Legal counsel

So, it's the start of another year – time, perhaps, to move on? Many of us will have made New Year's resolutions, usually about eating more healthily, exercising more, drinking less and so on. But the festive period also tends to be a time when employees make decisions about whether or not to change job.

The grass is not always greener somewhere else, however. Before deciding to move on, employees should carefully consider their reasons for seeking alternative employment. Typically, employees change positions for career advancement, a better work/life balance, because they are dissatisfied with certain aspects of their role or to seek a better remuneration package.

Within the public sector, flexible working practices have been around for some time now. But new statutory rights will be introduced in April this year, so any flexible working arrangements already in place are likely to be under review. Any individual contemplating a move for this reason would therefore be well advised to consult with their existing employer to ascertain what, if any, changes they intend to make.

If money is the reason for contemplating a change, then employees need to carefully consider the real value of the remuneration package they currently receive against what's on offer from a prospective employer. Often employees can be coaxed into leaving a position they enjoy for a similar role in a different organisation, but at a higher rate of salary.

When comparing remuneration packages, employees should carefully consider the various components of the package, in particular the value of benefits such as pensions. The real value of hidden benefits can often mean that there is actually little difference between the two.

Until last year, pensions were given only nominal consideration by employees. However, after considerable media coverage, an increasing number of organisations are changing the pension provisions that they offer to new starters, typically from generous final-salary schemes to money-purchase schemes. So pensions should be an important consideration for any individual contemplating a change.