Recruitment Challenges for Quick Service Restaurants

What are some of the biggest recruitment challenges for quick service restaurants, and what can you do about them? That’s exactly what we explore here.

Hiring for QSRs

Recruitment challenges can vary across different industries, and the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry is no exception. Here are some of the common recruitment challenges faced by quick service restaurants:

High turnover rates: Quick service restaurants often experience high turnover rates due to factors such as low wages, demanding work environments, and limited career advancement opportunities. This constant need for new hires puts additional strain on the recruitment process.

Attracting and retaining talent: With a competitive labor market, attracting and retaining skilled and motivated employees can be a challenge for quick service restaurants. Many job seekers may perceive QSR positions as temporary or low-skilled, making it difficult for these establishments to stand out and attract top talent.

Limited availability of suitable candidates: Finding candidates with the necessary skills, experience, and availability can be a challenge. Quick service restaurants typically require employees who can work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. This can narrow the pool of available candidates, making recruitment more challenging.

Negative perception of the industry: The quick service restaurant industry sometimes faces negative stereotypes and perceptions regarding working conditions, low wages, and lack of career growth opportunities. Overcoming these perceptions and showcasing the positive aspects of working in a QSR can be crucial to attracting qualified candidates.

Limited resources for recruitment: Many quick service restaurants have limited resources for recruitment, such as budget constraints and lack of dedicated HR staff. This can make it challenging to invest in effective recruitment strategies, including advertising job openings, conducting thorough interviews, and implementing training programs.

Skills gap and training requirements: Quick service restaurants often require employees to possess specific skills, such as food preparation, customer service, and cash handling. However, finding candidates with the necessary skills and training can be difficult, especially for specialized positions like cooks or managers. This skills gap may require additional training and development programs to bridge the gap.

Seasonal fluctuations in demand: Quick service restaurants often experience seasonal fluctuations in demand, such as increased business during holidays or summer months. Meeting these temporary staffing needs can be a challenge, as it requires recruiting and training new employees quickly, only to potentially reduce staff once the demand subsides.

To overcome these recruitment challenges, quick service restaurants can consider implementing strategies such as offering competitive wages and benefits, creating a positive work environment, providing opportunities for career growth and advancement, leveraging technology for efficient recruitment processes, partnering with local schools or training programs, and improving employee retention through recognition and development programs.

Can technology fix the worker shortage at quick service restaurants?

Technology can play a role in addressing the worker shortage at quick service restaurants, but it is not a standalone solution. While technology can help streamline operations and improve efficiency, it cannot completely replace the need for human workers in the restaurant industry. Here are a few ways in which technology can contribute:

Automation: Technology can automate certain tasks in quick service restaurants, such as self-ordering kiosks, automated food preparation systems, or robotic systems for cleaning and maintenance. Automating repetitive and time-consuming tasks can free up employees to focus on more complex and customer-centric activities.

Online recruitment platforms: Technology can simplify the recruitment process by providing online platforms and tools to advertise job openings, manage applications, and conduct initial screening. These platforms like Premier Virtual, can help quick service restaurants reach a broader pool of candidates and streamline the hiring process.

Mobile scheduling and communication tools: Quick service restaurants can utilize mobile scheduling and communication tools to efficiently manage employee schedules, shift swaps, and instant communication. These tools can enhance communication between employees and management, leading to better coordination and reducing scheduling conflicts.

Training and e-learning platforms: Technology can facilitate training programs for new hires and existing employees through e-learning platforms. These platforms can provide interactive and engaging training modules, making it easier to onboard new employees and upskill existing staff members.

Data analytics for workforce management: Technology can help quick service restaurants analyze data related to workforce management, such as employee performance, productivity, and scheduling patterns. This data-driven approach can enable better decision-making, optimize staffing levels, and identify areas for improvement.

While technology can alleviate some of the challenges in the worker shortage, it is essential to remember that human interaction and customer service are still vital in the quick service restaurant industry. Building a positive and engaging work environment, offering competitive wages and benefits, and investing in employee development and retention strategies are equally important for attracting and retaining workers. Technology should be seen as a tool to complement and enhance the workforce, rather than a complete replacement.

For more tips on how to integrate a virtual platform to help you hire, contact us at www.PremierVirtual.com for a free demo today.

