Best Companies | Understanding Recruitment Company Profile

Award-winning tech recruiter Understanding Recruitment has become a tech-talent powerhouse whose clients include easyJet and Mastercard. Based in St Albans, in Hertfordshire, its workforce has grown to more than 70 people working in Britain and Boston, Massachusetts.

In 2019, it won the Association of Professional Staffing Companies' Recruitment Company of the Year award and, in 2018, Best Staffing Firm to Work for UK at the Staffing Industry Analysts awards, for the third consecutive year.

Understanding Recruitment was launched in 2007 by Chris Jackson and Dale Swords with a mission to be the go-to tech-recruitment partner for some of the most exciting industries.

Last year, it expanded its services to include a consultancy-driven approach to help support clients to implement critical technology projects.

Prioritising the team is an integral part of the company’s success, and it offers hybrid working, unlimited holidays, two-hour lunches, gym membership, an employee assistance programme, and a wellbeing committee. Trips and events are also an essential part of recognising employees' work.

Understanding Recruitment demonstrated its resilience last year by breaking company records and hiring more than 30 new staff. Further growth and investment in training and development is planned. Everyone benefits from clear training and career progression to empower them to fulfill their potential.

Its values are: "reputation is everything"; "never, ever give up"; "exceed expectations, always"; and "together stronger — be the very best you".

Leadership

100% of staff agreed

I have confidence in the leadership skills of the senior management team

At Director’s Question Time, employees can submit questions anonymously, via an online platform about the present and future plans for the business, on topics such as growth, development, career paths, and benefits.

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My Company

100% of staff agreed

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

Understanding Recruitment has been trying to attract more women, particularly more experienced female employees by looking at benefits offered, such as maternity — and paternity — pay, flexible working, and part-time positions. It has also joined Women in Recruitment, an initiative that helps with attracting, developing and retaining female talent.

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Wellbeing

68% of staff agreed

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

Each team has a budget for a "wellness day" so they can enjoy an activity and a meal out together. Unlimited holiday is offered to staff who have been with the company for two years, and after five and 10 years they can take a sabbatical.

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Leadership

100% of staff agreed

I have confidence in the leadership skills of the senior management team

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Leadership

Best Practice

My Company

100% of staff agreed

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

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My Company

Best Practice

Leadership

100% of staff agreed

I have confidence in the leadership skills of the senior management team

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Leadership

Best Practice

Quote from the top...

Employee engagement has never been more important whilst navigating a new way of working during the pandemic. It’s been imperative for us to communicate and seek feedback across all levels of the organisation in a variety of ways to ensure we are always listening, and most crucially, acting to make positive changes for our employees’ life at work.The pandemic has not derailed our ambitions on what we want to deliver for our employees but allowed us to hone our offering, and accelerate our vision for the future, with an engaged team driving us forward.Whether with flexible working, team days, gym membership or the support of Mental Health First Aiders and Wellbeing Committee, we’re also on a mission to lead on wellness like the tech partners we work with. This will only continue to grow with our five key values at the heart of what we stand for and how we operate on a daily basis.

Chris Jackson, Founding Director - Understanding Recruitment

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