That is the question. In order for job adverts to stand out, companies need to consider what they offer potential employees over and above statutory requirements and local competitors.

Depending on the type of job you are advertising, your competitors could be nearly any other industry or company in your town, city or region.

Salary is, of course, a key factor; no one is working for free if they have bills to pay, but as a company you may have a pay structure or monetary constraints that mean you simply cannot offer more for the role. This is where benefits may come into play.

Statutory rights

Knowing what you must legally offer is key. BMRA’s employment partner Croner can assist members with ensuring they are acting legally with regard to what they offer their employees.

But just offering the bare minimum may not be enough.  

What could you offer?

James Woodward of headhunting firm, Rosslyn Davis says: “It’s all about context. A pension isn’t a benefit but if it’s an enhanced contribution then yes. As with holiday, if you’re offering 30 days plus bank holidays then this sticks out in the market. Even free parking can be a benefit if there would usually be a cost.”

Maybe you provide breakfast and lunch. Whatever you do over and above the statutory, tell people. Ask your current members of staff who may be able to point out the benefits you offer that you haven’t considered, e.g. having a birthday off without having to use holiday allowance.

Click here for information on workplace pensions.

A member of trade association?

If you are a member of trade association, they may have benefits that employees can take advantage of. The BMRA, for example, offers members access to Dell Technologies discounts that can be offered to member employees. BMRA also has a partnership with the Hospital & Medical Care Association, who offer private medical plans, cash plans, dentals plans and travel plan. BMRA continues to look into opportunities that will benefit the employees of members.

If you offer learning and development for employees, list it

According to edume.com: “When trained, employees feel more valued. Training programmes help employees understand self-worth and build their confidence for the job. People will appreciate their environment and stay where they are valued because they feel wanted and appreciated by their employer.”

If people know you invest in them, they will want to invest in you.

Flexible working

One thing is for sure, know where you stand with flexible working and how to deal with it when asked. It is a hot topic and from the 6 April 2024, employees will be able to request flexible working from their first day in a new job. Currently employees must have worked for the same employer for at least 26 weeks to be eligible.

Always consider an application if a person asks for the role to be undertaken flexibly. There are many ways to make flexible arrangements work. Click here to read more about flexible working from Croner.

Why not advertise your role with consideration for flexible arrangements. It could be the different between hiring the right candidate versus not.

Visit www.gov.uk/flexible-working to learn more. Note that rules for flexible working are different in Northern Ireland.