TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AS A STRATEGIC TOOL FOR EMPLOYEE RETENTION: EVIDENCE FROM HPCL

Abstract

In today’s competitive business environment, training and development (T&D) has emerged as a critical strategic tool for enhancing employee skills, motivation, and overall organizational effectiveness. One of the major challenges faced by organizations, particularly in the energy sector, is employee retention. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), a leading public sector undertaking in India’s oil and gas industry, places strong emphasis on continuous training as part of its human resource development initiatives. This article explores the role of T&D as a strategic instrument for retaining employees within HPCL. Drawing upon human capital theory and motivation-based frameworks, the study highlights how training enhances employee engagement, career growth, and job satisfaction, which in turn reduce turnover intentions. By examining HPCL’s training practices—ranging from technical skill enhancement to leadership development—the article provides insights into how investment in employee capability-building contributes to higher organizational commitment. Further, the discussion underscores the strategic importance of aligning T&D programs with long-term retention objectives, particularly in knowledge-intensive industries such as oil and gas where the cost of attrition is significant. The findings suggest that well-designed training interventions foster loyalty, improve morale, and create a learning culture that supports both organizational sustainability and employee career progression. The article concludes with recommendations for strengthening HPCL’s training approach as a means of ensuring long-term talent retention and competitive advantage.