Resumen

This article aims to analyze the factors influencing employee turnover in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the city of Neuquén and to assess the impact of flexible work strategies on talent retention. The study is grounded in the Conservation of Resources and Self-Determination theories, which posit that the availability of psychological and organizational resources directly affects employees' willingness to remain in their jobs. Using a mixed-methods design combining surveys and participant observation, the perceptions of 35 employees from three local SMEs were explored. The findings indicate that flexibility practices and empathetic leadership foster work-life balance and strengthen organizational commitment. This study contributes to the literature on human resource management in SMEs and offers practical guidelines for promoting sustainable work environments in local contexts. Furthermore, it confirms that even simple interventions, such as flexible arrival times or active breaks, can have significant effects on employees' intention to stay, reinforcing the value of symbolic and accessible strategies.