Last week, I had a chance to moderate a discussion about people problems in companies for the Human Dimensions of Organizations Program at the University of Texas that I direct.  After a lively discussion, an incoming masters student in the program talked about difficulties her company has with employee retention.  Like many high-tech companies, hers is lucky to keep an employee for more than 3 years.

Two panel members, Sean Bauld and Catherine Crago took the question in a new direction.  The natural first reaction to questions on employee retention is to focus on ways to compete more effectively in the labor market.  There are many articles on increasing employee engagement and on creating a sense of mission within companies that would enhance people’s connection to their employer.