What is the talent going to stay for?

What is the talent going to stay for?

Around three in five employers expect to see an increase in resignations over the next 12 months, says a new study by XpertHR.

Other work by SD Worx has shown that of the staff who resigned during the pandemic (around one in 20 employees), the leading reason was to find better benefits.

The post-pandemic environment is believed to have created perfect condition for job-switching: a re-evaluation of work/life balance, the potential for WFH and re-location, alongside sudden skills shortages and furloughed staff looking for more security. All of these factors have led to what has become known as the ‘Great Resignation’.

Benefits under scrutiny

The XpertHR research has raised questions over the need for immediate action on benefits. It found that around half of employers only review pay and benefits packages once a year.

“The easing of pandemic restrictions has opened a massive pressure valve in the job market,” said Colette Philp, UK HR Country Lead at SD Worx. “With the ‘Great Resignation’ washing over industries, employers are scrambling to make their roles and organisations more appealing, and offering flexibility is key to ensuring job satisfaction in the current climate.

“Employers that don’t offer employees what they need are now in danger of losing ground in the war for talent. Senior leaders and HR teams will need to redouble efforts to make roles more attractive and competitive if they want to retain and develop their talent benches.”

Good work

EAPA UK chair Eugene Farrell said: “The pandemic experience has changed attitudes to work and working – and, as a result, to what makes for a ‘good’ employer and good working conditions and environment.

“Top of the list in terms of essential needs is support and understanding of wellbeing. Rather than a nice-to-have it’s become a basic requirement. HR should be looking again at their physical and mental wellbeing offerings and how they are perceived and communicated to staff, as part of recruitment and onboarding, as well as everyday awareness.”