Focussing on the individual and taking into account individual needs are the key issues for attracting and retaining top talent, according to Robert Half International’s The War for Talent report.

Career opportunities, training, development and being involved in the direction of the company were also highlighted in the report.

Dave Jones, Robert Half International managing director, says: “Staff are an integral part of business planning and success. How companies look after employees - through motivation, reward, retention and leadership - will make the difference between winning and losing the war for talent.”

The report presents the discussions of 12 top directors from a cross-section of the UK’s top companies, government departments and accounting firms at a recent roundtable discussion.