Chemists work at a Hau Giang pharmaceutical workshop. The company in the Mekong Delta was at a disadvantage in recruiting highly skilled staff. — Photo: duochaugiang

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — Competitive salaries and benefits can help retain talented staff at companies but other factors such as career growth opportunities are important as well, business leaders said at a seminar held in HCM City on Tuesday.

Career development, a good business reputation, working environment and business culture can all influence long-term employment, they said.

Speaking at the seminar, held by Doanh Nhan magazine, Lemedia and Lebros, Le Quoc Vinh, chairman of the Le Group, said that skilled employees were the most valuable resource in building a successful business.

"The salaries for human resources have risen very fast and businesses have to compete fiercely to retain employees," Vinh said, adding that salaries for qualified staff had doubled compared to five years ago.

Pham Thi Viet Nga, general director of Hau Giang Pharmaceutical Joint-Stock Company, said her company's location in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta province of Hau Giang was a disadvantage in recruiting highly skilled staff.

She said that skilled candidates in Ha Noi and HCM City often were reluctant to move to the provinces, and higher salaries were not enough to attract them.

To retain staff, in addition to ensuring an adequate income and benefits, the company has also paid attention to the staff's family members, including buying insurance for all family members and organising summer programmes for their children.

The company also creates conditions for its staff to promote their creativity, and it offers opportunities for professional career growth, she said.

Tran Thi Hoa Xim, deputy director of Vinpearl Golf under VinGroup, said besides salary and career opportunities, the company retained high-performing staff by giving financial support to buy houses, and get access to insurance and education services for children.

In a related matter, the establishment of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) by the end of this year will enable the free movement of skilled labour in 10 ASEAN countries in eight sectors covering engineering, accountancy, architecture, surveying, nursing, dental and medical practitioners, and tourism.

Vietnamese companies will have to compete with firms in Viet Nam but also those in the region that need to attract and retain talented staff, Nguyen Thi Van Anh, managing director of Navigos Search, said.

She said that salaries were not the only consideration in recruiting and retaining good staff.

Vietnamese companies should ensure that they hire the right people and create conditions that will help them grow in their career, she said.

Companies should continue to develop training programmes as well as programmes to engage their employees, she added. — VNS