Even though the latest job reports show that the US added jobs in May, the unemployment rate is still just above its lowest point since 1969. The competition for quality employees is fierce, so how can a small or medium-sized business compete with larger organizations? Indeed.com recently offered some tips for hiring in the home improvement industry that could help you hire your next team member:
Make Your Job Descriptions Clear
It may be time to revisit the tools are you using to attract new employees. Does your job description clearly note duties, pay, benefits and your company values? Skilled employees want to use the specialization they have developed. Make sure those keywords are in your employment listing so it will show up in the online job search. Also, people don’t want to waste their time talking to companies that will not meet their salary or benefits requirements, so list that information in your job description.
Expand Where You List Your Jobs
There are many online resources for recruiting employees but be sure they can offer you more than the generic listing. Specialized home improvement job boards will help lead you to employees looking for work in your industry. It’s also wise to use as many hiring platforms as your team can manage to help spread the word more widely.
Use Your Network
Offering referral rewards to those who send qualified employees your way can keep your business top of mind with your partners. Tap into current and former employees, as well as your BAGI network, who may know people looking for a job change.
Offer Continuous Training
Employees want to stay up to date as new materials, processes and technologies emerge in the home improvement industry. By offering training in these areas, you allow your workforce to gain skills they find valuable which then makes your business more valuable to them. The same old same old can be done at another company. By allowing your employees to grow within your organization, you provide incentive for them to come and to stay.
Take Care of Employees
Hiring and training new team members is challenging and expensive, making retaining employees one of the most important goals for a healthy business. Company culture goes a long way in growing loyalty. Workplace satisfaction comes from feeling like one is part of a supportive team that provides flexibility and care. Having access to health benefits is a large part of a business proving to employees that they value their well-being. Here is where your BAGI membership can help. As a member in good standing, you are eligible to participate in the BAGI Group Health Plan, which offers fully-insured, high-quality coverage with 12 plan choices and rate price protection. Wharton & Power Insurance is the sole administrator of the BAGI program, so reach out to us for more information. You can send us an email or call Scott Wharton at 317.663.4138.
Good employees are out there looking for opportunities for rewarding work. Ensuring your business is putting its best face forward in recruitment efforts will help them find it.
