that requires constant attention. As one participant put it: ‘Right now we don’t have any major issues (with retention) but we’re not perfect and we work really, really, hard with our people. The goal posts move continuously: what was successful and great a year ago may be just about average now. We have to keep on top of this.’

If you would like a copy of the complete paper, please contact Kay Chau in Hong Kong.

 Kay.Chau@odgersberndtson.com.hk