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September 1, 2022

How to attract talent in a challenging job market

Employers need to take a wide range of factors into account when they are reviewing why employees want to come to work for them, and stay, and guess what? Your reward package shouldn’t just be about salary!

Here we take a look at four key drivers of employee engagement, which are particularly important because of the challenging recruitment market we find ourselves in. Here are some fundamental basics that you need to get right to help you recruit and retain the talent you need in 2022.

Look at how you recognise and value your employees

Recognising employees for doing a great job or something an employee has done that maybe isn’t part of their normal day to day work is key. It makes employees feel valued and that the work they are doing is important, and this needn’t be an expensive addition to your reward package!

You may want to introduce a recognition scheme, which formalises the act of recognition through a centrally managed and controlled process. The schemes usually have nominations either from managers, employees or both and different types of awards such as employee of the month or recognising employees who have demonstrated your Values.

The approach that you take as a business should be driven by your values and what you are trying to achieve as a business. As with any other initiative, simply introducing a recognition scheme is unlikely to have much impact unless it fits with your culture. Understanding what success will look like from the start will help you focus on the design and the measurement of the impact and success of the programme. For example, success could be as simple as increased productivity or a reduction in absenteeism.

Make sure you tell people about the recognition schemes you have in place either on your careers page, staff newsletter or your Instagram account, or LinkedIn pages. Promoting the fact that you recognise and reward your staff is a key strategy in your compensation or total reward package when trying to attract great talent to work for you.

Review your Employer Brand

Your Employer Brand is the story (but I do mean Non- Fiction!) that you tell the world about what it’s like to work for you. It’s your “sales pitch” to prospective candidates about why they would want to work for you. Stories stick, so tell them about why you started the business and your purpose. Your “why” is often something people can really connect with and is an important aspect of your reward package.

Have you created your values yet?

If not, do! Employees are much more discerning these days and they want to work for purpose driven businesses who have values that are similar to their own.

With good candidates often having more than one offer on the table, a company with a clear purpose and values that align with theirs, could be what makes the difference between choosing to work for you, over one of your competitors.

Your Employer Brand needs to be consistent on your website and all other Social Media Platforms. Your website careers page could include employee stories, and even better, videos about why they joined your business, when they joined and how they have developed their career with you, as well as all the usual stuff about perks and benefits. But it’s the stories that stick!

Check your benefits package is competitive

Employees tend to look to their employer as the primary source of benefit provision and therefore benefits will form another key component of your compensation or total reward package. This will again help you to attract the best people to work for you, but more importantly, having a competitive overall compensation package will be something that encourages people to stay. However, don’t mistake this as the only reason people will join you or stay.

The greater the range and mix of company funded benefits, the greater the likely appeal will be. As with pay, it is important for the organisation to benchmark the type and level of benefits provided compared with your competitors, bearing in mind that benefits provided tends to vary greatly between different organisations and by sector. Depending on the age of your employees, certain benefits may also be appealing to different demographics too.

A common approach to reviewing your benefits would be to group them as below and look at what will be important and valued by your team:

Health and Welfare – Medical insurance, long-term disability plans, life cover, health screening, employee assistance programmes, mental health support
Retirement – Pensions and retirement savings
Travel – Company cars, travel allowances, bikes for work and season ticket loans
Lifestyle – Holiday, childcare, financial advice, and choice and voluntary plan

Gone are the days when you had to be a big corporate to be able to offer a great range of benefits, as there are a number of benefits and perks online platforms now that provide a great range of benefits to SMEs. Here are some examples:

www.pirkx.com
www.amba-uk.com
www.perkbox.com
www.rewardgateway.com

Consider your total reward offering and benefits

Total reward extends the definition of the rewards of employment beyond pay or compensation and benefits alone, into a more encompassing range of factors that cause employees to join, stay with you and deliver high performance.

