With all the talk about a labor shortage crisis, it's easy to point fingers at potential employees. But let's not forget, the employment game is a two-way street. As CEO's, we need to ask ourselves:
Are we doing enough to attract and retain great talent?
The journey to overcoming staffing hurdles starts with introspection. Are our hiring practices keeping up with what today's workforce wants? From writing job ads to conducting interviews and having a structured and consistent onboarding process, every move we make reflects how serious we are about finding and keeping the right people. And yes, I get it—paying top dollar isn't always an option, especially for small businesses, but it's imperative to also prioritize aspects like work-life balance, professional growth opportunities, and fostering a positive company culture.
Keeping our team happy isn't just a one-time thing—it's an ongoing mission. Are we creating an environment where they feel valued and heard? Regular trainings, shoutouts for a job well done, and keeping the door open for feedback should all part of the game plan.
And let's not forget about flipping the script on how we think about work. The pandemic shook things up big time, pushing remote work and flexible hours into the spotlight. Even if you're in an industry where being on-site is a must, there are still ways to be flexible. When my manager came to me about working one shift per week from home, I knew this wasn't ideal. Instead, I offered her the chance to work a half day from home when she would typically be doing office work and the store wasn't open. Flexibility in my mind was key.
So, what's your move? How are you shaking things up to make sure your team is thriving?