Top 3 HR Tech Trends You Need to Know!

A human resources department consist of many different aspects that manage the career path of employees.  HR Tech is meant to improve processes and efficiency so that companies can hire the best employees, and to properly support them.

There are programs and platforms to manage all of the different that focus on 

For 2023, future HR technology trends will likely focus on:

  • HR strategic initiatives
  • The hybrid work environment
  • Employee wellness, safety, and support
  • Cloud-based systems
  • Data integration
  • Hiring and retaining workers
  • Enhanced decision-making
  • Learning management
  • Improving diversity in the workplace

Of these, the top 3 HR tech trends are:

  1. The hybrid work environment
  2.  Employee wellness, safety and support
  3. Hiring and retaining workers

The Hybrid Work Environment

As the COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way we work, many companies are embracing a hybrid work environment that combines remote and in-office work. As with many other technologies, Covid accelerated the rate of adoption, and now many companies have a fixed remote workforce or hybrid workforce in place. Offering these positions is often a competitive advantage for talent that prefers to work remotely. Here are some of the tactics that are benefiting from HR tech and updated policies.

  1. Flexible work arrangements: Many companies are offering employees the flexibility to choose where they work from. Some are providing the option to work from home full-time, while others are offering a mix of in-office and remote work.
  2. Technology infrastructure: Companies are investing in technology to enable remote work and collaboration. This includes cloud-based tools for file sharing and video conferencing, virtual private networks (VPNs) to ensure secure remote access to corporate resources, and other software tools to facilitate communication and collaboration.
  3. Reconfiguring office spaces: Companies are rethinking office spaces to create a more flexible work environment. This may include redesigning workstations to accommodate social distancing, creating collaborative spaces for team meetings, and providing a range of amenities to support a hybrid work culture.
  4. Employee engagement: Companies are focusing on employee engagement to ensure that remote workers feel connected to the company culture and remain productive. This may include regular virtual team meetings, virtual social events, and other initiatives to build team cohesion.
  5. Revising policies and procedures: Companies are revising policies and procedures to accommodate the needs of remote workers. This may include revising leave policies, redefining performance metrics, and creating guidelines for remote work to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Overall, companies are embracing hybrid work environments as a way to provide flexibility, promote productivity, and ensure the safety of employees during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Hiring and Retaining Workers

Ultimately the main role in HR is to hire the best possible employees to fit the companies goals and culture, and to find ways to support each individual. Several technologies are helping companies to hire and retain workers. Here are some examples:

1.     Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): An ATS is software that helps companies manage and streamline their recruitment process. It enables companies to track job applications, automate resume screening, and schedule interviews. This technology helps companies to hire more efficiently, saving time and money while also improving the candidate experience.

2.     Virtual Hiring Event Platforms – A VHEP can significantly increase the number of applicants a company can meet by hosting virtual hiring events.  These events allow applicants to attend online, increasing efficiency for both the job seeker and the hiring manager.  The more advanced platforms like Premier Virtual offer a complete virtual recruitment suite that offers many more feature and benefits that can integrate with other HR tech tools. 

3.     Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI-powered hiring tools help companies to automate and optimize the recruitment process. For example, AI-powered chatbots can be used to answer candidates’ questions and provide information about job openings. AI can also analyze resumes, identify top candidates, and even conduct initial interviews, freeing up HR professionals to focus on other tasks.

4.     Learning Management Systems (LMS): An LMS is software that enables companies to deliver and manage employee training programs. It can help companies to up-skill and re-skill, their employees, which is crucial for retaining talent in today’s rapidly changing business environment. By offering continuous learning opportunities, companies can improve employee engagement and job satisfaction.

5.     Employee Engagement Platforms: These platforms help companies to measure and improve employee engagement. They provide tools for pulse surveys, feedback, recognition, and communication. By using these platforms, companies can identify areas where employee engagement is low and take steps to address the underlying issues.

6.     Performance Management Software: This software helps companies to set and track employee performance goals, provide feedback, and evaluate employee performance. It can help to identify top performers and provide opportunities for career development, which is crucial for retaining talent.

Overall, these technologies are helping companies to hire and retain workers by streamlining recruitment processes, improving employee engagement, and offering opportunities for upskilling and career development.

