Abstract:
Competitive advantage extends beyond merely distinguishing a product or service or achieving
cost leadership. It also hinges on the ability to leverage a company's unique skills and core
competencies while swiftly responding to customer demands and competitive manoeuvres.
Recognizing this, it becomes evident that employers must devise more effective methods for
incentivizing and nurturing their workforces to both attract new talent and retain their existing
personnel. Nevertheless, the challenge of employee retention remains a pressing concern
confronted by managers across diverse organizations and industries worldwide. Moreover, within
the realm of the construction industry, there exists a noticeable gap in the literature regarding
employee retention. Consequently, there was a compelling need to investigate this void.
Consequently, this study delves into the factors influencing the retention of building construction
workers within the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. In particular, it seeks to identify the hindrances
to retaining these workers and formulate strategies to enhance their retention. The research
employed a descriptive research design, with the study's target population comprising the
personnel of construction firms in Greater Accra, with a specific focus on the Human Resources,
Construction, and Engineering departments. Respondents were selected through a combination of
simple random and purposive sampling techniques, resulting in a sample size of 150 participants.
The findings of the study illuminated several factors that prominently deter workforce retention,
encompassing aspects such as limited opportunities for growth and advancement, work-related
stress, underutilization of technology, role ambiguity, and subpar working conditions.
Furthermore, among the eighteen distinct retention strategies explored, certain approaches
displayed significant promise in elevating retention rates. These included the recognition and
rewarding of employees, as well as the provision of competitive compensation packages.
