Talent drought: 3 tips to make it rain

2021 was a record year for resignations, with UK job vacancies soaring to 1.24 million and talent shortages unequalled since the end of WW2. 

In the current talent drought, companies need to offer more than a competitive salary and benefits. If we’ve learned anything from the past two years, it’s that employees want an employer whose values align with theirs. Companies that prioritise environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives and creating a culture of belonging will attract the top talent.

1.    Curate your company’s culture 

To create a culture of belonging, start by looking inwardly. Does the leadership reflect the values of the people they want to employ? Employees are more productive when they feel accepted at work and feel that their leaders represent them and their values. 

It’s well known by now that diversity boosts innovation in teams, but creating a diverse environment where everyone feels included will boost employee retention as well as performance. Research has also shown that cities that are more LGBTQ+ inclusive are better at attracting talent and provide a higher quality of life.

2.    Focus on wellbeing 

The pandemic has demonstrated that employee wellbeing is vital. Research shows that wellbeing at work is influenced by three factors: the demands of the job, the employee’s ability to make decisions, and social support. Show you care about your people by checking in rather than checking up, providing mental health initiatives, and above all offering flexibility.

Showing you can accommodate workers with different needs in the new age of hybrid working will demonstrate agility and give you the edge in the competition for talent. A recent Datasite survey of 200 senior professionals in the UK found that 34.5% of them were prioritising family time for 2022; this means that offering flexibility is one of the best things you can do to show that your company can accommodate prospective employees’ needs.

3.    Generate real change 

Sometimes starting a conversation is all it takes to start change. Discussing how your company can be more environmentally aware can lead to new ESG initiatives that demonstrate your commitment to the greater good, like making sure your catering is from environmentally friendly sources, or that companies in your supply chain are part of the circular economy.. Environmental altruism can be as attractive to candidates as mental health initiatives.

In short, today’s candidates want to work for companies that share their values and are sustainable, purpose-driven, diverse and inclusive, where they can feel accepted and progress in their careers.