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Across industries, business owners and hiring managers are all asking the same question: Why is it so hard to find workers right now?
It’s rare to find a restaurant or retail business that doesn’t have a “Now Hiring” sign in the window. Current staff is stretched thin and headed toward burnout, and employers know something has to give.
The pandemic has been hard on businesses, and for many, recovery is slowed by their inability to find qualified personnel. Some businesses have to take on fewer projects. Restaurants are forced to serve fewer patrons. Organizations might have to adjust business hours or cancel plans for expansion.
When cutting back just won’t do, employers are getting creative. First they try to understand what’s keeping people from applying for their openings, then they work to attract the type of employees they need.
Why it’s so hard to find job candidates
Unemployment rates continue to decline, but they’re still above pre-pandemic levels. While employers scramble to find workers, there are a number of reasons people are staying home.
The Problem: Childcare needs
Some individuals plan to go back to work, but they’ve been waiting for kids to go back to school. Others lost their childcare providers during the pandemic and haven’t yet found replacements.
The Fix: Help employees with their childcare needs
Some employers are helping with childcare hurdles by providing childcare services or stipends for new hires and existing staff.
The Problem: Job seekers may not have the right experience -- yet
COVID-19 was a wake-up call for many people. They looked at how they felt about their current careers and realized they weren’t happy. They might have lost a job and spent their time on unemployment re-evaluating what they want and deciding to change fields or industries. That means they need to develop new skill sets, a process that takes time.
The Fix: Look at this as an opportunity
These individuals make up an enormous pool of talent. Employers can take advantage of this by thinking outside the box and considering workers without specific experience but with transferable skills. Make sure your job posting says you will teach recruits what they need to know and offer apprenticeships, training or education incentives.
8 new employee incentives that work
Whether it’s giving up bad habits, achieving fitness goals or studying for a test, perks and incentives work. This also holds true for considering a job. Incentives offered to new hires will make your job offer stand out and attract people willing to work. Here are some of the most popular perks.
- Signing bonus: Restaurants, retailers and other businesses that have to staff up quickly are offering one-time payments to new employees. The amounts vary, but when you’re competing with another employer for the same candidate and you’re offering comparable pay, a cash offer gives you the advantage.
- Employee referral bonus: This is much like a signing bonus, the difference being employers pay existing staff when they recruit their family members or friends. Referred employees are often a better fit, may already have a positive view of your organization and are less likely to quit.
- Opportunity for growth: Millennials dominate the workforce, and one of the things they most value is career and personal development. Don’t just show them the job opening; explain the growth opportunities. Offer on the job training, paid certifications and professional development programs to help them get ahead.
- Education: Some employers are offering paid online training (with time off to take it), academic scholarships or tuition subsidies.
- Hybrid scheduling: Allow new hires to alternate between remote work and working in the office. An alternative might be allowing staff to work longer hours and fewer days.
- Wellness perks: Boost immunity and mental health by offering incentives like gym passes or yoga classes. Incentives might also include ergonomic office equipment like standing desks or employer contribution to a health reimbursement account.
- Health care: Incentives might include an allowance for alternative wellness expenses, full-time benefits for part-time staff, even healthcare coverage for pets.
- Discounts and freebies: New hires might immediately qualify for free food, free merchandise or free services.
Another way both employers and job seekers are navigating the work landscape is to work with an employment agency. Find accredited employment agencies, see an organization’s BBB rating and read reviews and complaints when you search the BBB Directory.
BBB Serving Central East Texas contributed this article.
