At a time when many business surveys are highlighting continuing skill shortages across the country, there can be little doubt that staff retention figures high on the agenda for many businesses.

For human resources managers in particular, the pressure is very much on and John McGallan, Chairman of Optus said: “We are finding that HR professionals are being faced not only with recruiting bright new talent but also with developing strategies to ensure companies retain their best people.

“Against a background which can increasingly be described as an employees market, the task isn’t easy. Losing key people at critical times in the business cycle can be devastating and HR people are constantly looking for new systems and procedures which can help them.”

He said that a recent survey by Taleo, a talent management solutions provider, had flagged up retention as the biggest challenge facing senior HR managers in 2008. He added: “For example, retention is cited as three times the challenge of complying with legislation which some people may find surprising.

“One area where Optus can really help our clients surrounds recruiting the right talent in the first place. The fit between candidate and the role he or she is being asked to carry out is fundamental.

“It sounds obvious but there is a far better chance of retaining good people if they are recruited on the right footing. It’s not just about skills, it’s also about the way a person can relate to the company’s vision and goals.”