'Traditional' approach to recruitment may need some evaluation
Employers across New Zealand are being urged to introduce flexible work options, as research from Accordant found this could help recruit and retain more non-permanent and permanent workers.
"The growing need for flexibility in the workplace is becoming increasingly important not only to temporary workers but permanent employees as well," said Accordant chief executive Jason Cherrington.
Flexibility has emerged as one of the most sought-after benefits employees crave over the past few years, one of the major developments within the workforce post-pandemic.
Read more: 'Give me flexibility – or I'll quit!': Employers make changes in Great Resignation
According to Cherrington, employers who are able to adapt their workplace to this changing work environment will be "better placed."
"With low unemployment levels coupled with limited immigration settings over the past two years and a tight labour market, future-focused job design will be important for employers as they look to stay competitive in the fight for talent," Cherrington said.
Accordant's research found that 53% of employees have become more supportive of non-permanent work, with 22% saying they had undertaken temporary, casual, or fixed-term work over the past two years.
The greatest benefits of undertaking temporary work was the ability to start working quickly and learn new skills. However, some 37% of the respondents said there were not enough vacancies that offered such roles.
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The report pointed out that if organisations opened temporary, casual, or fixed-term roles, they may be able to tap on a broader talent pool who are also skilled and experienced. It stressed that failing to look outside traditional working structures may limit an organisation's progress.
"If organisations wish to retain and foster a great relationship with their employees, we suggest they adapt to the ever-changing working environment and evaluate their traditional approach to recruitment," Cherrington said. "Organisations can adjust their approaches and see great results in productivity and performance as well as increased employee satisfaction by exploring concepts such as unbundling tasks, advocating for greater flexibility, and supporting hybrid working."