Talent Strategies for Attracting and Retaining People: A Case Study on Waitrose

This report analyzes talent management strategies used by the best companies to attract and retain people. It includes a case study on Waitrose, exploring the challenges and strategies for attracting and retaining talent in the retail sector.

Managing a Successful
Business Project
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Title: What talent strategies do the best companies use to attract and retain people?
A case study on waitrose.
INTRODUCTION
Talent management is related with analysing the overall workforce management scenario in a
organisation. It is related with the process of attracting retaining and developing employees for
longer time period. There are diverse organisational strategies that can help in maximisation of
employees overall potential (Claus, 2019). Present report is based on analysing various
associated concept of talent management process that can be used in organisations that are part
of retail sector in order to manage their overall workforce. For this purpose there is application of
primary and secondary sources of information in order to achieve the laid aims and objectives in
the course of business functioning.
TASK 1
P1) Aims and objectives of the research
Overview of the Research:
The present research work is conducted for Waitrose so that there can be assessment of the
various talent management strategies that are to be used in the organisation for the purpose of
retaining talent for long term. In this scenario there is need to recommend some of the new
strategies that are to be considered for the purpose of having effective talent management
process. For this purpose there will be collection of data from various primary and secondary
sources of information in order to reach to relevant conclusions and recommendations.
Aims: “To identify talent management strategies do the best companies are using to attract
and retain people in long run”. A case study on Waitrose.
Objectives:
 To understand the basic concept of talent management strategies
 To identify strategies required to attract and retain people in Waitrose
 To analyse challenges associated with attracting and retaining people in Waitrose.
Questions:
 What is the basic concept of talent management strategies in organisations?
 Identify strategies required to attract and retain people in Waitrose?
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 What are some of the challenges associated with attracting and retaining people in
Waitrose?
LITERATURE REVIEW
Basic concept of talent management strategies
As per views of Karin Ansari (2016), there are different talent management strategies that
can be used in organisations for the purpose of attracting and retaining employees in order to
maximise their present potential level. For the purpose of forming effective talent management
strategies there is requirement of several aspects that includes understand the power of job
descriptions that is related with deciding the specifications of job including overall duties, job
titles, necessary skills, working relationships and overall salary that is to be offered. Another
strategy si to assess the candidate cultural fit is a process that is related to creation of right job
descriptions that is required to select candidate as pre required culture of organisation. These are
different aspect of talent management that are to be used in organisations for the purpose of
retaining their employees for longer time period. In Waitrose this concept is associated with
offering continues training and development opportunities so that there can be improvement in
one are to maximise the employee potential level. Another strategy is associated with giving
back employees with respective recognition and rewards. It plays a vital role in maintenance of
employees who are able to feel appreciated, recognized and important that leads o reduction in
employee turnover (6 Simple Talent Management Strategies, 2017).
Challenges associated with attracting and retaining people in Waitrose
As per view points of Prashant john (2017), there are some of the challenges that are associated
with talent management practises in organisations. Such as, there is requirement of updated
technology that is a big challenges experienced by employers in retail organisations. In some
situations updated technology is associated with higher associated cost. Apart from this there is
need of technology for better employee enragement that is also a big challenges that amy posses
a impact on the overall organisation performance. HR roles has evolved ib pas soe tears as
employees are no longer seen as a mass, HR strategies are now focussed on better discern that
can help in driving the process employee productivity, employee motivation. There is need to
adopt some of the crucial skills that can assist in having a core engagement strategy in a
organisation. For this purpose work life balance is also a big challenge for organisations.
Presently HR teams have to understand the various labour laws and compensation plans for
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implementing vast range of skills for creation of statistics modelling. HR actions posses a impact
on top and bottom line employees.
Strategies required to attract and retain people in Waitrose
As per view points of Scott keller & Mary Meaney (2017) There are several strategies that
are to be used by organisations for the purpose of attracting and retaining talent. Recent study
has suggested that approx 600,000 entertainers, researchers, athletes and politicians are higher
preformed are having 400 percent more productivity as average ones. For the purpose of
attracting and retaining talent there are certain specific initiatives that have to be taken by various
organisations for the purpose of improving their talent processes. For this organisations are going
through different cycles of initiatives in order to retain and manage their overall talent in long
run. In case of retail sector organisations like Waitrose it is important to generate an employee
value proposition in this employees have to be offered with tangible rewards, working
experience in the organisation so that leadership can help employees and substance of work.
