Identify engineering companies with a supportive environment
This note will describe how you can create a shortlist of engineering companies that excel at providing a supportive work environment. A supportive work environment is one that hires graduates, and promotes their development and retention.
Ranking engineering companies by staff turnover
One measure we can use to identify supportive work environment is to understand a company’s rate of staff turnover. People want to stay in work environments that are supportive of career development and offer work life balance. These workplaces are likely to have a low turnover of staff. Conversely, if a workplace has a high staff turnover it is likely because their are issues with the work environment.
LinkedIn offers insights into a company’s staff turnover by reporting a ‘median tenure’ of employees. This is obviously only for registered LinkedIn members, so is not a complete data set. However, LinkedIn use is widespread in the industry so it still is a useful tool, particularly for comparing medium to large size workplaces (more than 100 people).
Looking at well known medium to large UK based engineering consultancies, the average tenure reported by LinkedIn varies from 6.5 years to 2.8 years. A median tenure of 6.5 years can be equated to a staff turnover of 100/6.5 = 15% per year. A median tenure of 2.8 years equates to a staff turnover of 35%. We can confidently surmise that the work environment in the company with 15% staff turnover is more supportive than the company with 35% staff turnover (1/3 staff leaving every year).
Some of the engineering companies performing well in this measure include Price and Myers, AECOM, Arup and Mott MacDonald.
In order to find the median tenure on LinkedIn for a company you are interested in, you will need to have a LinkedIn premium membership. Free one month premium trials are available to non-premium LinkedIn members, so to avoid paying the premium fee you can try and perform all your research within the 1 month free trial.
Other measures of a supportive environment
When considering employment opportunities, it's crucial to identify companies that foster a supportive work environment. Such companies often receive various accreditations and awards, reflecting their commitment to employee well-being and development. As you explore potential employers, keep an eye out for their involvement in the following programs:
Investors in People
This program awards accreditation to companies excelling in leadership, development, and support of their staff. It not only assesses current practices but also provides a roadmap for ongoing improvement. Companies recognized by Investors in People are often noted for being more productive and profitable by up to 20%, underlining the principle that effectively supporting staff correlates with business success.
Building Good Employer Guide
Published annually by Building magazine, this guide lists the top 50 employers in the construction sector. It provides valuable insights, including staff turnover rates, training hours, holiday entitlements, and gender diversity statistics. Although this guide was last published in 2018, its historical data can still offer valuable benchmarks for evaluating potential employers.
In-House Graduate Programs
Many mid-sized and larger engineering firms offer structured graduate development programs. These programs are designed to support new engineers with training, ongoing assessment, and feedback, crucial for professional growth during the early stages of their careers. When interviewing for graduate positions, inquire about the existence and details of such programs, as they can significantly enhance your early career development. Apart from graduate programs, check if the company invests in continuous learning and professional development for all employees. This could include sponsoring further education, certifications, or providing in-house training programs.
Work-Life Balance and Flexibility
Look for companies that value work-life balance, offering flexible working hours or remote work options. This can be a significant factor in overall job satisfaction and employee well-being.
By considering these factors and programs, you can gain a comprehensive view of a company's commitment to creating a supportive and enriching work environment, which is vital for long-term career satisfaction and growth.
Note by Will W
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