How to Hire Employees In A Post-Pandemic World
Tips and tricks on how to attract and retain workers in 2022
In 2020, a reported 114 million people lost their jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. In 2021, over 47 million people quit working, searching for better paychecks and work conditions. Now, in 2022, we are in the middle of an employee shortage, as everyone seems to be hiring and needing workers.
How are brands seeking out new hires, and how can they be retained, once they come aboard?
First, businesses and organizations must look at what they are doing to attract new talent…and then they must step it up a notch. When it comes to the current workforce, it is a competitive game, with lots of potential employees and lots of options from which they can choose.
Here are some common methods used by job recruiters, as well as updated strategies to keep in mind.
JOB BOARDS: Many post their available positions on job boards, but one must get creative with their postings, in order to stand out from the crowd. From the job title and description to the questions that are asked and the benefits that are listed, keep potential employees in mind. Put yourself in their shoes, catering the listing to your ideal candidate.
CAREER FAIRS: Another wise way to get in front of talent is at a job fair, and according to Veris Insights, over 40% of brands said their information sessions and career fairs would take place virtually and in person. This allows for a greater, as well as a safer, reach.
And here are some fresh methods to utilize in 2022, when working to gain new employees.
PERSONAL INVITATIONS TO PRIVATE PARTIES: Right off the bat, you need to make members of your team feel welcomed and special, and this starts as early as the application process. Instead of going to a career fair, with tons of other brands and applicants, consider hosting an intimate gathering, where you invite top candidates and really woo them.
OVER-THE-TOP INFO IN A ONE-OF-A-KIND WAY: As mentioned, posting about a job online and talking about it at an event is common. In today’s world, though, companies and associations have to show how they are different. One way to do just that is by featuring their brand/open positions in a unique way. From an animated website or a VR experience to a pop-up event, the options and opportunities are endless and exciting.
Once you have secured your new hire(s), the wooing does not stop. Remember: You are one of numerous brands hiring, and people are now, more than ever, leaving jobs and searching for better ones.
That being said, you must keep in mind what is important to workers, and this can include the following:
EMPLOYEES WANT TO FEEL LIKE THEY ARE PART OF SOMETHING: Bring someone new into the workplace with an employee welcome kit. Full of useful tools (such as an employee handbook, a list of expectations, info on what to do in an emergency, and menus to nearby restaurants) and thoughtful gifts (like branded power banks, logo laptop sleeves, and imprinted webcam covers), these kits start the job off with a bang.
EMPLOYEES WANT TO BE NOTICED AND APPRECIATED: After the position gets started, make sure to stay involved with your new employee. Say hi, ask about their lives, and definitely point out any/all of their work accomplishments.
EMPLOYEES WANT TO BE REWARDED: Speaking of accomplishments…Work can be tough, no matter the role, industry, location, or level of experience, and this is especially true in a post-pandemic world. Rewards can show employee appreciation and increase a brand’s chances of keeping workers around. Some ideas include customized trophies or promo gift sets given to top salespeople each month all the way up to more vacation days and mental health days made available to employees.
The hiring process may look different these days, but by utilizing updated and exciting methods, job recruiters can attract top applicants and retain their ideal candidates.
