In the ever-evolving landscape of the corporate world, at Breedon, we are championing the theory that: employees don't typically leave the company they work for; they leave their managers. Their belief in the notion shines a light on the burgeoning influence of managers in employee retention and satisfaction, a phenomenon that is taking centre stage in today's fast-paced business environment.

In a world where change is the only constant, the significance of employee retention cannot be overstated. Recent years have seen this issue rise to prominence, particularly with the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which has reshaped the way employees perceive work-life balance. Simultaneously, businesses have found themselves grappling with the uphill battle of attracting new talent. It has become imperative for organisations to adopt proactive measures to enhance retention rates. The financial and operational costs of losing an employee are staggering, with the average cost in the UK amounting to a significant *£30,614, soaring to £100k for senior and specialist roles.

The economic and productivity-related consequences of high turnover rates have prompted organisations to review their working methods, benefit structures, and overall appeal to potential employees. However, Breedon, ardently maintains that the linchpin of this equation is recognising the pivotal role individual managers play in employee retention.

A global survey reveals a stark reality - **half of employees have left a job due to a poor manager. This underscores the immense influence managers wield over an employee's decision to either stay loyal or seek new horizons. While financial incentives may play a role, they are not the primary reasons behind employees contemplating job changes. More often than not, it's the quality of management and the level of engagement within teams and the broader organisation that tend to be the deciding factors. Effective managers who excel in these areas can wield a profound impact on employee retention.

Nicki Robson, Managing Director of Breedon Consulting, emphasises this critical connection: "Studies have shown that a significant percentage of the reasons employees leave their jobs are preventable. Factors such as a lack of appreciation, which can be readily addressed through effective management, are often cited as key reasons behind employees seeking new opportunities. To truly comprehend the link between managers and employee retention, it's essential to identify the key management characteristics that inspire loyalty and commitment, such as integrity, active listening, transparency, support, and guidance."

Robson goes on to explain,

"Employee retention is not a mystery; it's about empathy, open communication, trust, and effective leadership techniques. By concentrating on these key areas and implementing them consistently, we create workplaces that not only attract talent but also retain it, facilitating growth and prosperity for both the employee and the business."

*https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/youth-employment-uk-policy-work

** https://research.udemy.com/research_report/udemy-in-depth-2018-employee-experience-report/