Brand benefits: how to make your business an attractive place to work

Our latest research report found that online businesses with weak employer propositions and staff benefits found it harder to recruit and had a higher turnover of staff. This problem with recruitment and retention is holding back potential growth.  

It is imperative that online businesses, in order to drive online sales, attract and retain the very best in digital talent. One way of attracting the very best digital marketing talent is by having great employer brand proposition in place.

Compared to other sectors most online businesses had better than average employer offerings, however the competition within the e-commerce sector was high with many employers offering a suite of perks to keep their staff sweet.

The majority (67%) of candidates questioned in our report felt that although wages were marginally higher within in-house positions, the fastest way to progress and learn was to work in an agency environment. Also, most candidates believe that agency life is more sociable and fun.

Having a strong internal culture as well as great salary potential is part of being an attractive employer.

The report looked at high profile examples of agencies, such as theEword and MediaCom, which are perceived to have strong employer brands and are vibrant, fun places to work, with a balance between strong work ethic and a sociable working environment. Both agencies believe in developing employees so that they can reach their maximum potential, and theEword even has a 'Director of Love' in place to ensure that all staff members are content.

One business that has a strong employer brand is market leading financial services company, Quintessential Finance in Macclesfield. The company has been awarded 3^rd place in the Tech Track 100 for being the 3^rd fastest growing company in the Northwest. They offer a range of employee benefits which include employee of the month, free fruit, a social area with pool table, long service awards, incentives for employees' families, a discounted gym scheme, and even bought an ice cream van on site last summer to cool down their staff in the heat wave.

Quintessential Finance is a great example of how to do it right. However, a number of online businesses can take inspiration from agency culture and provide an attractive prospect for potential employees.

Read the full report here to find out more reasons why brand benefits can entice the very best in digital marketing talent.