Busy Bee recruitment writes:
An all too familiar road of recruitment is having a candidate that could not fit your role better and everything seems to be going well with the interview process; suddenly withdraw their application as they have accepted another offer. You may be asking yourselves: Why? What are we not offering? Understanding the motivational drivers for candidate job offers is crucial when planning your recruitment process.
From office dogs to football tables and extended holiday allowances, businesses are pulling out all the stops to retain current staff and appeal to millennials/potential candidates. So what are the go-to-perks to advertise with your job vacancies that will make your advert scream 'APPLY NOW!'?
In recent years and studies, it has been proven that four in five employees would prefer better benefits and perks in the workplace rather than a pay rise. Companies across the globe are offering their employees perks ranging from free food to a day off on your birthday! More than a third of employees admit that perks are among their top consideration prior to accepting a role.
The best perks being offered by companies include an all expenses paid holiday for the whole team from Transferwise; a £5000 joining bonus offered by Huddle, a software firm; and a £1413 travel allowance offered by Airbnb.
It is clear that having interesting and unique benefit packages to boast in your adverts could substantially impact how many applicants you receive to a role. But what are the main benefits that appeal the most to candidates?
Flexible Working
There is no doubt that flexible working is top priority on a candidate’s wish list for their next job. In fact in recent studies conducted by Fractl, it has been proven that 88% of candidates claim they would choose a job with flexible hours and a lower salary than a higher paid role and fixed working hours.
Having the freedom to manage your time independently isn’t just a massive pull for candidates either as it can work out cost effective for businesses. With a flexible working structure, employees may be encouraged to manage their own time more effectively and work around commitments. Another huge bonus is that having flexible working on your job adverts it encourages those that have taken time out of their career on leave and looking to return. This means that those of higher talent are more likely to apply due to the flexible working hours. A recruitment business owner has stated that it is ‘utter madness’ of businesses refusing to offer flexible working, as it was preventing candidates with quality talent re-entering the workforce.
Job Seekers that are in the position where they categorically require flexibility due to childcare commitments etc. This will often filter results to show opportunities that offer flexitime, including this perk in your job adverts will cause your applications to grow substantially.
Work from Home Options
Similarly, candidates are beginning to expect a certain level of flexibility when it comes to where they work not just when. As long as they are completing their work on time and using their time effectively, is there much harm? Having a flexible policy for where employees can work just shakes the idea that if their sat at their desk, they’re working.
Home working options also boosts employee morale. 93% of candidates say it would make them feel trusted and valued by the company and some say that they would happily take a substantial pay cut for this benefit. So what is stopping your local businesses from offering this?
Career Development
Having the confidence to jump ship from current role can be difficult, so candidates need reassurance that a move is going to be a good an investment – and personal development opportunities are the best way to convince them.
If you can offer some solid proof that the candidate is going to become substantially more skilled and employable by taking on the opportunity, this is a big bonus. If the company is able offer some structured personal development or recognised training, make sure you are making that clear in your job advert.
What do these benefits have in common?
Have you noticed that not one of the above benefits are directly money – related!
Enabling these benefits will inevitably cost a business time and of course, we all know time is money! Think of it this way: How much money could a company save on hiring and agency recruitment costs when they hire a candidate quick-sharp thanks to a super enticing job ad showing off excellent benefits packages! How much money does a company waste each time they lose an employee to a business with better benefits that speak directly to the candidate’s needs? It’s definitely something worth considering. Employee benefits are just one part of the perfect job ad formula!