
Why People Stay: Rethinking Talent, Work and Commitment
In a world that feels “heavier and harder”, what makes people choose to stay? In this panel from the Engage Employee Summit, Megan Yawor, Head of Talent Management and Development at Knight Frank, and Caroline Jellyman, Head of Learning and Organisational Development at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, discuss how talent and retention have changed in the last five years. They explain why “squiggly” careers are replacing the traditional career ladder, and how to get people to own their own development instead of waiting for it to be done to them. They also talk about what happens when managers hoard talent or decide someone is “too good to lose”. Caroline shares how Battersea is preparing new starters for the realities behind a joyful brand, and Megan explains why transparency, fairness and no “exception culture” are the shifts that will matter most. Listen for honest, practical ideas on giving people clarity at a time when they need it most, and why retention will always be about people, whatever the technology.

