TNS people

Even if someone is happy with their job, their development and their package, they will not be completely happy unless they are happy with the people. One is more likely to leave one's organization because of the people they work with, more than anything else.

Taking a close look at people is especially important in the service industry, where what you are selling is people. TNS is very aware of this. We offer our people's insights, experience, intelligence and ambitions to our clients. Information acquired from research doesn't mean anything without this.

Making sure that we offer the best, we take extra care in recruiting people. Although experience is important, we hire people based on attitude. We are eager for people who are excited about research, who have a passion for learning and understanding our clients and their needs, and who have the wit and intelligence to deliver insights to clients.

A key characteristic we look for in people is being proactive. We want people who want to go the extra mile. People who are proactive are more willing to develop themselves, more committed to the client, and are drivers of the business. They are usually self-motivated and easily motivate others. Those who are proactive are usually people with good ideas. The other side to this is following through - implementation and execution of ideas. Many are able to come up with ideas, but putting action plans for them is more difficult. Those who are able to do both are a great combination.

People who are able to work in teams is crucial. The number of interactions every day with people at TNS is very high. The only way to get results is to work as a team. Whether internally or externally, being efficient and delivering results means working with others with the aim of a common goal. Those who cannot do this will ultimately fall short.

Communication skills are also important. We want people who can comfortably communicate and express themselves. Many people have good ideas but without the ability to express and explain them, they will not go anywhere. When communication is good, it decreases problems, makes processes and outcomes easier to reach, and positively affects team spirit.

Diversity is key to a fully-rounded community. We are not interested in clones or becoming a factory that makes identical copies. We want different people, with different backgrounds, and different outlooks on life - we want people that can bring something new to the table. Because employees are expected to be proactive, they openly share ideas and opinions. Everyone counts no matter how inexperienced.

Continuing to recruit in this manner and retaining talent is key to growing and nurturing such an environment. People will want to stay because of the environment and not because of the salary they get at the end of the day. This results in a rich, environment of learning and growth.