In the first of a three-part series, Peter Jones of Foyne Jones Recruitment Group, sheds light on how taking a considered approach to recruitment will strengthen the most important asset in business: your people…
In the current economy having the right people, in the right place, has never been more important for thriving merchant businesses. It’s therefore time to ask yourself some searching questions such as how do I want my business and my people to develop moving forwards? The BMF’s pledge to onboard 15,000 new apprentices by 2030 is to be applauded, but our focus also needs to be on the here and now, rather than operating as business as usual.
We have to be real about the challenges our people are facing, and the latest research is eye opening. Nearly 80% of the UK workforce are in customer-facing roles and a new report from the Institute of Customer Service states that more than half of them have experienced customer abuse.
It’s no surprise that supply chain issues, energy prices and the cost of living are taking their toll, and sadly it is the people on the front line of your businesses which are having to bear the brunt. This means that alongside a commitment to customer service, merchant professionals need to also protect their people so that we can continue to retain and attract the best talent moving forwards.
People-focused approach
Having a people-focused approach to your business will reap dividends and give you an edge in the market as an employer of choice. The old days of top-down management are gone and instead, we need to pay the same care and attention in-house, as we do to suppliers and clients.
Having met many of our industry’s power players, I can tell you that the best leaders do not hide from reality, no matter how challenging it may be. Having eyes on your business from the outside will give you a bigger idea of how it is seen by your staff and potential job seekers, so bite the bullet and ask a recruitment expert.
“It’s not rocket science to see that the stars of the future welcome support and generally expect it. Make sure you factor this into your business culture – especially when recruiting – so you are seen as a supportive place to work where your people matter!”
Wellness at work
I believe that being honest and open is the way forward so I will remind you yet again that wellness at work is a hot topic. Check in regularly with your staff whether they are in tele sales, front-of-house, in the yard or off site and encourage them to report incidents and concerns.
Your team’s mental health is important, especially when we look at the consequences of long-term stress and anxiety on performance. Interestingly ACAS advises that creating a positive environment at work to help prevent work-related stress is key, so I urge you to have a clear policy on mental health and stress if you don’t already.
When Deloitte advises we need to invest in this area, listen up. According to its latest survey, 40% of total turnover costs can be attributed to mental health issues. What else could you be doing with that 40%? Additionally, more than 36% of UK working adults say they have used tools or resources to help with their mental health in the last year.
And interestingly, it is the younger population aged 18-39 who are more inclined to seek help.
It’s therefore not rocket science to see that the stars of the future welcome support and generally expect it. Make sure you factor this into your business culture – especially when recruiting – so you are seen as a supportive place to work where your people matter!
Visit www.foynejones.com for more recruitment expertise.
Related Stories:
Foyne Jones Recruitment Bootcamp, Part 2: Team Tactics
Foyne Jones Recruitment Bootcamp, Part 3: Pressure Points
