Frank Gaine, creator of UXSwitch, interviewed some design leaders in the UK about how they keep their talent.  What do UXers  care about in their jobs?  How do thriving agencies/companies keep their people happy?  Retention is a big issue, read on for some useful tips.

UX designers are in high demand. UXswitch spoke with Design Leaders from top UX agencies Tribal Worldwide, Bunnyfoot and Webcredible to uncover their secrets around retaining talent.

Time with Senior Practitioners

Jonathan Lovatt-Young, Head of Service and Experience Design at Tribal Worldwide.

Last year Jonathan’s UX team had zero churn. That is, not one of his staff left his side. We asked him to explain this rare feat in the digital industry. “I care about those guys”, Jonathan explains. “I think of my team as individuals and not as assets to make money for the business”. Therefore, he provides them with the one thing Jonathan missed in his earlier career. True mentorship and access to the insight of senior practitioners.

Being Head of Service and Experience Design can be hectic but Jonathan insists on making time for each member of this team, every week. In these highly personal one-to-one meeting, he suggests things for the UXer to read, enquires about their career ambitions and gives them appropriate tasks to stretch their abilities and ultimately improve their skillset. The upshot is happier designers, better quality output and reduced cost for Tribal in replacing valued team members. Fancy joining Tribal? They’ve got vacancies on our Humanised Job Board at present.

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