EVP is truly stronger for attracting and retaining of best talent in organisations (Attracting and
retaining the right talent, 2017). Another strategy is to encourage referrals so that there can be
use of word of mouth for the purpose of enhancing the ability to attract top talent from peer
groups, networks and family.
There are no better recommendations for prospective candidates that word of mouth from
existing employees. There can be development of whole package where salary can be a deciding
factor in selecting a job by an employee. There can be active encouragement and internal
promotions that are used as strategies for the purpose of attracting prospective candidates and
providing clear signals for future progression and development path.
P2)
Project management plan is related with different phases of a project that has to be defined. It
includes various aspects that is cost, scope, resources, quality, communication and many others,
this plan can be very useful for the purpose of identification of the reason because of which
project was undertaken (Whysall, Owtram and Brittain, 2019). There are some of the activities
that are to be performed as a part of project management plan that has to be associated to
different individuals in an organisation. For this purpose project management plan is mentioned
below:
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 COST: In the present research work there is need to incur some of the cost that is related
with procurement of resources. For this purpose there is need to collect all the
information by undertaking research while analysing the data as per specific
requirements. For this purpose there are some of the compulsory costs that have to be
incurred in order to ascertain the requirements of the project.
 Scope: the scope of research is based on analysing the different strategies of managing
talent that can be used in organisations for the purpose of maximisation of the present
value of employees. This research is going to assist in the formulation of suitable
strategies that can assist in the process of maximisation of the competence and abilities of
the present workforce.
 Time: it is crucial for the investigator to determine the overall time frame that needs to be
completed the overall project activities. There will be requirement of a time period of 4
weeks in which project has to be completed (Sparrow, 2019).
 Quality: For the purpose of ensuring better outcomes and higher quality it is important
for the researcher to use authentic sources of collecting data, for this researcher will be
using quality chart so that they are able to compare information as per various
specifications that are to be identified by them in course of research report.
P3) Work breakdown Structure and Gantt chart
Work Breakdown structure: In a research activity, a work-break structure (WBS) is a
deliverable-oriented breakdown of a project down into smaller parts. A WBS is a significant
project deliverable that divides the performance of the employees into manageable chunks.
Basically, it is a strategy for completing a multi-step, difficult project. It is a method of dividing
enormous undertakings to complete it more effectively.
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Gantt Chart: Gantt charts are analysis tools that aid in the arrangement of projects of all
kinds, but they are effective for determining complex projects. Product design timelines and
tasks are divided into a horizontal bar chart that shows timelines, as well as connections,
planning, and deadlines, as well as how much of the job is accomplished per step.
TASK 2
P4) Retail scale research with the help of qualitative and quantitative research
Qualitative research: Qualitative research is a data analysis technique that focuses on
gathering information through single and conversation contact.
Quantitative research: The procedures of collecting and understanding numerical data is
called quantitative method in investigation. It can be opt in order to evaluate patterns and
averages, to forecasts, to verify connection between variables and to determine results to larger
groups (Gupta, 2019).
Primary method: It is, also known as raw data, is data gained directly from the source
through tests, surveys, or inspections.
Secondary research: Secondary data is information gathered by someone other than the
original user. Surveys, information acquired by government bodies, organizational records, and
data originally acquired for other research goals are all popular secondary sources for social
science.
Reliability: the overall reliability of the information is based on collecting primary sources
of information that is helping in the completion of research work as per high degree of relevance.
The first hand collected information will help in enhancing the authenticity of the overall report.
In case of secondary sources of information the reliability will be ensured by selecting only
authentic sources that are identified on various online mediums for the purpose of having
sufficient information base.
Accuracy: The research report consists of reliable and accurate form of information because
there is a mix of both primary and secondary sources of collecting data. This is helping in
ensuring a high degree of accuracy in the present research work.
Interpretation: there is interpretation of the collected primary sources of data by using
thematic analysis and pie chart for the purpose of interpreting the information.
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Sample size: the overall sample size that is part of the present research report is based on
using 40 respondents. Apart from this there is random sampling method that is selected by the
researcher for the purpose of carrying on the research work.
Sampling method: In the present research because of the covid-19 resource is done online
and for this a respondent size of 40 was effective. It had in the process of having sufficient
information because it was not possible together information by physically visiting the
organisation therefore online mediums have been used by the researcher.
Random sampling: in the present research there will be use of random sampling as a part of
probability sampling that will assist researcher in having the required sample size as per the
research requirements.
