What does the Great Resignation mean for UK businesses? Tobin Murphy-Coles, CEO at Amba, explores the opportunity that it provides for forward-looking organisations to attract top talent in the job market while re-engaging their existing employees.
What Matters to the Workers of Today?
Undoubtedly, the COVID pandemic led to the majority of workers reflecting on their priorities when it comes to work. A big shift has been people becoming more socially and environmentally conscious. It follows that many of us are now looking to work for businesses that embody such values, with other rising priorities for the UK’s workers including mental and physical wellbeing.
With workers’ priorities shifting so dramatically, it comes as no surprise that ‘soft’ perks, such as feeling valued and part of a supportive and inclusive team, are almost equally as important as salary for the modern employee.
While we are observing these trends across the entirety of the UK’s workforce, it is Millennials and Gen Zs that are driving them, with research suggesting that these generations often have a strong commitment to their ethics and values. These demographics make up over 50 percent of our workforce, so it’s essential that companies take notice of what matters to them.
Businesses that respond to this shift will be successful in attracting and retaining the very best talent during this time of upheaval across the market. But how can this be achieved? How do companies show that they have a positive impact on customers, their workers and the planet?
How Can Business Respond?
For large organisations, comprehensive ESG benefits programmes offer a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability and employee wellbeing, which we know is so important in the fight for talent. These programmes allow employees to offer their staff a range of ethical benefits, from electric car schemes, to sustainable pensions and wellbeing support.
However, businesses mustn’t let their size or lack of resource put them off investing in ethical employee schemes. All businesses can and should be taking a proactive approach.
Platforms like Lumina Perks offer a low cost, low maintenance alterative for those that can’t invest in a large-scale benefits scheme. The online marketplace offers employees a range of discounts and special offers on ethical, sustainable, and socially conscious brands.
A Final Word
If businesses are serious about getting ahead of the competition when it comes to attracting and retaining talent, they cannot afford to ignore the shift in worker priorities that is being seen across the UK. One of the best ways for organisations to respond is to invest in sustainable and ethical workplace perk programmes that demonstrate a clear commitment to the values that matter in 2022. What’s more, this can be achieved by all serious businesses, no matter their size, industry, or resource. With the right approach, all businesses can stay competitive in the fierce fight for talent.
To find out more about how Amba supports HR decision makers and business owners to attract and retain the best possible people, check out its Lumina technology and visit https://lumina-uk.com/