Employee Wellness, Safety and Support

Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of supporting the wellness of their employees. Many different HR tech platforms are being released that specifically address employee wellness. Here are some of the areas these platforms are focused on improving:

1.     Mental Health Support: Companies are providing mental health support through employee assistance programs (EAPs), counseling services, and mental health resources. They are also training managers and HR professionals to identify signs of stress and provide support to employees.

2.     Wellness Programs: Companies are offering wellness programs to promote physical health, such as gym memberships, nutrition counseling, and stress management programs. Some companies also offer programs to promote mental wellness, such as mindfulness meditation and yoga classes.

3.     Flexible Work Arrangements: Companies are offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options and flexible work schedules, to help employees manage work-life balance and reduce stress.

4.     Health Insurance: Companies are providing comprehensive health insurance plans that cover preventative care, mental health services, and chronic conditions. Some companies also offer wellness incentives, such as discounts on insurance premiums for participating in wellness programs.

5.     Ergonomic Workspaces: Companies are providing ergonomic workspaces to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and improve employee comfort. This may include ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks, and proper lighting.

6.     Employee Engagement: Companies are focusing on employee engagement to promote wellness. This may include team-building activities, social events, and other initiatives to build a sense of community and belonging.

Overall, companies are supporting the wellness of their employees by providing mental health support, wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, comprehensive health insurance, ergonomic workspaces, and employee engagement initiatives. By prioritizing employee wellness, companies can improve employee engagement, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

Where Have all the Workers Gone?

And How to Get them Back!

There is a shortage of workers in America, there is no argument there. Across all industries, hiring has become more difficult, and retention seems to be just as, if not more difficult. This combination has built up to a tipping point in today’s workforce and it’s hard to say if either side, the employer or the employee, has an advantage.

Let’s look a the worker shortage a little closer. There are several reasons why there is a worker shortage in America. Here are some of the key factors:

  1. COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic disrupted the labor market in numerous ways, with many workers either losing their jobs or choosing to leave the workforce due to health concerns or family responsibilities.
  2. Aging workforce: The US has an aging workforce, with many baby boomers retiring and leaving a gap in the labor force that is difficult to fill.
  3. Skills mismatch: The skills required by employers are evolving, and many workers may not have the necessary skills or training to meet the demand.
  4. Generous unemployment benefits: Some economists argue that the generous unemployment benefits provided during the pandemic have discouraged some workers from seeking new jobs.
  5. Immigration policy: Tighter immigration policies have reduced the number of foreign workers coming to the US to fill jobs.

These factors, along with others, have contributed to the current worker shortage in America. 🇺🇸

What industries face the biggest labor challenges?

The labor challenges faced by different industries can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the skills required, working conditions, pay and benefits, and the availability of workers. However, some industries that have been particularly impacted by the current worker shortage in the US include:

  1. Hospitality and tourism: The pandemic has hit the hospitality and tourism industry particularly hard, with many workers either losing their jobs or leaving the industry due to health concerns.
  2. Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry has been facing a shortage of skilled workers for several years, and the pandemic has only made this worse.
  3. Healthcare: The healthcare industry is facing a shortage of nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals, which is particularly concerning given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
  4. Transportation and logistics: The transportation and logistics industry is struggling to find enough truck drivers and warehouse workers to keep up with demand.
  5. Construction: The construction industry has been experiencing a labor shortage for several years, and the pandemic has only exacerbated this, with many workers either leaving the industry or facing delays due to supply chain disruptions.

These are just a few examples of the industries that are currently facing labor challenges in the US.

So, what do employers need to do to find and hire the best talent in a tight labor market?

Here are some best practices for hiring during low unemployment?

