www.tjprc.org editor@tjprc.org A STUDY OF RETENTION OF BLUE COLLAR WORKERS IN MANUFACTURING SECTOR NAINA SALVE & RADHA IYER Assistant Professor, Alkesh Dinesh Mody Institute for Financial and Management Studies, University of Mumbai, Vidyanagari Campus, Kalina, Santacruz East, Mumbai, India ABSTRACT This study explores the work satisfaction of the employees in SMEs specifically acting in the manufacturing sector and also to investigate the factors that affect the employee likelihood of staying in the organisation of SMEs in the manufacturing sector on Maharashtra State. The sample size is 700. The primary data is collected by using structured questionnaire from various blue collar workers working in manufacturing sector. KEYWORDS: Employee Retention, Importance of Employee Retention & Factors Affecting Retention Received: Sep 23, 2018; Accepted: Oct 17, 2018; Published: Nov 24, 2018; Paper Id.: IJBMRDEC20183 INTRODUCTION Employee Retention The term employee retention means retaining the quality and essential employees to work in the organization for a longer period of time and proper utilization of their skills attitudes and values for the organization. Importance of Employee Retention • One of the major factors for organizational success is retaining a positive and motivated staff. • High attrition rate increases the expense of the company and there is a negative effect on company morale. • In order to maintain job performance and productivity in the work environment, implementation of employee retention program is effective to make sure the key workers remain loyal and connected with the organization for a longer period of time. • Retention strategies help to manage employee turnover ate and attract quality employees in the organization. These programs help to maintain the relationship between management and the workers. • Providing competitive pay, giving employee benefits, encouraging with recognition and awards helping an employee with assistance programs are companies attempt to maintain employee satisfaction level. • Specialists in human resources utilize the data they get from focus groups and exit interviews to reduce employee turnover and make healthy employee relations. Original Article International Journal of Business Management & Research (IJBMR) ISSN (P): 2249-6920; ISSN (E): 2249-8036 Vol. 8, Issue 6, Dec 2018, 19-26 © TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.