Recruiting the right people can be tough, and keeping them can be even harder.
Across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, many businesses are struggling to fill roles, especially when it comes to experienced or specialist positions. It’s no longer just about placing an advert and hoping for the best. With candidates having more options than ever, companies need to work a bit smarter to stand out.
At Bucks and Berks, we’ve been helping local businesses hire great people for 100 years, so we’ve seen a lot of changes in what candidates want — and what works when it comes to keeping staff happy. Here are a few things that can really make a difference.
What Job Seekers Are Looking For
Salary matters, of course — but it’s far from the only factor these days.
We speak to hundreds of candidates each month, and more and more of them are looking for:
- Flexibility
Most people want some kind of balance between office and home working. The days of fully office-based roles are starting to feel outdated, unless the role genuinely requires it. - Work-life balance
People are thinking about their health and well-being more than ever. They want to feel they can do a good job without sacrificing family time or burning out. - Opportunities to develop
Many candidates are asking about training, progression, or ways they can build their skills in a role. Offering these kinds of opportunities can really help attract (and keep) motivated employees. - A positive working culture
This is a big one. People want to work somewhere with a supportive team, good leadership, and a workplace where they feel valued and respected. - A company that cares
Many candidates pay attention to things like diversity, sustainability, and how businesses contribute to their local community. It’s worth thinking about how you present these aspects of your business, too.
Making Your Business Stand Out
If you want to attract great people, it helps to be known as a great place to work.
A few simple ways to strengthen your reputation:
- Update your careers page
Make sure it’s easy for candidates to see what your business is about — not just the job details, but the people, the culture and the values. - Share what makes your business special
This could be stories on LinkedIn, updates on team events, or celebrating milestones. Candidates will often look at your social media before applying. - Encourage feedback
Positive employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor can really help. If you ask for feedback, make sure you also take it on board.
Pay and Benefits
Of course, you’ll need to offer a competitive salary, especially with rising living costs. But the full package matters too.
Many candidates look closely at benefits such as:
- Extra holiday allowance
- Pension contributions
- Health and well-being support
- Flexible working options
- Professional development opportunities
- Discounts and perks
It’s a good idea to review your benefits regularly, especially if you’re competing with other local employers for the same talent. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help with market insights and salary comparisons.
Hiring Without Delays
One thing we see time and time again: good candidates don’t stay on the market for long.
A long hiring process can mean losing out on great people, even if they were initially really keen. To avoid this:
- Keep the process clear and simple
- Arrange interviews quickly
- Give feedback promptly
- Don’t delay when it comes to making an offer
A smooth, well-organised recruitment process also helps build a good impression of your company.
Keeping Hold of Great People
Hiring is only part of the story. Retaining staff is just as important.
Some things that make a real difference to retention:
- Good onboarding
Start things off on the right foot — make new joiners feel welcome, supported and clear on what’s expected. - Career development
Give people a sense of progression. Regular reviews and conversations about their goals can help them see a future with your business. - Recognition
People like to feel appreciated. A simple ‘thank you’ or acknowledgement of good work can go a long way. - Listening and acting on feedback
Encourage open conversations. If people feel heard, they’re more likely to stay engaged. - Supporting wellbeing
Workplaces that genuinely care about staff wellbeing — rather than just saying the right things — tend to hold on to their people for longer.
Working With a Local Recruitment Partner
If you need help hiring, or you simply don’t have time to manage recruitment on top of everything else, that’s where we come in.
Bucks and Berks have been working with local businesses for decades. We know the local talent market inside out, and can help you:
- Find the right candidates
- Save time and avoid delays
- Stay competitive on salaries and benefits
- Understand what candidates are really looking for
- Improve retention through better hiring decisions
We work closely with our clients to understand what they need and to make the whole process as smooth as possible.
Attracting and keeping good people isn’t always easy, especially with so much competition for talent across the Thames Valley. But with a thoughtful approach and a few small changes, it’s possible to give your business the edge.
If you’d like some advice or if you need help finding your next great hire, just give us a call; we’re always happy to help.
