As vaccines increase and COVID-19 cases decline, the “return to office” question is top of mind for many office workers and employers in the UK and Europe. Whether you’ve been working fully remotely or in-office, employers play a vital role in ensuring workers feel safe and valued in the “new normal.”

Working within the private healthcare sector has not been without its challenges this past year. A contentious subject at times, any disputes between the NHS and private hospitals were set aside in early 2020 as the Government pledged to secure extra bed space for patients affected by the pandemic.

More than one year on, the pharmaceutical industry continues to play an essential role in the response against the virus. Alongside developing tests and vaccines against the coronavirus, the industry has also had to consider and respond to other areas affected by the pandemic.

Unquestionably, healthcare has been one of the most severely affected industries during the Covid-19 pandemic. Overstretched, understaffed and with a myriad of safety concerns, workers have remained dedicated to the care of others, in the face of unimaginable adversity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound and lasting effect on the retail sector. As many stores were forced to close during several lengthy lockdowns, those with no previous online presence sought to quickly become e-commerce-savvy.

The transport and logistics industry continues to play an integral role in supplying the country with essential goods and services during a worldwide pandemic.

The food manufacturing and processing sector is undoubtedly experiencing some of the biggest repercussions from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Monthly team outings or free access to the gym are quite effective in keeping your employees engaged but are these extrinsic factors enough to retain your top talents and help them reach their full potential?

The global labour market has witnessed a radical shift in the way organisations treat their employees. Forward-thinking companies are acutely aware of how a positive employee experience paves the way for unparalleled customer experience. It is not only the paying customers who are treated with priority and a customer-first mentality, but the people responsible for acquiring and retaining these customers are also given equal importance. The days of luring talents in with free lunch and a fantastic health plan are gone. To engage and retain a skilled employee, the management team must work on and personalise all interactions - from pre-hire dialogues to the exit interview (in short, touchpoints), journey milestones, and employee expectations. Candidates assess future employers from the very start of the talent acquisition experience and make quick judgments about what life will be like for them in the organization, based on how they interact with the enterprise during the recruiting cycle.