Striking regional differences in workplace priorities, national survey finds

-

Workplace priorities and expectations such as salary and job perks appear to differ significantly across the country, according to new research commissioned by NGA Human Resources.

When asked what they would look for in a job role, 85 percent of Scottish workers said they would opt for salary compared to Londoners, who proved to be the least motivated by money at 76 percent. The survey of 1,500 UK workers highlights the need for companies to consider regional distinctions when developing HR strategies.

Ian Dowd, marketing director at NGA HR, said:

“Our research highlights the differences between employees in London and those elsewhere in the country. There have been some big surprises to us all – which is why employers need to take regional differences seriously. A company with offices in London and Glasgow needs to have the ability to reflect these differences within their HR policy. This flexibility will be key to keeping employees motivated up and down the country.”

HRreview Logo

Get our essential weekday HR news and updates.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Keep up with the latest in HR...
This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Optin_date
This field is hidden when viewing the form

 

When asked what rewards and benefits they expect from their employer, results showed that:

  • Welsh workers are the most likely in the UK to demand travel and health insurance (17%)
  • Workers based in East Anglia are the least likely in the UK to prioritise training at work (24%, national average 36%)
  • London-based workers are the most likely in the UK to seek pension provision (58%) and discount schemes such as gym membership (17%)
  • Yorkshire and the Humber-based workers are the most likely in the UK to ask for generous holiday allowance (55%, national average 50%)

Dowd continued:

“This research illustrates how varied regional employees can be. It’s important to take these differences into account when creating and developing your HR strategies to ensure they reflect your workforce’s needs. We would urge employers to engage with employees, on a local level, to find out exactly what they need to stay motivated.”

Steff joined the HRreview editorial team in November 2014. A former event coordinator and manager, Steff has spent several years working in online journalism. She is a graduate of Middlessex University with a BA in Television Production and will complete a Master's degree in Journalism from the University of Westminster in the summer of 2015.

Latest news

NHS badge review raises wider questions about political expression at work

A government-backed NHS review has reignited debate over political symbols at work and how employers can balance protected beliefs with workplace conduct.

Andrew Fettes-Brown: Leading with curiosity – why the built environment needs a culture shift to allow for innovation

Curiosity creates the conditions for learning, growth and understanding. It encourages us to interrogate problems properly rather than rushing to solutions.

Mental health ‘stigma’ still stops staff speaking to managers

Most employees remain uncomfortable discussing mental health concerns with managers despite growing workplace wellbeing investment.

UK set for biggest rise in unemployment among G7 nations, OECD warns

Britain is forecast to record the largest rise in unemployment among G7 economies this year as economic growth slows and labour market conditions weaken.
- Advertisement -

UK employers ‘risk falling behind global rivals on AI hiring’

UK employers remain cautious about artificial intelligence in recruitment while overseas rivals move faster to adopt AI hiring tools.

Carly Jenner of Apeel Sciences

A global people leader shares how list-making, wellness routines and international teamwork shape her working day in HR.

Must read

Andrea Derler: How can strategic recruitment boost diversity?

"Organisations should be held accountable for their efforts to support change at all levels of the business, and what better place to start than the entry level."

Brittany Barhite: Creating a culture of wellness through leadership

Brittany Barhite explores the importance of mental health management in the workplace.
- Advertisement -

You might also likeRELATED
Recommended to you