HR Expert Hilda Kabushenga On Navigating ‘Japa Syndrome’ Talent Management

In the wake of the exodus of Nigerian professionals, dubbed as the ‘japa syndrome,’ towards developed nations, Hilda Kabushenga, CEO of The African Talent Company, advocates for strategic talent management to counteract this trend.

Speaking at the Ecobank Nigeria’s MySME Growth Series, Kabushenga emphasized the importance of adapting to new work realities to retain skilled individuals.

The MySME Growth Series, a pioneering training program by Ecobank Nigeria aimed at empowering SME operators, provided the platform for Kabushenga to address the pressing issue of talent retention in the face of migration challenges.

Kabushenga stressed the significance of initiating staff retention strategies from the recruitment stage itself. She suggested creating candidate pipelines for critical departments and engaging in transparent discussions about long-term career plans during interviews. Additionally, she proposed the concept of hiring an ‘heir and a spare’ to shadow key talent and ensure knowledge transfer within organizations.

Furthermore, Kabushenga advocated for the implementation of better reward systems, such as profit sharing and milestone bonuses, to incentivize employees and enhance job satisfaction. Flexible work arrangements, fostering a sense of belonging, and prioritizing open communication were also highlighted as crucial strategies for talent retention.

In managing strategic staff effectively, she recommended organizations to focus on building talent internally rather than solely relying on external recruitment. Tailored learning and development initiatives, robust succession planning systems, and maintaining enduring relationships were identified as key pillars of successful talent management.

As the ‘japa syndrome’ continues to impact the Nigerian workforce, Kabushenga’s insights serve as a valuable guide for organizations seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of talent management and retention.