How to attract and retain the best employees

Helen Russell Harrison Drury

While this is the busiest time of year for candidates seeking new jobs, statistics also show that employers are seeing noticeable skills shortages in their applicants, making it difficult to fill gaps.

The upshot is a need to work smartly to keep hold of employees while making your employment offering as appealing as possible.

Do your research on pay

Being aware of pay levels and remuneration packages in your industry will allow you to understand the market and make competitive salary offers.

Be better on benefits

Benchmarking industry working practices and benefit provisions will also allow you to make your company more appealing to prospective candidates.

David Morel, CEO of Tiger Recruitment, suggests that where employers cannot meet salary demands, offers of other financial benefits, such as childcare vouchers, private healthcare, and gym memberships can make a difference.

Offer flexibility

Now more than ever, the most competitive job offers contain an aspect of flexibility, whether that be remote working or flexible start and finish times.

Family friendly policies can help employees achieve their work life balance, which is a key retention consideration.

Simplify your recruitment process

Where relevant, use online tools alongside more traditional recruitment practices.

These can be used effectively to match candidates against more detailed selection criteria, ensuring your shortlist will meet business need.

Provide career pathways

Doing more to provide a rewarding work environment and giving opportunities for development are essential for motivating and inspiring your people.

Enjoyed this? Read more from Helen Russell, Harrison Drury

Latest news

1

Wynnstay Group opens new Lancashire office to support growth The opening of the Wynnstay Group office

Wynnstay Group opens new Lancashire office to support growth

06 May 2026

2

Lancashire businesses receive King's Awards TT Instruments Muhammad Geloo and Aziz Bham

Lancashire businesses receive King's Awards

06 May 2026

3

Heineken to invest £2.16m to improve eight Lancashire pubs The Old Oak Longridge, pic courtesy of The Old Oak

Heineken to invest £2.16m to improve eight Lancashire pubs

05 May 2026

4

£350m ‘Mini-Canary Wharf' gives Blackpool global appeal Blackpool Holiday Inn

£350m ‘Mini-Canary Wharf' gives Blackpool global appeal

05 May 2026

5

EG On The Move seals 27-site deal Zuber Issa, pic provided by EG On The Move

EG On The Move seals 27-site deal

01 May 2026

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV128 May/June Magazine Networking Event
Canva - Mag Launch
Networking
19 May 2026

LBV128 May/June Magazine Networking Event

Colne Market Hall, Lancashire, BB8 0HS

08:30 - 10:30

Funding Summit
Funding Logo Canva Mid
Summit
17 Jun 2026

Funding Summit

Village Hotel Blackpool

08:30 - 11:00

LBV129 July/August Magazine Networking Event
Nov/Dec Networking Event
Networking
16 Jul 2026

LBV129 July/August Magazine Networking Event

Brysdales, Britannia Buildings Drumhead Road, Chorley, PR6 7BX

16:00 - 18:00

LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event
Jan/Feb Networking Event - Entrance
Networking
17 Sep 2026

LBV130 September/October Magazine Networking Event

The Beehive Blackburn, Shadsworth Business Park, BB1 2Q

08:30 - 10:30

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event
Jan/ Feb Networking Event - Talking
Networking
19 Nov 2026

LBV131 November/December Magazine Networking Event

Lancashire

08:30 - 10:30

Society1 Open Coworking Day
LBV Hub Social
06 May 2026

Society1 Open Coworking Day

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 16:00

The AI Lab: E-commerce
LBV Hub Seminars
08 May 2026

The AI Lab: E-commerce

Door4, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:30

Emergency First Aid at Work
LBV Hub Seminars
08 May 2026

Emergency First Aid at Work

FGH Training, 3rd Floor, Storey House, White Cross Business Park, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ

09:00 - 16:00

Fire Warden Training
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
11 May 2026

Fire Warden Training

Bell Lancaster, Cleveley House Farm, Miller Brow, , Forton, PR3 1DR

09:00 - 15:00

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
14 May 2026

The Business Network Central and East Lancashire

Longridge House, Preston, PR3 2TB

11:30 - 14:15

Research and Knowledge Exchange Festival 2026
Spark 2026 newsletter v3-5 (1).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
18 May 2026 - 22 May 2026

Research and Knowledge Exchange Festival 2026

University of Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE

10:00 - 20:00

U35 Networking Event
Logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
20 May 2026

U35 Networking Event

The Royal Hotel & Bar, Lancaster, LA1 1YD

17:30 - 19:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin