Latest research by Reed Consulting, a provider of HR consultancy and outsourced services reveals 25% of UK employers are using unreliable assessment methods to recruit new hires. More than 200 organisations were surveyed to determine how successfully organisations are assessing skills of new employees to support and drive business growth and performance.
The findings reveal the cost of poor practice to the UK economy. Julie Lowe, Head of Assessment Services at Reed Consulting comments, ìThis is a real wake up call for UK organisations. Our calculations show poor processes are costing UK employers an estimated 10,000 in incorrect hiring. Across the UK economy, this carries an estimated cost of more than 18 billion.î
The survey also explores the way in which UK businesses use assessment methods to understand the range of skills and capability of staff. The survey reveals over 50% of those asked make little use of psychometric tests when recruiting for senior positions. Julie Lowe, Head of Assessment Services at Reed Consulting explains, ìThere is a clear lack of understanding and value placed on assessments suggesting a real fear that senior level candidates will resent assessment tests. Recruiting the right talent for senior positions is a critical decision which can affect business performance and growth, existing business and employee motivation. UK businesses cannot afford to make the wrong decision based inadequate evidence.î
Ways to stop wasting money:
- Understand what you are looking for in a candidate. Analyse the skills required for the role. This will enable organisations to conduct targeted assessments and understand how testing and selecting the right candidate can support the needs of the business.
- Interviewing candidates is not the only way to determine candidate capability. To gain a rounded view of candidates requires a variety of assessments. This will give candidates an opportunity to understand and preview the role.
- Before launching a product to market, it is best practice to thoroughly test and analyse it. The same business principle should be applied to candidates.
- Provide training for the non HR employees involved in the recruitment process. In order to conduct an objective assessment and to benchmark skills, training will help assessors to make an objective decision.
For further information or to speak to Julie Lowe, please contact Oliver Eden Green or Sandra Plange at Communications Management on 01727 850761.
Can the UK economy afford to lose 18 billion a year?
UK businesses waste thousands through poor assessment practices
