The pitfalls of accepting a counter offer……..

THE PITFALLS OF ACCEPTING A COUNTER OFFER……..

With the latest changes in the job market many employers will be devising retention plans to ensure the stability of their teams. This can often include counter offers for those employees that seek alternative opportunities.

In this article we explore what a counteroffer is, and the pitfalls of accepting one.

What is a counteroffer?

In the case of recruitment, a counteroffer is a response to an employee indicating their intention to leave for a new opportunity. A current employer may extend a counteroffer such as a salary increase, promotion, or other benefits, to convince the employee to stay.  This can be driven by an employer's desire to avoid the high costs associated with recruiting and training a replacement.

Whether an active or passive job seeker, understanding what motivated you to look in the first place is key. Reasons such as feeling underpaid and undervalued, lack of career progression, long working hours, extended commute, not feeling challenged in the role, company culture, ethos and poor management can all be key factors in a job search.

 

8 reasons not to accept a counteroffer

1. Even if your salary has changed, the underlying issues that prompted the job search often remain

2. Your future employer sees your potential and is willing to invest in your professional growth. Counteroffers are usually made inresponse to a resignation, so it can be difficult to know how much your current employer truly values your contribution.

3. Change can be difficult in any circumstances, no less so when changing jobs however, new roles often bring career growth and job satisfaction that current jobs do not.

4. If your employer is willing to adjust your salary based on staying with company, then have they knowingly underpaid you for your talent and contribution?

5. Would this salary increase lead to having a lower pay adjustment in your next review?

6. Resignation is often perceived as a sign of disloyalty, and your employer may begin to question your commitment and reliability, which could impact your future opportunities for growth within the company.

7. Resigning and then accepting a counteroffer could result in a change in team dynamics and resentment from team members who have not benefitted from an increase in salary and or benefits

8. Accepting a counteroffer may affect your reputation within the industry making the employer you rejected hesitant to consider you for future opportunities

 

Many job seekers who accept a counteroffer, often return to the job market sooner rather than later as the counteroffer has not addressed the underlying reasons why they were looking in the first place. Counteroffers can often be a short-term solution to long term issues.

80% of candidates who accept a counteroffer from their current employer end up leaving within 6 months.

Experts2care are a specialist recruitment company supporting leaders in care home management to secure the best next step career moves and the best talent for their organisations.

If you are looking for a career move, and you are a Manager or Exec in UK Care Homes then please get in touch to see how I we can help. Contact Sophie Reeves (sophie@experts2care.com) at Experts2care www.experts2care.com