The biggest problem the accountancy profession has is recruiting staff. Whether it’s attracting new trainees, experienced technicians or future partners, most firms have struggled with recruitment at some point.
As well as offering a great remuneration package it’s important to demonstrate that your firm offers something better than their current or other potential employers. You have to show that your employees are important to you, that you invest in their training and development and where appropriate there is a possibility for them to progress within your firm. I’m also a firm believer that if you demonstrate you are a fun place to work, it makes you a more attractive employer.
A great way to showcase your firm and your staff is by highlighting the achievements your team have made. This may be from passing their exams or winning study based awards, through to taking part in sporting or charity-based challenges.
Celebrate success!
Writing an article for the news section of your website, adding posts to your social media pages and a mention in your client newsletter, are great ways of showing how you value your employees. Internally you could also mention their achievements in a staff newsletter, on an intranet site or perhaps by sending an all-staff email. Photos which show your team doing things together and having fun can also help to communicate what a great place you work in.
Not only can such articles be great for attracting new staff, but they can also help to motivate and retain existing staff.
It works!
I recently had some feedback from one of my clients who had been recruiting for an admin-based post. Of the four applicants they interviewed, three of them said they were attracted to the firm because of the articles on the website which depicted the firm as being a supportive, progressive firm which clearly put their team first. Feedback like that, certainly makes the recruitment process a lot easier!
Of course, before writing anything on your website or social media posts, do make sure you have the permission of the individual(s) involved.
