What makes an employer a great place to work

A well-written, detailed job spec demonstrates that a company or recruitment agency like Blue Arrow is truly invested in finding the right people. Going to a lot of effort to attract good candidates is a positive sign, suggesting that once you’ve taken on a role with the employer, they’ll invest in you as well.

How long has the employer been in business? How does it compare to other companies in its industry? Has it been in the news for legal or financial troubles recently? You’ll want to be sure that any business you join has a good reputation with aspirations to grow and flourish, providing its employees with stable jobs and possible long-term opportunities.

For example, do they champion things that are important to you – whether that’s diversity and inclusion, the environment and sustainability, or wellbeing and mental health. If an organisation’s values align with yours, chances are you’ll feel right at home.

Within any business, its culture is its personality, driving how it values and treats its employees. Review personal testimonials from current employees about what it’s really like to work there or have a look at Glassdoor reviews to provide you with some valuable company culture insight.

How many work hours will you be expected to work in a ‘normal’ week? Is weekend or shift work required? Will you have to be ‘on-call’ when you’re not at work? Is there an opportunity for flexible working? How many paid holidays will you receive? The hours that you’ll be working at a job are important to consider for a healthy work-life balance and to fit around all the other parts of your life.

 

You may be entitled to the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage so you should check that the compensation package meets this during the application process. Also, what perks would you be entitled to? For example, is there a contributory pension scheme, private healthcare or a rewards scheme? Will you get employee discounts on anything such as shopping, exercise classes or cinema tickets? Make sure you understand precisely what you’ll be entitled to and when – for example, will you have to complete a probationary period before being able to access any benefits?

However good the job sounds, if you’re not able to work remotely, be realistic about how much time you’re willing to spend commuting there and back every day. If you would need to drive, do you risk getting stuck in rush-hour traffic that will add extra time to your commute and see your stress levels soaring? Will the time you’ll spend travelling affect your commitments outside of work? Also factor in the cost of your commute when comparing pay rates across different jobs – fuel, parking costs or train fares can make a sizeable dent in your take-home pay.

Will the company provide on-the-job training, workshops or structured courses? Will it give you the opportunity to grow your skillset or gain qualifications? The best employers offer a range of support to progress your career.