Firms retain staff with training and flexitime

Training and flexible working are among the most popular methods for businesses to retain staff, according to research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and recruitment company Indeed.

The survey of 1,020 UK businesses found that 42% are likely to invest in training and developing staff in order to retain talent.

Additionally, 38% say they would look to introduce flexible working practices, such as flexitime, remote working and job-sharing.

With skills shortages at "record levels" according to the BCC, businesses are taking steps to address these gaps.

The most common approaches include:

• using self-employed workers or contractors (30%)
• investing in recruitment and training (25%)
• developing relationships with local schools (22%).

Jane Gratton, head of business environment and skills policy at the BCC, said:

"Increasingly, employers are embracing flexible working practices as a sensible way to retain staff who need to balance work with family and other commitments.

"Amid rising upfront costs for businesses, it is crucial that innovative ways are found to motivate staff."

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