How to attract and retain employees during the “Great Resignation”
It’s no secret that companies with high employee engagement and retention are often the most successful and profitable organizations. On the flipside, organizations with higher turnover often see that impact through lower employee morale and a decreased bottom line.
A new Gallup study has found that 48% of America’s working population is actively searching for a new job or watching for opportunities. Businesses across all industries are facing incredibly high attrition rates. In May 2021 alone, 3.6 million Americans resigned. Upon further study, Gallup noticed that this was not an issue of industry, role, or pay. Instead, this new trend known as the “Great Resignation” is because most employees are either not engaged or are actively disengaged in their organization. During this time of unrest, here are four strategies that organizations can use to retain top talent and attract qualified employees.
How to retain top talent
Most employers realize that turnover is expensive. Administrative costs, recruitment expenses, screening costs, and training and orientation expenses for new hires add up quickly. But many organizations underestimate the impact of a strong company culture on employee satisfaction and retention.
Be intentional in helping employees connect
It’s a fact: Employees with fewer social bonds are more likely to leave an organization. One of the biggest challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has been the loss of workplace social connections because of full-time remote or hybrid work environments. A recent study from Microsoft showed that communication amongst employee teams has drastically decreased over the course of the pandemic. This communication is critical to spurring innovation, creativity, and productivity.By understanding the value in helping employees connect with each other through town halls, happy hours, events, and other social activities, employers can build stronger and more committed workforces. Especially at this time of disconnect, organizations must continue to emphasize building connections with teammates and strengthening company culture.
Show employees you care about their health
Caring for people is good business. To retain top talent during the Great Resignation, organizations must continually strive to offer meaningful benefits that are tailored to employees’ health needs. Companies are increasingly adopting the direct primary care model of employee healthcare to improve access and increase quality of care for their people. Especially for organizations with remote or hybrid workforces, this model offers in-person and digital health access points to meet employees wherever they are. Lower costs also allow organizations to expand their benefits package and additional perks. Whether that is behavioral health services, women’s health, or a focus on social determinants of health, step outside the box to tailor your offerings to the specific needs of your population. Additionally, don’t forget the importance of communicating your employee benefits. Even outside of annual enrollment season, ensure your workforce knows that you are committed to investing in their physical, mental, and financial wellness.
How to attract new talent
Despite the fact that millions of people are searching for new jobs, employers are still experiencing acute labor shortages. So, how can you make sure your organization stands out in the job hunt process?
Tailor your benefits to employees you want to hire
When people are resigning or looking for a new job, great benefits will make the difference. The most successful organizations tailor their benefits to the kind of talent that they want to attract. For example, in a large banking corporation where stress and competition are high, bringing healthcare onsite shows employees you care about their health and support their productivity. For manufacturers, which are often located in rural areas, connecting teams with virtual behavioral health services enhances their access to this type of care. By partnering with a direct healthcare provider, organizations can offer benefits that give them a competitive edge.
Make a good first impression with job candidates
Did you know that 70% of job seekers turn down a job if their first impression of the company is sub-par? At a time when employee burnout and stress caused by COVID-19 are at an all-time high, show prospective employees that your company is making an investment in its people. Whether that is through more generous PTO policies, mental health resources, or lower healthcare costs, making a strong first impression will ensure your business stands out and attracts the most qualified candidates.
Where to start?
In today’s competitive job market, it is important to offer meaningful benefits and a company culture that will attract top talent and create satisfied employees. Direct healthcare goes beyond standard benefits offerings and gives your population what matters most: convenient access to high-quality care. This makes it easier for people to prioritize their health and wellbeing. As a perk that employees and their families value, this benefit can help organizations stand out and be more competitive during the hiring process.
Ready to boost employee morale? Connect with us today.