When unemployment is low, it can be challenging for employers to find and attract qualified candidates. Here are some best practices for hiring during low unemployment:

  1. Focus on employer branding, and showcasing your positive workplace culture. In a competitive labor market, it’s important to stand out as an employer of choice. Develop a strong employer brand that highlights your company’s values, culture, and benefits.
  2. Embrace the latest technology. Ensuring your company or organization is leveraging the latest HR tools, like virtual hiring events, gives you the best opportunity to succeed.
  3. Offer competitive compensation and benefits: With low unemployment, candidates have more bargaining power when it comes to compensation and benefits. Consider offering competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and perks like flexible scheduling or remote work options.
  4. Be open to alternative qualifications: With a limited pool of candidates, consider being flexible with job requirements and qualifications. Look for candidates with transferable skills or experience from related industries.
  5. Streamline the hiring process: A lengthy hiring process can turn off candidates, especially in a tight labor market. Streamline your hiring process by using technology like video interviews, pre-employment assessments, and applicant tracking systems.
  6. Tap into employee referrals: Your current employees can be a valuable source of referrals for new hires. Offer incentives for employees who refer successful candidates, and encourage your team to spread the word about job openings.
  7. Build relationships with potential candidates: Don’t wait until a job opening arises to start building relationships with potential candidates. Attend industry events, connect with candidates on social media, and consider partnering with local schools or training programs to develop a pipeline of talent.

By implementing these best practices, employers can increase their chances of attracting and hiring top talent in a low unemployment environment.

What trends in human resources technology are making it easy to find and hire the best talent?

Human resources technology has evolved significantly in recent years, and there are many tools and platforms that can make it easier to find and hire the best talent. Here are some of the trends in HR technology that are making the hiring process more efficient and effective:

  1. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning: AI and machine learning can be used to analyze job descriptions and resumes, identify top candidates, and even conduct initial screening interviews.
  2. Virtual Hiring Events and Job Fairs grew in popularity during the pandemic, and their results show they are here to stay. Platform like Premier Virtual’s offer all the latest tools and resources bundled into one, easy to use, mobile friendly platform. Leveraging this technology helps you meet your applicants where they are most comfortable, attracting more applicants, and making better hires.
  3. Applicant tracking systems (ATS): ATS software streamlines the hiring process by allowing employers to manage job postings, resumes, and applicant communication all in one place.
  4. Video interviewing: Video interviews can save time and money by allowing employers to conduct initial screening interviews remotely, and they can also provide a more personal touch than phone interviews.
  5. Mobile recruiting: Many job seekers use their mobile devices to search for jobs and apply online, so mobile-friendly job applications and recruiting platforms are becoming increasingly important.
  6. Social media recruiting: Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can be valuable tools for finding and connecting with potential candidates, and some companies are even using social media advertising to promote job openings.
  7. Employee referral programs: Referral programs have long been a popular way to find top talent, and technology can make it easier to manage and incentivize employee referrals.

These are just a few examples of the trends in HR technology that are making it easier to find and hire the best talent. By leveraging these tools and platforms, employers can streamline their hiring process and attract top candidates more effectively.

Leveraging these tools will not create new job seekers, but it will give your company or organization the best opportunity to get in front of the most qualified applicants, and make the difference between a quality hire in less time, and a desperate hiring decision that drags on, and costs more money in lost productivity.

Hiring Trends in Education

Hiring teachers and school administrators has become one of the most challenging sectors in our workforce to hire for. There are several factors, including one glaring factor that is currently at the heart of a major teacher strike in Los Angeles. Let’s discuss some of the hiring trends that can help you find qualified teachers, as well as that elephant in the room, that can no longer be ignored.

Current trends in the recruitment process for teachers and school administrators include:

  1. Emphasis on digital skills: With the increasing use of technology in education, schools are looking for teachers and administrators who are proficient in digital skills, such as online teaching, digital assessment, and management of online learning platforms.
  2. Focus on diversity and inclusion: There is a growing awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the education system. Schools are actively seeking candidates from diverse backgrounds and creating inclusive work environments.
  3. Use of social media: Schools are using social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to advertise job openings and connect with potential candidates.
  4. Personalized recruitment strategies: Schools are developing personalized recruitment strategies that cater to the individual needs of candidates. For example, some schools are offering flexible work arrangements to accommodate the needs of working parents.
  5. Recruitment of retired educators: With the shortage of qualified teachers and administrators, some schools are turning to retired educators as a source of talent. This trend has been observed in some regions where there is a shortage of qualified educators.

Overall, the recruitment process for teachers and school administrators is evolving to meet the changing needs of the education system.

How important are virtual job fairs for recruiting teachers?

