IDS HR Studies Update 807, October 2005

Recruitment & retention

Finding the right people – and then holding on to them – is central to any HR strategy.

The October 2005 IDS HR Update:

• examines the approach taken to overseas recruitment by six named organisations
• discusses the efforts taken by one public sector employer to improve age diversity
• considers the key elements of an effective induction programme, drawing on the experience of a range of employers
• looks at how two companies have successfully reduced employee turnover
• rounds up the latest recruitment and retention statistics.

Features

Recruiting foreign workers

While Polish plumbers have been a particular focus of media attention, workers from the expanded EU are in fact contributing to the UK economy across a range of industries and occupations. Our special feature examines recruitment activity from within the EU and further afield, and considers the types of practical support that employers offer to help their foreign recruits settle in and perform effectively.

Induction programmes

One in eight of all new recruits leave in their first six months. While, in some cases, this may be the result of bad recruitment decisions, poorly designed and executed induction processes are also partly to blame. An effective induction process tailored to business needs is a key element in welcoming, motivating and retaining new joiners. Our second feature article examines the latest thinking and discusses the typical content and format of induction programmes.

Case studies

Recruiting older workers

Nearly a quarter of new recruits at St Helens Council are aged 50 or over.

Improving staff retention

Positive Steps Oldham halves employee turnover following the roll-out of a wide range of HR initiatives.

New grading structure improves morale among field technicians at Ricoh UK, resulting in reduced employee turnover.

HR metrics

Labour turnover and recruitment statistics

We summarise the findings of a number of recent national surveys.