Would You Reapply For Your Job? One In Five Say 'No', Says Hudson Study
LONDON, UK - 27 MAY, 2008 - Despite the current economic outlook, more than one in five IT professionals (21%) say they would not reapply for their current jobs and a further 18% are undecided. A new study by global recruitment and talent management consultancy, Hudson, demonstrates just how far employers have to go to motivate and retain large parts of their workforce in uncertain times.
Hudson conducted the study among 1,000 UK workers in professional employment to assess whether today's workplace has lost the 'fear factor' and to identify how regular performance assessment contributes to employee productivity, morale and retention.
Despite the majority (63%) of respondents saying such a formal process would make them more stressed, a considerable number (37%) believe that lazier colleagues would be found out and one in four (25%) admit it would make them work harder. The vast majority of respondents agree that the process of applying for or starting a new job makes them naturally more productive and proactive.
However, a significant proportion of IT professionals remain unhappy with their jobs, with many saying that, if the issue was forced, they would prefer to look for a more rewarding job or a better company culture elsewhere.
Andy Rogerson, chief executive, Hudson UK, said: "In a tougher economic climate, productivity comes into sharper focus, and a productive workforce only comes from a motivated one. While we would argue that a formal reapplication process is a step too far for the UK business environment, there is much to be said for encouraging a more performance-driven culture to boost morale and results. Both employer and employee can benefit from rigorous, regular assessment and clear performance criteria.
"Hanging on to underperforming or demoralised employees in a bid to keep the headcount up is a sure-fire way to demotivate good employees and reduce overall productivity. Ensuring the right cultural fit between your employees and your business, rewarding good performance and putting in place thorough processes of assessment is the best way to ensure you keep your good employees and attract new ones."
Hudson's advice for employers aiming to boost their productivity and retention figures is:
- Ensure that regular assessment is framed by tangible outcomes and actions for both employee and employer
- Give employees clear parameters regarding expectations
- Challenge underperformers to meet strict performance criteria
- Provide the right training to match the development needs of all employees
- Test employee sentiment via regular staff surveys
- Ensure line managers engage regularly with employees to gauge satisfaction levels, so that any problem areas can be acted upon.
Notes
Hudson commissioned Datamonitor to survey 1,000 professional UK workers from legal, IT, HR and financial services. Respondents were based across the UK, were aged over 18 years of age, and were evenly split between males and females.
Hudson
Hudson delivers specialised professional recruitment, outsourcing, and talent management solutions worldwide. From single placements to total solutions, the firm helps clients achieve greater organisational performance by attracting, selecting, engaging and developing the best and brightest people for their businesses.
Hudson (NASDAQ: HHGP) is a leading provider of permanent recruitment, contract professionals and talent management services worldwide. The company employs more than 3,600 professionals serving clients and candidates in more than 20 countries. More information is available at www.hudson.com
