Changing "The Great Exodus" to "The Great Attainment": Recruiting for a Different Kind of Workforce

The workplace is in for some exciting times! Besides the obvious struggles of COVID that all businesses face, we are also seeing a time when there are more generations in the workforce than ever before. We are literally making history!

There are currently five generations present in the workforce (Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Baby Boomers, and the Silent Generation). Each generation has its own needs and wants from its employers. This is leading to what is known as "The Great Exodus." So, if individuals are interested in working, why aren't we attracting and retaining employees?

Below are 5 tips and tricks for attaining the best talent in our TrailBlazing Workforce:

1. Honesty and Transparency

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised at how many companies keep their recruiting, application, and interviewing process a secret. Telling your candidate upfront what to expect and how long the process is will save your HR/recruiting team time and money and will also help filter out candidates that are not interested in multi-step hiring processes.

2. Leverage Technology

That's right. Automate that recruiting process. Make it as user-friendly and straightforward as the "one-click" check-out button on that giant online retailer's website that we all know the name of. If a candidate writes a resume and a cover letter, then they have to manually enter the information from both on your online career site application; you're wasting their time and yours because candidates usually will not finish the application process, let alone make it to the interview process.

3. Focus on Benefits

Make your position and company stand out! Be proud of what you offer as benefits to your employees. Talk about the PTO, Vacations, Holidays, health insurance, the free coffee in the break room, the fancy fake plants! Okay, maybe not the fancy fake plants, but you catch my drift. Make candidates want to work for you. Show them that they are more than just a "warm body," and offering benefits and a market-based salary does just that.

4. Embrace Flexibility and Remote Work

Yes, this generally falls under the "benefits" section, but this is so important that it deserves its own section. COVID has forced employees and employers to realize how the "standard" 1.5-hour commute in rush-hour traffic, Monday through Friday, to work 9 to 5 is not always feasible and is not really necessary. Candidates are looking for more flexibility instead of being locked into the "standard" shift. They are also expecting remote working possibilities for at least part of their workweek.

5. Seek and Deliver on Diversity

Here's another no-brainer. Unconscious bias is a real thing. Just reading someone's name, looking at their address, area code, or time zone can trigger a bias that you don't know that you're experiencing. The best way to find and source the best talent is to look only at the "meat" of their resume. Scroll right past their name, address, email, and phone number. Don't even look at it until you have scored their experience and credentials against the job description and requirements, and you're ready to schedule an interview.

If you would like to further discuss recruiting with one of our HR Experts, or even if you prefer to have someone else handle your recruiting all-together, Turning Point HCM can help! Visit our website or Ask Liv today to learn more!