People are 10 times more likely to stay in their job for friendships than a pay rise

AS job applications on the 1st working Monday of the New Year spiked by 89%, compared to the average Monday, in December, many businesses across the country continue to face growing challenges in retaining staff, especially at this time of year. Yet new independent research from employee engagement technology firm Eko, has revealed that some employers may be missing a trick when it comes to recognising what people really value today. When asked what factors would make them stay in their job for longer, the survey found that people are 10 times more likely to stay put for friendships than a pay rise (only 3% of workers specifically cited a pay rise as something that would make them stay with their employer for longer), highlighting the significance people place on workplace relationships. Other notable findings revealed that millennials in particular, were found to value friendships at work more than any other age group and women placed greater value on these relationships than men. Those people working for Food and Beverage businesses, such as:- restaurants, bars, hotels and catering valued friendships at work the most, closely followed by those working in the:- legal sector, education (Schools, Colleges etc.) and also retail businesses.

COO at Eko, Robert Darling, commented on the research "It's clear that the friendships people form in the workplace today are instrumental to employers in building happy and committed teams that are more likely to stay put. It's also important for employers to recognise what people really value today and what makes them feel valued. People want to feel united as part of a team, to feel like they make a difference to those around them and this comes back to the importance of culture. Real culture is natural, it's part of what makes us human and it's certainly something that employers should be looking to invest more in and nurture over the next few years. Although friendship at work is the most popular reason people stay in their jobs with 31% of all workers polled Citing this as top of their list, it isn't the only consideration when weighing up whether or not to look for a new job. The second most popular factor for 25% of workers is more flexibility to work remotely and the study showed that those aged between 25 to 44 years of age valued this the most compared with other age groups, with both men and women placing equal value on the importance of work life balance. A further 24% of workers said more investment in their wellbeing and personal health would make them reconsider jumping ship. Having greater access to learning and development opportunities to support career progression was also important for 22% of workers and of those, 29% of 16 to 24 year olds placed learning and development ahead of anything else when it comes to staying in their job. Interestingly the study also found that part time workers placed less value on learning and growth opportunities than those working in full time positions. Perhaps unsurprisingly, spending time with family and enjoying greater flexibility in terms of office based hours, continues to be high up the agenda for most workers as does their general wellbeing and the opportunity for progression and development. For businesses there is much more to do in terms of boosting retention, but it would seem that investment in workplace culture is still a number 1 priority."

Claire House Children's Hospice Thanks Dashing Santas For ₤11,000 Boost

MERSEYSIDE based Claire House Children's Hospice have thanked the:- "incredible" group of almost 200 kind hearted fundraisers who completed the recent BTR Liverpool Santa Dash on their behalf. An impressive 185 runners donned a Santa suit and pulled on their running shoes to take part in the 16th annual festive spectacular for Claire House. Claire House Children's Hospice was the official charity partner for the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash 2019; the UK's biggest festive 5K fun run; which attracted 6,000 participants. The fundraising group raised more than ₤11,000 for Claire House Children's Hospice, which has bases in Wirral and Liverpool. Additional funds are still being collected which will further increase the final total.

The team included a group of 20 players and parents from Neston Nomads Girls Under 14 football team, who have been supporting the charity for over 12 months. They have already raised more than ₤5,000 as a group through various fundraising activities. They were joined by teams from the Carpenters Group; Mowgli restaurant on Water Street in Liverpool; Livent in Wirral; and Starbucks on Old Hall Street in Liverpool City Centre who also hosted the charity's Santa Dash Breakfast After Party for the Hospice, commented:- "It was another amazing BTR Liverpool Santa Dash with our Claire House participants raising more than ₤11,000; a fantastic amount of money for the charity. The funds raised so far could pay for 5 months' worth of play therapy; providing fun, distraction and reassurance to children and their siblings during their time at the Hospice. We'd like to thank everyone who took part to support Claire House, our volunteers who helped on the day, and mascot Claire Bear who started the Mink Dash; you're all truly incredible."

Claire House helps seriously ill and terminally ill children live life to the full by creating wonderful experiences and bringing back a sense of normality to family life. By providing specialist nursing care and emotional support, the charity strives to help families smile again when life is tough. Over the past 6 years, the charity has seen an 84% increase in the number of children using the Hospice; and therefore needs to increase the care it can offer families in their homes, help more children at its Wirral Hospice, and increase the services it can offer in Liverpool. 

1st staged in 2004, the BTR Liverpool Santa Dash was created by BTR Liverpool Race Director Alan Rothwell. Each year, Liverpool City Centre is transformed into a sea of red, blue and mini Santas; and is highly regarded as the City's kick start to Christmas. The accessible event is open to everyone, and each year attracts thousands of Santas who walk, jog or run the 5K course. The event also includes a 1K Mini Dash or youngsters aged 12 and under. BTR Liverpool is the leading independent organisation for creating, managing and delivering headline race events across Liverpool City Region. The BTR event portfolio also includes:- the long established BTR Liverpool ½ Marathon which marks its 27th consecutive year, in March 2020; BTR Mersey Tunnel 10K; Port Sunlight Road Race 5K and 10K; and the 52 mile BTR Tour Of Merseyside.

The next BTR Liverpool Santa Dash will be run on Sunday, 6 December 2020, entries are open now with an early bird registration price. Blue Santa suit places are limited. Find out more at:- BTRLiverpool.Com. The BTR Liverpool Santa Dash registration fee covers all costs to organise and deliver the event including:- road closures, safety measures, Santa suits, medals, and entertainment. The BTR Liverpool portfolio for 2020 starts with the long established BTR Liverpool Skyline ½ Marathon on Sunday 15 March, which marks the 27th consecutive year the race has been staged. The event also includes the BTR 10 Mile Road Race.