Virgin Blue has been named Australia’s most attractive employer at the inaugural 2011 Randstad Awards, edging out rival airline Qantas and mining heavyweight BHP Billiton.
The announcement was made yesterday at an exclusive gala dinner at The Ivy Ballroom in Sydney, where senior executives and HR directors from 150 of Australia’s largest employers gathered to find out which companies the Australian public considered the most attractive.
Specialist recruitment & HR services provider, Randstad, announced three awards during the evening, with Macquarie Bank winning the banking/financial Award and BHP Billiton receiving top honours in the mining category.
Recently appointed Randstad CEO Fred Van der Tang commended the winning companies on their victories, paying a special tribute to Virgin Blue for setting the standard in the Award’s inaugural year.
“Since entering the Australian market eleven years ago, Virgin Blue has built upon its reputation as one of the nation’s most respected brands,” Mr Van der Tang said.
“As Australia’s first ever Randstad Award winner, Virgin Blue can now confidently lay claim to being Australia’s most attractive employer, having received an overwhelming endorsement from Australian job seekers.”
Mr Van der Tang said the Randstad Awards are totally unique in this market, with the winner decided entirely on the feedback of the Australian public – providing companies with a valuable snapshot of their employer attractiveness.
“This year’s Awards canvassed the opinions of 7,000 job seekers in Australia. The Randstad Awards are unrivalled for scope and for the value they provide to employers throughout the country.”
Mr Van der Tang said with global skills shortages continuing to intensify, the importance of strong employer branding should not be underestimated.
“Companies with strong employer brands, such as Virgin Blue, have a natural advantage over their competitors,” Mr Van der Tang said.
“Job seekers are drawn to companies for a number of reasons. There are obvious enticements such as financial reward, job security and the opportunity for career progression, but employers that offer a good work/life balance, strong company culture, quality training and development packages, and flexible working conditions can be equally attractive.”
Mr Van der Tang said companies that presented a complete package, offering a vast array of benefits and enticements to employees, were the companies that would continue to win the best talent.
“The stakes for Australian companies are high,” Mr van der Tang said.
“With a talent war looming, the ability of Australian companies to attract and retain the best and brightest employees will prove invaluable in their race to secure greater market share and outperform their competitors.”