Britain: why should anyone work here?

British business leaders will be heartened to see the UK named as the world’s top destination for highly skilled workers. Most respondents to a Deloitte survey on what makes Britain an appealing place to live and work say they are attracted by its job opportunities, cultural diversity and work-life balance.

The findings make for pleasant reading amid uncertainty over Brexit. A recent study showing that London has retained its position as the globe’s most attractive financial centre provides more good news. The survey, carried out by Z/Yen Global Financial Centres Index, takes into account factors such as quality of staff and infrastructure when ranking 92 cities worldwide.

But some commentators argue that the UK will suffer greatly when it eventually severs all ties with the European Union (EU). So how can post-Brexit Britain still attract top foreign talent amid this uncertainty?

“The UK has underlying strengths that will likely persist,” says Rob Goffee, Emeritus Professor of Organisational Behaviour at London Business School (LBS). “We’re a liberal democracy with many attractions and an economy with wonderful creative industries, world-leading sectors of research and development and top-class universities that educate people from all over the world.”

Professor Goffee speaks from a position of authority, having co-authored Why Should Anyone Work Here? with Gareth Jones, Fellow of the Centre for Management Development at LBS. The book explores how to create authentic organisations using the DREAMS model:

• D – difference beyond diversity
• R – radical honesty
• E – extra value
• A – authenticity
• M – meaning
• S – simple rules

Small to medium-sized (SMEs) British based companies can do relatively well in two areas – diversity and simple rules – where larger organisations often struggle. This, in turn, can make them attractive to highly skilled workers.