Employers need to innovate to attract talent — agency

AUCKLAND: A recruitment agency says now is a great time to look for a job, as jobseekers have the upper hand.

Recruitment agency Persolkelly says jobseekers are looking for more money, with a greater emphasis on wellbeing and flexibility in a heated employment market.

General manager Wendy Hewson said despite some perceptions that the talent pool had run dry because of the Covid19 pandemic, many qualified expats had returned home.

‘‘Despite the very common view . . . Covid19 did turn the tide from brain drain to brain gain with qualified expats coming home.

‘‘What some employers may not have factored in is that Kiwis who’ve been working overseas have enjoyed higher salaries and earlier uptake of concepts like flexible working. It’s time to sharpen up and innovate if you want to attract top talent,’’ she said.

However, Ms Hewson said some recruitment managers were yet to fully understand workers’ demands.

‘‘I think it is that some hiring managers still believe that it is around culture, career development or being part of their organisation whether it be bluechip or whatever,’’ she said.

‘‘But obviously people really are wanting more money and benefits so I think there is a misstep there.’’

She said companies that were normally inundated with applications were now struggling to tempt top candidates.

‘‘My advice to our workers is that now is the time to go after what you want — have a meaningful conversation with your current employer before you find out if the grass is indeed greener elsewhere.’’ — RNZ