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- Jo Faragher
Digital continues to be one of the toughest sectors to recruit for, and employers are finding they need to put huge effort into their attraction package in order to bring in the best talent.
Reflecting this, a study by recruiter The Candidate of digital professionals found that a quarter had been offered a relocation package, up from 17% two years ago. This is clearly worth it, as their research also found that 94% of candidates would be willing to relocate for a role if they were offered good perks.
For hiring managers, this insight is interesting because it busts the unhelpful stereotype that digital professionals will move anywhere for a ‘free coffee’ or ‘pub Fridays’. Surely every workplace should offer free hot drinks and it’s entirely up to individuals if they want to grab a beer together after work? Something tangible that makes moving to a new role, and perhaps even a new city, is far more useful to any professional in any sector.
The research also revealed that cold hard cash wasn’t always the answer – support with practical things to ensure new starters are happy in their new location was sought after, as was paid-for transport and help with legal fees. If the EU referendum sees a ‘leave’ vote, help with administrative processes such as gaining a right to work visa will be even more crucial.
Digital workers also want to know a move will be worth it, and unsurprisingly, 88% said a promotion was the thing that would encourage them to move to another city or country. Another perk that helped to swing the deal was financial support with flight or train tickets so employees could visit their family back home.
Moving to a new city for work is both exciting and terrifying, whichever sector you work in. And as the digital economy booms – it currently employs over 1.5m people in the UK – employers are only going to have to get more creative about how they attract candidates to their business. Helping them to settle in is a great start.
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