IF YOU WANT YOUR COMPANY to shine in this competitive marketplace , some trends need immediate attention this year . l Consider how you can build flexibility into your schedule . Some leaders fear flexibility as they assume it means working from home . That ’ s not always an option or what they want . Make the time to engage in a conversation with your employees about how you can build in some flexibility while still providing services . Sometimes , a simple change in schedule will do the trick ! l Especially for Gen Zs and Millennials , purpose matters . Get involved with your community and support local causes . Be clear about what is important to you and share your passion on your website and through social media . If you are involved in feeding the homeless , collecting supplies for children or donating hours to a local charity , share your commitment to the community . l Assess and improve your overall applicant experience . Every step of the process is an opportunity to create a WOW experience . Applicants are checking you out just as much as you are checking them out . Demonstrate your amazing culture at every step and use a short cycle time to hire . It doesn ’ t stop at the interview . It ’ s frustrating to hire employees only to have them not show up on day one . Have you stayed in touch with them since the job offer ? Keeping them engaged is paramount ! Consider sending a nice note signed by your team upon their accepting a position . Stay engaged by creating a memorable experience . l New employee celebration ( orientation ) should be an experience that not only focuses on the necessary paperwork , but also includes time well spent on culture , history and how exceptional it is to work in the industry . They should feel so honored and excited to join the team ! Thirty days after they are hired , ask them about their experience and what you do that ’ s better / worse than where they used to work ! l Clarify , promote and protect your brand . Review your website and social media . Applicants don ’ t always look at your home page . Your job page needs to tell the story about how amazing it is to work in your industry , not just a job listing . Feature stories should include S-P-A : a Story , Point and Action ! Action could be as simple as saying ,“ What about you ? Are you ready to contact us and become a part of an amazing team ?” n

“ Assess and improve your overall applicant experience . Applicants are checking you out just as much as you are checking them out .”

— RITA BARRETO

EDITOR ’ S NOTE : Rita Barreto shares the above highlight from her presentation at the 2023 ISPA Conference .

28 PULSE n JULY 2023