Like most business owners and entrepreneurs, you know that one of the keys to success is hiring skilled workers. After all, your employees are responsible for keeping your business running smoothly and efficiently. But what happens when you can’t find qualified workers to hire? The skills shortage can undoubtedly contribute to this, but it’s not the only reason it’s happening. You may be surprised to learn that a few factors are at play. Here are the five most common reasons you may struggle to find skilled workers for your business.
The Job Market Is Competitive
First, you may struggle to hire skilled workers because the job market is becoming increasingly competitive. Thanks to a strong economy, more jobs are available than people to fill them, but not enough skilled workers.
Businesses have to work harder than ever to attract top talent. There are various ways to do this. Your first option is to give unique benefits.
Unique Benefits
Unique benefits are crucial if you want to get more skilled workers. For example, if you want senior employees, you’ll need to address their current problems.
One of the growing pains of old age is the lack of teeth. Since it can be expensive to get dental implants, why not offer that as a benefit for them? Partner with your local orthodontic and negotiate a group rate. That way, your business appears generous, and you don’t have to spend as much money. This is one unique benefit that many companies aren’t offering near you. By doing this, you should be able to attract senior and more experienced workers into your company.
Working Conditions
Offer better working conditions, such as a relaxed dress code, flexible hours, and the ability to work from home when needed. This will show that you’re invested in your employee’s well-being and not just their productivity. In return, they’ll be more likely to put forth their best efforts and skills for your company.
Higher Wages
It’s not uncommon for businesses to be short-staffed these days. So to hire skilled workers, you may need to offer higher wages than other companies in your industry.
While it may seem like a lot of money upfront, remember that skilled workers are likely to be more productive and efficient. So in the long run, you’ll make up for the extra money you spent on wages.
You can also offer other types of compensation, such as stock options, bonuses, and profit-sharing. These are all excellent ways to attract skilled workers without breaking the bank.
The Skills Gap Is Growing
Another reason you may have difficulty filling skilled positions is the growing skills gap. As certain professions become increasingly technical, finding workers with the necessary skills is becoming harder and harder. One way to overcome this challenge is by offering training and development opportunities for your employees. By investing in your workforce, you’ll not only attract top talent, but you’ll also retain your best employees for the long run.
You’re Not Utilizing Your Network
If you’re only relying on online job boards and classified ads to find qualified candidates, you may miss out on some of the best candidates. Sometimes, the best approach to locate top people is to tap into your current network of connections. Inquire with your friends, family, and business contacts if they know anyone who would be a good fit for the open post. You’d be surprised how often this strategy pays off! Why not start a referral program if you want to take advantage of this inside your full company?
Referral Program
This program offers employees incentives to refer their friends and contacts. For example, you could offer a bonus for every new hire brought in through a referral. This is an excellent way to tap into your network and find top talent without spending much money on advertising. The average pay for this program is around $1,000 to $2,499. However, this can depend entirely on your budget.
Complicated Recruitment Process
Another common reason businesses struggle to hire skilled workers is that their recruitment process is too long or complicated. In today’s fast-paced world, most candidates don’t have the patience (or attention span) to jump through endless hoops to apply for a job. To avoid scaring off potential candidates, ensure your recruitment process is as streamlined and efficient as possible.
Not Putting Your Company Out There
Finally, it’s important to remember that you’re not just selling a job—you’re selling your company as a whole! So when candidate evaluation time comes around, make sure you take the time to sell your company culture, values, and mission statement. Candidates should feel like they would be a good fit for your organization before they even step foot in an interview room!