Yuva Parivartan: the employee retention challenge

Learning outcomes Examine the unique recruitment challenges faced by non-profit organizations and evaluate their underlying causes, including resource constraints, role complexity and geographic dispersion, to propose actionable solutions. Analyze the organization’s current hiring challenges and develop KPIs to design effective recruitment plans that address specific workforce gaps, align with organizational goals and incorporate principles of diversity and inclusion. Case overview/synopsis The case focuses on the challenge of effective recruitment, selection and induction faced by Yuva Parivartan (YP), one of the leading non-government organisations in India for youth welfare. YP, founded in 2003 by Kishor and Mrinalini Kher, aims to empower underprivileged youth through skill training, integrated rural development, counselling services, hospitality training and NGO support. YP has trained 1.25 million youth since 2000. Field coordinators are crucial for local outreach, needs assessment, training organization and coordination with village contacts called Yuva Mitras. Challenges include YP’s shift from regular salaries to variable pay, impacting field coordinators’ income and causing high attrition. Extensive travel, seasonal variations in participant availability, competition with free courses and convincing participants of YP’s modestly priced courses further complicate the role. Recruitment difficulties arise from geographic limitations and reliance on area managers for local candidates, with limited success from online portals. Despite these issues, a few high-performing employees thrive, demonstrating that proper planning, dedication and support can lead to success. YP must address the high turnover by developing effective recruitment and retention strategies to ensure the sustainability of its programmes and continued impact on underprivileged youth. Complexity academic level This case can be used in undergraduate and postgraduate courses focused on talent management and strategic human resource management practices and policies in SMEs. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 6: Human Resource Management.