Recruiting new talent is a critical component of business growth, but it’s essential to recognise the comprehensive costs associated with the process.
In 2025, employers and HR managers face significant financial expenses, time investments, and mental health challenges when bringing new employees on board, and understanding these factors is crucial for effective workforce planning and maintaining HR team well-being.
Financial Costs of Recruitment
The financial implications of hiring are substantial. According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the average cost per hire in the UK is £6,125. This figure encompasses internal expenses such as recruitment staff salaries and external costs like job advertisements and agency fees.
However, this is just the beginning. When considering additional expenses—training, onboarding, equipment, and workspace—the total cost of employing a new staff member can escalate significantly. Some estimates suggest that for an employee earning the average UK salary of £27,600, the true cost to the employer in the first year can approach £63,000.
Time Investment
Beyond financial outlay, the recruitment process demands considerable time from HR professionals and hiring managers. On average, it takes around 30 days to fill a position in the UK.
This period includes drafting job descriptions, advertising, reviewing applications, conducting interviews, and finalising offers.
Each stage requires meticulous attention, diverting HR personnel from other essential duties such as employee development and engagement. The cumulative time spent can lead to decreased productivity and increased operational costs, especially in organisations with high turnover rates.
Mental Health Impact on HR Teams
The pressures of managing recruitment alongside other responsibilities are taking a toll on HR professionals’ mental health. A recent survey conducted by Facilitate Magazine revealed that 62% of UK workers believe businesses are at risk of overworking their employees in 2025, contributing to a looming burnout epidemic.
HR teams, often tasked with supporting employee well-being, are themselves susceptible to stress and burnout due to increased workloads and the relentless pace of recruitment demands. This situation underscores the need for systemic changes to improve work-life balance and promote mental well-being among HR professionals.
Mitigating Recruitment Challenges with Our Recruitment Retainer Service
Recognising these challenges, Recruitment Robin offers a new recruitment retainer service designed to alleviate the financial, temporal, and mental burdens of the hiring process. Our service provides:
Cost Efficiency: By partnering with us on a retainer basis, you can reduce the variable costs associated with ad-hoc recruitment, leading to more predictable and manageable expenses.
Time Savings: Our dedicated team handles the end-to-end recruitment process, allowing your HR personnel to focus on strategic initiatives and core responsibilities.
Stress Reduction: With Recruitment Robin managing candidate sourcing, screening, and selection, your team can experience a significant reduction in workload-related stress, promoting better mental health and job satisfaction.
Investing in a streamlined recruitment process is not just a financial decision but a commitment to the well-being of your HR team and the overall efficiency of your business. To learn more about how Recruitment Robin’s retainer service can save you money, time, and stress, contact us today.
By addressing the real costs of recruitment, you can make informed decisions that benefit both your organisation and its most valuable asset—your people.
