Employee Retention Factors In the Hospitality Industry: A Case of the Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi, Kenya

This research project assessed employee retention factors that influence employees to stay with the Carnivore. The study was set to determine whether company culture at Carnivore creates a conducive work environment for personnel. It was set to determine the effect of the remuneration and reward strategies on employees’ decision to continue in employment with the company. Finally, it also aimed to establish the effect of training and development on employee retention. This study was a descriptive research design for the data collection and analysis of 62 employees although only 60 responded giving a response rate of 93%, which was adequate. The sampling technique used was a consensus for the respondents according to their decision to stay. A questionnaire was used for the employees and the manager. The data collected was processed and analyzed using SPSS to produce the analysis. An analysis of the first objective findings showed that most respondents agreed that there is team work in the working environment, and that they also understand the company’s vision and mission. The company was also found to have an open door policy, and performance appraisals were conducted fairly. The firm also practices a two way communication with management. Analysis of the second objective findings showed that most respondents agreed that they were concerned about the shareholders return on investment, and informal recognition was just as important as formal recognition. The management was also identified to recognize good work. Analysis of the last objective findings showed that most respondents agreed that the tests administered were relevant to the learning outcomes for the training sessions, and their abilities were fully utilized at each stage of the training program. Most of the respondents agreed that they would recommend this program to someone else, and feedback on assessments was given in good time with the respective supervisor signing off on every stage of the program. It was also revealed that there was adequate time assigned to each training session, with majority being able to understand what was required at each stage of the program. It was concluded that team work is vital in the working environment and allows for smooth operation of a firm. The company’s vision and mission are well understood and this enables employees to base their effort on meeting the firm’s mission and objectives. From the study carried out on this company it can be concluded the hospitality industry, can benefit on open door policy, and regular performance appraisals are necessary but they are only beneficial if undertaken fairly. In addition, from the case study of the Carnivore, the hospitality industry shareholders return on investment is an issue given much priority. Recognition is important based on good work. The issues of salaries and fringe benefits, as well as remuneration packages are factors affecting employee retention. The use of tests to gauge learning outcomes for the training sessions, have been fully utilized in the training program. The program has sparked interest in participants especially due to timely feedback off on every stage of the program by supervisors. The study recommended that the organization needs to maintain team work in order to facilitate smooth operation of the firm. The hospitality industry needs to adopt open door policy in order to address the issues that arise. The management needs to review issues of salary and fringe benefits in order to benefit from increased retention. The company needs to review remuneration packages to make them competitive and adequate. There should be fairness in award selections, and promotions with emphasis on performance based remuneration. The organization should continuously make use of tests to gauge learning outcomes for the training program adopted. Although the program has sparked interest in participants its structure needs to be clearly defined. This research project assessed employee retention practices and the factors that influence employees to stay with the Carnivore. Similar studies should be done in other hotels and restaurants in order to be able to generalize the findings in the hospitality industr