Talent retention in Higher Education Institutes of Pakistan: Challenges and strategies

Abstract

Talent retention is very important in enhancing the quality of education and research in higher education institutions (HEIs). This research explores the challenges faced by academic professionals in Pakistan's HEIs and proposes strategies to mitigate them. This research study emphasized the critical role of educationists (university teachers and researchers) in developing highly skilled professionals. Through qualitative analysis that is based on semi-structured interviews with educationists at HEIs in Islamabad, key issues such as inadequate resources, low salaries, limited growth opportunities, and the glass ceiling effect stand out. Findings included lack of adequate compensation, limitations in research infrastructure, scarce career growth opportunities, and the unstructured policies that contribute to faculty dissatisfaction and brain drain. The challenges are supposed to be overcome by employing competitive salaries, upgrading research facilities, having clear promotion criteria, and ensuring a work-friendly culture. Providing performance-based incentives, international collaborations, expatriates, and ensuring the creation of inclusive campuses that balance work and personal life as well as establishing better mentorship programs will help with retaining faculty members.