What key “People Issues” face companies?

Caliper recently undertook some research that asked this very question. The results make interesting reading.

The most common staffing issue keeping business leaders up at night has proved to be recruitment. More specifically, finding the right calibre of staff. It seems that even though there is an apparent downturn in the economy which should spell a time of having more choice of quality candidates, finding people who can actually do the job and do it well is still the most difficult task of all. Many of those surveyed said that they found it hard to see past those candidates who are good at interviews but who don’t live up to expectations. Some respondees, particularly those who have family run businesses, said that finding the right person was of premium importance because of the key role an extra person plays in the dynamics of a small organisation. Many of them had made the wrong choice to their cost.

Many businesses felt that recruitment agencies were more interested in putting 'bums on seats' than in helping to support clients with the process. Most people felt that agencies were a necessary evil rather than a helpful and worthwhile extension to a business. Particular sins included not briefing candidates properly, wasting time sending over unsuitable candidates and not demonstrating they were worth the money they charged.

The second most common response was about the retention of good staff. Several people admitted that, very often, the good ones got poached or left because they weren’t able to offer them enough diversity within the role, intellectual stimulation or monetary reward.

The third issue appeared to be capability. A number of businesses admitted that either personally, or as an organisation, they didn’t feel they were getting the recruitment or the leadership process right. In particular, delegation seemed to be a skill at which many business leaders wished they were more successful at and from the recruitment perspective, it appears that many people would like to be better at screening 'time wasters' and interviewing prospective candidates.

The final group of responses centred on the attitude of employees. One respondent lamented that it was difficult to find people with a good work ethic ‘we don’t want any more ‘lazies’’, she said. Equally, the expectations of many young people coming into the workforce appear to be something a number of businesses are finding frustrating. The owner of a business in the media sector said 'graduates today have inflated ideas of the salary and the responsibility they should expect in their first jobs. I had to work hard to get where I am and so will they.'

While conducting the research Jennifer Ibbetson Revell said, 'We found that most companies surveyed were aware of how vital a resource their employees are and what we found very heartening is how committed they are to improving their processes. Obviously, these issues are not new and there is no magic wand that can offer an immediate solution, but acknowledging the areas you need to concentrate on is a good first step’.

Caliper’s contact details are 01622 767880 or email Jennifer Ibbetson-Revell jenniferi@caliperhs.co.uk