The issues that housing organisations are facing in recruitment and retention was discussed at a recent Housing Forum webinar presented by Trowers & Hamlins. There were various polls during the course of the webinar which shed some light on the challenges that members are facing and how they’re thinking about dealing with them.
The biggest challenge in recruitment, for 47% of those responding to the poll, was recruitment in particular roles or lack of skill; 50% of respondents saying that they struggled to recruit roles for asset management work such as regeneration, property development, compliance audit, surveying and construction. 30% of those responding are finding it difficult to recruit housing management roles such as housing officers.
We also heard that 18% struggle to attract and retain workers from a diverse background, while 16% of respondents said that their biggest challenge was losing out to the private sector on salary and benefits.
Moving onto the topic of retention, 28% of those responding to the question of how their business is looking to retain key employees stated that they are offering additional flexible working, while 28% are offering learning and development opportunities. 23% of respondents are offering increased basic salary, and 10% are introducing wellbeing benefits. Examples of these benefits include a monthly sum of £10 towards things including gym membership, fitness classes and mindfulness apps, or an annual wellbeing grant of £150 towards the cost of activities, or equipment that enhance physical or mental wellbeing.
Emma Burrows and Laura Welchew of Trowers & Hamlins suggested some ways in which members can improve recruitment and retention, especially offering more flexibility. In a discussion of the 4-day week. 48% of those responding to the poll said that they would consider trialling a 4-day week, while 20% responded that it would not be practical or feasible for them as an organisation.
The Housing Forum would like to thank Trowers & Hamlins for their insight shared with members at this webinar.
See our events programme for details of forthcoming webinars and other events.
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