Job searching is often seen as a straightforward process, submit applications, attend interviews, and wait for responses. However, the reality is far more complex. How candidates approach their job search, handle setbacks, and maintain motivation plays a crucial role in determining success. Mindset is one of the most overlooked yet powerful factors in career progression.
The Work-Life Balance Myth: What Do People Really Want?
For years, employers have promised work-life balance. But let’s be honest, has it ever truly existed?
The idea that we can “balance” work and life, like two neat halves of a pie chart, just doesn’t fit reality anymore. What employees want today isn’t just fewer hours or a ping-pong table in the break room, it’s freedom, flexibility, and meaning.
Your Employees Are People Too: The Importance of Time Off for a Healthy, Productive Workforce
In the hustle and bustle of running a business, it’s easy to forget that the people driving your company aren’t just employees — they’re human beings. They’re parents, caregivers, children, volunteers, and active members of their communities. They have lives beyond the office (or home office) and need time to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with what matters most.
Beyond the Quick Fix: Building a Recruitment Strategy for Explosive, Sustainable Growth
We’ve all been there: the rush to fill a role quickly, only to find ourselves back at square one a few months later. It’s a frustrating cycle that drains time, energy, and team morale. Recruitment shouldn’t just be about plugging gaps; it’s about building something solid that sets your business up for the long haul.
Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK: Let’s Talk Honestly About Mental Health at Work
Mental Health Awareness Week (13–19 May 2025) is a moment to pause, reflect, and talk about something that affects us all — whether we’re candidates, employers, or colleagues.
The Role of Technology and Innovation in Attracting Gen Z Talent
Let’s talk about Gen Z—the digital natives shaking up the job market in the best way.
“We’ll Just Handle Recruitment Internally” vs. Recruitment Agencies – Are You Really Saving Time & Money?
At Keen People, we’ve had this conversation countless times. Some companies are convinced that handling recruitment internally is the best way to go—after all, who knows their business better than they do? Others swear by the expertise of specialist recruitment agencies, trusting them to find the right talent faster. So, which approach really works best?
Sponsoring International Talent: A Guide for UK Employers
In a competitive job market, businesses across the UK are increasingly looking abroad to find top talent. However, hiring international candidates requires navigating the UK’s sponsorship process, ensuring compliance with immigration laws while securing skilled professionals for your company.
Here’s a straightforward guide to what employers need to know.
1. Do You Need a Sponsor Licence?
If you want to hire a worker from outside the UK (including EU nationals, except Irish citizens), your business will likely need a sponsor licence. This allows you to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which a candidate needs to apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
Some individuals may not need sponsorship, such as those with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.
2. How to Apply for a Sponsor Licence
To become a licensed sponsor, businesses must:
✔ Check Eligibility – You must be a legally operating UK business and have proper HR systems in place to monitor sponsored workers.
✔ Ensure the Role Qualifies – The job must meet the required skill and salary thresholds (generally £38,700 per year).
✔ Appoint Key Personnel – Designate staff responsible for sponsorship duties.
✔ Submit the Application – Apply online to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and pay the relevant fee (£574 for small businesses, £1,579 for larger companies).
✔ Prepare for Compliance Checks – UKVI may inspect your business to ensure compliance with sponsorship duties.
Once approved, you’ll receive an A-rated licence, allowing you to issue sponsorship certificates to eligible candidates.
3. Employer Responsibilities
As a sponsor, you must:
✔ Monitor employees and report visa-related issues to UKVI.
✔ Ensure salaries and job roles continue to meet visa requirements.
✔ Keep up-to-date records of sponsored workers.
Failure to meet these obligations can result in fines, licence revocation, or reputational damage.
4. Costs Involved
Hiring international talent comes with costs, including:
✔ Sponsor Licence Fee – £574 (small businesses) to £1,579 (larger companies).
✔ Certificate of Sponsorship – £525 per worker.
✔ Immigration Skills Charge – £364 to £1,000 per year, depending on company size.
✔ Visa & Health Surcharge – Skilled Worker visa fees range from £769 to £1,519; and the Immigration Health Surcharge is £1,035 per year.
5. The Candidate’s Process
Once an employer issues a Certificate of Sponsorship, the candidate must:
✔ Apply for a Skilled Worker visa.
✔ Meet English language proficiency requirements.
✔ Pay visa and health surcharge fees.
Visas are typically granted for up to five years, with the option to apply for indefinite leave to remain after this period.
Sponsoring international talent can seem complex, but for many businesses, the investment is worthwhile. With the right guidance, companies can access a global pool of skilled professionals while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.
For full and official guidance, please visit www.gov.uk/uk-visa-sponsorship-employers. This information is provided as general guidance (valid as of the publication date)—always refer to official sources for the latest requirements.
The Best Way to Communicate in Recruitment: Phone, Email, WhatsApp, or LinkedIn?
Recruitment is all about communication, but in today’s fast-paced world, what’s the best way to reach candidates and employers? With so many options—email, phone calls, WhatsApp, LinkedIn messages—getting it right can mean the difference between engaging top talent and being ignored.
Working Across Generations: What Today’s Professionals Want from Employers
At Keen People, we’re always discussing what attracts top talent. Over coffee the other day, we found ourselves talking about how different generations approach work—and why businesses can’t afford to take a one-size-fits-all approach when hiring. Today’s professionals know what they want, but their priorities vary depending on their experiences, values, and career goals.