Career Priorities Are Shifting: From Challenge to Security

This year, we’ve seen a significant shift in what drives people to consider a career move.  Where most years “challenge” has been the leading motivator, job security has now become the top priority for many professionals.

Why the Change?

People are seeking stability and a sense of long-term security more than ever now.  The economy feels like it’s constantly shifting, with inflation, layoffs, and market changes making headlines.  The pandemic’s lasting consequences continue to impact our job and lifestyle, leading many to question the true level of security.  In the tech industry especially, rapid advancements and sudden changes can bring exciting growth but also major uncertainties, like restructuring and evolving job roles.

With all of this, employees want to know that their organisation is strong enough to endure challenging times and change as needed. They also want to know that their position is valued and secure. Beyond a pay cheque, they seek a sense of belonging and trust in their company’s future.

What Should Companies Do? 

For businesses, this shift calls for a proactive approach in their talent strategy. Here’s how companies can address these changing priorities:

Emphasise Stability: Clearly communicate financial health, growth plans, and business stability to build confidence.

Support Career Growth: Security does not have to entail standstill; instead, create organised ways for progress inside the organisation.

Create a Culture of Transparency: Open, honest communication around the company’s direction and performance can significantly enhance trust.

Focus on Employee Well-being: Prioritising mental health and offering resources for financial planning or job security assurance goes a long way.

Companies who align with these shifting goals can not only keep their top employees, but also attract new candidates who are now searching for both a secure and enjoyable workplace.

Five years after their initial placements, an impressive 82% of the professionals we’ve placed continue to make a significant impact within their companies, with 63% staying for ten years or more. Many have advanced in their careers while driving business success, with 42% earning at least one promotion within the first five years.

This outstanding retention rate proves our recruitment solutions are highly effective, with our candidates’ remarkable career progress showcasing their personal dedication and the immense value they bring to their companies. This reflects the long-term growth and success we strive for in every placement.

Their continued career success highlights the mutual benefits of our placements, promoting stability and ongoing development for both the individuals we place and the companies they join.

If you need help locating the stars who will have a significant impact on your business, we are here to assist! Please contact Sandra Hill by contacting +44 (0) 161 448 8283 or emailing Sandra@hillgroup.co.uk

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You find yourself in need of a crucial position to be filled, having exhausted all internal recruitment avenues. However, you’re wary of engaging a recruiter due to associated fees. While this hesitation is reasonable, it’s important to consider the broader picture. Despite the upfront cost, investing in a recruiter can prove to be a strategic decision, ultimately saving you both time and money in the long run.  This article explores the real costs associated with a bad hire as well as the logic supporting a recruiter’s charges. It also draws attention to the potential drawbacks of choosing a recruiter with lower fees.

The Cost of a Bad Hire

Let’s examine both the obvious direct costs and the less evident indirect costs linked with bad hiring decisions:

  • Unrecoverable Salary
  • Wasted Management Time/Training
  • Recruitment Agency Fees
  • Lost Productivity
  • Lost Team Productivity
  • Indirect Staff Turnover
  • Loss of Business
  • Impact on Reputation

Hiring the wrong person can result in significant costs. According to research, the average cost of making a bad hire is 3.5 times the employee’s first-year salary. This includes recruitment and training costs, reduced production, and significant damage to morale and client relationships.

Consider this: if you make an incorrect hire and need to repeat the hiring process, you’re essentially doubling your recruitment expenses. Additionally, there’s the significant investment of time and resources in onboarding and training someone who ultimately doesn’t align with the role.

Why Recruiter Fees are Justified

Expertise: Recruiters specialise in finding the best candidates for a position. They know where to look, how to attract top talent, and how conduct rigorous candidate evaluations. This knowledge can save you countless hours looking through CVs and conducting interviews.

Access to a Larger Pool of Candidates: Recruiters possess connections to a candidate network that you might not reach independently. This capability substantially enhances your likelihood of discovering the ideal match for your position.

Time Savings: Time equates to money, and the recruitment process can be exceedingly time-consuming. Entrusting this responsibility to a recruiter allows you to reclaim your time, enabling you to concentrate on other critical aspects of your business.

Reduced Risk of Poor Hires: Recruiters’ expertise and screening processes help to reduce the risk of hiring mistakes. They are adept at detecting warning flags from the start, ensuring that you only review candidates who are truly qualified for the position.

Going Forward

Though paying a recruiter fee may appear as an initial expense, it’s crucial to weigh the long-term advantages.

By avoiding the costs associated with a poor hire and leveraging a recruiter’s experience, you can ultimately save money and time while getting the best candidate for your organisation.

Partnering with a recruiter is more than just a cost; it’s a strategic investment in your company’s success and growth.

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The term “workplace culture” has become crucial in today’s business environment.  It is more than just a set of beliefs and practises; it is the very heart and soul of any organisation. A well-cultivated workplace culture can have a substantial impact on employee satisfaction, productivity, and the overall success of an organisation. In this piece, we will look at the importance of workplace culture, its key elements, and how to create and harness it for a thriving and successful organisation.

The Importance of Workplace Culture

Workplace culture, in a nutshell represents a company’s overall culture and common values. It is the set of unwritten standards that define how people interact, how business is done, and how the mission and values of the organisation are maintained. Here are some of the most important reasons why workplace culture is essential.

  • Employee Engagement: A good culture drives employee engagement by instilling a sense of purpose and connection in employees. Employees who are engaged are more devoted, driven, and likely to go above and beyond the call of duty.
  • Retention and Recruitment: Positive organisational cultures attract and retain great people. Employees who are happy are more likely to stay, lowering drop-off and making it easier to recruit the best people.
  • Productivity and Performance: Employees who feel valued, supported, and empowered are more productive and innovative. A positive culture motivates employees to give their all.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Employee collaboration is influenced by culture. A culture that fosters trust and cooperation improves teamwork, which leads to better problem-solving and creativity.
  • Innovation: A culture that supports risk-taking and sharing ideas encourages innovation. Employees that are comfortable putting forth new ideas drive the organisation forward.

Building a Positive Workplace Culture

Creating a positive workplace culture involves a collaborative effort from both leaders and employees. Here are some key elements and strategies for developing a strong culture:

  • Define Core Values: Define the core values of the business and communicate them regularly. Values serve as the foundation for the culture you wish to create.
  • Lead by Example: Leadership sets the tone for the workplace culture. Leaders should embody and champion the values they want to instill in the organisation.
  • Employee Involvement: Encourage employees to contribute to the culture by seeking their feedback and ideas. This sense of ownership fosters engagement.
  • Open Communication: Cultivate open and transparent ways of communication. Support feedback and active listening in order to create an environment in where issues can be addressed and solutions found.
  • Training and Development: Invest in employee development and training programmes.  Continuous learning and skill development contribute to a culture of growth and improvement.
  • Recognition and Appreciation: Regularly acknowledge and reward employees for their contributions. This reinforces positive behaviors and motivates others.
  • Diversity and Inclusion: Promote diversity and inclusion within the organisation.  A diverse workforce enhances creativity and brings different perspectives to problem-solving.

Workplace culture is a driving force in the success of an organisation. It has an impact on how employees feel about their jobs, their coworkers, and the organisation as a whole. A healthy culture is vital not only for attracting and maintaining talent, but also for encouraging innovation, collaboration, and ethical behaviour. When leaders and employees collaborate to develop and nurture the culture, they lay the groundwork for a flourishing and successful organisation that can adapt to the ever-changing business environment. So, keep in mind that culture is more than just a buzzword; it is the beating heart of your organisation.