Abstract
In higher institutions, employees’ retention and recognition are crucial to the institution’s success. Employee retention is a critical issue, particularly in the higher education sector, where universities compete to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. Therefore, understanding the connection between recognition practices and employee retention is crucial as private institutions confront increasing difficulties with staff retention and talent acquisition. This study delved into the influence of recognition on retention by scrutinizing various recognition techniques and their effects on an organization’s ability to retain its staff. The paper evaluates how recognition, both formal and informal, influences staff motivation, engagement, and long-term commitment. Employing a quantitative research approach, the study explored several facets of recognition methods. Drawing on both theoretical and empirical frameworks, the research examines existing recognition practices and their effectiveness in retaining employees. The study employs a mixed-method approach involving surveys and interviews with academic and administrative staff. The findings of this study shows that recognition accounts for 22% of the variability in employee retention, with a significant statistical relationship (R = 0.473, p < 0.05). The F-statistics test further confirms that recognition significantly influences retention (F (1,318) = 98.567, p = 0.000). Additionally, the regression coefficient for recognition was 0.473, indicating its strong role in determining employee retention. These results suggest that recognition is a vital factor in improving employee retention in private universities in Nigeria. The study concludes that institutions should incorporate recognition-based strategies to foster staff commitment and reduce turnover. It recommends that private universities in Nigeria implement recognition practices effectively to enhance employee retention.
Keywords: Employee Recognition, Retention Strategies, Turnover, Private Universities