It is procedure of choosing a right sample size form large number of populations as per
random basis. As it is classified into two different sampling techniques including probabilistic
and non- probabilistic sampling method. For selecting right sample, researcher will use
probabilistic sampling technique in which people are selected as per random basis and also get
equal chances to be selected. By using this technique, 40 respondents are selected randomly who
are the employee of company.
In addition to this, due to COVID-19 researcher fill questionnaire from selected respondents
via online platform including google and many more in which some sample was effective and
give reliable information but on the other side, some sample size had no response towards the
questionnaire.
Analysis of the data with the help of various tools and techniques
Q1 Do you understand the basic talent management aspect? Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Q2 As per your view point, talent strategies that can be adopted by
Sollaltek for the purpose of attracting and retaining employees?
Frequency
a) Offering highly Competitive salary 7
b) Better allowances 6
c) having proper commitment from top management 7
d) Ensuring employee improvement 21
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Q3 Do you think talent management strategies can be helpful for Waitrose
in order to attract and retail people for longer time period?
Frequency
a) Yes 36
b) No 4
Q4 What are some of the benefits of talent management strategies for
Waitrose?
Frequency
a) Helping in improving their present competitive position. 7
b) Improvement satisfaction of customers 6
c) Improving their market image 6
d) Eeffective process of cost management. 11
Q5 Do you think there exist a direct relationship between talent
management strategies of Waitrose and employee retention?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 10
c) Neutral 5
Q6 What are some of common problems associated with talent
management strategies in Waitrose?
Frequency
a) Lower satisfaction level of customers 12
b) Increasing employee turnover 10
c) Negative employee mindset 18
Q7 What are effective strategies that can be used in Waitrose for
overcoming the issues associated with talent management process?
Frequency
a) Improving the present practises of total quality management 20
b) Offering higher quality in their products and services 10
c) Collecting of timely feedbacks 10
Q8 What are the basic principles of that can be adopted for effective talent
management process in Waitrose?
Frequency
a) Effective communication 13
b) Factual decision making 10
c) Enhancing commitment level of employees 17
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TASK 3
P5) Analysis of the data with the help of various tools and techniques
Theme 1: Ttalent management concept
Q1 Do you understand the basic talent management concept? Frequency
a) Yes 30
b) No 10
Interpretation: According to the pie chart mentioned above, it is understood that, 30 of the
respondents out of 40 selected option “yes” which shows that they have a basic understanding
about talent management. They are aware about the concept and the practices talent management
i.e.; talent management is a process with the help of which company tries to get right talent
onboard. Whereas, on the other hand, 10 out of 40 respondents don’t have any idea about talent
management. Thus, it is required that these 10 respondents are provided with certain information
about the aspects of talent management.
Theme 2: Talent strategies that can be adopted for the purpose of attracting and retaining
employees
Q2 As per your view point, talent strategies that can be adopted by Frequency
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Sollaltek for the purpose of attracting and retaining employees?
a) Offering highly Competitive salary 7
b) Better allowances 6
c) having proper commitment from top management 7
d) Ensuring employee improvement 21
Interpretation: From the above diagram it is observed that, there are many talent strategies
which a company can adopt for attracting and retaining employees. Out of which 21 respondents
has gone with the option “ensuring employee improvement” which is highest amongst all.
According to this, respondents believe that company should make sure that they include
strategies which can improve the performance of employees as it will help the company in giving
better results. Moreover, as per the other 7 respondents they think that “offering highly
competitive salary” is the effective strategy for attracting and retaining employees but this is a
short-term solution. Whereas, another 7 respondents believe that “having proper commitment
from top management” can make employees feel some belongingness with the company.
Therefore, it can work as the best strategy for retaining its workers at workpnace. Lastly, rest of
the 6 respondents think that if employees will be provided with “better allowances” then
retaining them will be possible.
Theme 3: Talent management strategies attract and retaining people for longer time period
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Q3 Do you think talent management strategies can be helpful for Waitrose
in order to attract and retaining people for longer time period?
Frequency
a) Yes 36
b) No 4
Interpretation: With the help of the pie chart presented above, it is assumed that, through proper
talent management strategies Waitrose can keep its employees retained and attracted for longer
period of time. As per 36 respondents they think that if talent management perform its activity
very well and succeed in developing effective strategies then it can bring wonders to the
company. However, every company has different policies so there is a need that the strategies are
developed accordingly. On the other hand, 4 out of 40 respondents does not feel like any positive
outcomes from taken management and its strategies as they have gone with the option “no”.
Theme 4: Benefits of talent management strategies
Q4 What are some of the benefits of talent management strategies for
Waitrose?