Virtual job fairs have become increasingly important for recruiting teachers, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual job fairs allow schools and districts to connect with potential candidates in a more efficient and cost-effective way.

Here are some reasons why virtual job fairs are important for recruiting teachers:

  1. Increased reach: Virtual job fairs allow schools and districts to reach a wider pool of candidates, including those who live in different regions or countries. This can help schools find the best candidates, regardless of their location.
  2. Convenience: Virtual job fairs are convenient for both schools and candidates. Candidates can attend the fair from the comfort of their own homes, and schools can access a large number of candidates without the need for travel.
  3. Cost-effective: Virtual job fairs are generally less expensive than traditional job fairs, as they do not require the same level of investment in physical space and resources.
  4. Efficient: Virtual job fairs can be more efficient than traditional job fairs, as they allow schools to easily filter and select candidates based on their qualifications and experience.
  5. Real-time communication: Virtual job fairs allow schools and candidates to communicate in real-time, through chat or video calls, which can help to create a more personal connection and provide a better sense of the candidate’s personality and fit with the school’s culture.

Overall, virtual job fairs have become an important tool for recruiting teachers, as they offer a convenient and efficient way to connect with a wider pool of candidates.

The Elephant in the Room

In many countries, teacher wages have not kept up with the rate of cost of living expenses. In some cases, teacher salaries have remained stagnant or have only increased slightly, while the cost of living has risen significantly. This can create financial challenges for teachers, especially in areas with high housing costs or other expenses.

In some countries, there have been efforts to increase teacher salaries and improve overall compensation packages in order to attract and retain qualified teachers. However, there is still a significant gap between teacher wages and the salaries of other professionals with similar education and experience.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought new challenges for teachers, including additional workloads and stressors, but these have not always been met with corresponding increases in compensation. This has led to concerns about teacher retention and recruitment, particularly in areas where teacher shortages are already a concern.

Overall, while there have been some efforts to address the issue of teacher wages not keeping up with cost of living expenses, it remains a significant concern in many parts of the world. Until these wages do catch up with cost of living expenses, and are comparable to wages of those professions with similar education and experience, not only will teachers be hard to find, but less and less people will join the profession.

Quiet Quitting/Firing and the Morale Issue it Causes

While the term “quiet quitting” may be a relatively new buzzword, the concept has been around for a long time. In the world of employment, quitting and firing are common occurrences. However, there are two types of these actions that can have a significant impact on hiring, recruiting, and retention: quiet quitting and quiet firing.

Quiet quitting is when an employee resigns from their job without making any noise or drawing attention to themselves. This can happen for various reasons, such as dissatisfaction with the job, a desire for a change in career, or personal reasons. Quiet quitting can have a significant impact on hiring and recruiting because it can lead to a lack of communication between the employer and the employee.

Reasons why employers are struggling to identify it.

This lack of understanding can make it difficult for employers to improve their hiring and recruiting strategies, as they may not know what led to the quiet quitting. Additionally, if an employer does not recognize the reasons why an employee may have quietly quit, they may struggle to retain their current employees. Retention is essential in any organization, and understanding why employees leave is key to improving retention rates. Employers should strive to create a work environment that encourages open communication, allowing employees to voice their concerns before they quietly quit.

Quiet quitting can have a significant impact on the morale of other employees in an organization. When an employee quietly quits, their departure can create a sense of uncertainty and unease among their colleagues. This can be particularly true if the employee was well-liked and respected within the organization.

The departure of a well-liked colleague can lead to feelings of sadness, loss, and even anger among the remaining employees. This can create a sense of disconnection and mistrust among the remaining employees, particularly if they feel like they were not given a clear explanation for the employee’s departure.

The Toxic Work Environment

In some cases, quiet quitting can also create a sense of fear and anxiety among the remaining employees. They may worry that their own jobs are in jeopardy, particularly if they were not aware that the quietly quitting employee was unhappy in their role. This can create a toxic work environment, where employees are afraid to speak up or voice their concerns for fear of being quietly fired.

To mitigate the impact of quiet quitting on morale, employers should strive to create a culture of open communication and transparency. This means providing regular feedback to employees, addressing any concerns or issues that are brought to their attention, and being clear about the reasons for any departures. Employers should also consider conducting exit interviews with quietly quitting employees, to gain insight into any issues or concerns that may have led to their departure.

