Submit your CV to us and one of our consultants will be in touch.
Start connecting with the best talent, ask us your questions now.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
In today’s competitive business environment, finding and retaining top talent has become a significant challenge for organisations across Aotearoa. As a recruitment agency, we have witnessed the difficulties involved in attracting and retaining skilled professionals. In this newsletter, we will explore some strategies that your business can implement to differentiate itself from the rest and win the war for talent.
1. Employer Branding
Your employer brand represents your businesses reputation and how it is perceived by others, including your employees. In today’s market, a strong employer brand is crucial and often considered more important than the service or product itself. Research shows that 86% of job seekers will not apply for a role if a company has a negative reputation. Many job seekers will visit your social media platforms to gain insight into your company’s personality and culture. Use social media to your advantage to build your employer brand, provide insights into your company’s culture, and engage with your audience more personally and meaningfully.
2. Foster a Purpose Driven Organisation
People want purpose-driven organisations. All generations want to be part of an organisation that genuinely cares about daily issues and gives back to communities. A purpose-driven organisation goes beyond your products and services and involves supporting social and environmental programs. Promote and make your people part of your purpose-driven activities and gain a level of buy-in that will create loyalty to your organisation.
3. Offer Flexibility
In a modern working environment, flexibility should be readily available, rather than something earned after 12 months of starting. The traditional 9-5 work schedule is no longer a mandatory requirement for many organisations. Providing additional benefits significantly increases the likelihood of job applications. Flexibility goes beyond just working from home. It can be in various aspects. Understand what flexibility means to your employees and incorporate it into your business model to attract and retain top talent.
4. Promote Mental Health and Wellbeing
Providing access to mental health support is important and valued by employees as one of the five most in-demand work perks for New Zealanders. According to a report by workplace design firm Unispace, New Zealand workers face a higher likelihood of experiencing burnout compared to workers in any other country. The report highlighted that 70% of Kiwi workers acknowledged having encountered burnout, surpassing the global average of 59%.
Addressing mental health and well-being requires a genuine and authentic approach. Some organisations may have robust policies and EAP programs but do not try and understand and identify their staff’s issues. Continually check in with your employees, encourage open conversations, and proactively identify and address any issues. Everyone’s responsibility within a business is to look out for each other. Get the mental health and well-being piece right, and it can define your organisational culture.
5. Career & Development Opportunities
While attracting talent is crucial, retaining your existing employees is equally vital. Professionals in a tight labour market are more likely to seek growth opportunities and challenges. Invest in continuous learning and development programs to upskill and empower your workforce. Top talent is often attracted to organisations that invest in their employees' professional development.
Implement a robust training and development program that provides opportunities for skill enhancement, certifications, and mentorship. Encourage internal employees to explore diverse roles within the organisation and provide clear career paths and opportunities for advancement. This will motivate employees to stay with your organisation for the long term.
6. Be Diverse and Inclusive
Companies that can demonstrate that they have a genuinely diverse and inclusive culture will attract and retain talent. Does a company celebrate its people? Does it have a diversity committee? You can ask these questions to get a pulse on the level of commitment an organisation has to its employees. A diverse workforce leads to more ideas and innovation. We all know that by now, but you also want to work for an organisation that acknowledges and invests in inclusion because it's the right thing to do.
By implementing these strategies, your business can differentiate itself in the talent market, attract top professionals, and retain them for long-term success.