Welcome back to our two-part series on the challenges facing hiring managers in 2020.
If you’ve recently tried (and maybe failed) to hire someone, are about to, or are currently in the middle of it (i.e. pulling your hair out), then this is the article for you! Here at PA Business Support, we spend a lot of time sourcing and selecting high quality candidates for our clients, guiding them through the whole hiring process, and making sure that new employees hit the ground running. From experience, we’ve noticed are a few things which constantly crop up and throw a spanner in the works, some of which we listed in our previous article. And now, here are some more of them:
Challenge: “I just don’t seem able to get the quality I need”
Although opportunities in the employment market are increasing, the skills gap isn’t, which means you’re competing for a shrinking talent pool. In order to be competitive, you’ll have to spend time and effort doing it properly. Unfortunately, unless you’re a full-time recruiter, the chances are you also have other responsibilities which make this even more of a challenge.
Solution: Work with an agency
If you really want to get the best person for the role, consider a hiring agency. Yes, we’re biased, but that’s because we believe in what we do, and we’ve been doing it for a long time – dedicated recruitment agencies give you the edge over your competition. Be warned, though – quality varies greatly, so it’s really important to get to know an agency before engaging them. Make sure they understand your business needs thoroughly. PA Business Support combine a personal, human approach with over 20 years of experience matching exceptional candidates to the right cultural and skills fit for clients across many sectors.
Challenge: “Many of our younger hires turn us down, or don’t stick around”
Today’s workforce is, in a word, transient. Nowadays, younger generations don’t stay with a company for more than two or three years. This is a challenge for many companies because they are unable to align on what younger employees actually want. As a result they lose out on a very talented part of the workforce with the potential to bring fresh new perspective into the business – or they see them leave after a short time.
Solution: Update your ethos and company culture
Start making changes to better align your company with the needs of today’s younger professionals. Millennials, for example, are often seeking a sense of deeper purpose and want to impact more than just a P&L sheet. Show a proactive interest in developing your employees and recognise that what it contributes to society is just as important as what it’s selling. We also recommend offering perks such as remote working, flexible hours, more annual leave, and a better work-life balance in general.
Challenge: “I hate mentioning X because it puts a lot of candidates off”
You may be aware of certain ‘quirks’ your company has that lower its appeal. Maybe it’s a really early start on Mondays, or a tendency for everyone in the office to work late. Maybe it’s something to do with how long it takes to get things done (bureaucracy), or difficult characters. These kind of things can make it surprisingly hard to fill a position.
Solution: Make your company culture more attractive by adding flexibility and perks
Perks such as pet-friendly policies, nap rooms, working from home days, and free breakfasts go a long way to balancing the negatives. So does making efforts to build an environment that is conducive to tightly-knit teams while making sure that employees feel supported and appreciated.
Challenge: “We’ve had a some negative press, and it’s putting people off”
These days, reputation is everything. Unfortunately, with social media and review sites, it has become very easy to tarnish. Maybe you’ve had some bad press, or negative employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor or Indeed. Or maybe you’re just new to market.
Solution: Employ a strategy to (re)build your reputation
Have no fear, this is one you can implement a strategy to address by becoming more actively involved with your industry – for example, by presenting at conferences, or publishing articles or white papers. Make a conscious drive to address negative feedback and encourage employees and clients to post positive reviews. It takes time, but it pays off.
Remember, when it comes to hiring struggles, you’re not alone. That’s why so many businesses turn to us to help them overcome their challenges. If any of the above rings a bell, and you want more advice, give us a call – we can help you fast track your company’s path to success – with the right people for the right roles.
