Title

HUMAN RESOURCES

Don't lose focus on your people

Julie Towers has the questions workplaces should be asking themselves as the sector faces unprecedented challenges.

With new year's resolutions either embedded in your normal daily life or (more likely) given up on, I thought I would share some interesting and timely questions we've been pondering with our clients in the public and private sector:

1)–Will your talent acquisition strategy keep pace with your staff turnover?

2)–How will you improve the diversity of your workforce – for real?

3)–Have you invested enough in early career talent – the future professionals?

4)–What creates work culture in a blended workplace?

5)–What does onboarding in an agile workplace look like?

6)–How does your employer brand stand up against the competition?

7)–Does your candidate engagement experience fulfil your promise?

8)–Fifty per cent of leavers would stay, says the research. Is your retention strategy in play – are your managers playing their part in it?

9)–Are you selecting for fit or added value?

10)–Is your people strategy ready? More importantly, are your people managers ready?

There are no easy answers, no simple solutions. But I know that, with the right strategies and applied approaches, organisations will get through the unprecedented challenges of high staff turnover, professional talent shortages, and a new approach and attitude to work.

Post-pandemic recovery, refresh and renewal in local government is rightly focused on communities, the place and the economy, but ensure you include your people and your people strategy, too.

Julie Towers is managing director of Penna

HUMAN RESOURCES

Delivering on the promise of power

By Rebecca McKee | 11 August 2025

Mayors need effective economic strategies to deliver on the promise of English devolution, says Rebecca McKee.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Making the school run safer

By Jemima Hartshorn | 11 August 2025

More than three quarters of School Streets in London are either breaking even or generating income – and the scheme is popular with the public, says Jemima H...

HUMAN RESOURCES

How tracking a housing repair can be as easy as ordering a pizza

By Sam Dugmore | 11 August 2025

Sam Dugmore explains how personalised communications for tenants of council homes in Wolverhampton have improved understanding of residents’ needs and the se...

HUMAN RESOURCES

From crisis to clarity

By Steve Preston | 11 August 2025

Steve Preston looks at the role of forecasting in sustainable SEND provision.

Popular articles by Julie Towers