Why Retention Starts at Recruitment: Building Teams That Last
If you’ve ever lost a great employee, you’ll know the sinking feeling that comes with it. The scramble to cover their workload, the cost of finding someone new, the time spent on training—it all adds up. In London, replacing a single team member can cost tens of thousands of pounds once you factor in recruitment fees, onboarding, and lost productivity.
But here’s the thing: many retention problems start before the employee’s first day. In fact, the seeds of a long-term working relationship are planted at the recruitment stage. At Eden Recruitment Group, we’ve seen it time and time again—when you hire with retention in mind, you build teams that not only stay, but thrive.
Hiring Beyond the Job Description
A CV can tell you a lot about a candidate’s skills, but it doesn’t tell you how well they’ll fit into your organisation’s culture. And cultural fit is often the difference between someone who lasts six months and someone who becomes a cornerstone of your business.
That’s why, before we even start the search, we take time to understand your values, your leadership style, and your team dynamic. When we match candidates, we’re looking for more than just technical skills—we’re looking for people who will feel at home in your environment.
Setting Expectations from the Start
One of the quickest ways to lose a new hire is to surprise them with a role that’s very different from what they signed up for. Misaligned expectations can lead to frustration, disengagement, and ultimately, resignation.
Being transparent about responsibilities, challenges, and success measures during the hiring process sets the tone for an honest relationship. We encourage clients to be upfront about the good, the bad, and even the challenging aspects of the job—because the right candidate will appreciate the honesty and be better prepared to succeed.
Paying Fairly and Valuing Benefits
It’s no secret that salary matters, especially in competitive markets like London. But benefits and work-life balance are increasingly important to employees deciding whether to stay or move on. Flexibility, training budgets, and clear progression opportunities can often tip the scales in your favour.
We regularly benchmark salaries and benefits against the market to ensure our clients remain competitive. Because while paying fairly might seem obvious, it’s one of the simplest ways to show employees they’re valued—and valued employees are far less likely to leave.
Creating Pathways for Growth
Retention isn’t about keeping people in the same seat forever—it’s about helping them grow within your company. When employees can see a future for themselves with you, they’re far more likely to stay engaged and committed.
That could mean offering leadership development for ambitious team members, upskilling opportunities for those who want to broaden their knowledge, or simply giving people the space to take on new challenges. At Eden, we actively talk to candidates about their long-term goals so we can connect them with employers who can help them achieve them.
Communication: The Glue That Holds It Together
Even the best hires can lose motivation if they feel unheard. Open, regular communication—both formal and informal—can make all the difference. Simple check-ins, recognition for a job well done, and an open-door policy for feedback create an environment where employees feel supported.
Retention isn’t a one-off decision. It’s an ongoing process of making your team feel valued, engaged, and part of something bigger. And that starts with the very first conversation in the recruitment process.
The Eden Perspective
We believe recruitment isn’t just about filling vacancies—it’s about building relationships that last. Our retention-first approach means we focus on finding candidates who will stay, contribute, and grow with your business. The result? Teams that are stronger, more stable, and more successful over the long term.
Ready to build a team that lasts?
- Employers: Brief us on your next hire and discover how our recruitment process is designed for retention.
- Candidates: Register your CV and connect with employers who value long-term career growth.