By creating a culture of transparency and open communication, employers can help to build trust among their employees, and reduce the impact of quiet quitting on morale. Employees who feel heard and

valued are more likely to be engaged and productive in their work, which can ultimately benefit the organization as a whole.

What about Quiet Firing?

Quiet firing, on the other hand, is when an employer terminates an employee without informing the rest of the staff. This can happen for various reasons, such as poor performance, inappropriate behavior, or a lack of fit with the company culture. Quiet firing can have a significant impact on hiring and recruiting, as well as retention.

When an employer quietly fires an employee, the rest of the staff may not know why the termination occurred. This lack of transparency can lead to confusion and mistrust within the organization, making it difficult for employers to retain their current employees. Additionally, if the reasons for the quiet firing are not communicated to potential candidates during the hiring process, it can lead to a lack of trust in the organization and impact recruitment efforts.

To mitigate the impact of quiet quitting and quiet firing, employers should strive to create a culture of transparency and open communication. Employers should encourage employees to speak up if they have any concerns or issues with their job and should make sure that all employees are aware of the reasons for any terminations. Additionally, employers should conduct exit interviews with employees who quietly quit to gain insight into any concerns or issues that may have led to the resignation.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, quiet quitting and quiet firing can have a significant impact on hiring, recruiting, and retention. Employers should strive to create a culture of transparency and open communication to mitigate the impact of these actions. By understanding the reasons why employees may quietly quit or be quietly fired, employers can improve their hiring and recruiting strategies, as well as increase employee retention rates.

Steve Edwards
CEO – Premier Virtual
Podcast Host – Weeding Through The BS
Steve@premiervirtual.com
Premier Virtual – South Florida Business Journal #6 Ranked Top Place to Work – Small Business Category

Top Challenges for Talent Acquisition Professionals

Talent acquisition professionals are responsible for finding, attracting, and retaining top talent for their organizations. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape, talent acquisition professionals face numerous challenges that make their job more difficult than ever before. In this essay, we will discuss the challenges faced by talent acquisition professionals and suggest some strategies to overcome them.

Competition for Top Talent

One of the biggest challenges that talent acquisition professionals face is the competition for top talent. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, it is becoming more and more difficult to find qualified candidates who have the skills and experience necessary to fill open positions. To address this challenge, talent acquisition professionals must be creative and proactive in their recruitment efforts. They may need to consider alternative sources of talent, such as recruiting from non-traditional fields or targeting passive candidates who are not actively seeking new job opportunities.

Keeping Up with New Recruitment Technologies and Strategies

Another challenge facing talent acquisition professionals is the need to stay up-to-date with new recruitment technologies and strategies. With the rapid pace of technological change, it can be challenging to keep up with new trends and tools. Talent acquisition professionals must stay informed about new recruitment technologies, such as artificial intelligence, chatbots, and social media, and be willing to adopt new strategies that will help them attract top talent.

Navigating the Complexities of a Diverse and Global Workforce

In addition to the challenges of competition and technology, talent acquisition professionals must also navigate the complexities of a diverse and global workforce. With an increasingly diverse workforce, talent acquisition professionals must be able to attract and retain candidates from different backgrounds and cultures. This requires a deep understanding of the needs and preferences of different groups and a willingness to adapt recruitment strategies to meet their needs.

The Impact of Covid-19 on Talent Acquisition

One of the most significant challenges facing talent acquisition professionals today is the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has fundamentally changed the way that organizations recruit and retain top talent. With remote work becoming more prevalent, talent acquisition professionals must adapt their recruitment strategies to attract candidates who are comfortable working from home. They must also be mindful of the mental health and wellbeing of candidates and employees, as the pandemic has taken a toll on many individuals’ mental health.

To overcome these challenges, talent acquisition professionals must take a proactive and strategic approach to recruitment. They must develop a deep understanding of their organization’s culture, values, and strategic objectives, as well as the needs and preferences of the talent they are looking to attract. They must also be willing to invest in training and development to keep up with new technologies and trends.

