3/4 of education professionals haven’t had a pay rise in the last 12 months
New research conducted by CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, reveals that three quarters (74.1%) of education professionals haven’t had a formal pay review meeting in the past year. This has resulted in just 20% of workers in the industry receiving a pay rise over the last 12 months, despite not being offered an annual pay review. In addition to this, the study, which surveyed over 1,200 UK professionals, found that over three quarters (77.8%) of workers in the industry believe they’re underpaid. Worse still, half (50%) think that their employer actively avoids the topic of pay altogether. Interestingly, the research exposed that education is one of the top five industries where professionals haven’t been offered a pay review meeting in the last 12 months: Catering (81.3%) Social care (79.4%) Retail (78%) Legal (75%) Education (74.1%) Lee Biggins, CEO and founder of CV-Library, comments: “Feeling like you’re underpaid and aren’t properly financially rewarded for your efforts can be demoralising. Pay is a huge motivator at work, so it is alarming to see so few education professionals have been offered a formal pay review meeting in the past year. “With uncertainty around Brexit and the likelihood of losing skilled EU education professionals, many organisations across the industry are concerned about their talent pipelines. So, if you believe you’re performing well in your role and have the right skills and qualifications, it’s definitely worth broaching the subject of a pay rise with your employer.” The study also reveals that nearly two thirds (64.8%) of educators find it awkward discussing their pay with their employer. But, of the 25.9% of industry professionals who were granted a pay review meeting, the majority (85.7%) received a pay rise. Biggins offers his five top tips for asking for a pay rise: Schedule in a meeting with your boss with the agenda set as a pay review Come prepared with examples and arguments of why you deserve it; organisation is key Be confident in your arguments but don’t appear arrogant; this can deter your employer Don’t be afraid to negotiate, it can’t hurt to try your luck meeting them half way Be prepared to be told ‘no’, you won’t always get a pay rise the first time you ask, but there are other aspects you can negotiate on, like holiday or workplace perks
Over half of education professionals don’t know how to ask for a pay rise
A study conducted by CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job board, has discovered that over half of education professionals (56.3%) don’t know how to ask their employer for a pay rise. A further 51.1% revealed that they’ve never even negotiated on parts of a job offer. What’s more, the survey of 1,200 British professionals reveals that 56.1% of education professionals haven’t received a pay rise in the last 12-18 months. Of those who did, over a quarter (29.4%) received a minimal increase of up to 2%. Below, CV-Library reveals that education is one of the top ten sectors in the UK where Brits are least likely to negotiate on salary: Social Care (59.5%) Hospitality (58.3%) Catering (52.9%) Manufacturing (48.8%) Retail (47.1%) Education (43.8%) Automotive (42.9%) Property (42.1%) Engineering (40.5%) Distribution (37.85) Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “Our survey highlights that a natural fear around bringing up the subject of pay is holding many education professionals back in their careers. Being able to negotiate a pay rise will not only bring you financial reward, but the sense of achievement and increased morale in the workplace. “If you do feel nervous about discussing your pay with your boss, I’d advise doing your research before approaching them. Find out what other employers are offering for similar positions, or even what your own employer’s range is for new hires. Determining your worth is the first step towards knowing how to ask for a pay rise.” Education professionals are in a fantastic position for negotiating pay right now, with salaries for new jobs in education rising by 2.3% in February. This suggests that candidates who don’t know how to ask for a pay rise could be missing out on the chance to improve their job offer. Biggins continues: “In the current UK job market, it’s important to be aware of your worth. With Brexit imminent and unemployment being at its lowest in fifty years, businesses are desperate to not only attract top talent, but hold on to the employees that they’ve got. So, if you’re after a pay rise, now’s the time to start negotiations!”
Research shows employers in the industry DON’T KNOW what education professionals want from a job offer
Despite 89% of employers claiming to know what education professionals find most attractive in a job offer, new data reveals that two fifths (40.4%) actually get it wrong. That’s according to the latest survey from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job site. The survey asked the industry’s job hunters what they believe to be the most important aspects of a job offer. It also asked employers what aspects they believe professionals deem to be the most important. When comparing the responses, the data reveals some discrepancies. While 81.3% of education professionals voted salary as the most important factor, only 59.6% of employers thought this would be the case. Other key findings include: Employers believe location to be the least important part of a job offer (5.6%), while education professionals vote this as their second most important factor (70.8%) What’s more, half (50%) of the industry’s professionals placed working hours as the third most important part of a job offer Flexible working is crucial to over one in four education workers (29%), yet only 13.6% of employers believed this to be a priority Finally, 21.1% of employers said benefits and workplace perks are an attractive factor, compared to 18% of professionals in the industry Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments: “With so much uncertainty across the job market right now, it’s crucial that employers in the industry are doing all they can to attract talented new recruits. Misjudging what candidates are looking for in a job offer can have harmful repercussions for an employer. As such, organisations need to have a clear understanding of what education professionals want from a job, so they can ensure they’re investing in the right areas and offering competitive packages.” What’s more, education professionals were asked to reveal what they look for when scanning a job description, with 91.7% saying they look for set criteria. Interestingly, 56.8% even said they wouldn’t apply to a job if the description didn’t contain the following: Location – 84.1% Salary – 79.5% Working hours – 43.2% Job title – 34.1% Flexible working – 25% Biggins concludes: “Professionals in the education sector know what they want from a job offer and those that are aware of the current climate also know that they can afford to be picky with their choices. With many nervous to switch roles amidst ongoing uncertainty, it’s going to take a competitive package to encourage them to leave their current position. “For this reason, your job descriptions need to clearly show the salary, location, job title and working hours, otherwise you risk losing out on applications. Make this information easy to find and don’t forget to shout about the great perks you have on offer as well!”
