At PageGroup, we believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed. That's why we're committed to helping businesses learn how to make a positive change to social immobility.

What is social mobility?

Social mobility refers to the socio-economic movement of individuals, families, households or other categories of people. It refers to how their situation can improve or decline relative to their starting point in life, or the ability to have a different life outcome to their parents. Social mobility is influenced by various factors, with both education and labour market conditions playing pivotal roles.

The World Economic Forum’s Social Mobility Index Report highlights three key factors that determine how well economies provide work-related opportunities for their citizens, including work opportunities, fair wages, and working conditions.

The challenge: Balancing the scales

Despite the nation’s economic prowess, the UK’s social mobility is reported to be at its worst in over 50 years. This is underscored by assessments like the World Economic Forum's Social Mobility Index.

The UK is ranked 21st out of 82 countries, highlighting a stark reality: individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds often face significant barriers to upward mobility. In fact, it could take up to five generations for someone born into poverty to reach the national average income.

As a public company with people at the heart of our business and values, we’re committed to helping people break free from the limitations of their background and achieving their full potential. But a challenge this large requires a joint effort.

That’s why we’ve created an eBook, ‘Social Mobility in the workplace’, packed with insights and practical guidance to help businesses like yours help drive social mobility. Download it now and discover how you can make a real difference.

Start making a difference

Why social mobility matters for businesses

Imagine a young person growing up in a disadvantaged neighbourhood or a parent or carer with limited opportunities and access to education or vocational training.

If we can change just one person's life, imagine the ripple effect. It's not just about that individual; it's about their family, their community, and the generations to come, the impact it has on the economy and society at large.  

Promoting work-related social mobility isn't just a case of doing the right thing; it's a smart business decision. Here's why:

Boosted innovation and creativity

This diversity of thought and perspective can lead to better problem-solving, increased creativity, fresh ideas and solutions, and stronger team performance.

Access to untapped talent

Individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds may face barriers to traditional education, limiting their access to formal qualifications. By shifting focus to skills-based hiring, businesses can identify and recruit talented individuals who may be overlooked in traditional hiring processes. Partner with recruiters like Michael Page who are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in their recruitment strategies to help you source talent from diverse pools.

Enhanced employee engagement and retention 

A diverse workforce operating in an inclusive environment can help to foster greater employee engagement and retention. When individuals feel valued and respected, regardless of their background, they are more likely to be committed to their work and the organisation. What’s more, a diverse and inclusive culture attracts and retains top talent who see themselves represented in the teams they aspire to join.

Deeper customer understanding

Organisations can gain greater perspectives from diverse teams who can provide valuable insights into diverse customer segments, which can lead to better products and services.

The potential impact is significant! Research suggests that if the UK improved social mobility by just two points, it could add over £16 billion to its annual GDP and bring 232,000 more people into the workforce.

Let's change lives together

At PageGroup, we're committed to making a positive impact on social mobility. We believe that everyone deserves a fair chance to succeed, regardless of their background. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable future.

Download our eBook, ‘Social Mobility in the workplace’, to learn more about how you can drive social mobility within your organisation.

Let's break down barriers, together.

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