The total reward concept embraces tangible rewards of base and variable pay and benefits, alongside the more intangible aspects of the working environment. It covers things such as personal growth and development, career progression and defining of career paths, the value added through learning and development, as well as the sense of engagement that is created through identification with the organisation’s culture and values. Again, you could look at this simply as Compensation, Benefits, Work-Life balance, Work Environment, Career and Personal Development.

Work Life Balance

It can sometimes be difficult for employees to balance their work and personal commitments in todays fast paced world. So making sure your employees are able to make the most of their time away from work, as well as maximising the time with their employer, has rightly gained importance during the Covid Pandemic. Employers that wish to demonstrate a commitment to helping employees to achieve a healthy balance between work and personal life can affect these changes through their working practices and benefits packages.

Examples that can be built into the benefits package include many of the following. Offering flexibility around the buying/selling of annual leave, arrangements for paid bereavement leave, providing access to tax-efficient childcare vouchers to help pay for the care of their family, and providing occupational sick pay that enables employees to take the time off they need when unwell can all help. Many employers also facilitate employees giving something back to the community, through both paid charity/volunteering days and via a payroll giving or give-as-you-earn (GAYE) scheme.

Money can’t bring you happiness

Offering rates of pay that are out of line with those available for similar roles elsewhere either in your geographical area or industry sector can lead to your business either being unable to recruit and retain staff or paying over the odds to the detriment of the bottom line.

Adopting a total reward approach recognises that people are motivated by more than just money. Alongside compensation, organisations should also look at the benefits, work environment and career and development opportunities that they are able to offer to potential and current employees. Organisations should benchmark both guaranteed pay (annual base salary) and variable pay (actual earned) against the market rate.

To achieve this, a salary benchmarking activity needs to take place. Using reward data services with a statistically significant sample size will add credibility to the benchmarking results. Understanding the organisation’s current salary and benefits offering relative to the market is an essential building block of reward and budget planning. Therefore, benchmarking in a manner that provides you with the lower quartile, median and upper quartile of the defined salaries for specific roles, provides invaluable data to inform the organisation’s pay philosophy or annual salary review decisions. These findings will help the organisation decide how to present base and variable pay relative to the other elements of their reward offering.

How can we help you if you are struggling to retain people?

If you are an ambitious SME, Business Owner, Hiring Manager or HR professional, who are looking to grow your business this year, then having a sound employee retention strategy is absolutely critical as it’s no good you taking the time and effort to recruit great people if your best employees are walking out the door! It’s worth noting too that there is a direct correlation between Employee Satisfaction and Customer Satisfaction levels. So it’s really important to keep your employees happy.

If you want to see if your pay and rewards are in line with others, download our salary guide or contact us for your copy. If you’d like to get some top tips on creating your employee retention strategy, then contact us to find out how we can help you.

Content BY EMMA BROWNING, merakihr.com

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2025 Local Salary Survey

By Kerry Bonfiglio-Bains • February 5, 2025

Why Taking 5 Minutes for Our Salary Survey Could Save You Thousands

HR 2025 Outlook

By Kerry Bonfiglio-Bains • January 15, 2025

The Outlook for HR in 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities for Senior HR Professionals

