Factors influencing employee turnover in the Textile and Apparel industry

Abstract

The study was focused on Export Processing Zone companies in Nairobi and Athi River which are regarded as being outside the customs territory but are restricted by controlled access. The study sought to assess the factors perceived to lead to voluntary employee turnover among the industry workers. For determining the responses to employee turnover, reference was made to previous secondary data on studies done on employee turnover in other industries. Five companies were picked to form the sample of the study using random sampling method. For a representative sample and to obtain representative results, ten employees from each company were picked. They included senior, middle and lower level employees. The study found that multiple factors contributed to employee turnover albeit at different percentages. The effect of turnover was evidenced across the board, from senior management to lower level employees, and suggestions were offered on ways that management can employ to reduce employee turnover. The main factor perceived to contribute to employee turnover was remuneration, whereby most of the respondents were dissatisfied with their pay. To this effect, the study recommended to stakeholders to be involved in improving the employees pay. The study used primary data collected through a questionnaire administered to fifty employees located in EPZ's in Ruaraka Nairobi and Athi River. However, only forty five of the respondents were receptive.