The evolution of the CIO: an evolving role

​We all want committed employees but is length of service a true indicator of engagement? Does simply staying around in an employment relationship mean you’re all in? Of course, there are no simple answers to these questions – each situation is as individual as the parties involved – but it is worth thinking about what benefits both short and long tenure bring – and not rushing to build assumptions (or recruitment practices) on one or the other. 

So, what is employee tenure? It is generally defined as the length of time an individual spends with the same organisation or working for the same employer. According to the CIPD, the most common length of service is between two and five years (22.4%) but employees with over five years’ service make up nearly 50% of the workforce (Jan-Dec 2022).  

Is a long-term relationship better? You can certainly be forgiven for thinking so, as our corporate landscape often places value on long service and actively engages with strategies to lengthen or reward employee tenure. But why? Here are some key benefits of both short- and long-term tenures:

Long-term employee tenure

Increased productivity

Tenured employees tend to have a clear understanding of their roles and company goals due to their experience and time with the organisation. This familiarity with processes and procedures can allow them to work efficiently and contribute positively to productivity, as they are able to navigate the idiosyncrasies inherent in all companies. Quite often, they will have developed practices that enable the most efficient use of time to achieve objectives and outputs; and are then able to influence wider practices to spread the word. 

Stability and commitment 

Tenured employees will often feel more secure in their positions and so, can demonstrate greater commitment to the company. Their loyalty contributes to a stable work environment, which can positively impact team dynamics and overall organisational success. My current HR team has an average tenure of around 10 years, and this contributes to a very supportive and effective working environment – although how they’ve put up with me over the years is still a mystery! 

Skill set and knowledge base

Over time, tenured employees accumulate valuable knowledge and skills specific to their roles. This expertise can not only be passed down to new hires, benefitting the organisation as a whole, but also help with integrating new technologies and processes, ensuring they work for the business. We all have a ‘go-to’ person in our companies who is the fount of all knowledge and can help give a perspective gained from years of experience and insight. 

Company ambassadors

A company that retains its workforce builds a reputation for employee satisfaction. In a world where Employee Value Proposition (EVP) plays an important role in both retention and attraction, having employees who are aligned with the company ethos and happy to talk about why they’ve stayed so long, is a real asset. Plus, they are able to share this insight with new hires, acting as mentors and imparting knowledge and enthusiasm for the company. 

Short-term employee tenure

So, if long tenured employees are the utopia, why does an interim market exist, I hear you ask? What about those contractors who enjoy short-term assignments or project-based roles? Well, as I mentioned earlier, there are benefits to both forms of tenure and while the above benefits can be true of long-term relationships, there is also a lot to be said for a short-term fling (from an employment perspective, I hasten to add): 

Career experience 

Demonstrating experience in diverse roles can make employees more attractive to potential employers, not only for permanent positions but also where a specific skill set or experience is needed. Working in various short-terms roles can help to provide this and organisations then benefit from someone who can bring real-life examples from different workplaces. 

Versatility

Working across different organisations and/or industries means employees will have experience of adapting to new environments or taking on responsibilities they haven't had before. This can encourage a mindset that is open to new ideas, as well as sharing them, and so means organisations benefit from having a versatile employee who excels in new environments. 

Openness

By accepting that an individual is not planning on bedding down within the organisation, employers may find a level of openness and challenge that is not there in others. The short-termer will be happy to challenge the status quo and focus on meeting the objectives in hand, even if that means coming up with new ways of working or unsettling the cart. While this might not be comfortable for all involved, it will foster an environment where ‘this is how it’s always been done’ is no longer a mantra. 

Ambition and drive 

Employees who are prepared to leave a company to seek new challenges or career development that is not available to them if they stay, show a level of ambition that is likely to have benefitted the company during their employment. In addition, they could well be the individuals who return to the organisation as future leaders, and so allowing them the opportunity to gain new experiences, while leaving on good terms, is a no brainer. 

Final thoughts 

With benefits of both types of tenure, where does this leave you? Should you be looking for a serial monogamist or a more open relationship? Well, as with most things in life, there isn’t a simple answer. It’s primarily about striking the right balance within your workforce and accepting that people have different preferences and needs.

Of course, you should be looking to encourage retention and reward those who show loyalty to the company, but you should also embrace those who leave sooner than hoped as they may one day wish to return. Many people, having gained certain skills and experience elsewhere, will fondly remember their experience at an organisation and consider rejoining. Therefore, the main thing to remember is how all employees are treated and valued during their time with you. Who knows, you may rekindle a relationship with an old flame further down the line! 

Looking for your next great hire in the HR space, or looking for pastures new? Contact our specialist consultants to start the journey.

​When it comes to the hospitality industry, the role of a hotel manager is crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of a hotel. From overseeing day-to-day operations to managing staff and ensuring guest satisfaction, hotel managers play a key role in the success of a hotel. If you are considering a career in hotel management, it's important to understand what the role entails and whether it is the right fit for you.

What does a Hotel Manager do?

A hotel manager is responsible for overseeing the overall operations of a hotel, including managing staff, ensuring guest satisfaction, and maximizing revenue. They are typically in charge of setting and achieving financial goals, developing and implementing policies and procedures, and maintaining high standards of customer service. Hotel managers also handle issues such as staffing, budgeting, marketing, and public relations to ensure the hotel runs smoothly and efficiently.

Is a career as a Hotel Manager right for me?

