Employee Retention Credit: A Complete Guide for HR

Employee Retention Credit: A Complete Guide for HR

Following the global changes brought in by the pandemic, business management has gone for a toss. New strategies have to be implemented while keeping employees in mind. Similarly, employee retention has evolved as a critical focus point for companies to survive the toughest conditions. Schemes like Employee Retention Credit (ERC) help HR professionals to navigate through tough economic conditions while fostering a resilient workforce. 

What is Employee Retention Credit?

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) refers to a financial relief mechanism aimed at supporting businesses that retain employees during difficult economic periods. While in India, the term “ERC” may not be officially used, similar tax reliefs and government measures were introduced to encourage businesses to avoid layoffs and protect their workforce during crises like COVID-19. 

India’s relief schemes are mainly driven by initiatives such as: 

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKY): Under this scheme, employers received subsidies for contributing to Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), thus reducing payroll costs and helping retain employees. 

Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY): This scheme, launched by the government, provided incentives to employers for hiring and retaining workers. The government took on EPF contributions for new employees hired between October 2020 and March 2022, making employee retention more financially feasible for businesses.

How Does Employee Retention Credit Work in India? 

Though not directly referred to as Employee Retention Credit, India’s workforce support measures function similarly by offering businesses a financial incentive to keep employees on payroll. Here’s how they worked: 

Subsidized EPF Contributions: The PMGKY and ABRY schemes allowed the government to bear the full or part of the EPF contribution on behalf of the employer, significantly reducing the financial burden. This benefit was extended for new hires and existing employees, helping companies maintain workforce levels during a crisis. 

Tax Benefits for Employers: Indian businesses could also take advantage of reduced corporate tax rates, payroll tax incentives, and other relief measures to improve cash flow, enabling them to focus on employee retention rather than downsizing. 

Eligibility Criteria for Employee Retention Schemes 

Eligibility for government-supported employee retention schemes in India varied based on certain criteria, including: 

Eligibility Criteria for Employee Retention Schemes

Business Size: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefited the most from these relief schemes, though larger corporations could also apply if they met certain thresholds. 

New Employment Creation: The ABRY scheme focused on incentivizing businesses to create new jobs and maintain existing ones. Companies that demonstrated hiring activity during the designated period were eligible for the benefit. 

Registration with EPFO: Companies registered with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) were automatically eligible for government-backed subsidies and other retention schemes. 

Maximizing Employee Retention Benefits as an HR Professional

For HR professionals in India, the key to leveraging retention benefits lies in integrating these schemes into broader workforce strategies. Here are some steps HR can take: 

Maximizing Employee Retention Benefits as an HR Professional

Align HR Strategies with Government Relief Programs: By staying informed of new government initiatives and relief programs, HR departments can quickly assess eligibility, understand the financial impact, and act to apply for relevant benefits. Regular engagement with legal and finance teams is essential to ensure compliance. 

Optimize Payroll Operations: Effective tracking of employee benefits, payroll expenses, and provident fund contributions is essential for maximizing retention benefits. HR professionals should utilize software that provides visibility into these metrics and ensures accurate payroll processing. 

Focus on Long-term Employee Engagement: Use the financial breathing room created by government benefits to focus on employee retention strategies such as upskilling, professional development, and improved employee engagement initiatives. Financial incentives can be paired with HR programs that create a more rewarding work environment for employees. 

Employee Retention in the Post-Pandemic World 

As businesses emerge from the pandemic, the retention of skilled employees remains crucial for sustainable growth. HR teams must continue to refine their approaches to retain talent, offering not only financial incentives but also personal growth opportunities, flexibility, and a positive work culture. 

While government-backed retention schemes may have been a temporary measure during the COVID-19 crisis, the lessons learned about workforce stability, employee engagement, and crisis management are invaluable. 

 SkizzleHR: Your HR Partner for Seamless Employee Retention

In today’s competitive market, retaining employees isn’t just about government benefits—it’s about creating an efficient and supportive workplace. SkizzleHR helps HR professionals manage employee retention with ease, offering solutions for payroll management, time tracking, and employee engagement. Whether you’re optimizing for provident fund contributions or streamlining your payroll process, our intuitive platform helps you stay compliant, retain top talent, and reduce turnover. Embrace the future of HR with SkizzleHR and empower your team for long-term success. 

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