The Right Leadership Hires: Driving Business Growth in 2025

By Kerry Bonfiglio-Bains • January 15, 2025

In the fast-paced world of business, the ability to secure and retain top leadership talent can make all the difference between stagnation and exponential growth. For SMEs in particular, the right leadership hires are not just crucial for filling vacancies—they are key to shaping the strategic vision, driving operational efficiency, and laying a foundation for long-term success. As we look ahead to 2025, let's delve deeper into why selecting the right leadership is more important than ever and how you can strategically approach these critical hires. Why Leadership is the Cornerstone of Business Success Leadership roles such as Finance Directors, HR Business Partners, and Operations Managers are not just functional—they are transformative. Over the years, we’ve seen firsthand how the right leaders can unlock business potential and propel organizations forward. However, the wrong hire can lead to disruption and inefficiency. Here's how these roles contribute to sustainable growth: Finance Directors (FDs): A Finance Director is far more than just a custodian of the company’s finances. They provide essential strategic insights that guide decision-making and drive growth. By identifying cost-saving opportunities, optimizing cash flow, and ensuring sound financial health, a strong FD plays a pivotal role in the profitability and scalability of a business. HR Business Partners (HRBPs): In an era where talent is one of the most valuable assets, HRBPs are instrumental in aligning human resource strategies with overarching business goals. They not only develop retention strategies but also cultivate a company culture that attracts and retains top talent. A dynamic HRBP ensures your workforce is engaged, motivated, and ready to contribute to business success. Operations Managers: The heart of operational excellence, Operations Managers optimize workflows, manage resources efficiently, and ensure that day-to-day operations run smoothly. Their impact is felt directly through enhanced productivity, cost savings, and improved customer satisfaction—all of which are integral to the growth trajectory of your business. The Strategic Impact of Leadership The right leadership hires provide more than just functional expertise—they are game-changers. Here's how they create lasting value: Strategic Vision: Great leaders inject fresh perspectives and innovative ideas into the business, helping to navigate challenges, identify new opportunities, and position the company for future success. Increased Efficiency: Proven leaders streamline operations, reduce waste, and optimize processes, which leads to higher productivity and a more cost-effective business model. Stronger Teams: Exceptional leaders inspire and attract top talent. They foster collaboration, empower teams, and build a culture of high performance that drives business outcomes. Risk Mitigation: A strong leadership team proactively addresses challenges before they escalate. They are adept at implementing contingency plans and creating stability during periods of uncertainty. The High Cost of a Bad Hire In our extensive experience working with SMEs, we’ve seen firsthand how damaging poor hiring decisions can be. Not only do you risk impacting team morale and productivity, but you also face significant financial consequences. Research shows that a bad hire can cost as much as three times the employee’s annual salary, considering recruitment costs, training, and lost productivity. For SMEs, these costs can be crippling, making it imperative to approach leadership recruitment with precision and strategy. How to Secure the Right Leadership Talent 1. Define Your Needs with Precision: Before embarking on the recruitment process, clearly outline the specific skills, experience, and qualities required for the role. This ensures the candidate will not only be a technical fit but also align with your business goals and values. 2. Prioritize Cultural Fit: Leadership is about influence, and a leader who shares your company’s values will integrate seamlessly into your organization. They will inspire your team and create a harmonious work environment conducive to growth. 3. Leverage a Confidential Recruitment Partner: Engaging with a specialist recruitment consultancy that has a deep understanding of leadership roles ensures access to a broader, more diverse talent pool. Confidentiality in this process is essential, particularly when you are hiring for high-stakes leadership positions. 4. Use Data to Inform Your Decisions: Utilize salary benchmarking and competency assessments to make data-driven hiring decisions. These tools ensure your offers are competitive, attracting the best talent while mitigating the risk of overpaying. 5. Invest in Onboarding: A successful leadership hire starts with a structured onboarding process that enables the new leader to quickly adapt and deliver results. A robust onboarding strategy sets the stage for long-term success. Real Success Stories from Strategic Leadership Hires At Appointments Personnel, we have had the privilege of helping over 100 SMEs secure leadership talent in the past year alone. The results have been nothing short of transformational: A Finance Director helped a growing manufacturing business cut costs by 15%, improving profitability through strategic budgeting and financial oversight. An HR Business Partner implemented a company-wide retention strategy that reduced turnover by 30%, saving the business significant recruitment costs. An Operations Manager overhauled logistics and operational processes, reducing delivery times by 20% and significantly boosting customer satisfaction. Additionally, we’ve witnessed how having an expert second opinion during the hiring process can make a game-changing difference. One of our clients almost overlooked an exceptional Finance Director candidate due to an internal review misstep. With our insight, they hired the candidate, who went on to increase revenue by 25% within the first year. The Power of Confidential Recruitment When it comes to leadership hires, confidentiality isn’t just a matter of discretion—it’s a competitive advantage. Whether you’re replacing a key role or expanding your leadership team, maintaining confidentiality ensures that sensitive information is protected and business continuity is preserved. Emma and I understand the importance of this better than anyone, having worked on confidential roles ranging from Finance Directors to HR Business Partners and Operations Managers. With our bespoke, confidential recruitment services, you gain a trusted partner committed to sourcing the leadership talent that will drive your business to new heights in 2025 and beyond. Contact Emma Bonfiglio to book a confidential meeting - Emma@appointmentspersonnel.co.uk

A sign that says will i get paid if i can 't get into work.

