Who would take a counter offer? 57% of people would!

57% of employees accept a counter offer made to them. This statistic stopped us in our tracks. This means, that the majority of people would reject a new opportunity to stay at a company they had already decided to leave. 

As a recruiter, you would spend your time telling candidate that counter offers are bad. If you are good, you will get out your sales pitch out quoting a number of statistics.

We are not saying that the statistics aren’t true but, if people are being told how bad a counter offer is, why is the number of people accepting them rising?

Candidate Power

It has been widely reported in the press that we are at an all time low of unemployment. We also have a wide range of statistics telling us how hard it is to recruit candidates that are actively looking. (take a look at our earlier post: “Top 4 Market Statistics That Will Affect Your Recruitment“).

Also, bear in mind it is their job and livelihood, it is them that have to live with their decision. Not the recruiter or new company. Why would they leave a company if the role they are going to isn’t just perfect?

Time of Uncertainty

If you haven’t heard about Brexit, you may be living under a rock. It still dominates conversations and has caused a lot of uncertainty. If you have the chance to stay where you are, achieve an upgrade on your job role (either money, a promotion or recognition), people are more willing to do it.

Is this a “better the devil you know” situation happening?

Generally More Counter Offers

It is not just candidates who are nervous about market conditions, but it is also employers.

It is tough market in recruitment at the moment and the cost of replacing a new member of staff is only going up. HR Review online reports that it can cost upwards of £30k. So of course, keeping hold of your staff is going to be a priority.

For more information, drop us an email to info@1492-search.co.uk or take a look at some of our other blogs