Tech employers are taking the innovative approach

Modern workplace

Tech employers in the North West are becoming increasingly innovative as they look to recruit and retain talent.

Flexible working and creating the right office culture play a big part in their recruitment strategies, however salaries are set to play more of a role as the competition for talent gets even greater in the sector.

Ben Davies, marketing manager at social media business Social Chain revealed how it had introduced a range of initiatives to attract and retain staff, including unlimited holidays, employees being able to write their own contracts and decide their hours and access to mortgage advice.

He says: “We work really hard at our profile, we realise that from an employer brand point of view that is critical.

“A slide in the office does not a culture make. It is about what it represents, you can do gimmicks: it is more about a holistic view. It’s not just the shiny stuff, it is the stuff behind it and that matters.”

James Doggart, chief executive of Manchester software company Cloud Technology Solutions, believes creating a “shared vision” is vital to retaining staff.

“You have to share it and you have to be very transparent. We don’t sugar coat the struggles and we are open about success.”

Flexible working is an increasing expectation of young people moving from university into the world of work, according to Alex Wignall, senior account manager at Manchester-based marketing agency Big Partnership.

He says: “You don’t have to be in the office for nine o’clock every single day. Growing numbers of people are used to working remotely. The trend is going that way and that will help businesses in attracting talent.”

David Harrison

David Harrison, UK private sector technology consulting leader at KPMG, adds: “People want flexibility but they want a sense of community as well. People who feel part of that are energised. They key thing is building something people feel part of.”

Daniel Martin, director at challenger bank OakNorth, which has launched an operation in Manchester, agrees. He says: “People accept flexibility. Social media is always switched on and millennials will expect it.”

Having a “flat organisation” and giving people an understanding of every side of a business is important when it comes to attracting good people, he added. “You feel you are involved in a journey.”

 

 

 

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