Attracting New Hires in the Security Integration Industry
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, Cothron’s Security Professionals shares tips on how to attract and retain employees.
Amidst a workforce shortage, hiring is something that’s on everyone’s mind right now.
There are currently 9.8 million job openings in America, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics…So why aren’t people working?
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, many got used to working from home, and now, they still want that flexibility.
- Others are demanding more benefits and pay raises, especially with inflation and – for many – the price of childcare.
- Feeling burnt out, stressed, and depressed also keeps people from wanting to work.
Shortages of workers have hit certain industries particularly hard, such as skilled trades. In construction alone, there is a gap of a half million workers—a number that will increase as new projects pop up every day.
The older generation that went into fields like plumbing and roofing is retiring, while the younger generation is not being trained in these areas. Many students are not even aware that these routes exist, as they believe they should graduate and go to a four-year college.
Stanley Black & Decker’s Makers Index studied opinions of skilled trade careers, in order to better understand the labor shortage. The report found that only 16% of students are very likely to consider skilled trade industries, as they:
- underestimate how much money they could make (though half of skilled trade employees with less than 10 years of experience start out earning at least $50,000)
- have outdated beliefs about these industries (even though almost all current skilled trade workers use cutting-edge technology within their in-demand jobs)
City Machine Technologies started an annual celebration, National Skilled Trades Day, which is celebrated on the first Wednesday of May, to remind everyone of the benefits of trade jobs. These roles usually only require a certificate, which saves the time and money that would be spent earning a college degree. With a faster education and the lack of student loan debt, people can enter the workforce quickly.
Skilled trade jobs offer competitive pay, insurance, vacation time, overtime pay, and other benefits. So how can employers use this information, along with other tactics, to attract new employees?
Make Yourself Known
Your website, social media, uniforms, storefront, logo, vehicles, community involvement… All of this comes together and introduces you to potential new customers and employees. It’s a saturated market, so make sure you’re doing what you can to stand out.
Companies need to have cohesive messages and clear goals, in order to spread brand awareness and boost business. And through it all, one must remember the age-old advice: The customer always comes first! This mentality will lead to satisfied customers and, in turn, to positive reviews and word-of-mouth referrals (for both customers and employees).
Give The People What They Want/Need
Many businesses are established as the answer to a problem; someone sees a need not being met and decides to solve it with their own products/services.
If possible, brands should see what is lacking in their areas and then be the first (and best!) to offer it up.
Get In Front Of Potential Hires
In today’s digital day and age, job postings can be shared online, getting in front of a large target audience. There are still traditional ways to attract employment, too, such as newspaper ads and signs posted in places of business.
But job fairs are exceptionally great places to network, since they are full of motivated applicants who are searching for roles and ready to work. This is an opportunity to show off some tools of the trade and answer questions about what the job really entails.
Build A Community
Once someone is hired, they can’t just be treated like another cog in a wheel. A truly successful business is one that notices its employees, cares for them, and rewards them.
For instance, you may have a company sports team, an annual holiday party, or even a company band. Coworkers could hang out together outside of work, and high-performing staff could be treated to a breakfast with the bosses each month.
From sending out birthday messages and sharing features on social media to giving out awards in recognition of efforts and providing regular raises, make sure you are prioritizing employee appreciation.
Publicize Your Job Postings
Of course, the simplest way to attract workers is by posting job openings online. These can be shared to your website, your social channels, and job boards. They should clearly explain the responsibilities and expectations of the role, along with steps to apply.
Make sure to keep the information up to date and to repost it regularly.
Times are tough, but there are ways to appeal to potential employees. The pandemic certainly shifted the way we work, and now, companies need to rethink how and why they hire. With more than nine million other job postings out there, employers have to stand out in creative and strategic ways. This goes double for the skilled trade workforce, since it’s not even on the radar of many possible applicants.
And once that hire is made, the work is far from over. Whether through remote work, increased salaries, or training on new offered products/services, brands have to make sure they are giving customers AND employees what they want and need.
It needs to be best foot forward at all times, and that can’t happen with an unhappy, unmotivated team.
It will take time and thought, patience and practice, but following these steps can truly help in attracting and retaining employees.
Bri Thomas is the marketing director at Cothron’s Security Professionals.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.