It’s a phrase that’s going around a lot at the moment; “Retaining Top Talent”; or a variation thereof; “how to retain top talent”, “keeping your staff happy” …The list goes on. In the wake of “The Great Resignation”, employers are having to adapt, or face losing those valuable team members of theirs. Of course, this isn’t the case for all employers, and similarly, it would be churlish to tar every employee with the same brush.
However, it is important to recognise that candidates are moving roles, and it isn’t simply for a pay rise.
What won’t retain top talent
It’s obvious, but outdated salaries are not going to get you very far when you are looking to keep your employees on side. Similarly, it’s often overlooked, but now more than ever you ought to make sure the staff you have had for a long time are happy in their roles. Just because someone has been loyal to your business for a long time, it does not mean that they wouldn’t consider new opportunities. All it takes is one call from a recruiter, catching an employee on a bad day, and you could lose them to another company that offers them the world. People like flattery, it’s no different in recruitment.
Saying that you offer the basics, including the standard number of holiday allowance, the minimum pension contribution, or you take part in the cycle to work scheme, just don’t work. Think about what people want, and what would benefit their lives. We have a guide on popular employee benefits that would help you.
What will retain top talent
For example, a day or the afternoon off for one’s birthday, is a lovely gesture. Perhaps something even as simple as closing the phones at 4:30pm on a Friday for staff to socialise. Small things go the extra mile, no matter how small they are.
Another obvious one is flexible working. After almost 2 years of it, it’s here to stay. People have proven they are still capable of working from home and working well.
Progression. If people are loyal to your company, reward them for it. People may get bored quickly, so helping those who are driven and want to progress goes a long way.
Here’s a really simple one… If you are struggling to suggest something that will help make your company retain target, ask your employees.
“What would you like to see implemented in the company that would make this company a more appealing place to work?”
This is a great question for at least 2 reasons… One, you get to have the chance to get feedback from those who are already employed. Two, you can ask this to the top talent that you might be looking to hire in the future. Ask them what they want and why they want it. Get to know them, and this will make sure you stand out from the competition.
Utilise Your Resources
When it comes to recruitment, it is much cheaper to keep your staff happy than it is to have to go out on a recruitment drive. Though I contact potential candidates every day, I am always happy to hear if they are happy in their role. Getting to ask them why can prove to be an illuminating conversation.
Finally, if you have a recruiter you work closely with, why not ask them what they know about the market? “Why do you think people aren’t coming to us? What more can I do to get this type of candidate into my business?” If you have the right recruiter on your side, make use of them and their field of expertise.
Written by Erin McKnight, Recruitment Consultant for the South Home Counties and Essex.
Securing Top Talent with The Eventus Recruitment Group
The Eventus Recruitment Group are award-winning recruitment specialists in the Legal, Finance, Accountancy, and HR sectors. We have an experienced and knowledgeable team of industry experts, who can advise on your recruitment strategy and are passionate about finding the best candidates to help businesses thrive across the UK.
Acting as an extension of your HR, our bespoke recruitment service will be tailored to your individual needs. We always take time to understand more than just your job requirements; we will get to know you, your business and company culture in order to provide you with an outstanding service that surpasses expectations.
Best Placed to Source Top Talent
Based in Lancashire and Cheshire, we also have home-based recruitment specialists in various locations in the UK. This allows us to be well-connected and to know your geographical area well. As a result, we are best placed to promote your jobs and find the top talent in your location.
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