This past two years has changed the employment market, forever. Employees who might have been ready
for a new career challenge have been sitting tight until the uncertainty around the economy, covid and
Brexit settles. Employers who have not pushed in behind their employees this past while will undoubtedly
suffer once this wave of uncertainly passes. Those employers who do the right thing by their teams will win
the race.
This begs the question what makes a good employer hold the badge of being an ‘Employer of Choice’.
At People HQ we are heavily involved in a variety of projects, including HR and Development projects via
our HR Solutions division and from a recruitment perspective via our FMCG Recruitment division. With this
insight here is our thoughts on what can help an employer move towards being an Employer of Choice.
Some things to consider include:
Become a Values Lead Business
Values in any business are very important. They cannot just be words on nice posters. Values need to be
lived and breathed. Every business should take quality time to consider what the values of the business are
or take time to review their current values. Once values are identified they should then be embedded at
each stage of the employee life cycle. This means recruit based on values, manage performance based on
values and make key strategic decisions based on values.
Empowerment and Autonomy
When your employees are empowered to make decisions they take more responsibility for how they do
their jobs. Giving managers and supervisors the authority to make more decisions will ultimately free up
the leadership teams to focus on more strategy work. Micro-management does nothing but burn out teams
and forces them to be robots, realise the true potential of your teams to see greater engagement.
Training & Development
At the People HQ Group we have seen increased interest from clients (old and new) about the training
solutions we offer. Candidates and employees are enquiring more about development opportunities and
making career decisions based on what is on offer. Good employers realise they need to invest in more than
the ‘statutory’ training. Employees want to develop softer skills and have a pathway for their career
development outlined.
Reward and Remuneration
These past two years have shown that it is a candidate market, never before is having the right reward and
remuneration structures so important. We have seen employers work hard to promote their benefits and
related rates of pay. We have seen huge counter offers for candidates who have been made an offer to
move role. To be an employer of choice take time to reflect in your overall package. The days of promoting
5.6 weeks holidays as a benefit are well and truly finished. Candidates and employees expect more.
Work Life Balance
Hybrid working is the buzz word right now. Whether a business can offer hybrid working will depend on the
sector and nature of a business. Outside of office location good employers are more open to thinking
outside the box on topics like working hours, job location, flexible benefits around leave etc. Why not take a
survey of your team to hear what they think of their current work life balance and how this could improve?
The results could surprise you.
Recognition & Thanks
A thank you goes a long way. Think of ways to recognise the good works employees do within your business. These can be as simple as the spoken word or a thank you note. Managers and leaders who practice thanks will gain more respect from colleagues. Recognition is one of the most powerful forms of feedback. For an employer of choice, recognition is a regular thing, targeted to real successes, and used to reinforce positive, desired behaviour.
Engaged Team
Having a firm strategy for employee engagement is essential. This doesn’t have to be budget blowing. Take
time out to listen to your employees and gain ideas for initiatives that they might enjoy in work (or out of
work) that might bring a little relief and enjoyment. Some good examples that we have seen over the years
include well being weeks, family fun days, free ice creams, complimentary breakfast, payday treats, the list
could go on. Give your teams a voice and watch your engagement levels rise.
In summary, one thing is for sure over this past two years we have seen fundamental shifts in business
models and work organisation. The fight for great talent will continue, get your HR strategy in place today
to ensure your business is best placed to be an ‘employer of choice’. 2022 has been labelled by some as the
year of the ‘Great Resignation’, at the People HQ Group we see it as the career of ‘Great Opportunity’ for
clients.
Get in touch with People HQ if you need support with any of the above, contact out team today on
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