Struggling to get to work because of the snow?

By Kerry Bonfiglio-Bains • January 9, 2025

If you can't get to work because of the snow, it may reduce your pay as you may be forced to take unpaid leave.

Are you due a Recruitment Health Check in 2025?

By Kerry Bonfiglio-Bains • January 6, 2025

Think of your recruitment strategy like your car before a long journey—without regular checks, you risk breakdowns at the most inconvenient times.

A person is holding a piece of paper with graphs on it in front of a laptop.

DIY Recruitment

By Kerry Bonfiglio-Bains • December 3, 2024

Are you considering doing your own recruitment for your business? While handling recruitment in-house can offer you control, there are important factors to keep in mind. From the time it takes to the hidden costs and legal risks, recruitment can quickly become overwhelming. Before you dive in, consider these key points: Time & Resources: Recruitment takes significant time and effort. Do you have the resources to dedicate to the process while managing your day-to-day operations? Quality Screening: Sifting through resumes and conducting effective interviews requires a structured approach to avoid missing out on top candidates. Legal Compliance: It’s crucial to stay up-to-date on employment laws and avoid any legal pitfalls during recruitment. High Turnover Risks: Making a bad hire can cost your business in training, re-recruiting, and lost productivity. Onboarding is Key: A smooth onboarding process ensures your new hire is set up for success and can hit the ground running.

Calming Your Nerves Before An Interview

By Ruby Bryant • November 12, 2024

Interviews can be nerve-wracking. You’ve prepped for the big day, done your research, rehearsed your answers, and yet, as the clock ticks closer, a familiar feeling starts to set in: nerves. It’s completely natural! In fact, a bit of anxiety before an interview shows that you care. But while a few butterflies can help you stay alert and focused, too much nervous energy might interfere with your ability to perform your best. Here are practical ways to ease those pre-interview jitters, so you can walk into the room feeling more in control, calm, and confident. 1. Prepare Thoroughly—but Don’t Overload Preparation is key, but there’s a fine line between preparing and over-preparing. Start with a solid understanding of the company, its culture, and the role. Familiarise yourself with common questions and craft your answers thoughtfully, but avoid memorising everything word-for-word. Aim for conversational responses, so you come across as natural, not rehearsed. Trust that you’ve done the work, and remember that flexibility is just as important as preparation. 2. Practice Mindful Breathing Deep breathing is one of the simplest and most effective ways to calm your nervous system. Just a few minutes of mindful breathing can slow your heart rate, reduce anxiety, and help you feel more grounded. Before your interview, take a few slow, deep breaths. Try inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and then exhaling for four. This small technique can make a big difference, helping you feel present and centered. 3. Visualise Your Success Visualisation is a powerful tool to calm the mind and build confidence. Picture yourself walking into the interview room, shaking hands confidently, and answering questions with ease. Imagine yourself leaving the interview feeling proud of how it went. Positive visualisation not only boosts confidence but also helps train your brain to handle the situation with a calm, positive mindset. This mental rehearsal can be surprisingly effective! 4. Channel Nervous Energy into Excitement Did you know that the physical symptoms of anxiety are nearly identical to those of excitement? The rapid heartbeat, the jittery feeling—it’s the same physiological response. So instead of telling yourself, "I'm so nervous," try saying, "I’m excited!" Reframing anxiety as enthusiasm can be a game-changer, helping you feel more positive and energised. 5. Give Yourself Plenty of Time Being rushed can amplify stress, so set yourself up for success by arriving early. Plan your route, allow time for traffic, and if possible, find a spot near the interview location to gather your thoughts and relax. Giving yourself time to settle in and adjust to your surroundings can help reduce last-minute jitters, ensuring you’re calm and ready to shine when the interview starts. 6. Accept That Some Nerves Are Normal It’s easy to feel like nerves are a “bad” thing, but nerves are part of being human. Accepting your nerves rather than fighting them can help you feel more in control. Remember that the interviewer expects you to feel a little nervous—it’s a natural response! Embrace the fact that nerves are just part of the process and focus instead on presenting your authentic self. 7. Focus on Building a Connection, Not Just Getting Hired When we focus solely on “getting the job,” it can add pressure and make us more anxious. Instead, approach the interview as an opportunity to connect, share your experiences, and learn more about the company. Shift your mindset from “I have to impress them” to “I’m here to have a great conversation.” This reframing can reduce pressure and allow you to show up as your best, most relaxed self. 8. Remind Yourself: They Want You to Succeed It’s easy to feel like the interview process is designed to “weed out” candidates, but remember, the interviewer wants you to be a fit just as much as you do. They’re hoping you’re the right candidate! So, take comfort in knowing that you’re walking into a room where people are rooting for your success. You’ve already impressed them enough to secure the interview, so now it’s about showing them what they already liked on paper. 9. Have a Grounding Ritual Whether it’s listening to a favorite song, taking a short walk, or reading a few inspirational words, find something small that calms and centers you before the interview. This ritual can act as a cue for your mind to switch from nervousness to focus, helping you approach the interview with a steady mindset. Final Thoughts Interviews can feel like high-stakes events, but remember, they’re just conversations with people eager to get to know you. By taking steps to manage your nerves, you’re setting yourself up to present your best self in a relaxed, confident way. With a bit of preparation, some calming techniques, and the right mindset, you can transform pre-interview jitters into the energy that fuels your success. So take a deep breath, trust yourself, and go shine! Your next career step awaits—and you’re ready for it.

