Attracting and retaining quality talent is a key priority for the equipment manufacturing industry and the construction industry it serves. High turnover rates, difficulties in finding qualified candidates, and the impact of workplace environment on employee satisfaction are all common issues that occur during the recruitment and employment process.
Recently, AEM’s CONEXPO-CON/AGG 365 platform released a free e-book, 4 Steps to Hiring And Retaining The Best Workers, to combat these common industry issues and help employers get ahead of the curve when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent. The online resource explores four main themes: getting in front of the right people, conducting effective interviews, providing effective onboarding, and retaining staff year-round.
The book is based on a session held at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 by Dr. Larry Kokkelenberg, who has been researching, designing, developing, and delivering training programs for 40 years. With the tips outlined below, and with the tactics recommended by Dr. Kokkelenberg, companies may move the needle on finding skilled labor.
Getting the attention of jobseekers
Companies in today’s day and age must go above and beyond to get themselves in front of the right people. This is just the first step in attracting and retaining top talent, but arguably the most important in the short term. There are several ways in which companies can get the word out:
- Referral bonuses can be effective. The referral bonus will be more effective if it is a “significant amount.” However, it would be wise to include stipulations; for example, someone comes on and stays for at least six months before the referral fee is paid.
- Utilize several channels. DOD SkillBridge, a program that connects transitioning service members with industry partners in real world job experiences, is a great partner to get more visibility for any company. Veterans are a great talent pool to connect with, as a large number of veterans leave the force each year looking for new employment opportunities.
- Social media can be a hugely effective tool. Highlighting the positive experiences of current employees, posting about sign-on bonuses, and other perks that may be offered are great ways to entice potential employees.
- Summer internships are also a great way to get the word out that a company is hiring. Who knows – an intern may spread the word to friends that a company is a great place to work, or they may come back for a full-time job once they’re done with school.
Employers must also focus on employees well beyond the hiring process. From getting the attention of candidates and completing an interview, to making a hiring decision and onboarding employees, it’s important that employers take several different strategies to get the right people in the door.
With the four recommendations outlined in 4 Steps to Hiring And Retaining The Best Workers, employers can take steps to attract the right candidates and bolster their retention. If companies are struggling with their workforce, taking a proactive approach is necessary to remedy their workforce woes.
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