The Challenge

Rentokil Initial operates at true global scale, with hiring needs spanning frontline, operational, and corporate roles across 90+ countries. While employee referrals were already recognised as a high-quality hiring channel, the reality behind the scenes was complex.

Multiple ATS and HRIS systems, manual payroll processes, delayed reporting, and limited visibility made it difficult to scale referrals consistently across regions. Local teams needed flexibility to meet regional compliance and language requirements, while global leadership needed accurate, real-time insight into performance and quality of hire.

The goal was ambitious but clear:

Create a single, scalable referral solution that worked everywhere, reduced manual effort, improved quality of hire, and delivered enterprise-grade reporting and compliance.

The Solution

Rentokil partnered with Real Links to build a globally scalable, fully integrated referral ecosystem—designed for both operational efficiency and employee engagement.

Seamless System Integration

Real Links successfully integrated four leading ATS and HRIS systems, creating a single, centralized referral view without manual intervention. Delayed syncing, incomplete data, and fragmented reporting were eliminated, replaced by accurate, real-time dashboards accessible at any time.

Global Reach & Scalability

Real Links became Rentokil’s one-stop referral solution, enabling global consistency with local customization across 90 countries. Faster onboarding and rollout made it easy to launch referrals in new regions while maintaining compliance and language flexibility.

AI, Automation & Payroll Enablement

Always-on referral campaigns, powered by AI Milo, automated communications and gamification to re-engage employees at scale—driving a 40% uplift in engagement.

Fully automated payroll across all markets removed significant manual workload and operational friction.

Employee Experience

With in-platform guidance, intuitive UX, and no heavy training required, employees could participate easily. A global reward shop introduced far more choice and excitement, driving sustained engagement across regions.

Reporting, Security & Compliance

Real-time global and local dashboards delivered actionable insights into referral performance, conversion, and candidate quality—while remaining audit-ready and fully GDPR compliant. The platform integrated seamlessly with existing Rentokil systems, including SSO and CMS.

The Impact

The results were both immediate and long-term:

• 30% of all hires now come through employee referrals (exceeding the original +25% target within 6 months)

• 54% of new hires in certain regions sourced directly via referrals

• £450,000 annual saving through reduced agency usage

• 18% lower early attrition in the first 90 days, improving quality of hire

• 12-day reduction in time-to-hire for frontline and operational roles

• 72% employee participation in referral campaigns

• 85%+ year-one retention for referred hires

• 3x increase in Career Site visits

• 30% increase in recruiter satisfaction when working with Real Links

Why It Worked

Rentokil’s success came from combining enterprise-grade technology with a human-first approach.

Automation removed complexity. AI and always-on campaigns kept referrals top-of-mind. Deep system integrations ensured data accuracy and trust. And a flexible global setup allowed local teams to move fast—without sacrificing governance, compliance, or insight.

With Real Links, Rentokil transformed referrals from a fragmented process into a globally consistent, high-impact hiring engine, delivering better candidates, lower costs, and a markedly improved experience for recruiters and employees alike.