The purpose of this study was to explore how Generation Y engineers in South Africa experience their work and based on this to determine how companies should be orientated toward their retention and engagement. I followed a qualitative research approach informed by the hermeneutic phenomenological paradigm, making use of a case study approach and in-depth unstructured interviews with six Generation Y engineers. My findings showed that even though retention cannot be ensured, hygiene retention factors are needed for initial retention and task and work-setup engagement for prolonged retention. Personal passion and commitment relating to career engagement are valued above organisational engagement and commitment. Companies should focus on the identified hygiene retention factors and on engaging these participants through providing for certain elements in their task and work setup. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

The objectives of the research were to examine the relationship between organizational commitment, career adaptability and retention factors within the retail sector in the Western Cape and to determine whether the demographical variables (age, gender, race, marital status, tenure and job level) influence an employees’ decision to stay with or to leave the organisation. A cross-sectional quantitative, correlational research approach was followed wherein a nonprobability convenience sampling (N=224) of permanent customer service employees of a reputable retail store in the Western Cape was used. The data were collected by means of Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ by Meyer & Allen, 1997), Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS by Savickas & Porfeli, 2012) and Retention Factor Measurement Scale (RFMS by Döckel, 2003). Correlational analysis revealded that statistical significant and positive relationships exist between organisational commitment, career adaptability and retention factors. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that organisational commitment and career adaptability significantly and positively predict retention factors. Tests for mean differences revealed that some differences do exists in organisational commitment, career adaptability and retention factors in terms of demographical variables (age, gender, race, marital status, tenure and job level). Recommendations are suggested for use by human resource managers and practitioners in terms of retention strategies and practices, specifically within the retail sector / Human Resource Management / M. Com. (Human Resource Management)