Developing an Employee Retention Strategy for Improving Organizational Performance in Zimbabwe: Case of Mashonaland Tobacco Company

This study was aimed at an employee retention strategy for improving organizational performance in Zimbabwe: Case of Mas honaland Tobacco Company. This study was guided by objectives such as to establish the relationship between employee retention strategies and worker performance, to determine factors that influence employee retention, to identify challenges associated with the implementation of the retention strategies and to develop an employee retention model aimed to improve organizational performance at MTC. This study adopted pragmatism research philosophy which assisted the researcher in making decisions in regards to what worked best in finding answers for the research objectives mentioned. A sample size of 218 was determined using Taro Yamane sample size determination method. In this study it was established that the organization have been offering paid time off, incentives, basic salary, career advancement, commissions, rewards and holidays to their employees as a retention strategy. It has been noted that employee retention improves productivity, employee retention increase employee morale and employee retention motivates employees thereby improves their participation. Through the use of employee retention an organization attracts qualified employees. Compensation affects employee retention, organizational culture and structure, ineffective leadership and ineffective communication influence employee retention. Whenever implementing employee retention strategies organizations always face increased resistant to change. Their operations are affected by limited financial resources and budget constraints. Insufficient communication and coordination affect the implementation of employee retention strategy. It has been noted that an organization should pay for performance, have team solidarity in an organization and prioritize recognition of top performers.