Surendra Neupane

This paper aims to identify the factors affecting employee retention in Nepalese financial institutions, especially commercial banks. Through a questionnaire, the primary data were collected from 400 respondents. The study is based on a dichotomous and 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS and structural equation modeling (SEM). SEM smart PLS-4 is used to examine the association between the dependent and independent variables. The results indicate that company image/goodwill, employee benefits, job satisfaction, organizational performance, recruitment and selection, and work environment and culture have a relatively significant relationship with employee retention. Among them, organizational performance was found to be highly significant among all other variables. However, labor unions, leadership support, performance appraisal, training and development, and work-life balance did not have an association with employee retention. The study helps HR managers to formulate appropriate policies and guidelines to retain employees in Nepalese commercial banks. Likewise, it provides a valuable empirical contribution by analyzing which factors affect employee retention in commercial banks in Nepal using a direct SEM model. It also shows which factors play a major role in employee retention.