Top tips for deepening your talent pool

Data confirms this widespread uncertainty. In a recent PwC poll, 77 percent of executives say that hiring and retaining talent is their most critical driver of growth, yet they seem unsure of the best solution; 43 percent report offering more hybrid work opportunities, 36 percent have improved their career advancement and upskilling initiatives, and just 31 percent have increased compensation.

It seems that approaching today’s hiring hurdles — the Great Resignation, recession fears, an evolving economy, and digital transformation across industries, just to name a few — with the same old talent acquisition and retention strategies just won’t cut it. To survive and thrive in today’s talent race, successful companies will need to devise new ways of attracting and retaining employees who will not only stick around, but will lead their organizations with ideas, innovation, and dedication.

Winning the Talent War

We’ve talked about what workers now want in our “new normal” in the workplace, from more flexibility to better benefits. Compensation, job titles, and advancement opportunities may appeal to more traditional workers, but many employees are re-evaluating what a “good job” means to them. Actually listening to what our employees want and need and understanding how to fulfill those demands is crucial to effective talent management policies.

An insightful McKinsey & Company report outlines the five types of workers in today’s economy — traditionalists, do-it-yourselfers, caregivers, idealists, and relaxers — and the distinct value each persona brings to the workforce.

Too often, companies focus on hiring traditionalists, those career-oriented professionals who are motivated by moving up the corporate ladder, snagging the corner office, and — yes — making money. However, in an interesting plot twist, this familiar type of worker is a dying breed. There just aren’t enough of them to fill all of the jobs out there. Forward-thinking companies are increasingly turning to the non-traditional worker to deepen their talent pools and diversify their workforce.

Let’s take a deeper look at these employee personas and hidden workers — and what they value most in the workplace.

Building Your Best Team Takes a Powerful Partner 

A successful recruitment strategy doesn’t look the same as it did 10 — or even two — years ago. Organizations now need to diversify their sourcing, communicate a strong brand, prioritize the employee experience, and employ persuasive hiring practices. In other words, recruiters are more important than ever. The best approach to recruitment today is centered on a combination of process, technology, tools, and, most important of all, people who are experts in your industry and in your business.