An employer’s strategic clarity is a stronger driver in employee
retention than the offer of work-life balance practices, according to research
by recruitment agency Korn/Ferry International.
The research suggests that there is a large discrepancy
between what employees say they want and the actual drivers of their behaviour.
While 86 per cent of employees rate work-life balance as
very important in their careers, an analysis of behaviour patterns has shown
that these priorities could be misleading on how to retain and motivate staff.
The survey shows that employees identify more closely with
the company if they believe it has a viable and well-communicated strategy for
success.
“With human capital ever more essential to sustaining growth
and creating shareholder value, company leaders need to create an employment
brand that attracts the best talent, just as they create a consumer brand that
builds customer loyalty,” said Michael Bekins, chief operating officer of Korn/Ferry
International.
The research is based on surveys with 4,500 knowledge workers
operating across a range of sectors in the US, Europe, Asia and Israel.
By Mike Broad