Understanding the 2024 Budget’s National Insurance Changes for Employers

By Kerry Bonfiglio-Bains • October 30, 2024

The recent 2024 budget includes a significant shift in employer National Insurance (NI) contributions, with the rate increasing by 1.2 percentage points to 15%, and a lowered earnings threshold now starting at £5,000 (down from £9,100). These adjustments could lead to higher payroll expenses for mid-sized and larger businesses, affecting hiring strategies and budgeting in 2025 and beyond. Key Details of the Change Rate Increase: The NI contribution rate for employers rises to 15%. Lower Earnings Threshold: Employers will now pay NI on earnings starting at £5,000, significantly reducing the exemption range. This change is intended to boost government revenue but will likely increase costs for businesses with lower-wage roles. Employment Allowance Adjustments: The Employment Allowance, which offers some relief on NI costs, increases to £10,500. This provides a cushion for many small businesses, particularly those employing fewer staff. How These Changes Impact Staffing and Recruitment Businesses may see these shifts reflected in higher staffing costs, particularly for mid-sized and larger firms with significant payrolls. These added expenses might influence decisions on wage increases, hiring plans, and even the type of roles businesses choose to fill. Employers should prepare for potential shifts in their budget allocations to maintain competitiveness while managing increased contributions. Preparing Your Business Planning ahead is essential. Key steps might include: Calculating projected costs to budget for the changes Evaluating workforce needs and considering the potential impact on hiring strategies Maximising allowances by confirming eligibility for the updated Employment Allowance We will be updating our blog in the coming days with a detailed breakdown and calculations, so visit us again soon!

