5 ways to attract and keep the best employees - East Idaho News
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5 ways to attract and keep the best employees

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Upon opening his email, one local manager was dismayed to learn it had happened again. Another employee had decided to move on without giving any notice.

It had happened several times in the last eight months.

Once an employee had shown up on the first day, but didn’t show up the following day. No one was sure why he left.

Another former employee had worked for several months before explaining she hadn’t understood what the job actually entailed and didn’t feel particularly challenged.

The latest said he just didn’t like the bland atmosphere or the people he worked with.

Unfortunately, with a booming economy, a declining labor force and an ever-increasing pool of jobs, it’s increasingly easy for workers to seek greener pastures for almost any reason.

So how do you find and keep reliable employees? Here are five ways.

1. Consider where you are placing your job listing

It’s important to know where the audience you want to reach hangs out. Use social media to your advantage by researching groups that cater to professionals you’re trying to recruit.

With 300 million members, LinkedIn boasts the biggest potential candidate pool, but there many smaller forums where you can research potential candidates who are actively engaged in your industry. Also before picking a job posting site like Monster, Craigslist or Indeed, check to be sure if there are lots of industry professionals and competitors using that site.

2. Make job offers clear

Before you begin the interview process, make sure your job posting describes the job as accurately and strongly as possible. “Fudging the truth a little to make the job sound more attractive than it really is can backfire,” according to TheBalanceCareers.com. If the candidate is considering multiple offers, clarity may help make the decision easier.

Opportunities for advancement or longtime benefits can entice people to stick around for a while.

3. Understand competitive pay in your area

Small businesses often make the mistake of basing salaries on the budget rather than the going rate. If, for example, the average annual salary for the position is $60,000, why would someone take the job with your company for $50,000? Find out what the going rate is and match it.

If that pay scale isn’t in the budget, things like benefits, perks and flexible schedules may help entice people even if a competitor is paying more.

4. Show them you care

One great way to show you care about your employees is offering a company wellness program to encourage a healthy lifestyle.

Millennials, for example, “want benefits and perks that directly impact their lives and the lives of their family members,” according to a recent Gallup survey.

Other perks like working from home, where possible, allow flexibility for your employee’s lifestyle. They help engender trust, loyalty, increased productivity and commitment.

5. Relax the dress code

No one will argue that shirts, ties and dresses look more professional, but they are often uncomfortable. And when people are uncomfortable they become stressed, anxious or unhappy.

Happy and relaxed employees are often more likely to work well with other workers and it gives them a chance to flaunt their individuality. Depending on the job, dressing casually may be more practical as well.

Don’t be hard on yourself

Keep in mind that despite your best efforts to create an attractive workplace, sometimes circumstances will be out of your control, and you will occasionally find it difficult to find and keep good people. However, being sensitive to employees’ needs and personalities will minimize the amount of time you spend hiring and maximize the productivity and well-being of your business.

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