UK HR personnel and line managers advocate using specialist recruitment processes to source senior staff, backed up by structured and consistent induction programmes, and generous remuneration packages to retain loyalty, according to research by executive recruitment and interim management company Archer Mathieson.

The survey found that 50% of human resourcing is managed internally, 10% is outsourced and 40% is presided over by individual line managers.

It found that when it comes to the attraction and retention of key personnel, the most important requirements are seen as a competitive remuneration package (67%) and supporting a career path through talent management and succession planning (64%). It found that allowing employees to share in organisational success (33%), relevant training and development programmes (30%) and access to and involvement in organisational strategy (30%) are also seen as important.

James Aston, head of the HR practice at Archer Mathieson, says: “Well-structured and well-managed HR functions, with an internal resourcing team, can reap rewards in employee retention and deliver the best results in recruitment. However, direct contact with a specialist recruitment provider, such as Archer Mathieson, can make the difference in sourcing high level personnel who match an organisation’s exact needs from the start.”