Employee attrition in India's EdTech sector has emerged as one of the most consequential talent management challenges of the post-pandemic era. This study investigates the drivers, costs, and retention solutions for voluntary employee attrition at Nyeras Edutech & Innovations Pvt. Ltd., a Bengaluru-based EdTech company recording an annualised attrition rate of 24% in FY 2025-26 — six percentage points above the sector benchmark. Employing a descriptive, analytical, and case-based mixed-methods design, the study applies four theoretical frameworks simultaneously: Mobley's (1977) Turnover Process Model, the Price-Mueller (1981, 2000) Turnover Model, Herzberg's (1959) Two-Factor Theory, and Cascio's (2000) Human Capital ROI Framework. Primary data was collected through a 46-question Retention Risk Survey administered to 60 current employees (stratified sample), structured exit interviews with 22 departing employees, and in-depth interviews with six senior stakeholders. The study finds that the annual financial cost of attrition is approximately INR 2.34 Crore (conservative estimate), equivalent to 15.8% of total annual payroll. Flight risk assessment reveals that 60% of current employees fall in HIGH or MODERATE risk categories, projecting 24-29 additional departures within 12 months without intervention. The dominant attrition driver is structural: lack of clear career advancement pathways (cited by 64% of exiting employees and rated 4.62/5 in push-factor severity by high-risk employees). The study proposes a prioritised, evidence-based retention strategy addressing both Herzberg hygiene deficits (compensation at senior levels, work-life balance, manager quality) and motivator gaps (career pathing, recognition, development). This research represents the first comprehensive attrition analysis in the Indian EdTech startup context using simultaneous multi-framework application.

Keywords: Employee Retention, Attrition Management, EdTech HR, Flight Risk Assessment, Herzberg Two-Factor Theory, Cascio ROI Framework, Indian EdTech, Turnover Cost, Career Pathing, Talent Management