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Nicky Jolley, founder and managing director of Darlington firm HR2day, is urging local businesses to focus on wellbeing to stop staff job hunting to beat the blues.

With the cold weather and new year’s resolutions still on people’s minds, it’s no surprise that around one in five employees heads to pastures new in the first two months of the year.

According to research by Glassdoor, the main reasons given for changing jobs include low salary, needing a new challenge, boring work and negative relationships with colleagues.

While companies, particularly small businesses, might not be in a position to increase wages, wellbeing issues being addressed could stop some people walking out of the door.

Nicky said:

“Culture is a big issue in a lot of workplaces, particularly after COVID. Many employees are looking for jobs that offer flexible or hybrid working, and a lot of people are struggling with their mental health due to the lockdowns.

“Good employers can’t stick their heads in the sand about these issues, and by looking at flexible options for those who want it and having an open-door policy or pastoral care on offer for those who are struggling as a result of the pandemic may inspire loyalty from those who are tempted to leave.

“Businesses and individuals have been through a lot in the past two years – people have been cooped up and frightened, and in some cases, very ill or bereaved. If employers tackle this head on and reflect it in the culture, they’ll reap the rewards in staff retention.”

Find out more about HR2day here.