Frequency
a) Helping in improving their present competitive position. 7
b) Improvement satisfaction of customers 6
c) Improving their market image 6
d) Eeffective process of cost management. 11
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Interpretation: Any strategies if it is implemented properly, then it has the tendency of getting
maximum benefits. As per the pie chart mentioned above, it is determined that, 7 of the
respondents believe that one of the benefits which can be attained through the strategies of talent
management is that it will help in improving the present state of the company which means it
will make Waitrose more competitive. Other hand, 6 of the respondents share their views that,
proper assistance of talent management strategies will improve the “satisfaction of customers”.
Whereas, the same proportion i.e., 6 respondents perceive that if the company succeed in
implementing better talent management strategies then it will improve the market image of the
company. Lastly, 11 respondents are certain that with the help of proper talent management
strategies, Waitrose will be effective in process of cost management.
Theme 5: Direct relationship between talent management strategies
Q5 Do you think there exist a direct relationship between talent
management strategies of Waitrose and employee retention?
Frequency
a) Yes 25
b) No 10
c) Neutral 5
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Interpretation: As per diagram presented above, it is believed that, as per 25 respondents out of
40 as they have chosen “Yes”, they feel that there is a direct relationship among talent
management strategies and the employees retention of Waitrose because, it eliminates the factors
of selecting unsuitable candidates who can hamper the activities of businesses in future.
Whereas, 10 of the respondents has gone with the option “No”, as they believe that there is no
connect among management of talent and employee retention. They think that if employees will
get better option in some other place then there is a possibility that they shift to other jobs. On
the other hand, 5 of the respondents where decisive because they were neutral and does not have
any idea about the relationship.
Theme 6: problems associated with talent management strategies
Q6 What are some of common problems associated with talent
management strategies in Waitrose?
Frequency
a) Lower satisfaction level of customers 12
b) Increasing employee turnover 10
c) Negative employee mindset 18
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Interpretation: It is usual that company faced some kind of problems when it comes to
implementing strategies for better growth. Thus, from the above pie chart presented, it is
evaluated that, according to the respondents i.e., 12, the common problem which is faced by
Waitrose is lower satisfaction level of customers and this is mainly because of employees who
are not being able to provide better services to its customers. Likely, 18 of the respondents also
feels like it is because of the negative mindset of employees. On the other hand, 10 of the
respondents think that increased in employee turnover is the common issues that is associated
with the strategies of talent management.
Theme 7: effective strategies that can be used for overcoming the issues associated with talent
management process
Q7 What are effective strategies that can be used in Waitrose for
overcoming the issues associated with talent management process?
Frequency
a) Improving the present practises of total quality management 20
b) Offering higher quality in their products and services 10
c) Collecting of timely feedbacks 10
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Interpretation: Over the period of time, many strategies have evolved, and using them have
provided many benefits to the companies. However, implementing effective strategies have gave
rise to issues and substantially showed path for overcoming these issues. With the help of the
above diagram, it is understood that¸20 of the respondents has gone with the option “a” as they
believe that by improving the practices of total quality management Waitrose can overcome the
issues related to talent management. On the other hand, offering products and services of high
quality and collecting feedbacks of the services right on time can help the company in
overcoming the issues because for both the factors 10, 10 respondents were agreed with the fact.
Theme 8: Basic principles of that can be adopted for effective talent management process
Q8 What are the basic principles of that can be adopted for effective talent
management process in Waitrose?
Frequency
a) Effective communication 13
b) Factual decision making 10
c) Enhancing commitment level of employees 17
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Interpretation: While running a business it is important that a company follows certain basic
principles as it helps the company in keeping things at right place. Thus, with the help of the pie
chart presented above, it is believed that, 13 respondents feel that Waitrose should adopt
effective communication processes as it will assist the company in maintaining a proper
coordination between departments. Whereas, other 10 respondents believe that Waitrose should
incorporate factual decision-making process because it will give realistic overview about the
performance of the company. Lastly, according to the 17 respondents by adopting strategy of
enhancing commitment level of employees Waitrose can give effective results.
P6) Recommendations
Research is conducted in order to explore the factors that have not been explored yet. In
relation to business, they conduct research in order to know the market performance of a
respective company so that overall performance can be improved by giving better and excellent
services to its customers. In accordance to this research, after analysing all the above points, it is
recommended to the company that Waitrose should identify its ideal workers because seeking
the right worker will probably give a better return. For example; recognising their right employee
who has better skills and knowledge for giving better services and facilities to its customers.
