No longer is the job market being hampered by the economy. One only has to go online to nationwide job search sites or take notice of all the “now hiring” signs at both national and mom and pop businesses to see employment opportunities are the strongest since mid 2007.
With so many options how do employers both hire the best and the brightest and then keep them satisfied so they don’t begin looking elsewhere? “Retention starts from the application process to screening applicants to choosing who to interview. It starts with identifying what aspects of culture and strategy you want to emphasize, and then seeking those out in your candidates,” says Dan Pickett, CEO of Nfrastructure, a leading IT network services firm.
The first step is establishing which potential candidates will be a good corporate fit. Ask the right questions to determine how vested the person has been in past positions. This includes more than just length of time at one company. A hiring manager should also focus on a candidate’s values. Are they a team player? Are they looking for vertical advancement or satisfied with the status quo? How are their soft skills including flexibility, adaptability and personal accountability?
Once the right person has been hired now a company is tasked with retaining them. In addition to ensuring the employee feels valued, there needs to be growth both financially as well as through corporate advancement. Employees these days are seeking a good work/life balance; no more working 60 hour workweeks and every other weekend. How’s the mood around the office? A toxic corporate culture will quickly have employees running for the door. Good departmental communication is also key for employee retention. Workers need to feel their concerns are being heard and addressed.
In business in the greater St. Louis area for over 20 years, Staffing One Services understands how important having the right employees are to your business. Give us an opportunity to provide you with quality staffing from short-term laborers to temporary to permanent full-time employment. Connect with us on Facebook or call 314.361.2444 to speak with one of our friendly employment counselors.