Five Ways HR Departments Attract the Best Employees

Photo Courtesy: US Department of Agriculture

It can be difficult for human resource managers to attract the best employees. High salaries may attract applicants, but money isn’t enough to keep employees at their desks for years.

Here are ways that today’s HR departments are recruiting and keeping employees:

1. Matching Cultures

Each business has its own unique culture. The best human resource professionals seek employees who match the culture of the company. It’s important to remember that no matter someone’s skill set, much of the learning will take place on the job. It’s far more important to find employees who fit in with the company’s culture; skills can be taught, attitude and behaviors are typically ingrained. When employees and companies are a good match for one another, lower pay is often acceptable.

2. Realistic Pay

Job applicants don’t expect every company to offer the same pay for similar positions, but pay cannot be drastically skewed. Many HR departments and business owners make the mistake of basing salaries on the current budget. HR managers in the know research similar positions within the region and base starting salaries off of those studies. For example, if the starting salary for an IT specialist is $18 an hour, offering the position for less than $17 an hour will see it sit unfilled.

3. Flexibility

Job seekers have lives outside of work. It’s unusual to find someone that is happy being tied to a desk for eight to 10 hours out of every day. Innovative companies are offering flexibility in scheduling as a way to draw in highly-qualified applicant. Companies are offering employees the opportunity to telecommute, work split shifts, and even work at times of the day that are most suitable to their lifestyles.

4. Creative Perks

There may be nothing that can be done to control the rising cost of health insurance, but HR managers are getting creative with the other perks and benefits that they are offering current and potential employees. Companies that don’t have gyms or spas for their employees offer coupons to local fitness clubs.

Photo Courtesy: Mike Fleming

Businesses that don’t have room for a coffee bar, plug in a Keurig and offer free K-cups to employees. There are hundreds of ways to make a company more appealing; it only takes a bit of creativity.

5. Upward Mobility

It’s the rare employee who wants to remain in the same position within a company for 30 years. HR managers are using mobility as a way to attract the best employees. Companies that don’t offer promotions may offer lateral moves with added perks. HR managers are well aware that employees need to change positions from time to time. Companies that have one CEO and dozens of employees need to be creative in the way that employees are given new tasks or different positions.

It’s important for human resource managers to sweeten the pot for potential employees. Companies that don’t have the budget to pay exorbitant salaries are still able to recruit strong employees. With creativity, HR managers are not only attracting employees, but keeping them on board for the long haul.

Writer Brett Harris is interested in an online masters in human resources and is thrilled that he can fit it into his busy schedule.