Five ways to attract and retain talent in your ‘new normal’

Pay, environment, and more in today’s market

There’s never been a year like 2020. Talent professionals in particular have been forced to adapt to a very ‘new normal,’ making changes like never before.

For example, in September 2020 staffing agencies told NBC about the high volume of roles that are left vacant today as a result of added incentives provided to those on unemployment. In The Wall Street Journal, the president of our Kelly® Professional & Industrial group, Deb Thorpe, shared how job opportunities remain open in areas such as manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics, as workers have concerns around safety, benefits, and the potential childcare needs if schools close again. Kelly recently partnered with a Fortune 500® customer to double their applicant rate in one week through a 30-35% increase in pay rates.

Based on thousands of customers we’ve supported through the pandemic, Kelly has identified five key components to successful talent attraction and retention in the ‘new normal.’ They are:

1. Competitive pay.

Now more than ever, companies must frequently analyze market rates to stay competitive. Companies nationwide are reporting higher open positions and less applicants due to COVID and the additional incentives they’re receiving to stay home. Companies must make it worth coming to work each day.

2. Comfortable, safe environments.

In these times, employees must know with confidence that an environment will both be comfortable and safe. The workplace is a critical part in their decision making, so expectations, resources, and processes ensuring safety are key factors.

3. Perks and benefits.

An immediate change companies can implement are bonuses for attendance, tenure, and completion. These benefits both sides—companies retain their talent, thereby increasing productivity and reducing rehiring needs (think less new hire onboarding and training), while employees receive much needed financial support for the unforeseen circumstances of today. Additionally, benefits have always ranked high in importance when attracting talent, but more so now than ever. Health concerns related to the pandemic, mental health support, financial counseling or education, and childcare savings accounts are all items increasing in importance to employees as a result of the last 6+ months.

4. Transport-friendly location.

Due to the increased risk of infection for those dependent on public transportation, locations easily accessible by car, bike, or walking are in favor. However, we understand you can’t move your location consider remote, hybrid, and other flexible work options to reduce the amount of time your employees spend commuting to work.

5. Opportunity for career development.

Fresh perspective has been placed on making oneself more marketable to employers, as individuals who experienced layoffs are applying for fewer available positions. Therefore, offering career development opportunities not only helps with retaining top talent–it also provides them with additional skills to add to their resume. Let’s discuss your ‘new talent normal.’ Kelly is succeeding in today’s environment because we’ve worked for years to build the recruiting capabilities that support today’s hybrid environments. Reach out to our team today to learn how we can optimize your talent impact. To learn more, visit pi.kellyservices.us.

Let’s discuss your ‘new talent normal.’

Kelly is succeeding in today’s environment because we’ve worked for years to build the recruiting capabilities that support today’s hybrid environments. Reach out to our team today to learn how we can optimize your talent impact.