A trend that began during Covid-19 and is here to stay is integrating a virtual hiring event platform like Premier Virtual as part of your hiring strategy. Many job seekers don’t have the time to search for jobs, and then attend in-person interviews. A virtual hiring event makes it easy to attend and explore available opportunities, and is a great way for talent acquisition professionals to effectively vet the best candidates. Another advantage to virtual is the ability to reach the passive job seeker, that is most likely employed and prefers virtual options to gauge interest in a new career move before applying for the position.

Creating a Strong Employer Brand

Another strategy that can help talent acquisition professionals attract top talent is to create a strong employer brand. A strong employer brand can help an organization stand out in a crowded job market and attract candidates who share its values and culture. Talent acquisition professionals can build a strong employer brand by developing a clear and compelling messaging strategy, building relationships with top candidates, and creating an engaging and positive candidate experience.

The ability to collect and analyze data can significantly help talent acquisition professionals overcome recruitment challenges. The data shows the effectiveness of different recruitment strategies, and talent acquisition professionals can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions that will improve their recruitment efforts. They can also use data to identify potential talent pools and target their recruitment efforts more effectively.

In conclusion, talent acquisition professionals face numerous challenges in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing business landscape. They must navigate the complexities of a diverse and global workforce, stay up-to-date with new recruitment technologies and strategies, and adapt to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. To overcome these challenges, talent acquisition professionals must take a proactive and strategic approach to recruitment, building strong employer brands, and using data to inform their recruitment strategies. By adopting these strategies, talent acquisition professionals can attract top talent and help their organizations succeed in the long term.

Healthcare Hiring Trends in 2023

The entire labor market is tight, and demand is high among employers across the board. The strain left behind from the great resignation, and the ongoing ‘quiet quitting’ combined with overall low unemployment rates, are make hiring more challenging than we’ve seen before.

There are several segments of the economy that face an even bigger struggle due to several additional factors.  Skilled trades, Tech and Healthcare are among the top career fields that are predicted to remain in critical condition and will need to think ‘outside the job board’ to fill staffing needs.

Here are some of the top trends innovative employers in the healthcare industry are implementing to meet their staffing goals and stay ahead of the ongoing shortage in qualified workers.

  • Remote Interviewing and Onboarding Process – The shift to virtual hiring was speared on by the pandemic, but it is clearly here to stay.  Being able to offer remote access to job candidates makes the interview process much more efficient and broadens your candidate pool.  Clients of Premier Virtual that host virtual interview days on a consistent basis, are hiring hard-to-fill positions that they were unable to fill using traditional job boards or in person hiring events. 
  • Branding your Company to the Healthcare Workforce – A recent study in Healthcare Recruiter’s International (HRI) reported that 90% of healthcare workforce want to work for an employer they can relate to and recognize.

Being top of mind means sharing benefits that a candidate can enjoy if they join and sharing how your organization is different from the competition.  Workplace culture, diversity and inclusion, relocation benefits, bonuses, etc., all should be part of the messaging you share every day through social media posts, videos, and press releases.  Be sure to convey how your organization values a healthy work/life balance, and what you offer to help with childcare, mental health and other concerns that are outside the workplace.

  • Attracting the Passive Job Candidate – Many times, your next best employee is already employed.  If you are trying to lure them to your company, see if there are ‘feeder’ markets that are outside of your typical recruiting zone and create a campaign that makes applying for your company a great opportunity.  These candidates need to learn about relocation benefits, and the tactics we covered in the previous paragraph.  Your staff also needs to be onboard with your referral program as well, so they can help you reach this passive candidate pool.  Hosting a virtual ‘meet and greet’ to give access to passive candidates who want to explore opportunities further, is a great strategy to get them in the door.  For more on reaching the passive job candidate click here.
  • Training and Tuition Reimbursement – A healthcare employer that is willing to help with employee medical school or trade school tuition will be difficult to compete with.  This may be an option only a few employers can afford, but working with local grants, and helping students receive the money that is already allocated to them would be a tremendous service and build a great deal of loyalty.  A forward-thinking healthcare employer should work with local trade schools, and high schools and offer this assistance as part of an outreach program that will result in more qualified applicants as part of a long-term staffing strategy.
  • Virtual Job Fairs – Going beyond a weekly virtual interview day, hosting a monthly virtual job fair is a great way to attract candidates and gain exposure for your company.  A great strategy is to invite other employers in similar capacity to yours to make the event even more attractive to attend.  You can partner with a medical billing company, a nursing home, a health insurance company and so on, to make it a well-rounded event and bring more applicants into the fold.  Each person that learns about your company can be a potential employee down the road or refer someone to you.

