Polls highlight growing gap between HR and talent

HR managers are overlooking what potential hires want from jobs, according to three recent surveys.
The mismatch is revealed in separate polls by Reed Talent Solutions, the first involving HR managers, the second employees aged 16 to 25 who had changed careers, and the third people aged 26 and older who had changed careers or returned to work in the past three years.
The first poll found that 47% of HR managers think career advancement is the most important factor in attracting and retaining early talent – but the employee surveys show that 58% of new hires cite salary, 31% flexible working and 31% job security as key factors. Career advancement was cited by just 29%.
While 62% of HR managers provide generalised training to new hires, 51% of joiners wanted more tailored support. Although 76% of managers would be likely to consider recruiting based on soft skills, just 23% of workers new to the employment market are offered such training.
Reed Talent Solutions said the surveys highlight “a growing gap between what businesses are offering and what early talent needs”.