neil hair
Small businesses have the advantage of connections and a pleasant working environment.
The biggest problem facing small businesses today is no longer inflation, but finding and retaining qualified and reliable employees. Today's workers, especially millennials, demand more than just a paycheck to get a job, and remote work has made it possible for many to take jobs across the country without leaving their couches. I did.
So, with unemployment at a 50-year low, what are some strategies for businesses to find the workers they need?
First, the obvious solution is to offer higher wages. While this approach may work, it is not sustainable for many small businesses operating on tight budgets. Mike Zaffaroni, CEO of Liberty Landscape His Supply in Jacksonville, Florida, explained that during the most difficult period, revenue increased by his 10%, but labor costs increased by his 40%. To do. “It's impossible to run a successful business and grow with that kind of equation,” Zaffaroni says.
Zaffaroni is an example of a business owner who can no longer find the workers he needs to meet his needs. This story suggests that small businesses like Liberty Landscape need to start looking for more creative solutions.
New ways to attract and retain employees in a tight labor market
1. Rehumanize the application process
If you've ever looked for a job, you know the depressing feeling you get when you send out hundreds of resumes and don't get a single response, let alone an interview or a job offer. This can happen to anyone, from an employee who just graduated from college to a senior manager with 20 years of experience.
In today's hiring environment, small business owners can gain an advantage by making an extra effort to respond to applicants. Saeed Eastman, CEO of JobsInTheUS.com, a national online job board, says there are simple steps to resolve communication issues as part of the online job application process.
“Setting up automated email responses to completed applications is a great way to keep job seekers from feeling in the dark,” he says. “Having a phone number and email address readily available to answer questions about the application process creates a more human experience.”
Being responsive to applicants, even those you may not ultimately hire, will set you apart from other potential employers and ensure that your company respects the needs and feelings of its employees. It is proven that there is. Additionally, it shows existing employees that you're building a company culture that puts employee needs first and isn't just about profits. This is extremely important for today's young workers.
2. Provide work flexibility
Many small businesses are reluctant to offer remote or hybrid opportunities to their employees, in part because they don't trust their employees to get the job done. Whether it's a retail store or a restaurant, remote work isn't even an option, whether you trust it or not.
However, it is important to build and demonstrate trust with your employees to create a healthy business environment. There are several ways small businesses can show trust and care to their employees without allowing full-time remote work.
The first is to offer remote work as a benefit. Employees who demonstrate reliability may be given the ability to work remotely. This strategy can promote positive emotions among employees. Another solution is to provide flexibility and allow employees some flexibility in the amount of time they are in the office. An example of this would be having an employee pick up their child from school. Flexibility means showing employees that the workplace can be a supportive environment, beyond the strict nine-to-five.
Both of these strategies show employees the benefits of working for a small business.
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3. Building a regional brand
How can brand building be a recruitment solution? According to Eastman, being local is a touted advantage. He explains: “Small businesses have the advantage of being part of the community, getting to know their employees and their families, and being able to offer flexibility that many large companies cannot. They have to tell this story. ”
A common story in the media is that employees leave small businesses for higher wages and better benefits. But what's not being told are the stories of loyal employees who choose to stay with small businesses because of the benefits they receive from personal connections and a comfortable work environment. Small businesses need to market themselves as having qualities that larger employers cannot match.
First, find ways to get your business and employees involved in community organizations like chambers of commerce and nonprofits. These civic organizations offer networking, professional development, and philanthropy to give back. This is especially important in the post-COVID-19 environment, where in-person events are coming back to life. Providing these opportunities differentiates your business from your employees as more than just a paycheck, but as a valued part of the community.
Second, while websites are often thought of as a mechanism for reaching a broader audience outside the local community, a robust website with fresh content is the best way to engage locally. There is no difference. Surprisingly, many small businesses still do not have a website, with some opting only for a social media presence. Creating a website is an easy, low-cost, and rewarding step to gaining local brand recognition. A company's website should contain all relevant information about the business and contain original content that will generate interest in the business.
Once you've established your web presence, it's important to keep your content fresh, updated, and creative. Not only will this keep your customers coming back, but it will also help with your SEO rankings. According to Eastman, there's an easy way to keep your content up to date. “Restaurants can post food and drink recipes, retailers can offer discounts and product profiles, and tips of the week from customers are always welcome.” Once you've created this original content, you can email it on social media or via email. Provide further engagement by sharing. This local branding helps with your company's marketing and also increases the perception among potential employees that your business is a place they want to work.
Creative solutions are key to small business adoption
Low unemployment rates are a leading indicator of a strong economy, and the economy continues to show signs of resilience despite repeated rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. This is cold comfort to small employers who cannot be profitable or grow without reliable workers.
But if there's anything more resilient than the economy, it's small businesses. With creative thinking, brand building, and community values, even small businesses can attract the workers they need.
About the author
Neil Hare is a lawyer GVC strategy, specializes in small business policy, advocacy, and communication campaigns. Follow him on Twitter @nehare And even more linkedin. See more of Neil's articles and detailed bio allbusiness.com.
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