INFLUENCE OF WORK ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE PRACTICES ON THE RETENTION OF WORKERS IN ORGANIZATIONS: THEORETICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Human resources are the heart and mind of any organization. Although most of the organizations are nowadays, found to be technology driven, it is the human resources who invent and run the technology. The human resources are also the most dynamic resources of any organization. With globalization thanks to technological breakthrough there is stiff competition in the market and the only sure source of competitive advantage for the organization is the quality of human resource that they engage. However, one of the biggest challenges that organizations are facing today is not only attracting these resources but also maintaining and retaining them. Securing and retaining skilled employees plays an important role for any organization, because employees’ knowledge and skills are central to companies’ ability to be economically competitive. Keeping into account the importance of employee retention to any organization, the current study tries to review existing literature and research work on the role of human resource management (HRM) practices on the retention of employees in organization with special attention to role of work environment management practices and work-life balance practices. The review has shown that these practices positively influence employees’ loyalty and commitment hence retention to organizations. Work- life balance practices that enhance retention have also been reviewed. Organizations should thus embrace them to enhance workers’ retention.