Month: July 2022

Some interesting research has revealed that over half of UK employees would consider quitting a poor paying job to pursue a pay rise.

Research from HireVue, found that 54% were considering moving on to a new role with better pay.

Their latest Candidate Experience Report also found that just under a quarter (21%) are planning to leave within the next six months.

The report surveyed more than 1,000 UK workers, exploring current attitudes to work and the workplace. Further findings included:

Lack of benefits, progression and flexible working are also driving resignations

In addition to pay, almost a third (31%) of employees stated poor benefits would be a reason to leave. Many businesses are looking to improve workplace benefits to help ease struggles, and also improve employee retention. Yet, as the smaller figure – in comparison to pay – businesses would be better off increasing pay brackets.

Almost a quarter (24%) of employees also suggested a lack of flexible working would play a part in choosing to leave their current employer. Over a quarter (26%) also referenced lack of progression as a reason to quit.

Richard Matthews, Head of Talent, Resourcing & Employee Relations, The Co-operative Bank commented: “The UK labour market has been in a huge state of flux over the last few years when you factor in the impacts of IR35 tax legislation, Brexit, Covid and the ‘Great Resignation’. Candidates have a huge amount of choice so if you don’t have a compelling employer brand, diverse attraction methods, the latest market insight and a seamless assessment and onboarding experience you will get left behind. Ensuring your hiring process is authentic and consistent with the reality of your organisation is key, otherwise you will see attrition increase.”

Darren Jaffrey, General Manager of EMEA & APAC at HireVue, said: “The combination of pay, progression, benefits and flexible working all play a part in helping businesses retain and recruit top talent. And for candidates, it’s clear they view these key areas as the main drivers to stay in roles. And rightly so.

“What’s interesting is that despite pay coming out on top as the leading factor for employees to quit, we’re still seeing businesses put more effort into other factors of the business. For example, ignoring soaring inflation and what truly matters – recognising their employees’ struggles and paying them fairly in this time of need.”

Demographic differences are also determining workplace satisfaction

The data revealed younger groups are more likely to change jobs based on company experience, with a fifth (20%) saying they would due to burnout, just 16% if they didn’t agree with the company vision, and over a tenth (14%) based on diversity and inclusion.

With the latest heatwave sweeping across Europe, people are looking for ways to stay cool – particularly while working from home. How are you coping with the summer heat?

Mary Maguire shares her tips on how employers can look after their teams and how to ‘Beat the Heat’.

☀️Have you seen more evidence of employees calling in sick?

Not in my company (air con offices 😊) but this is a valid point. How many workplaces can claim to have a comfortable, working environment for their team?

☀️What can employers do?
Ensure that there is a clear policy and process for all their staff to follow during the hot weather if they are poorly or need to WFH as with the rest of the year.

Ensure all employees have access to refreshments and are able to keep as cool as possible.

Offer regular breaks.

Let all employees know that the senior management team are constantly reviewing the situation.

Display a duty of care to those staff who HAVE to WFH too!

☀️Should bosses be accommodating and even say people can work from home as it’s so hot, etc?
If their usual working day is in an air – con office then no! Exception would be if schools close- obviously WFH/ flexibility should apply!

☀️zero tolerance policy to hot weather sickies?

Sickies are sickies whether in the midst of winter or in 90 degree sunny days. They’re ‘sudden’ absences. Employers still have businesses to run!
Employers need to apply a degree of common sense too and expect that there will be sudden annual leave requests that crop up.

Do you agree? 😊
Disagree? 😡
Have a different opinion?🤔

With the heatwave here for at least another week, something topical for a #wednesday

#wednesdaywisdom #heatwave #recruitmentlife

We were delighted to be joined last week by Charlotte Brake who is currently in the Sixth Form at Landau Forte College. She had phoned last year to ask if we would consider her for work experience, and already impressed with her confidence, we were pleased to help.

Charlotte was very keen to learn, and with a very friendly and positive attitude – she fitted in perfectly!

Work experience is a vital part of a young person’s learning experience, so it’s important for employers to give students a taste of work/office life.

We asked Charlotte to write about her experience:

What have you learnt on your experience?

Besides understanding the office environment better and getting to grips with different recruitment processes, I have also learnt a lot about different financial job roles, and what different employers in varying industries look for. This has given me a great insight to my future and gave me lots of different options to think about, whether it’s in recruitment, finance, or marketing.

What have you done?

I have shadowed work looking at senior roles for clients, including opportunities to get insights into what they want face to face over Microsoft Teams. I have also had more hands-on moments in several minor roles. This involved being given a vacancy and using different software and researching to find several candidates which I think may be suitable for the role. I was then able to review this with a consultant and get feedback on the work I had done.

What was the structure of your week?

Each day I had to arrive between 9 and 9:30am and left around 5pm. I was able to take an hour’s lunch when I liked around the middle of the day. At the beginning of the week, I got a tour of the office and Mary introduced me to everyone. Since then, each day has given me a new challenge and something to look forward to.

Since your placement, would you pursue a career in recruitment?

I would certainly consider a job in recruitment. The constant communication with clients and candidates really appeals, and I love the idea of helping people through the employment process with interviews and offers. Astute has really opened my eyes in this and the finance industry, and I can’t wait to benefit from the things I have learnt this week in the near future.

What has been your favourite thing about your week at Astute?

I have gotten expertise on editing my own CV, which has really helped me build my personal professional image. But mostly I have really enjoyed getting to know the people here, learning about how they got into recruitment, areas they specialise in and what they enjoy about their job. There is also not a day I haven’t laughed; such a welcoming work environment has been super enjoyable!

What would you recommend for someone else doing a work placement for Astute in the future?

I would just say enjoy! Make the most of the opportunities given to interact with real life professionals. Likewise using common computer systems, getting used to the office environment and experiencing the learning on the job approach. My key tip would be to take notes on things you learn so you can refer to them further on in your placement.

What was the initial process to get onto your placement like?

I rang up Astute at the end of November to enquire about a work experience week for the following year in July. I think my confidence to ring really helped me out in terms of securing a placement, by showing my eagerness to learn. I then followed up with Mary in January and June to ensure everything was still okay to go ahead and ask her to fill in the forms for my sixth form. Mary was great at communicating and gave me all the information I needed in order to prepare. Mary also gave me lots of confidence going into this new environment, which really helped to settle my nerves on the first day!

What has been your biggest take away from this week?

My biggest takeaway from my week here has definitely been if you work hard, you see results. Everyone’s work ethic here is so motivating, and the balance between professionalism and friendship is perfect. This is really reflected into each member of the team’s customer service and attention to clients, and from listening to this I have learnt the importance of passion for hard working, and attention to detail for clients needs and wants. I strongly believe that this will positively influence my future work ethic and attitude towards work.