War for talent - Dutch style
Can it be true? I hear in Amsterdam one fiercely competitive mid-tier firm desparate for staff has taken to driving around the offices of its Big Four rivals using a megaphone urging accountants to defect. Even if it's not true, it's a suggestion that firms over here might like to employ. I look forward to having my morning stroll to work past Embankment Place interrupted.
The rumours you heard are close, though not entirely accurate.
A mid-tier firm took a truck, with a video wall on the back, around various Big4 offices. They urged the employees there to text or e-mail their comments, which were subsequently displayed on the video wall.
There are a number of firms in Holland, especially in the mid-tier, that suggest it's easier to maintain a good work-life balance with them, rather than in the Big4 offices.
Another such tactic is the spoof by Grant Thornton: they launched a website (Beep Accountants), which claimed to have an inhouse divorce service, free meals at your desk and a 9 day working week.
Posted by Tilly | July 12, 2007 11:37 AM
This is a tactic Oracle uses at SAP conferences. It's tasteless and pisses people off. I blogged it a while back at my place and ZDNet.
Posted by Dennis Howlett | July 13, 2007 1:57 PM
Maybe the mids should try and pull some big 4 clients - thats what attracts the talent.
Posted by Ben O'Neill | July 20, 2007 3:57 PM
The beep accountant website is mildly amusing with its description of 9 day weeks and a link between staying late to eat your Hawaian pizza at your desk and promotion.
Posted by hakfort | July 24, 2007 9:36 PM