As you can see, virtual and technology will play a big role to increase access, exposure, and efficiency in your hiring strategy.  The sooner you implement it, the better positions you will be and greater competitive advantage you will have. 

There’s a lot more to virtual than hosting events.  Platforms such as premier Virtual are extremely flexible and offer an all-in-one virtual recruitment suite.  Everything from scheduling interviews, to pre-recorded video interview question that qualify candidates, as well as robust reports and automated follow up tools that reduce your cost per hire and your time to hire by up to 70% in most cases.

Schedule your free demo today by visiting www.PremierVirtual.com and see what your own virtual hiring event platform can do for you.

How to Reach Passive Job Candidates

Virtual Interview Days & Meet & Greets

Regardless of where you stand on the practice of finding passive candidates, the reality is we need passive candidates if we’re going to make successful hires and fill our staffing needs in the tight labor market.

Many referrals from employees and colleagues are not active job seekers, yet they remain one of the most sought-after candidate pools to hire form.  It is not to say that employed candidates are better to hire, it is to emphasize that there are many more passive candidates that could be a good fit for your open positions than there are unemployed or active job seekers. The trick is letting them know you are hiring, and how to get in front of them.

What is a Passive Candidate?

Passive candidate are currently employed and are not actively looking to change jobs, but may be open to a new opportunity if it presented itself.  On average only 30% of the workforce is actively looking, which means 70% of the workforce remains passive.  Among passive candidates:

  • 15% are occasionally networking and researching new opportunities
  • 45% remain open to speaking with recruiters
  • 40% describe themselves as content in their current roles and will not entertain new job offers

An important point to consider is even though 40% are ‘not interested’, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be positioning your company in front of them.  At some point, they often do move to the other profiles, and they will remember your company when that time comes.

How to Engage with Passive Candidates

There are three main talking points that can get a passive candidate’s attention.

  1. Better salary and benefits
  2. New responsibilities and room for growth
  3. Better work/life balance

A lot has changed in recruiting, but when it comes to these points, a lot has stayed the same.  People typically respond when one, or all of these conditions can be improved by taking on a new job.

Before you begin any type of outreach to passive candidates, there are a few things you need to have in order.

  1. Set up a referral program
  2. Work on your employer brand
  3. Provide the best possible candidate experience.

Referrals remain a powerful tool to fill open positions.  For a referral program to be successful you need to keep it simple, offer incentives and give recognition when someone is hired through the program.

To attract these passive candidates, even after a referral, your company brand needs to meet their expectations.  A positive company culture that is diverse and inclusive and values work/life balance will go a long way to getting that candidate to the interview table.

The interview and their experience from the moment they meet you, to the time they receive a job offer needs to be professional.  The candidate needs to feel as if they are the only person the company wants for that position, and they value them even before they are offered the position.  This type of approach will often stand out among other employers that may be interested in the same candidate, and make the difference in their decision.

Providing Access to Your Company – A person who is a passive candidate, is employed and has very little time to spare.  If you get their attention through networking, referrals or other efforts, they will want to speak with you or gather more information without requiring a great deal of time.

Virtual Interview or Meet and Greet Days are a great way to let this audience know that you are looking for experienced candidates and provide remote access to meet and explore opportunities.  To be successful, these events need to ensure privacy, no candidate is going to want to be in a Zoom webinar or group chat.  You also want to make sure that candidates that attend will not have to wait in a queue to speak with someone.

Using a virtual event platform like Premier Virtual will provide your candidates with the access and privacy they are looking for during this early stage of the hiring process.  We recommend that you offer these events consistently (for example once per month at the same day of the week and time), and promote them using social media, and on your website career page.

During these events make sure to have all HR hands on deck, so that every passive candidate can quickly be welcomed and engaged.  If you want to learn more about Virtual Interview Days, or Virtual Meet and Greets, please contact PremierVirtual.com for a free demo.

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