Erin Pavane | The Hire founding partner
Before COVID-19, ensuring a candidate matched a position on skills and experience was the norm. And while our approach has always been to understand each individual’s needs [candidates and clients], it has now become imperative. Because what people expect from their employers, and insist upon for themselves, has changed. Organizations must recognize this if they expect to compete for, and retain, talent in this new reality.
My advice to businesses looking to find and/or retain talent would be to focus on the following:
• Treat your people as they want to be treated. Because we know that with five generations in the workforce, individual needs vary broadly. But when those needs are met, it results in a more-productive environment. For your business, that means lower turnover, higher efficiency and more net profits.
• Clearly communicate expectations. Let your people know what you expect from them and be transparent when those needs shift. Provide not just the “what” but, whenever possible, the “why.” Remember, your employees are people, not robots taking orders. Letting them know how and why priorities shift will go a long way toward building and maintaining a stronger team.
• Maximize happiness and satisfaction of employees. If you find out and [attempt to] deliver what your people want and need and communicate clearly, you are well on your way to a satisfied workforce. But to take it to the next level, you must be consistent to ensure your entire organization is moving in the same direction. Then keep it moving – because none of this is one and done.
Regular and consistent discussions with individuals, and in groups and teams, is the only way you can continue to grow your people, and your business, effectively.
