Doing business in a post-pandemic world still means that it’s harder than ever to recruit and retain top talent. Discussions about how to address this challenge often feature the term “employer of choice.” But what does becoming an employer of choice really mean? Below, our team of expert consultants share their thoughts on what makes an employer of choice stand out from the pack.
What is an Employer of Choice?
Doing business in a post-pandemic world still means that it’s harder than ever to recruit and retain top talent. Discussions about how to address this challenge often feature the term “employer of choice.” But what does becoming an employer of choice really mean?
To put it simply, an employer of choice is an organization that has a great deal of success in attracting candidates that want to work there. But it’s important to recognize that the talent needs of every organization vary, as does their culture; so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. In the final analysis, an employer of choice has mastered the ability to attract – and keep – the right employees.
Employers of choice inspire loyalty in their employees, and not just because they offer competitive salaries and benefits. Just as importantly, they offer many of the intangibles that we’ll touch on below. These employers already have a known reputation as great places to work, and perhaps they’ve even won formal recognition as a “best place to work.”
What the Experts Say
We asked our team of expert consultants, each of whom has decades of experience serving in HR leadership roles in a variety of industries, what makes an employer of choice stand out from the pack. Below you’ll see key themes that organizations should consider in their quest to become employers of choice:
Jon Binder, Senior Consultant & Compensation Practice Leader: In my experience, a fundamental element to being an employer of choice is supervisors and managers creating trusted relationships with the employees on their team. This requires a recognition that both parties – employer and employee – have needs that must to be met for mutual success. This also requires a two-way dialogue regarding expectations and results where the employee feels expected and welcome to provide input and there is a mutual expectation for collaboration.
Ann Cripe, Senior Consultant: An employer of choice reflects a united leadership team, leading with a spirit of integrity, enthusiasm, exceptional communication, unified and cascading goals across the organization, and a culture of respect for all. All employees have the opportunity to grow, to be innovative, and to understand they are a part of the organization’s overall success through a spirit of collaboration, yielding much greater results by working as one team. A choice employer recognizes the multi-generational workforce and the importance of providing a work environment, compensation, and benefits offerings that are flexible and representative of today’s broad employee base. Choice employers operate with a lens of contributing within the communities in which they work.
Roger Dusing, PhD, Senior Consultant & Education Practice LeaderThe best motivational theories recognize that a manager cannot “motivate” an employee – motivation comes from within. Instead, a manager can create an environment that allows the employee’s internal motivation to engage. Virtually every person wants to know they are doing valued work, they want to know that they are doing that work well, and they want to be recognized for doing so. That recognition could come from an increase in base salary; but more importantly, it comes from a trusting personal relationship with supervisors and coworkers, and from sincere recognition and appreciation of a job well done.
Rewards are wonderful, and few people will walk away from a bonus or a gift, but what they will remember is that heart-felt thank you. That recognition might be public or private, and the supervisor needs to know what the employee prefers. That appreciation might be memorialized in an email, a proclamation, or on a plaque; but at the end of the day, looking the employee in the eye, shaking their hand, and sincerely telling them thank you, may be the best employee recognition program around.
OMNI Can Help
Does your organization need help in any of these areas? Our expert team of senior consultants can offer you the support you need to become an employer of choice. Contact us now for a free consultation.