Beyond organizational boundaries: the role of territorial opportunities in employee retention within SMEs of Emilia-Romagna

The study examines the determinants of turnover intentions in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with particular attention to the often-overlooked influence of local context and territorial opportunities. A survey composed of seven thematic sections – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Internal Coordination; Organizational and Managerial Factors; Professional Growth and Career Opportunities; Interpersonal Relationships and Work Climate; Compensation, Benefits and Work-Life Balance; Territorial Context and Quality of Life – was developed through a careful selection of items grounded in existing literature and administered to a sample of 175 employees from SMEs in the Emilia-Romagna region. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and nonlinear regression models. The findings highlight professional growth as the primary retention factor and, importantly, reveal the amplifying effect of perceiving the local area as lacking opportunities on turnover risk. From a managerial perspective, the results suggest that retention strategies need to adapt. Alongside developing clear career paths within the company, SMEs should also actively enhance cultural and professional opportunities outside it, in the local community. This approach transforms the surrounding area into a valuable asset for engaging employees and reducing turnover. Consequently, the proposed methodological approach offers a reliable diagnostic tool for assessing turnover risk and designing evidence-based retention strategies that integrate both organizational dynamics and territorial resources.