advogroup.co.uk | emplyee benefits afterthought
employee benefits during recruitment
Employee benefits can be an incredibly effective recruitment tool but all too often during the onboarding process after an offer has been accepted, according to new The research conducted by GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector, confirms that Just 22% of organisations promote employee benefits prior to recruitment i.e. in job advertisements, and only a quarter (25%) include any mention of employee benefits before day one of employment e.g. in an offer letter.
This is backed up by employees themselves, with 32% saying that employee benefits are as equally importan them as salary. Not only is this a missed opportunity in terms of recruitm but it’s also a missed opportunity to embed the value o employee benefits in the mind’s eye of staff. For benefi to be fully appreciated by a new member of staff, the Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD said: “It is conversation has to start early and the communication completely nonsensical that most employers fail to promote needs to be clear. However, if benefits are presented a their employee benefits as part of the recruitment process. afterthought or secondary to pay, they lose some of th Benefits already in place within the organisation will be perceived value. utilised by existing staff, and ostensibly communicated to new recruits should they sign on the dotted line, so it really Alison Gill, who heads up the advo hr and Sagegreen is a missed opportunity not to make the most of them to HR advisory teams commented “Psychologists tell us attract the best possible talent.” that within human nature there will always be the basic needs of paying the bills and job security but the other Lucy Pearce, advo group’s Commercial Director, who recognised human needs of belonging, self-esteem, an has considerable experience in building a team points self-actualization should never be forgotten. out that “Whilst statistics show significantly less than 50% of employees rate benefits above their salary, creating and Although we live in a different new world, people will maintaining a bespoke and relevant employee benefit always aspire to more than just a job. Candidates wan package helps to underpin and enhance a business’s something they love, something they can enjoy and a culture. The culture and environment of a business in recent working environment and culture which cares about th years has become much more of a priority for employees and their career. seeking potential new employment. If wellbeing and benefit strategies are implemented & communicated So, whilst appealing to the wallet, it’s not always all abo effectively together with financial reward the two are the money. Companies need to appeal to the heart a a perfect match and lead to longer term employee soul. Some candidates will often take lesser pay if they retention.” truly feel that not only, this the job for them but are bein provided with a warm welcoming environment by a te Benefits as important as salary who really care. Employers would be wise to use existing benefits to appeal Alison adds “Companies may wish to consider total to job seekers, as GRiD’s research shows how valued they renumeration package. What employee benefits are are. offered and are they relevant. What is right to one candidate may not be right for other. Some candidate 29% of employers think that ‘benefits are as important as salary’ in helping to recruit and retain employees and 33% may love extra holiday whilst others may welcome gym believe potential staff are as interested in the wider benefits membership or dental care. Within a diverse workforce flexible benefits package may be hugely attractive. as they are in the salary’.
advocate winter 2021| advogroup.co.uk | 22
