Sweden is making headlines with its shift to a 6-hour workday. While cultural and economic differences between the workplace in Sweden versus the U.S. might be vastly different, the shift is definitely garnering attention from the media. Specifically, it’s opening up a discussion about how employers can create work opportunities that are more attractive to top talent.
Is your workplace attractive to top talent?
You may not need to reduce your work day to six hours, but you can create an environment that attracts and retains top talent. Here’s how:
- Be flexible. Flexible workplaces are no longer a luxury – in many specialties, locations and industries, they are an expectation. With the latest technologies, telecommuting is more convenient and productive than ever. Are there roles within your organization that could be handled either part- or full-time from home? Could your workday start at 8am for some and 10am for others? Can your employees take breaks and lunches on their own schedules? Look at ways to create a more flexible environment – whether large or small – and employees will respond.
- Invest in your team. When employees feel as if their employers are invested in them and their futures, they respond. Are you investing in your team? The latest technology helps employees do their jobs more efficiently and with less hassle (it’s time to trash those old CRT monitors and clunky PC towers!). On- and off-site training and learning opportunities help employees expand their skills and learn about potential career paths within your company, improving retention and helping you nurture and build your future organizational leaders. And when you invest in your current team, it also makes an impression on candidates – think about the impression you’d have of an organization if you walked through the building to an interview and passed outdated computers and a drab office. Now think about passing the latest computers, or an engaged team in a training or team building session. Investing in your team doesn’t just retain your current talent, it attracts top talent at all levels.
- Simplify your hiring process. We recently highlighted some ways companies turn off top talent, and hiring process is one of the most critical. Show you’re an attractive workplace to candidates by making their first experiences with you positive and seamless. How you present yourself during the hiring process often gives key indicators to candidates how it will be to work for you. If it’s disorganized and slow, would you want to work for you?
- Get active in the community. Today’s talent (especially millennials) wants to work with employers who have clear values. Giving back to the community – both through financial support and volunteering or other employee events – is a way to not only make a difference, but show talent that your commitment to them goes beyond the 9 to 5.
Employees respond to a welcoming, flexible and supportive work environment, but finding the right candidates is essential. Helpmates has an extensive network of talent across Southern California – we’ll find the right talent to jump in and make an immediate impact on your organization.
