Attracting + Retaining Employees

The job market has done a 180 degree turn from 2020 to 2021. The early impact of COVID-19 led to a massive increase in furloughs and layoffs and a decrease in hiring across many industries as business leaders were forced to navigate the uncertain waters of a global pandemic. Throughout 2021, we have seen a serious bounce back in the job market. There are more job opportunities available and great talent is difficult to attract and retain! 

Know your WHY 

Now more than ever, your company’s WHY is deeply important. With more jobs available, a clear company mission and values is key. Throughout the pandemic, many candidates have expressed fear about transitioning during a time of uncertainty. Knowing and communicating your company's WHY can be a huge advantage in motivating top talent to make the switch. 

Flexibility 

Listening to the shifting needs of both current and prospective employees is imperative when making company-wide decisions. The pandemic has shined a light on an employee's ability to do quality work from home. In 2021, we are finding that hybrid or fully remote opportunities have made their way to the top of candidate priority lists. While not a conducive set up for every industry or position, ensuring that your employees feel heard and have the resources they need to be successful in their onsite or remote work environment is critical. 

Checking In + Creating Opportunity 

The isolation associated with the pandemic revealed the desire and need for human connection. Regardless of your philosophy on remote or hybrid work, make sure you are providing opportunities for connection outside the zoom screen or office space. Show your employees you appreciate them and find creative ways to facilitate the occasional meet-up. It's important to let your employees know how their work is making a difference and moving your business forward. Offering incentives and creating opportunities for professional growth helps your employees feel connected and valued.

Drastic circumstances force us to reflect on our usual personal and professional rhythms. As a business leader, taking an active approach to understanding the changing needs of your workforce is the key to sustaining and growing your team. Things like knowing your company's WHY, getting creative with flexible options, and offering unique opportunities for your employees to succeed will take your business to the next level! 

Cat People and Dog People

A respected local businessman I know recently gave me some insight on one of his best kept secrets to hiring success.  Aside from just being flat good at his trade, why do I always have a superior customer service experience every time?  How does he do it?  I wanted to know.

Turns out, there really is a lot of truth to training, hiring the right people, and making sure those hired people enjoy working together and working in general.  Unhappy, unmotivated employees are not going to be able to provide meaningful contributions on a long term, consistent basis. 

Yes, yes, of course.  But specifics, please.  

“In the interview, I always ask the applicant if they are a cat person or a dog person.  I tend to hire dog people, unless I need a real task master or ops person.  In those cases, I hire cat people.  They enjoy being left alone, but come out to play when they want to.  They’re also completely self-sufficient.  They don’t really need me and the claws come out when you do something they aren’t keen on.  They keep everybody else in line.  You know, Forbes wrote an article on Cat People vs Dog People several years after I talked to my staff about it.  One of them brought the article in to show me one day.  ‘Look!  You were right!’.  I thought that was pretty neat.”

I have yet to read the Forbes article.  I’m sure it’s easy enough to find out there, but it doesn’t really matter.  It all boils down to the fact that there is a true skill to sourcing and hiring the right person for an organization that goes far beyond simply a job description.  Finding someone who ticks off all the requirements and who presents well is the easy part.  The real art lies in developing the right mix of cat people and dog people to ensure a business grows successfully and sustainably.