"How to keep me" - Retaining technical professionals

Managing turnover is an increasing challenge, especially for companies empl oying technical and scientific professionals. Many, companies underestimate the cost of turnover and consequently under-invest in reducing it. Rates o f turnover among R&D units are lower than other industry segments, but the loss of single lower than other industry segments, but the loss of single i ndividuals can be more costly because scientific and technology professiona ls are so valuable. It is critical to understand the causes of turnover fro m the employee's point of view. Causes vary by company and industry, but a survey of scientific and technical workers reveals five types of rewards th at affect turnover job content direct financial (cash), benefits, careers, and affiliation. Remedies for turnover in R&D may differ from what might be used with Other staff groups and must address any internal factors that ca use staff dissatisfaction, as well as counteract the external pull from oth er companies.