Recruiter job satisfaction gives reason to celebrate

Jo Faragher

Proof positive this week that recruitment is a great place to work, with a survey from the REC showing that job satisfaction has risen over the past four years.

Eight out of ten recruiters are happy in their jobs, boosted by increased salaries and healthy bonuses, it found. But chief executive Kevin Green hit the nail on the head when he highlighted that money is by no means the only draw, saying: “The buzz of a fast-paced business, the variety of activity and the satisfaction of helping people find work are rewards in themselves.”

In last year’s CBI and Harvey Nash employment trends survey, securing high levels of engagement was the top workforce priority for UK businesses, and research has shown it has a positive impact on staff retention and productivity – so it’s good to know that agencies are keeping staff happy.

In the wider economy, news today that the UK economy grew more than expected in the second quarter of 2013 will have boosted business confidence. Unusually, the recovery appeared to be broader than it has in other quarters, with a wide range of sectors reporting growth. The largest contribution was in the service sector – particularly hotels – so hospitality recruitment could enjoy a boon as business grows.

Another big story this week was the result of Bullhorn’s Freedom of Information requests into government spending on recruitment. The software company gleaned that spending had increased most at the Cabinet Office, where funds spent on recruitment went up by 302%.

With cuts being made to public spending in so many areas, it seems incredible that hiring spend can leap in such a dramatic fashion at several central government departments. Clearly, Bullhorn’s interest is in promoting the efficiency benefits of its own products, but the point is still a valid one – streamlining and automating recruitment, where appropriate, could save valuable public money.

Elsewhere, a future heir to the throne was making news. And as royal baby fever reached its zenith earlier this week, ‘experts’ thronged to commentate on everything from the choice of car seat to Prince George’s future career. One thing is certain, he’s unlikely to turn up on any candidate shortlists in the next 25 years…

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