Education professionals feel too guilty to take sick days and it’s affecting their mental health
CV-Library offers advice to those who are feeling overworked or struggling with mental health Research from leading job site, CV-Library, has found that the majority of education professionals (65.1%) actually only take one or two sick days a year. What’s more, only 14.3% said they have ‘pulled a sickie’ in the last 12 months. The study sought to uncover just how many sick days the average worker takes each year, and the affect this has on their physical and mental health. Worryingly, two thirds (66.2%) of professionals in the sector said they feel too guilty to take time off when they’re genuinely ill. When asked why they feel too guilty to call in sick, the main reason was because they didn’t want to leave their team in the lurch (39.2%). Other key findings include: Over one in four (29.4%) don’t like taking sick days as they believe it reflects badly on them A further 15.8% say their boss is not very understanding if they are ill And over one in 10 (15%) say calling in sick is frowned upon in their workplace Additional research from CV-Library explored the impact that working overtime can have on people’s physical and mental health. According to the study, two thirds of education professionals (65%) confess to working more than their contracted hours, with 15.4% working an extra 15 hours each week. Lee Biggins, founder and CEO of CV-Library, comments on the finding: “We’re all guilty of overworking ourselves, especially if we’re trying to make a great impression. But the truth is, going into work when you’re not feeling well is counterproductive. When we’re unwell we find it hard to be as alert and it can be difficult to focus. “What’s more, depending on the nature of your illness, you could pass this on to other members of the team or to the pupils, causing it to spread. Therefore, it’s best to take time out to look after your mental and physical health when you need to, so you can return to work feeling fresh and productive.” CV-Library offers its advice to professionals in the education industry who feel guilty about taking sick days, or have an employer who makes them feel bad for doing so: Speak to your manager: If you feel your manager is being unfair, try speaking to them about your situation, whether it’s problems with your physical or mental health. Together you might be able to come to an arrangement to suit both parties. Create work-life balance: If being overworked is affecting your health, try to create a better work-life balance. Be careful not to take too much work home with you in the evenings. Practise self-care: Take time for yourself before/after work and on your weekends. Do something you enjoy or that helps you unwind. Exercise can be a great way to de-stress and boost your mood. Find a new company: If your boss isn’t able to help or your existing company is not very supportive, it might be time to search for jobs elsewhere! Look for an employer who offers flexible working or mental health days and a culture that promotes work-life balance. If it’s time to find yourself a new role, in a company that encourages you to look after your health, browse over 195,000 live vacancies today!
Lack of support around teacher mental health
The stigma around discussing mental health is still very much present, and the majority (80.3%) of education professionals agree that not enough is being done to support mental health at work. In fact, half (50.1%) have considered resigning from a job due to lack of support. That’s according to the latest data from CV-Library, the UK’s leading independent job site. The survey of 1,100 UK workers sought to explore the topic of mental-health in the workplace and how well employers support their staff. With 45.4% of education professionals revealing that aspects of their job can cause them to feel anxious or depressed, it’s clear that something must be done. When asked what measures employers can introduce to help support their staff, respondents said: Promote a healthy work-life balance – 32.9% Refer employees to a counselling service – 19.7% Create an environment where mental health is not stigmatised – 15.8% Have an internal counselling service for staff – 14.5% Allow them to take time out when they need to – 8% Furthermore, the majority (81.6%) of professionals in the education sector believe that employers should offer mental health days for staff, with 80.3% agreeing that they’d be more likely to work for a company that did. A staggering 92% also said that they believe that employers should be given training to help them understand mental health and how to help employees who may be suffering. Lee Biggins, founder and managing director of CV-Library, comments: “It’s concerning to learn that education professionals aren’t feeling supported by their employers when it comes to their mental health and it’s clear more needs to be done to tackle this. It’s a sad reality that mental health problems can affect all areas of life. But if you’re struggling to cope at work, it’s important that you don’t suffer in silence.” Worryingly, the majority (81.8%) of education professionals confessed that they would be too embarrassed to disclose information about the state of their mental health to their employer. What’s more, a huge 81% feel guilty for taking time off for mental health reasons. Biggins concludes: “From our data, it’s obvious that there is a deep-rooted stigma around talking about mental health, particularly at work. And it’s clear that education professionals are reluctant to take days off to look after their mental wellbeing. But the truth is, you wouldn’t feel bad leaving the office because of a migraine or stomach bug and your mental health shouldn’t be any different. “If you are comfortable enough with your boss, it’s important to let them know what’s going on. They may be able to offer you support in the way of counselling, reduced or flexible hours, or time off to recharge. If your employer is very unforgiving and you feel that you are not supported, it could be time to look for a better opportunity elsewhere, in a company where your wellbeing comes first.” For more tips on taking care of yourself, check out our guide on looking after your mental health in the workplace or search over 174,000 jobs today.