Phillips Consulting Limited has urged both public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy to rethink employee experience and retention in a bid to tackle the mass exodus of skilled professionals out of the country, in a phenomenon popularly called japa.

The firm issued this advice in its new report titled ‘Talent Management, A New World Order: Shifting Paradigms,’ which was released at the Human Resources Directors Network quarterly Meetup of the firm.

The event centred on the theme of Reimagining Talent Experience and Retention and it featured top executives engaging in discussions and presenting innovative solutions to navigate Nigeria’s fiercely competitive war for talent.

With a focus on the brain drain, PCL said that “The report is the outcome of extensive research and data analysis conducted by PCL, with data inputs from their partners, Cambridge University (UK) and YouGov. The report aims to equip organisations with the necessary tools to reimagine talent management and enhance employee and stakeholder outcomes.

“This comprehensive report delves into the root causes of the exodus of skilled professionals from Nigeria and its adverse impact on the public and private sectors. Moreover, the report proposes pragmatic suggestions and remedies to tackle this pressing concern.”

At the event, the speakers delivered valuable insights on how companies can enhance their talent experience, boost employee retention rates, and foster a culture of inclusivity.

The Managing Director of PCL, Rob Taiwo, said, “Talent goes where talent wants and employees have the freedom to choose where they work.

“In an employee market, companies must offer attractive value propositions that meet the needs of their employees, such as improved compensation, remote work options, and psychologically safe work environments. If companies fail to prioritise employee well-being and job satisfaction, they risk losing top talent to organisations that do.”

PCL’s Operations strategist, Olawanle Morenikeji, said that “New actions in managing talents must speak to dynamism, the promotion of belongingness, inclusion, empathy, guts, constant and consistent communication and motivations. Any conceptualisation that falls short of actions on the above is destined for failure in the new world of work.”

According to the firm’s Partner for People Transformation, Paul Ayim, employers need to create an environment where employees can learn, understand purpose, collaborate, and are empowered leads to a positive experience and high engagement.

“Digital Learning has over the years served as a platform for democratising the knowledge required to turbocharge performance and embed consistent culture, and organisations that reimagine and refocus their talent experience in this way will outcompete peers in their industry,” he added.

[Punch]