Factors Affecting Employees Turnover in the Pharmaceutical Industry: A Case of Phillips Group of Companies Kenya

The efficiency and success of an organization depends mainly on its capacity to retain its employees. High staff turnover may result in an organization not being able to meet its objectives, loss of business of millions of shillings, loss of customers and it can spoil the good reputation of an organization. Previous studies emphasis the importance of regarding human resource as the most important asset of any serious organization determined to realize its goals and objectives. Mokaya, (2010) states that recruitment, selection and training are a very expensive exercise for any organization, and therefore staff retention should be key for organization’s survival. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that influence employee turnover in the pharmaceutical industry, with an aim of coming up with recommendations aimed at curbing or significantly reducing it and enhancing staff retention at Phillips group of companies. This study adopted a descriptive research method. The target populations for the study were the employees of Phillips Group Of Companies. This included both the employees on permanent and temporary contracts of employment which is 595 employees. The study used descriptive research design and a stratified random sampling technic. Therefore, the sample size for this study was 151 and since the sample was drawn from all cadres of staff, the populations were regarded heterogeneous. The study collected both primary and secondary data. The researcher selects a pilot group of 10 individuals from the target population to test the reliability of the research instrument. Tables and other graphical presentations were appropriately used to present the data that was collected for ease of understanding and analysis. From the findings the study established that better remuneration package discouraged employees’ turnover in Phillips group of companies. The study revealed that reward and recognition discouraged employee turnover in Phillips group of companies. It also found out that failure of management to provide opportunities for career progression encouraged employees’ turnover in Phillips group of companies. Employment security, workplace organization and the working environment were the most important factors that employees do consider. The study found that poor working conditions encourages employee turnover in Phillips group of companies