Kiwi Recruiters Put People Before Money

Kiwi Recruiters Put People Before Money

November 27, 2015

Recruitment consultants have gathered in Auckland for the 2nd #AucklandRec meet-up to decide what’s most important to them – and surprisingly, money doesn’t top their lists.

In one of the largest gatherings of its kind in New Zealand, recruitment consultants representing more than 50 organisations met to discuss issues affecting the industry, alternative business models, and share what motivates them to switch employers.

Surprise Results

Co-organised and sponsored by Johnny Robinson, MD of Customise Consulting Group, the event at Stanbeth House in Britomart featured an anonymous survey which asked attendees what they were looking for in a future employer – with unexpected results.

Says Robinson, “There’s a common misconception that remuneration is what matters most in the recruitment industry. Yes, it’s the main driver for some consultants, but not the majority.

“Contrary to popular belief, our survey showed within the top 5 selections; remuneration was third on the list for Auckland recruiters with only 19% citing it as their number one priority. It’s the calibre of people or team members that recruiters deem the most important factor when searching for a new position [26%], followed closely by better work / life balance [25%].”

But Robinson says the results come as no shock to him personally. “Kiwis are well known for their love of helping people, and it’s proven that people perform up to 37% better across nearly all aspects of business when they are in a positive frame of mind. If recruiters join organisations that align with what’s important to them, it leads to positive personal and business outcomes for all parties involved.”

The popularity of flexible working among recruiters can also be deemed a sign of the times. With recent research by Ardent predicting that by the end of 2017, nearly 45% of the world’s total workforce will be comprised of contingent workers, Robinson explains that recruiters are not immune from a trend towards better work-life balance, aided in part by cloud technologies and more accessible & affordable business support services.

“Benefits such as ditching the rush hour commute & logging in from home, a high calibre team and more empowerment can become significant factors that in some cases are valued more than take home pay,” he says.

The second of its kind, the event represents a change of tack for the recruitment industry, with Robinson expecting it will encourage many more. “Recruiters have a tendency to be a little “cloak and dagger” in the way they operate. By coming together in this way and encouraging more communication, the benefits will flow on to the people we are dedicated to assist.

“Advising people through significant career decisions is an important role, and with that comes responsibility. Doctors, teachers, marketing experts all meet in this way – why not recruitment consultants?”

ENDS

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