Flexible working and further training options are key to staff retention, report reveals

Offering flexible working options as well as the possibility of further training in their field of choice are becoming increasingly important factors for staff retention, a recent survey by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and recruitment company Indeed has been able to suggest.

The poll of over 1,000 businesspeople across all sizes and sectors, shows that just under half (42%) of businesses would invest in training and developing their staff in order to increase staff retention, while 38% would look to introduce flexible working practices, from flexible hours and remote working to job-sharing.

Skills shortages are at near record levels, and this survey reveals that the most likely approach that firms will take to address gaps they have are to use self-employed workers, or contractors (30%), followed by investment in recruitment and training (both 25%). Developing a relationship with the local school comes next, at 22%. B2C firms are more likely to build that relationship, while B2B businesses are more likely to use contractors and retain older workers.

Amid a chronic skills shortage, these findings suggest that civic-minded businesses are doing everything they can to ensure that staff morale remains high. However, businesses can also do more in terms of providing a flexible working environment.

Jane Gratton, Head of Business Environment and Skills Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said: “Access to people and skills is a top priority for employers and firms are doing everything they can to recruit, retain and upskill their workforce.

Increasingly, employers are embracing flexible working practices as a sensible way to retain staff who need to balance work with family and other commitments. Amid rising upfront costs for businesses, it is crucial that innovative ways are found to motivate staff.

“Flexible access to the Apprenticeship Levy funds would enable more firms to boost productivity by training and developing their teams, and we urge the government to consider this as soon as possible.”

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The Smart Card Time & Attendance recording workstation incorporates such features as job booking, job costing, labour hours analysis and security management.

If you’d like to find out more about the Time and Attendance solutions supplied by Time & Attendance UK, please contact us and one of our specialists will be more than happy to answer all of your questions and queries.