5 Strategies for Recruiting and Keeping the Best Employees in Uncertain Times

It’s no secret that the workplace is always evolving, especially in the areas of hiring and keeping employees. Many have attempted to give names to these shifts, such as the Great Resignation, the Quiet Quitting, and the Quick Quitting.

Not everything that has become trendy in 2017 will go away. Finding talent, especially highly skilled and engaged talent, will remain difficult despite early reports of layoffs at some companies, especially in the technology sector.

Business leaders are trying to strike a balance between staffing levels and overall business goals amidst worries about inflation and a potential recession. With so much up in the air, it is more important than ever to prioritise employee acquisition and retention during this time of transition. The most effective businesses will put their employees first as they face these challenges.

According to the latest data, the unemployment rate in the United States has dropped to 3.5% as of December 2022. While 96% of workers will be actively seeking new employment opportunities in 2023, according to data from Monster.com, employers will need to work hard to find the right match in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Salo understands that, in these uncertain economic times, it is more important than ever to invest in your people if you want to attract and keep the best talent in a competitive labour market. Building a workplace that puts its employees first is crucial if you want to maintain high morale and productivity.

Here are the top five workplace trends we see in 2023 that pertain to recruitment and retention, and how they can help businesses succeed. Each of these is rooted in prioritising your team members, giving you faith in your company’s future success.

1. Give your current team the most of your attention.

It’s inconvenient and time-consuming to find replacements for vacant positions. By catering to the specific requirements of each worker, companies can reduce turnover and the time and resources spent on finding new employees for open positions.

Invest some effort in getting to know your team members on a personal level and finding out the best way to show appreciation for their efforts. So that they can achieve their professional aspirations and feel like they are making a difference, it is important to discuss their career goals with them and identify stretch assignments or new roles on special project teams.

2. Develop Your Team, Especially Your Leaders

All team members, but especially people managers, need to be change agents, resilient and agile, and able to pivot quickly in today’s fast-paced workplace. These may be novel competencies for some leaders whose experience lies primarily in the management of outcomes or metrics.

In order to make employees feel like they are being heard on a wide range of issues, modern organisations must provide training for people managers. This training should focus on areas such as relationship building, dealing with mental health issues, coaching, and guiding employees.

3. Create a prosperous hybrid culture together.

In 2018, businesses will reassess their hybrid work policies to make sure they meet the needs of the company and foster the desired team culture. The ability to work in a hybrid setting and provide flexible work options is crucial for retaining top talent in the future.

Finding the right balance between at-home and in-office work expectations can be tricky as more companies look to bring employees back into the office (at least a few days a week). Making sure employees have a say in the policy-making process is essential for any business.

By working together to craft a policy that values adaptability and trust while outlining clear expectations and the business value and sense of community that comes from being together, employers can ensure that their employees feel heard and respected.

4. Disseminate the values of your company to potential hires and current staff.

Workers in the new year are looking for companies that reflect their own ideals and make them feel like their work has a greater significance. Leaders who take the time to articulate their company’s vision and make it tangible in the workplace are more likely to attract and retain workers who share their enthusiasm for making a difference.

To further increase openness and get rid of any unpleasant surprises, it’s important to spell out any business practises that are non-negotiable, such as having to come into the office on certain days of the week or during certain hours of the day.

5. Get Ready for Difficulties in Managing Personnel Loads

Businesses in 2023 will continue to be cautious about hiring new employees due to the state of the economy. Do you know when it’s best to make a permanent hire versus waiting? How do you evaluate a consultant or contractor to see if they will suffice for your short-term requirements? Consulting with an expert who can help you figure out the best structure for your business can be a wise financial move.

Businesses that invest in their employees by providing them with a “People First” environment stand a better chance of having a successful year overall, and this is especially true in terms of attracting and keeping talented workers. Putting people first will have far-reaching positive effects on your business.

Organizations that have a clear, people-driven mission and incorporate that mission into their hiring and employee retention strategies see greater success and, in some cases, a 21% increase in profits. In addition to seeing greater success in the marketplace, these businesses also see increases in productivity and morale among their staff, which in turn leads to a more dedicated and enthusiastic group of advocates for the company’s products and services.

The start of a new year is the perfect time for businesses to be more adaptable, creative, and genuine. The best way to achieve this is to prioritise the requirements of your population.