Moreover, to retain their workers company can provide certain offers such as rewards,
promotions and so on. However, in order to do this, it is recommended that, Waitrose should try
direct response conversation. It is the best source for reaching out to its valuable employees.
Significantly the most effective tactics for engaging with the employees. As a result, staying
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connected with workers will provide company with an overview about the choices, needs and
working requirements of employees. More likely it is recommended that, Waitrose should
participate in community events like “know your employee” because doing such activity will
help the company in raising its profile and consequently assist the company in retaining its
workers for longer period of time.
TASK 4
P7) Reflection
This section of the research is concern with the experience a researcher has while
conducting the research. In context with this report, where I gained enormous knowledge about
the topic on the same time, I faced certain issues and problems. Unlike others the main issue that
I faced was related to time and money. Both the factors play a very important role in executing
the research in a more proper manner but if considered on time then it can raise issues. While I
was doing this research, I was having work loads starting from collecting information, analysing
them and using the same in a proper manner which further upstretched time constraints.
However, I manage to perform all my actions properly without hampering the authenticity of my
findings. As we all know that while collecting information that too primary research, the activity
requires a lot of money, because I was having a limited amount of money this created a problem
although the issue was resolved as my friends and colleagues helped me out with some finance.
There were other issues as well which I faced while doing my research. Collecting information
and data was quite hectic because I was single handled undertaking all my actions. Nevertheless,
my overall experience was good, it enhanced my knowledge regarding talent management and
what all strategies a company can incorporate for retaining its people.
CONCLUSION
As per preceding report, it is summarised that, talent management is very crucial for an
organisation and one should incorporate this element in order to improve workforce
management. Primarily the activities related to the talent management is performed by the
department of human resource because they are responsible for the process like hiring,
developing employees, retaining employees by providing them with benefits and so on.
However, other then the activities performed by the HR department there are some basic factors
which are required to managing talents like identifying skills and knowledge, developing
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working relationships, and so on. Therefore, to enhance these skills it becomes the prime
responsibility of the company to provide proper training and development programmes.
Meanwhile, doing this, the company can face certain challenges. Mostly, these challenges can be
related to implementation of effective strategies because there can be possibility that if a certain
strategy is providing good results than it does same for others. Thus, reconsidering the facts
become prominent in this. Therefore, it will be right to say that for getting desired results it is
important that talent management is regulated in a proper manner.
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APPENDIX I
Template for evidence collection to be attached with the report by the learner:
Project Logbook for the chosen organisation:
Name of the learner: Name of the Supervisor:
Project Title: Date:
Update of weekly research/ tasks achieved (Account
for a minimum of six weeks with dates)
 What have you completed?
 Did you fulfil Task requirements?
 Are you on track and within deadlines set?
 Did you need to make any changes to your
project management plan?
Comments
I have completed my research on the topic of
Aims: “To identify talent management strategies
do the best companies are using to attract and
retain people in long run”. A case study on
Waitrose.
Yes
Yes, I completed within the time limit which was
19-09-19 and 27-02-2020.
No
Any risks and / or issues identified?
 Did you identify risks/issues with a lack of
skills required for undertaking research
tasks?
 Did you identify any additional risks/issues
that have an impact on the project
management plan?
Yes, some of the issues were related to managing
of team conflicts.
No
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Problems encountered
 What barriers did you face?
 How did you overcome them?
The barriers are related to communication and
there are other issues because of which there arises
confusion.
To deal with the issues there is need of proper
transparency for this purpose there are 40
employees of the company who have to be
contacted for collecting of information.
New Ideas and change of project direction After monitoring of performance, made an
analysis that there is was need of more 1 week in
attaining the goals in a most effective way.
What Have I learnt about myself this week?
 How did I feel when I had to deal with
tasks/problems? Did I find it useful to complete the tasks?
 How well have I performed? What did I
contribute?
 What can I improve on next week?
 How might this learning apply in the future?
I felt high degree of discontentment from the
performance of my some of the teammates.
Yes
I perform well and also used all such resources in
more effective way for completion of this task.
I participated in various team forming activities
for dealing with conflicting and communication
barrier.
By going through this project, I developed my
interpersonal abilities that helped me to enhance
my present level of performance & research.
Tasks planned for next week
To had a reliable data that helped me in better the
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 Which tasks are priority? Have you set aside sufficient time for
completion?
attributeion of project.
Yes
Project plan status to date (on, ahead, behind)
Supervisor comments to address
Signature of the Supervisor and date:
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