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How best to attract top talent


As sponsor of the Best Company to Work For category in this year’s Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards, leading recruiting expert Hays knows how important it is for businesses to offer employees the best possible working environment


... participating in events such as the Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards and the recognition that comes with being nominated for or winning the Best Company to Work For award is so important for an employer’s image when looking to attract staff


Hays works closely with employers to help them understand the recruitment trends in the region, supporting them in attracting and retaining the best people for their organisation. The Thames Valley team of 70 consultants, based in Reading, covers a range of disciplines, including finance, marketing, construction, HR, procurement, IT and office support. Hays recruits for large corporates and SMEs, from senior executives to junior professionals, across permanent, temporary and contract roles. Recruiting experts can provide specialist advice to employers within these different sectors with clear strategy on attraction as well as retention.


With strong growth in the economy, skills shortages are already emerging in a number of industries as the recruitment market becomes increasingly competitive, and today’s most in-demand professionals receive multiple job offers and can afford to be more selective about where they choose to work.


While salary and traditional benefits such as pensions contributions, will always be important, many candidates now actively choose companies which provide flexible working, wide-ranging staff facilities and a healthy approach to work-life balance.


Simon Winfield, regional managing director at Hays, said: “To succeed in attracting the best talent, employers must also consider the wider benefits they have to offer and the opportunities for career development and interesting projects that they can give new employees.


“Financial benefits such as pensions are important, but so is offering training or support for professional study and the ability to work flexibly and achieve a good work-life balance.”


Within the Thames Valley, he says that skill shortages are evident across IT, construction and finance and there is competition for talent at many levels. He added: “Employers need to understand that being seen as an employer of choice can help them compete for top talent, which is why participating in events such as the Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards and the recognition that comes with being nominated for or winning the Best Company to Work For award is so important for an employer’s image when looking to attract staff.


“Achieving success at events such as these, gives a fillip to existing employees and provides a beacon of excellence which will help attract new recruits too.”


Underlining its in-depth knowledge of the recruitment market, Hays will be launching its annual UK Salary Guide 2016 with a special business breakfast at Reading’s Green Park Conference Centre on November 19.


The report, which takes in the views of some 20,000 employers and employees from across the country – including many in the Thames Valley region – focuses on issues such as


www.businessmag.co.uk THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – OCTOBER 2015


Simon Winfield


business confidence, employers’ plans for salary increases, future recruitment plans and how many employees expect to change jobs in the next 12 months. The report also features the results of a benefits survey, outlining employees’ views on their top rated benefits and the priorities in their new job search.


More than 100 are expected to attend the event. Hays will be presenting the key findings and will be joined by Eddie Curzon from the Confederation of British Industries.


Winfield commented: “Launching our annual Salary Guide this year in the Thames Valley offers employers a relevant and up-to-date guide to assess their employer offering and align this with the motivations of employees. It means they can be best placed to retain their valued staff and take a competitive stance in the war for talent.”


As the October issue of The Business Magazine went to press, early entries for this year’s Best Company to Work For award were ready and waiting for the judges, who were keen to see evidence of new and innovative working practices.


An open and inclusive work culture, strong environmental policies and creative working styles were among the areas the judges were keen to explore.


Last year, accountancy and business advisory firm BDO LLP took top honours in the category for professional services and larger companies, while Sindlesham-based Retail Marketing won the category for creative, agency and hi-tech companies.


Hays itself is no stranger to the awards stage, among its various accolades it was named 14th best place to work in the UK in the Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Awards, one of only 25 UK companies to achieve recognition.


For more information on the launch of the report, visit the website.


Details: www.hays.co.uk


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