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Across the UK, a growing number of workers are choosing to stay put. In a climate of economic uncertainty, this “job-hugging” trend reflects a collective desire for stability, fewer risks, and more security. But within the automotive sector, employers face a unique challenge: how to attract and retain skilled vehicle technicians who may be reluctant to move, yet still crave more control over their working lives.
Autotech Recruit’s late-2024 survey revealed that 79% of UK vehicle technicians ranked working hours as their top priority, even above salary. While broader workforce trends now lean toward job security, technicians continue to signal that flexibility is what makes a role truly sustainable.
Stability Is In, But So Is Autonomy
The current climate has made workers cautious. Many are holding onto their jobs and avoiding major career moves. But that doesn’t mean they’re satisfied. Technicians, in particular, are looking for roles that offer stability without rigidity, a balance that allows them to stay grounded while still having room to breathe.
This presents a strategic opportunity for automotive employers. By offering flexible working models, businesses can stand out to technicians who might otherwise stay put.
What Technicians Told Us
Autotech Recruit’s survey uncovered a generational split in technician priorities:
- 18–24-year-olds want career progression and skill-building
- 25–44-year-olds focus on financial stability and fair compensation
- 45+ professionals increasingly value flexibility, with many open to contract roles
These insights remain relevant, especially as technicians weigh their options in a cautious job market. Flexibility isn’t just a perk, it’s a magnet for talent.
How Employers Can Attract Job-Hugging Technicians
To appeal to technicians who may be hesitant to move, employers must offer flexibility that feels secure. Here’s how:
Rethink Working Hours
- Adjust operating hours, already under review by 29% of independent garages
- Introduce flexible shift patterns, such as four-day weeks or rotational weekends off
- Offer part-time and contract roles to meet technicians where they are
Build Career Pathways That Anchor Talent
- With 75% of under-25s prioritising skill development, structured training is essential
- Transparent promotion routes help technicians see a future within your business
Enhance Compensation and Job Satisfaction
- Offer performance-based bonuses and better holiday allowances
- Invest in modern tools, with 51% of technicians saying this improves job satisfaction
Embrace Workforce Flexibility Without Sacrificing Stability
- Integrate contractors to meet fluctuating demand while maintaining core teams
- A hybrid model of permanent and contract roles creates a resilient, adaptable workforce
The Road Ahead
Technicians, like other professions, may be hugging their jobs, but they’re still watching. The businesses that succeed will be those that offer security with flexibility, creating environments where technicians feel safe to stay and empowered to thrive.
It’s time to build a technician-first strategy that reflects today’s realities and tomorrow’s opportunities. If you need help building a flexible, future-proof workforce, get in touch with Autotech Recruit today. We’re here to help you attract and retain your workshop talent.
If you’d like more practical insights and perspectives on one of the automotive industry’s biggest challenges - closing the skills gap - download Autotech Group’s Navigating Talent Shortages guide.