Having worked in recruitment for a few years now, I’ve witnessed some significant shifts in the employment market, particularly across food, fresh produce, agriculture, and horticulture. Trends in retention, work-life balance and culture are evolving rapidly, and these changes are influencing how people think about their career movements.
From countless conversations with candidates and clients, alongside insights from our previous MorePeople Salary Surveys, it’s clear that work-life balance and company culture are becoming top motivators and sometimes even more important than salary when people consider a career move. Earlier this year, I attended an Employment Law briefing that outlined some of the key recruitment challenges employers are facing today. One trend stands out: flexibility has overtaken salary as the top motivator. In fact:
66% of candidates say they would choose flexibility or work-life balance over a pay rise.
In our 2023 Salary Survey, one of the top-voted benefits across these sectors was: Flexible Working at 35%
Flexible working expectations are a daily topic of conversation, even in sectors traditionally rooted in full-time, on-site roles. This is especially true in seasonal environments like food and fresh produce, where the pressure is relentless. To retain talent, businesses are having to adapt and provide more than just a competitive salary. A culture that supports and understands work-life balance can foster far more than just happier employees.
"Hybrid working and other perks are as important as salary increases to buffer against inflation. Trust from employees to work remotely is very important” (MorePeople Salary Survey 2023)
One of the most meaningful conversations I’ve had recently was with a candidate who I asked:
"If you could change one thing about your current job, what would it be and why?"
On paper, they had no obvious reason to leave their job. There was no major conflict, and things were going well. But they shared a growing realisation that work was on their mind almost 24/7, often interfering with their personal life. They didn’t feel comfortable speaking up in case it made them seem uncommitted or not a team player.
This question opened up an honest and revealing conversation. It was a reminder that sometimes, people don’t leave for purely negative reasons, but they leave because, in high-pressure jobs, people often go into survival mode, where they just keep going out of habit. It’s only when something tips them over (health issues, family strain, burnout) that they consider pushing back or leaving.
That’s why asking, "If you could change one thing about your current job..." is such a powerful tool for leaders and managers. It creates space for honest reflection, uncovers silent frustrations, and gives both sides the chance to act before things escalate. It's a simple question, but it opens the door to understanding what’s really going on beneath the surface. In fast-paced, margin-tight industries like fresh produce and FMCG, it’s easy for both employers and employees to get caught in the cycle of just getting things done. But long tenure and solid performance don’t always equal long-term engagement.
So, what can employers do?
Check in and identify what might be missing in someone’s current role
Start honest conversations before people feel stuck and their only option is to leave
Ask questions that go beyond performance reviews like: “If you could change one thing…”
Create a culture where it’s safe to speak up
Review and refresh options
Employers who take the time to listen, support flexibility, and build a culture where people feel safe to speak up will be the ones who keep their best talent. Sometimes, all it takes is a simple question to keep someone engaged and committed.
