Recruitment Strategies for Success in the "New Normal"
A lot has changed in the last year and a half. We've adapted to new routines, shifted our priorities, and reinvented how we approach our personal and professional lives. Now that we are reaching the other side of these "unprecedented times" and are well on our way to a "new normal," one thing is clear: we are not going back to the way things were. For some industries, this is great news, and many businesses are stronger than ever. Others are struggling to recruit and retain quality employees, which has led many to believe we are in a worker shortage. But... is that really what's happening? Or have people simply woken up to a new way of living? The following four tips can help you overcome your hiring hurdles and build a team you're proud of.
1. Increase wages & transparency
Amidst the challenges of the last year, many people, especially parents of small children, found that it makes more financial sense for them to stay home with their families than it does to work a low-paying job. Consider the annual income of someone working in the position you're recruiting for. Working full-time, would someone earn enough to support their basic needs? Would they earn enough to support a family? Consider increasing wages for these employees, and be transparent about it. People are more likely to apply for a position if the pay is clearly stated in the job posting.
2. Boost your online presence
Zoom fatigue is real, and now that in-person events are starting back up, it's tempting to run far, far away from the virtual platforms we've relied upon for the past year. Before you do, consider how you might leverage these systems to reach potential employees. Maybe you could host an online job fair, or create a TikTok account for your business. Include the voices and stories of your current employees as you engage in these online spaces. People love authenticity.
3. Streamline & simplify
Finding good employees can sometimes feel like dating. It's tempting to have a laundry list of requirements-- after all, if you put it out into the universe, the universe will deliver, right? In reality, if you're in a hiring rut, it may be wiser for you to cast a wider net. Maybe the position you're trying to fill doesn't actually require a Bachelor's degree, or maybe your application process is too cumbersome. While you don't want to lower your expectations, necessarily, you do want to remove any unnecessary obstacles to employment.
4. Engage your workforce
Recruiting is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. In fact, you shouldn't! Think about it. Let's say the average person is connected to 100 other people in some way. If you provided an incentive or referral program for current employees, not only would you be spending less of your time on staffing, you'd also be empowering your workers to tap into their personal networks, giving them direct influence over who they work with. It's a win-win.
Try these four steps and if you need assistance with interviewing or selection, HR DOC Consulting can help. Schedule a FREE consultation today!
