The significance of an employee value proposition in the retention of teachers at selected South African private schools

Abstract

Background: Private schools in South Africa are currently faced with the challenge of retaining a talented pool of teachers. An employee value proposition (EVP) could assist private schools in reducing teaching staff turnover.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the significance of an EVP in the retention of teachers at three selected South African private schools. The study thus sought to answer the following question: What is the significance of an EVP in the retention of teachers at three selected South African private schools?

Setting: Time and money are spent on the recruitment and development of teachers. High turnover of teachers reduces all staff recruitment and staff development efforts to useless financial expenses.

Methods: A qualitative research approach was followed. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from teachers at three different private schools in Johannesburg.

Results: The findings showed that most private schools lack a clear and differentiated EVP. Despite their importance, EVPs were often not clearly communicated to staff members and the value of EVPs in the retention of teachers was mostly underestimated.

Conclusion: The research highlighted the deficiencies in the EVPs of most schools. It also emphasised the backlog in the retention of teachers caused by a lack of a proper EVP.