One of Jersey’s top employers has revealed what really keeps staff engaged, after winning a spotlight award at this year’s Jersey’s Best Workplace competition.
KPMG picked up the Spotlight Award for Career Development, using the process to test whether its investment in staff progression is genuinely making a difference.
The firm said entering the Jersey’s Best Workplace scheme was about “benchmarking” itself and gaining an independent view of how employees experience working life, particularly whether career development efforts are translating into real opportunities.
What it found was clear: that day-to-day experiences, such as coaching, feedback and access to opportunities, matter far more than formal frameworks alone. KPMG shared more about their experience…
Why did you decide to enter Jersey’s Best Workplace?
We wanted to benchmark ourselves against the broader market and gain an independent view of how our people experience working at KPMG. In particular, we were keen to understand whether our investment in career development is translating into meaningful opportunities and positive outcomes for our people.
What was the most valuable thing you learnt from the experience?
The process reinforced that career development is one of the most significant drivers of engagement. It highlighted that while frameworks and programmes are important, the day-to-day experiences (such as coaching, feedback and access to opportunities) is what truly shapes how people perceive their growth.
What stood out from the feedback you received? Any surprises?
What stood out was how strongly our people value clarity and transparency around progression. A positive surprise was the recognition of our coaching culture and the accessibility of senior leaders, which employees see as critical in supporting their development.
How do you prioritise career development in your business?
We take a structured and proactive approach. This includes clear progression pathways, regular performance and development conversations, formal learning programmes and strong coaching and mentoring support. We also focus on providing stretch opportunities and varied experiences to help individuals build both technical and leadership capability.
Why is this so important to you?
Our people are our most important asset, and their growth directly impacts the quality of service we deliver to clients. Supporting career development is not just about progression; it is about ensuring individuals feel valued, motivated and equipped to succeed.
How has this shaped your business?
It has strengthened retention, increased engagement and enhanced our ability to attract high-calibre talent. It has also helped build a more capable and adaptable workforce, which is essential in a forever-changing professional services environment.
Why is it so important to the long-term success of KPMG?
Long-term success depends on developing and retaining future leaders. By investing in career development, we are building a sustainable talent pipeline, maintaining continuity and ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality outcomes for our clients over time.
