With US unemployment hovering at about 3.5 percent, finding qualified talent is one of the biggest challenges currently facing the transportation industry. In today’s environment, management must employ creative thinking and a proactive approach in addressing the critical shortfall of workforce.
Given the crucial labor needs, job seekers can weigh their options. Many are seeking a work/life balance with requirements including the ability to work remotely or a flexible work schedule. Inability to adapt to these changing demands means employers are losing out on talent.
Competitive salaries will always be critical in attracting new hires, so companies are evaluating compensation structures and adjusting to meet market demands. Many states and cities now have laws requiring that salaries be included in job postings, so appropriate salaries are more critical than ever.
A targeted recruitment strategy is crucial to identify the most qualified candidates. The ability to source passive candidates, solicit referrals, and conduct outreach through job boards, social media, and professional networks are essential for success in today’s job market. An experienced recruiter with a solid reputation and a strong knowledge of the market can provide an extended reach and streamline the hiring process.
Companies that are nimble enough to move quickly through the sourcing, interviewing, and hiring process (and those that provide “white glove” attention to candidates) are significantly advantaged as it’s not unusual for candidates to have at least one other offer in hand to consider.
Today’s job seekers are certainly interested in compensation, but they also have a more profound interest than ever in finding the right organization, not just a paycheck. Employees are evaluating the company’s reputation, alignment with the team they’ll be joining, their perceived contribution to the overall organization, and the company values as defined, clearly articulated, and continually infused from top to bottom. Companies that thoughtfully define their values realize that the employee experience must be reflected accordingly. We are seeing comprehensive health and wellness programs (yoga, vaccination incentives, fitness classes, and group challenges, to name a few) and tuition reimbursement, estate planning, and local attraction discounts to convey the importance of a balanced professional and personal life.
In today’s challenging hiring environment, it’s important for companies to be competitive in compensation; proactive, expeditious, and nimble in their hiring processes; and to clearly define and articulate organizational values and how they translate into an exceptional workplace.