On last week’s letters page, a consultant bemoaned the rise in job
hopping in the industry
Benedicte Martin Media Appointments
‘I do think that there is a growing disaffection with consultancy life.
People’s jobs are expanding to such an extent that flexi-time is the
mode and not everyone is prepared to accept that. The quality of life
approach is so prominent that people don’t want to give their life and
soul to their job any more. Basically they want to have a life and some
think that going in-house is the answer.’
Christopher Joll Focus Communications
‘I believe there are three reasons: Firstly because it’s a small
industry and when people get to management level they tend to find their
way blocked and they will switch houses to move up a rank. Secondly,
there’s a real shortage of good operators and when they are appointed
they tend to be hot property. Thirdly, this industry is dominated by
idiosyncratic chief executives and that doesn’t always lead to a happy
working environment.’
Cathy Pittham Icas
‘I there are two main aspects in today’s market: a growth in
opportunities and bigger salaries. But as an industry we haven’t
invested enough in training, and that creates loyalty among employees.
If people feel there isn’t a development programme for each individual
they can’t see any reason for staying. I think being in London can also
work against you, because staff can switch from one agency to another
more easily.’
Victoria Provis Odgers Management Consultants
‘The market is certainly tight so the better people are approached
regularly and may be tempted away. However from my viewpoint they should
beware of doing it too often. If individuals leave quickly because there
has been a mismatch of experience, it suggests to me that either
employer or employee did insufficient homework before striking the
original deal but I haven’t had that experience.’
Abel Hadden Edelman Public Relations
‘In an ideal world there would be no shortages of staff and managers
would already know who they next wanted to employ should the business
grow or someone decide to move on. We do not live in an ideal world -
headhunters abound, at great expense and with few loyalties, often
exacerbating market forces.’
Edited by Lexie Goddard
