Employee Turnover Reduction Strategies of Small and Medium Enterprises

Employee turnover negatively impacts small and medium enterprises (SMEs) sustainability. Grounded in the transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore the strategies SME leaders in Nigeria used to reduce employee turnover. The participants were three SME business owners who successfully reduced employee turnover. Data were collected using semi structured interviews and a review of company documents. Through thematic analysis, four themes were identified: effective leadership practices, focus on employees’ working conditions, enhancing employees’ competence, and implementing attractive employee benefits. The findings from this study include workable strategies SME leaders could use to reduce turnover.