Skyrocketing Infant Attrition: A Crisis in Indian Industries

Poor work-life balance, job dissatisfaction, and inadequate compensation are driving a 4-5% annual increase in 'infant attrition'—employees quitting within six months of joining. Sectors heavily affected include consumer durables, IT, and BFSI. The phenomenon significantly impacts financials, with high rates of early turnovers particularly in south India.

India's industries are grappling with a burgeoning crisis known as 'infant attrition,' where employees leave their jobs within six months of joining. According to TeamLease Services, this troubling trend is growing annually by 4-5% in sectors like consumer durables, IT, and BFSI.

TeamLease's Chief Strategy Officer, Subburathinam P, cited poor work-life balance, job dissatisfaction, and inadequate onboarding among the primary reasons. These issues are especially pertinent to the 22-32 years age group, who often seek better opportunities.

With a staggering financial impact, infant attrition accounts for about 10-15% of annual labor movement, resulting in substantial costs for recruitment, training, and lost productivity. The problem is notably severe in south India, where rates can exceed 51%, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana being the most affected states.

(With inputs from agencies.)