Evaluating the University of KwaZulu-Natal's support staff retention and career advancement strategy.

Abstract

The study looked at the University of KwaZulu-Natal's (UKZN) support staff retention and career advancement strategy. It aimed at assessing how the UKZN is applying its policies to assist and support employees in advancing in their careers and the ability to retain quality employees. The study looked at the practical application of different UKZN policies, such as the Integrated Talent Management policy and other policies designed to benefit the UKZN and its employees. It also looked at the role of the Humana Resource Department in ensuring that the university applies the policies fairly and equitably. The researcher used quantitative methods to conduct the study. A survey was used to obtain primary data for the study. Deductions were made by comparing the survey and the literature review findings to understand better how the UKZN is applying its policies to retain and assist support staff in advancing their careers. The study results give a complete assessment of UKZN's support staff retention and career progression plan, highlighting its strengths, flaws, the disconnection of the HR department, and opportunities for improvement. The research adds to the current literature on employee retention and career development in higher education institutions, concentrating on support staff jobs. The study offers policy and practical suggestions that may improve the university's efforts to retain and support the career advancement of its support employees by identifying gaps and issues experienced by support staff. Finally, the researcher hopes to contribute to developing successful techniques for supporting and empowering support workers at higher education institutions, guaranteeing a good and inclusive workplace. It will also contribute to the Department of Higher Education and Training’s goal of creating capable, well-educated, and skilled citizens who can compete in a sustainable, diversified, and knowledge-intensive international economy that meets the country’s development goals by reducing bottlenecks in priority professional areas, thereby contributing to the National Development Plan.