The national minimum wage & national living wage is a legal right which covers almost all UK workers

The National Minimum Wage Is Increasing - Here's Everything You Need To Know

By Kerry Bonfiglio-Bains • October 30, 2024

The national minimum wage & national living wage is a legal right which covers almost all UK workers

HR Tech: Navigating The Maze of Options - Is A Spreadsheet Really The Answer

By Ruby Bryant • October 21, 2024

As businesses evolve and embrace digital solutions, one area that has seen rapid innovation is Human Resources. From managing employee records to tracking performance, HR technology promises to simplify and streamline processes. However, with so many options available, many HR professionals are left asking, "Which one is right for us?" And for some, the question remains—is a spreadsheet really the answer? We’ve been speaking to our HR clients recently, and the consensus seems to be that navigating the HR tech landscape is a minefield. Some solutions focus on one key area, while others aim to cover the entire employee lifecycle. The result? It can be difficult to know where to start. The Abundance of HR Software Options In today’s market, there are countless HR systems, each offering its own set of tools and benefits. Some of the most popular HR software solutions include: Breathe HR: Perfect for small and medium-sized businesses, Breathe HR offers a simple, user-friendly platform that focuses on core HR functions like managing employee data, absence tracking, and performance management. However, for those seeking more specialized features like recruitment or payroll, it may not be the most comprehensive option. Hi Bob: A newer platform making waves, Hi Bob combines employee engagement tools with core HR features. It’s ideal for growing businesses looking for a fresh approach to HR tech, offering features like people analytics and culture mapping, but some users have found it more geared toward employee experience rather than administration-heavy HR tasks. Bright HR: Another favorite among SMEs, Bright HR helps businesses manage leave, expenses, and even health and safety, offering a full toolkit for compliance and HR management. However, if you’re looking for advanced recruitment or learning and development features, it may not cover all the bases. BambooHR: Known for its easy-to-use interface, BambooHR focuses on employee data management, time-off tracking, and performance management. However, it doesn’t offer in-depth payroll features. Workday: A robust system offering everything from HR management to finance and planning, but its complexity may overwhelm smaller businesses looking for simplicity. Personio: Aimed at SMEs, Personio combines recruiting, employee data, payroll, and more, but users have mentioned that its recruiting features are more advanced than its HR administration tools. SAP SuccessFactors: A comprehensive suite for large enterprises, it covers everything from recruitment to employee engagement. However, with so many features, the learning curve can be steep for smaller teams. Each of these platforms offers significant benefits, but they don’t all solve the same problems. If you're looking to improve recruitment and onboarding, one solution might be perfect for you. But if your focus is on employee development and performance, another might be the better fit. This is where many HR managers feel stuck. Can a Spreadsheet Compete? With so many HR tech choices, some businesses—especially SMEs—still rely on spreadsheets to track employee data. It’s a solution that offers simplicity and flexibility, but is it really the answer for modern HR needs? Spreadsheets may work for small teams with straightforward HR processes, but they lack scalability, automation, and integration. When it comes to managing complex tasks like payroll, performance reviews, and compliance, manual entry in a spreadsheet opens the door to errors, inefficiencies, and lost time. As one HR manager told us, “We thought we were saving money by sticking with spreadsheets, but the time spent fixing mistakes far outweighed any savings.” What Should You Look For? When choosing HR software, it’s important to start with your specific needs. Do you want to focus on recruitment and onboarding? Or are you looking to improve employee engagement and retention? Once you’ve identified your priorities, here are a few key questions to consider: Integration: Does the software integrate with your current tools, such as payroll systems or recruitment platforms? User-friendliness: Is it intuitive and easy for both HR staff and employees to use? Scalability: Will it grow with your business, or will you outgrow it in a few years? Support and training: What level of support is offered? Will you and your team get the training you need to fully utilize the platform? The Verdict: One Size Does Not Fit All The HR tech landscape is indeed a minefield, with solutions that focus on every aspect of the employee lifecycle. While no single system will fit every business perfectly, choosing the right one requires a balance between your unique needs and the platform’s capabilities. Spreadsheets might work in the short term, but as your business grows, relying on manual tools could become a costly and time-consuming mistake. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the options, know that you’re not alone. We've helped many clients navigate this decision-making process, and we’d be happy to help you too. Whether you need guidance on where to start or are looking for a solution that integrates seamlessly with your current processes, we’re here to ensure you make the right choice for your business.