Abstract
Human capital management is becoming a key factor in sustainable development, especially for retail companies operating in highly competitive environments. This study analyzes human capital management practices of successful retail companies in Kazakhstan in the context of sustainable development. The purpose of the article is to identify effective human capital management practices focused on employee development and establish their connection with organizational sustainability. The research was conducted using comparative analysis method examining the experience of Sulpak, Magnum Cash&Carry, and Kaspi.kz companies. The analysis covered key practices including investments in employee training and development, corporate culture formation, career growth opportunities, and workforce retention systems. Research results demonstrate that companies systematically investing in human capital show indicators of long-term employee retention, high customer service quality, and sustainable growth. The scientific significance of the work lies in systematizing human capital management practices within the social dimension of sustainable development context, while practical value manifests in developing specific recommendations for Kazakh retail companies. The obtained results can be applicable to organizations in other economic sectors as well. The study contributes to understanding how strategic human resource management practices drive both employee wellbeing and organizational performance, creating a foundation for sustainable business models in emerging markets.