Infant attrition, the trend of employees leaving within six months of joining, is rising in India, with an annual increase of 4-5 percent. This phenomenon primarily affects younger workers aged 22-32 and is driven by factors like poor work-life balance, lack of flexibility, job dissatisfaction, and inadequate onboarding. It has significant financial implications for companies, leading to increased recruitment and training costs, as well as lost productivity. The consumer durables sector sees the highest infant attrition rates at 49 percent, with south India experiencing even higher rates, reaching 51 percent. Addressing employee needs for growth and career opportunities is crucial for companies to mitigate this trend and retain talent effectively.
Title: Rising Infant Attrition Rates: A Crisis for Indian Companies
Image: Employee working in an office
Date: September 1, 2024
Poor work-life balance and job dissatisfaction are causing a notable surge in "infant attrition" rates in India, with employees leaving their companies within six months of joining. This trend has seen an annual increase of 4-5 percent, particularly prevalent in sectors like consumer durables, IT, software, and banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI).
According to Subburathinam, Chief Strategy Officer of TeamLease Services, the primary reasons behind this attrition include inadequate flexibility, poor onboarding, insufficient compensation, and limited career growth opportunities. Many employees, especially those in the 22-32 age group, are not just searching for jobs—they’re looking for positions that offer better work environments where they can thrive.
The financial impact of this phenomenon is significant, as infant attrition can lead to high recruitment and training costs, along with decreased productivity. It’s estimated that this trend accounts for about 10-15 percent of annual labor movement in the country. In particular, the consumer durables sector is experiencing the highest rates, with 49 percent of new hires leaving within their first six months.
Regions in South India, such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, are seeing some of the most alarming rates of infant attrition, with figures reaching up to 51 percent. Interestingly, there’s a marked difference in attrition based on gender, with male attrition standing at 84.5 percent compared to 15.5 percent for women.
As companies continue to grapple with these challenges in retaining talent, addressing work-life balance and employee satisfaction will be crucial for reducing infant attrition and ensuring long-term stability.
Tags: infant attrition, employee turnover, work-life balance, job satisfaction, Indian job Market, TeamLease Services, HR trends, recruitment costs.
What is infant attrition?
Infant attrition refers to the phenomenon where new workers leave their jobs shortly after starting, usually within the first year.
What percentage of the labor movement does infant attrition account for?
According to recent reports, infant attrition accounts for about 10-15% of the overall movement in the labor Market.
Why is infant attrition rising?
The rise in infant attrition can be linked to various reasons, such as poor job fit, lack of support, and better opportunities elsewhere.
How does infant attrition affect businesses?
High rates of infant attrition can lead to increased hiring and training costs for businesses and may affect team morale and productivity.
What can companies do to reduce infant attrition?
Companies can reduce infant attrition by providing better onboarding processes, mentoring programs, and creating a supportive work environment.