Sustainability is one of the most important emerging trends in HR and recruitment. Firms are recruiting fewer people and focusing on moving around the staff they already have.  In order to make that successful, it is essential to create a more engaged workforce. It has been recognised that on average the cost of recruiting, training and integrating a new solicitor is around $100,000+.

A recent survey indicated that just over 60% of the workforce are ‘triggerable’ to move – so what factors are really influencing candidates to leave a role or be attracted to a new role. What can a firm do to be a more attractive place to work – both for their current workforce and for employees of the future?

NURTURE AMBITION Excellent mentoring opportunities, pay increases and extra benefits motivate those looking for career progression. Employees choose to leave a firm that is taking too long to provide them with a pay rise or that causes them not to feel motivated because of lack of mentoring or an uncertain career path.  In an economic climate where pay increases are minimal, employees still need to feel recognised for their achievements and this can be done in other tangible ways, for instance by non-financial rewards such as extra days off, yoga classes, free massages, flowers and awards. A simple thank you goes a long way too.

BE FLEXIBLE Having ‘time’ and ‘choice’ is now more important to many than just having money. Nearly a quarter of employees are predominantly motivated by a job that provides them with flexibility, with the most attractive options being able to work locally and flexible working arrangements. People resent feeling obliged or pressured to stay in the office after hours merely because that is what is expected, whether the work is there or not. 

OFFER SUPPORT The prospect of working within a friendly and supportive team and in an organisation that provides excellent training and HR support are major pull factors to candidates seeking a new role. An environment of tense office politics and a culture that is unappreciative and unmotivating is highly likely to push people towards a new role that enables them to enjoy their working day.

Working together to really utilize all the talent that your employees have, in every way, allows people to do the job that they are employed to do. Flexibility and support ultimately creates a happier and more sustainable workforce to achieve this.

Our annual Salary Survey is now completed and a complimentary copy will be sent to all those clients who participated this week.

For those who did not participate and wish to receive the results of the salary survey the cost is $150 plus GST. Please request your copy by emailing lynette.harp@legalpersonnel.co.nz.

Nominations for the 2010 New Zealand Law Awards will open on Friday 6 August and run through to Tuesday 7 September. Now in its sixth year, the Law Awards is the only event in New Zealand that celebrates and rewards excellence in client service in law firms and by barristers as judged by their clients, and by in-house legal teams as judged by their legal peers. This year the awards ceremony will be held in the Auckland Museum Event Centre on Thursday 4 November 2010.  Voting will run from Friday 17 September to Tuesday 5 October.

Get Involved in the Employer of Choice Award
This award recognises law firms that successfully support the growth and development of their employees, and foster a positive, team-oriented culture.

Taking Part is Easy
Once your firm has been nominated (this can be done by yourself or one of your staff members), simply encourage your employees to log in to the Law Awards website (www.lawawards.co.nz) and vote for your firm. Judging is based on the number of votes received relative to the size of each firm, which means every firm has an equal chance of winning, regardless of whether you’re a small, mid-size or large practice.

Feeback
After the event, we will provide you with a report for the Employer of Choice Award which will benchmark the results of your firm against other nominees, and also provide a summary of comments and feedback.

For all the information you need on participating, visit www.lawawards.co.nz, which has full details on this year’s event. To find out more about the Employer of Choice Award, click on Premium Awards, and Legal Personnel Employer of Choice Award.

Alison Frith gave birth to a gorgeous little boy - James William Michael Frith on April 9, 2010. Both Alison and James are doing very well.

Congratulations to Karen Cameron for being the Temp of the quarter. Everyone has enjoyed working with Karen. She is solid, reliable and good at what she does. Karen received complimentary movie passes.

For those of you who love 'deals' go to www.1-day.co.nz.
Thomas the Tank - Trackmaster Pack $19.99; Electric Grinders $19.99 and more  . . .

Commercial Solicitor
Two years PQE in a large firm this is a candidate hungry to move his career to the next level. With exposure to commercial contracts, IP and immigration - the confidence and focus that only maturity can bring this would be a great candidate to add to your team. Auckland. Reference #10326 – katharine.ziebart@legalpersonnel.co.nz

Solicitor
Two years pqe in NZ with six years experience overseas. Focus on litigation, dispute resolution and regulatory compliance. Strength in negotiations and drafting. Warm, personable approach. Auckland. Reference #8268 – judith.eller@legalpersonnel.co.nz

Solicitor - Auckland
Five years pqe specialising in trusts and estates. Interviewing and advising clients on tailoring of asset protection structures. Excellent administration skills and meticulous in keeping records. Very personable with well developed clients relationship skills. Auckland. Reference #10346 – judith.eller@legalpersonnel.co.nz

Investigations and Compliance
Investigation of verbal and written complaints, research, analysis and reporting on complaint files and supporting committees. Strong verbal and written skills. Currently completing a law degree part time. Auckland.  Reference #10330 - judith.eller@legalpersonnel.co.nz

Practice Manager/Accountant
Eight years legal executive experience for individuals, companies and trusts including small subdivisions and cross leasing. Lending and mortgage documents, refinancing and rearrangement of documentation. Landonline and other legal work had included sole charge secretarial and litigation work. Seeking part time or fulltime. North Shore or City. Reference #1030 - judith.eller@legalpersonnel.co.nz

Graduate A- Average
Completed professionals and due to be admitted in September 2010. Looking to start a career in commercial litigation. Demonstrated ability in oral presentation through moots, writing and drafting skills. Top 5% ranking in moot for law Torts (negligence). Experience as a summer clerk in one of the top firms. Excellent presentation, intelligent, well spoken and very articulate. Auckland or Wellington.  Reference #10342 - judith.eller@legalpersonnel.co.nz

Legal Secretary/IT Trainer & Document Specialist
If you are looking for a broad range of skills then this is your candidate. A talented all rounder with excellent skills MSWord 2007 97% and typing at 74wpm. With strong work ethics and a great attitude this is a candidate that has a lot to offer. Auckland. Reference #9878 - elizabeth.butler@legalpersonnel.co.nz

Legal Secretary/Legal Executive
With strong IT skills and six years experience in property, commercial, wills and trusts in both legal secretarial and legal executive roles. She has a warm bubbly personality, a natural confidence and determination to excel in her career. Auckland. Reference #4877 - elizabeth.butler@legalpersonnel.co.nz