Inspiring Workspaces: A strategic approach to boosting recruitment and retention in accountancy practices
Earlier this year, data collected by LinkedIn found that the number of remote roles available across the board in the UK was being rapidly outstripped by demand. Applications in February on the professional social media platform, frequented by the very best accountants showed that 22% of the roles applied for were remote. Compare this to their figure of 49% of hiring managers who report a need to have more of their employees in the office more often.
At Public Practice Recruitment Ltd we know that a totally flexible approach (that isn’t tailored around a one size fits all mentality) is generally the way forward when it comes to attracting talented accountants. But we speak to plenty of hiring managers who for a plethora of reasons, really want their workforce in the office some or all of the time.
In the competitive recruitment landscape of the accounting industry, attracting and retaining top talent is a key challenge for firms seeking sustained growth and success. Beyond offering competitive salaries and benefits, creating a workspace that inspires and supports employees is crucial. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for designing workspaces that not only attract top-notch accountancy professionals but also encourage long-term commitment.
Embrace Modern Office Design Trends
Today’s professionals seek workspaces that are bright, light and welcoming. Open layouts with collaborative spaces, flexible seating arrangements, and communal areas foster a sense of community and teamwork. Consider incorporating breakout zones, comfortable lounges, and quiet spaces for focused work to cater to diverse work preferences. Additionally, natural light and ergonomic furniture contribute to a healthier and more productive work environment.
Personalised Workspaces
Recognising the individuality of employees and providing personalised workspaces can significantly impact their job satisfaction. Allow flexibility in desk arrangements and offer a variety of workspaces tailored to different tasks. Personal touches, such as allowing employees to decorate their workspace or choose their preferred desk, contribute to a sense of ownership and belonging.
Let your space showcase your commitment to professional development
Investing in the growth and development of employees is crucial for retention. Create spaces dedicated to training, workshops, and knowledge-sharing. Establish mentorship programs and allocate resources for continuous learning. A workspace that supports professional development communicates a commitment to the long-term success of each team member.
Echo your Diversity and Inclusion approach in your workspace
Fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace is not only ethically sound but also crucial for attracting top accounting talent. Ensure that your workspace reflects a commitment to welcoming all potential employees and that it is accessible to all, compliments diverse representation in leadership, inclusive working policies, and a celebration of different cultures. A workplace that values diversity is more likely to attract a wide range of skilled professionals.
The recruitment sector in public practice remains highly competitive and there is still a significant skills shortage that means the cream of the crop are fiercely fought over. And this means that your employee value proposition has never been more important and taking the time to make improvements to every part of it is time well spent.
When you’ve addressed and made changes that you can realistically make to modernise your workspace and ensure it’s inclusive and welcoming, make sure you’re shouting about it from the rooftop! Include images in your digital recruitment marketing and make your space a big part of the professional lifestyle that you can sell to the talented accountants you’d love to have in your workforce.
If you’re busy working on your employee value proposition, there’s plenty more information on our website to offer you inspiration and guidance. And, as always, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team to discuss our market knowledge and gain insights from our experience speaking to job seeking professionals on a daily basis.
Here’s some more reading that you may find helpful.
The importance of an employee value proposition
Competing for future skills in the accounting sector
Why diversity and inclusion is a priority in accountancy
