INTHEBLACK February 2025 - Magazine - Page 48
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WHAT ARE YOU WORTH?
NEW SALARY TRENDS REVEALED
Last year, over 15,000 people across 26 industries responded to the
Hays Salary Guide survey. In this episode, Caroline Edwards, a senior
finance business director at Hays, talks about the latest results.
CAROLINE EDWARDS,
HAYS
OFFICE VALUE PROPOSITION
BENEFITS ARE ESSENTIAL
“One thing I’ve read about is organisations
developing what’s called an ‘office value
proposition’. In other words, trying to create
a quantifiable benefit to encourage more time
in the office. This is gaining traction because
it tends to maximise collaboration and
focused individual work. It should optimise
resources and it should also improve
productivity. In terms of matching the work
duties to the ideal setting, companies are
asking: what level of collaboration does each
task require? What level of individual work
does each task require? What resources does
each task require? And how does each
employee work best?”
“I think one of the key things for employers
is that they must recognise that additional
benefits are not just a bonus. They are a must.
These don’t have to be monetary — they just
need to have value to the demographic of
candidates they’re looking to attract.
For example, extra loyalty leave or a more
generous or considered maternity and
paternity leave policy might be attractive
to a certain demographic.
“I think the majority of employers are
still thinking in traditional terms when it
comes to benefits, and the report showed
that the benefits employers are offering this
year to retain valuable employees included
flexibility, professional development and
performance bonuses.”
PRIORITISE WELLBEING
“With balance, flexibility and purpose
becoming key priorities for many employees,
organisations will need to adjust their
talent-attraction strategies. Interestingly,
progression is not a top priority for a lot
of employees. 47 per cent of workers said
that they are not focused on progression
at all, which I found really interesting.”
“I believe companies should be
highlighting the unique elements of their
culture — people want to know how it feels
to work in the business.”
48 INTHEBLACK February 2025
WORK FROM HOME
“Organisations that are refusing to flex will
see a fallout in their retention rates. Some of
the data shows that up to 76 per cent of all
employees would be ready to go elsewhere
if their company puts an end to working from
home. That absolutely needs to be considered
in the year ahead. As an employee, with skills
in demand, you do still have bargaining power —
but it’s important to avoid pricing yourself out
of consideration.”
LISTEN
to the full episode
