In business any investment you make has to yield a return. You invest in equipment to increase productivity, you factor the rate of return before you purchase it, you maintain it so that it will keep giving you the desired return. The same rules apply to your investment in your people.  Employees are the biggest investment your business will have. It takes time and money to train and develop their skills. You don't want them to leave because they are not being nurtured in the right direction...