A career as a hotel manager can be both rewarding and challenging. If you have a passion for hospitality, strong leadership skills, and a knack for problem-solving, a career in hotel management may be a good fit for you. It's important to be able to work well under pressure, communicate effectively with staff and guests, and adapt to changing situations in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, a willingness to work long hours, including nights and weekends, is often required in this role.

Key responsibilities of a Hotel Manager

Some key responsibilities of a hotel manager include:

• Overseeing day-to-day operations of the hotel

• Managing staff and ensuring they are properly trained and motivated

• Ensuring guest satisfaction and responding to guest feedback

• Developing and implementing strategic plans to achieve financial goals

• Managing budgets and controlling costs

• Marketing and promoting the hotel to attract guests

• Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety

• Handling any issues or complaints that arise

Career progression

For those interested in a career in hotel management, there are opportunities for career progression. Many hotel managers start out in entry-level positions and work their way up through the ranks. With experience and dedication, it is possible to advance to higher-level management roles such as general manager or regional manager. Continuing education and professional development can also help hotel managers advance their careers and stay current in the industry.

A career as a hotel manager can be a fulfilling and challenging path for those with a passion for hospitality and leadership. By understanding the role, responsibilities, and potential for career progression, you can determine if a career in hotel management is the right fit for you.

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​While investment continues apace to fill the nation’s digital skills gaps, the current reality means employers need to take a different approach if they are to fill their vacancies. One strategy could be through study employee engagement levels. Staff motivation can be increased in various ways, from teambuilding days to financial incentives, but a real connection to an organization and between its people can be significantly enhanced through allyship.  

In the tech sector, where much progress needs to be made in diversity and inclusion, allyship can solve many cultural challenges as well as create opportunities for tech-related careers. 

Q: How important is allyship in the tech sector? 

A: It’s no secret that businesses are struggling with digital skills gaps, which is hampering their ability to develop and remain competitive. This scramble to find tech-savvy talent means many companies are missing out on skilled professionals who have been offered higher salaries when they could instead showcase their commitment to diversity and inclusion. They could be looking to hire people who have been traditionally underrepresented in the sector, including women and people from ethnically diverse communities.  

They could also invest in retraining existing staff who show enthusiasm and aptitude for tech roles. When experienced professionals mentor others, it can make a real difference to the business, not just in terms of filling jobs, but in creating a culture change where employees feel they can develop their careers within the organization. 

Q: How can tech employers build a culture of strong allyship, and how does it work? 

A: Allyship takes time to establish so should be viewed as a long-term investment. It involves a combination of top-down support with leaders dedicated to the in-house training and upskilling of individuals. Managers should also act as allies in support of team members taking on additional tasks to develop their skills. 

Tech careers are fast-paced and require workers who enjoy learning about new developments, identifying where improvements and efficiencies can be made across the business with tech, and keeping abreast of trends. Pairing employees who can naturally form strong working relationships really helps, and the partnership should also be supported by regular feedback and measurable goals. 

Consider setting up employee resource groups for underrepresented communities, where members can network and gain insight from external speakers and advocates to bolster their careers.  

It can also help to cement your allyship plans by promoting it in your job adverts and on your website and social channels. It’s a great benefit so should be shouted about – especially by those who are involved. Encouraging people to spread the word on their own channels and through your employee ambassadors, can be hugely beneficial for business.  

Q: What types of professionals make good allies? How should allyships be formed? 

A: Anyone can be an ally, but the title is not something that can be self-proclaimed, but rather something recognized by the individual or group on the receiving end of the partnership. It is easy while having good intentions, to slip into ‘white knighting’, ‘mansplaining’, or other forms of negatively received behavior. To train yourself out of these habits, if you think you/the ally are prone, is to remember that the focus should be on the individual – their experiences, how they like to learn, and what they want out of the allyship.  

It's a privilege to be asked to be an ally – and speaks volumes for the professional reputation of those selected for the role, usually by HR or senior leadership. But it’s important to be realistic about the partnership, what the ally can offer in terms of time and skills, and measurable outcomes.  

Personality clashes happen sometimes, so it helps to have trial periods where both parties have time to settle into the partnership and work through any teething problems.  

We’ve heard time and again from mentees how useful it has been to have that solidarity – someone in their corner giving them a professional and personal boost, and a new perspective on navigating an industry that can seem challenging at times. 

Q: What forms of allyship work best – does it always have to be about practical support? 

A: We’ve often found that practical and emotional support go hand in hand.  

People wanting to learn new skills are often passionate about their futures and will naturally have concerns about that – as well as how they are progressing and what they want from the partnership. They might want assurances that they are on the right track, or be keen to demonstrate new knowledge. They may see their ally as someone to bounce ideas off as well as to help clarify in their own minds what they ultimately hope to gain from the relationship. 

Other ways to be an ally include acting as a sponsor, a champion, or an advocate for individuals or groups. This might include promoting the allyship externally, standing up for individuals experiencing issues in their careers, or inviting members of underrepresented groups within the business to take on roles with greater visibility, at events or within internal communications. 

Q: Organisations with a culture of allyship will be more attractive to job seekers. What other benefits are there? 

A: Allyship is a benefit that all organizations should seek to offer. It can make the difference between an employee staying or leaving for pastures new. It can attract job seekers and inspire employees who may realize mentoring talents they didn’t know they had.  

The rewards extend beyond the organization itself, into the community – and can make an employer sought out by schools, colleges, and universities who admire the principles of allyship.  

Brand reputation is everything, and today’s professionals won't settle for anything less than people-first organizations. 

To expedite your search for tech talent, don’t hesitate to get in touch.