3 Ways to Find More Employees

It’s no secret that the top problem for companies of all sizes is recruiting and retaining their workforce. Often times, the challenges of finding new quality sources of employees’ lies in the famous words of Albert Einstein – “We are doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results.”

Oftentimes, employers will say to use that they feel like they are scraping from the same small pool of people and aren’t getting what they need. They feel that way because they are!

Everyone wants good workers, whatever that definition is to the company. It could mean highly skilled, moderately skilled or someone that will just show up and give it their best.

Many perceive that people don’t want to work anymore. This is untrue. What is true is that for many companies, their potential pool of employees they are trying to attract may already have jobs or are unable to work. So it’s time to accept that you may need to look beyond your “usual suspects” to fill your pipeline. This new pool of candidates may have different colored skin, speak another language, have a few blemishes on their record or need some help with their social skills. But they all have a few things in common: they want to work, contribute and be self-sufficient.

Our communities and populations are changing and not just in age. In order to grow, we have to look at different strategies for recruiting and retaining employees. It’s important for all companies to have a workforce strategy in place – and not just one in yours heads, it should be a written plan.

Below are three strategies to consider to fill your workforce gap.

1. Newer immigrant communities – Immigrants came to the United States looking for a better life and seeking the opportunity to work and achieve the “American Dream”. They’ve dealt with hardship and they’ve overcome a lot. They aren’t expecting handouts and appreciate being given a chance. You can find some of these folks by contacting local faith communities. Get to know religious leaders, invite them into your facilities and talk to them about what opportunities exist for good paying jobs with opportunities for advancement. You may need to hire some interpreters for certain shifts, you may need to translate some safety signs into a different language, but given the chance and if shown you care about them and their families, these folks will acclimate and could become some of your most loyal and hardworking employees.

2. Disabled – Most disabled persons just want a chance to be self-sufficient, contributing members of society, like us all. When given that chance, employers report they can be the most loyal, honest and hardworking employees at the company! Think creatively about what jobs you have that could be served by a person with certain disabilities. How wonderful for a “disabled person” NOT to be disabled at their job! Connect with local social service agencies that can help you identify people who would thrive at your company.

3. Past Offenders – People make mistakes and some people get caught. For most, they want to move forward in a positive, responsible and law-abiding way. The company that gives them that chance will be one they are likely to feel great loyalty to for a long, long time. Talk with social service agencies about how you can tap into this market of folks looking for a chance at a new life with which they can be proud.

Have you had success with other populations filling your workforce pipeline? Do you have more ideas on how to tap into these populations? We’d love to hear from you! Visit our website and contact us today.