RETENTION: salary and benefits not given highest priority


Good management is the most important factor in staff retention at professional services firms, research has revealed.



A survey of senior human resources professionals at top law and accountancy firms, investment banks and large local authorities - conducted as part of the Law Society's quality of life debate - found that personal access to supervisors was rated the most important factor in motivating staff. More than 80% of respondents said a good line manager who enables staff to develop in their role was key to keeping employees happy.



Opportunities for career progression, and challenging and interesting work were also listed as crucial drivers for staff retention and job satisfaction, ahead of a competitive salary and benefits package.



Law Society President Fiona Woolf said she was surprised by the results, which could present a challenge to law firms. 'We don't have a management culture in the law in the same way that some other professions do. Management is not valued sufficiently, the feeling tends to be "those who can, do - those who can't, manage".'



Sarah Davies, managing consultant at recruiter Hudson Legal, said the results were in line with its feedback. 'Salary and benefits are not so important. We are seeing a trend of lawyers coming back from the US, where they have higher salaries, but they want more structure and a clear career path,' she said.



The survey is part of a Law Society initiative to help law firms tackle the challenges of retaining and motivating staff in the face of competition from other professional sectors.



Catherine Baksi