Staff retention concerns in financial services industry

Senior financial services leaders say the key to staff retention in a tight jobs market will be a rewarding career path rather than increased salaries or bonuses, according to new research1 from leading recruitment specialist Robert Half Financial Services.

The vast majority (89 per cent) of financial services executives are concerned about losing their top performers to other employers in the next 12 months. More than two thirds (67 per cent) say they will adopt a policy of providing better career development opportunities to encourage valued employees to stay, while just over half (54 per cent) said they would provide current employees a raise in remuneration or bonuses.

Additional retention efforts will see almost three-in-10 (28 per cent) offering employees flexible working, while only 27 per cent said they would make counter-offers to valuable staff looking to move to another employer.

Luke Davis, vice president, Robert Half Financial Services, said: “Over the last couple of years the finance services sector has seen substantial change, including more regulation and reporting requirements and the need to restructure to demonstrate transparency and accountability. On top of that, we are witnessing the introduction of a significant number of challenger brands and FinTech start-ups that are providing alternative employment opportunities for talented professionals. There are plenty of factors in place that may lead to individuals considering a move.

“As we head into the New Year, professionals are considering their options and are prioritising career advancement as part of their 2016 goals. While salary and benefits may be declining factors when employees are considering a move, finding the positions that offers the right combination of career development, competitive pay and benefits will be a priority.

“While companies may be tempted to provide counter-offers in a bid to retain staff, this is generally a short-term solution and the employee ends up leaving in the long run. Regularly benchmarking remuneration coupled with establishing career paths and advancement opportunities will help companies keep their most valued assets on board.”

Robert Half launched its 2016 Salary Guide in October. The annual salary guide enables organisations to determine appropriate remuneration for accounting and finance, financial services, technology and administrative professionals at all levels.