The Pivot to Skills-Based Hiring
Employers are pivoting to skills-based hiring
Top 20 Virtual Career Fair Platforms in 2023
Hosting a virtual career fair can offer several benefits and advantages over traditional in-person job fairs. Here are some reasons why you might consider hosting a virtual job fair:
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Accessibility: Virtual job fairs provide a higher level of accessibility for both employers and job seekers. Participants can join from anywhere in the world, eliminating geographical limitations and making it easier for individuals who may face mobility issues or have other constraints to attend.
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Cost-effective: Hosting a virtual career fair is generally more cost-effective compared to an in-person event. You can save on venue rental, travel expenses, accommodation, and other logistical costs associated with organizing a physical event. It can be particularly beneficial if you have a limited budget.
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Wider reach: By going virtual, you can extend your reach to a larger pool of candidates. People who might not have been able to attend an in-person job fair due to distance or scheduling conflicts can now participate online. This broader audience increases the chances of finding the right candidates for your job openings.
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Time-efficient: Virtual career fairs streamline the hiring process by eliminating the need for lengthy setup and teardown procedures associated with physical events. Employers can interact with multiple candidates simultaneously through chat, video calls, or webinars, saving time and making the hiring process more efficient.
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Enhanced data collection and analytics: Virtual platforms often provide robust data collection and analytics features. You can gather valuable insights on candidate engagement, attendance rates, popular job postings, and more. These analytics can help you make informed decisions, improve future recruitment strategies, and measure the success of your job fair.
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Eco-friendly: By opting for a virtual career fair, you contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions associated with travel and physical event logistics. It aligns with the increasing focus on sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
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Flexibility and convenience: Virtual career fairs offer flexibility for both employers and job seekers. Participants can attend from the comfort of their own homes or offices, saving time and effort in commuting. It allows individuals to fit the job fair into their schedules more easily.
Remember that while virtual job fairs offer many advantages, they may not completely replace the benefits of face-to-face interactions. It’s important to strike a balance and consider the specific needs of your organization and the nature of the job fair you plan to host.
Below are our top choices for the best Virtual Career Fair Platforms
1. Premier Virtual – More than hosting Career Fairs!
Already the preferred platform for nearly 200 workforce development boards across the U.S., Premier Virtual is an award-winning platform, specializing in hosting virtual job fairs. In fact, they have powered over 6,500 virtual hiring events, that have connected 70,000 employers to over 1M registered job seekers. The platform received a Top Performing award from Select Software Reviews and continually receives 5-star ratings from their clients on review sites like G2 and Capterra. Its customer support reputation is second to none with ratings that top the industry, and it’s something that Premier Virtual takes a lot of pride in.
Premier Virtual continues to release updates and new features that set the bar in the virtual hiring event industry. A new hire tracking feature released in March 2023 set a new standard, and offers value that no other virtual platform offers at this time. There is so much more to Premier Virtual than just hosting hiring events, it is truly an all-in-one virtual recruitment platform.
The dedicated to customer support means that each customer is assigned a dedicated Success Manager so that everyone is trained on how to use the platform and familiar with all the features and benefits. 24/7 Tech support, live reporting, video interviews, an interview scheduler and so much more, while still keeping it easy to use for the host, employer and job candidate.
Best of all, Premier Virtual offers flat-rate pricing, so there are no hidden fees, or extra costs for additional booths or resumes downloaded. The more events you host or attend, the more value you get! See how easy and affordable it is to host a virtual job fair or add a virtual option to an in-person event by scheduling your free demo today.
Not only that, but for a limited time, Premier Virtual is currently offering a free trial event
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR PLATFORM TRIAL EVENT
2. Easy Virtual Fair – With EasyVirtualFair’s online career fair software, we provide a sophisticated job fair simulation that enables real-time interaction between recruiters and candidates. Our recruiting event software enables you to find top talent while facilitating a better job hunt experience for potential candidates.
3. vFairs – vFairs is a virtual & hybrid events platform that helps organizations reach global audiences. Start hosting amazing online conferences, trade shows, job fairs & more.
4. 6 Connex – We harness the power of imagination and technology to help companies grow in a digital age. Change the way you see events; transform the way you do business.
5. Brazen – Virtual hiring events, virtual career fairs, video interviewing, live webinars, live chat, recruiting chatbots, interactive networking events, and so much more. Brazen’s software is the perfect solution for companies, universities, associations, workforce development organizations, and more!
6. CareerEco – CareerEco virtual events connect students and alumni with employers & grad schools. A new job, a new degree, a new way 
to get where you want to be.
7. XOR – Achieve Hiring Goals With Ease – What if you could spend 100% of your time speaking with amazing talent and forget everything else? With XOR’s talent platform, we automate the most repetitive tasks so you can focus on hiring.
8. GR8 People – GET ON THE PATH TO PRODUCTIVITY WITH THE GR8 PEOPLE ONE-EXPERIENCE TALENT PLATFORM AND POWER RECRUITER PERFORMANCE ACROSS THE ENTIRE HIRING LIFECYCLE—NO MATTER WHERE THE ROAD LEADS.
9. Eightfold.ai – Transform how you hire and retain a diverse global workforce with the AI-powered Talent Intelligence Platform.
10. Hopin – Hopin is an online events platform where you can create engaging virtual events that connect people around the globe.
Our complete list of the Top 20 Virtual hiring Platforms
- Premier Virtual
- Easy Virtual Fair
- vFairs
- 6 Connex
- Brazen Virtual Career Fair
- CareerEco
- XOR
- GR8 People
- Eighfold.ai
- Hopin
- GR8 People
- Hopin
- 6 Connex
- Communiqué Conferencing
- Paradox
- Live Recruit
- Handshake
- Symplicity
- Paradox
- Zoom
- TextRecruit
- VidCruiter
- Bizzabo
Biggest Challenge Facing Talent Acquisition in 2023
Talent Acquisition is the catch all for professionals that are responsible for hiring, either for their company or another organization. As with any profession, it evolves and change is required to stay ahead of the competition. In 2023 there are literally 30,000 different tech platforms that are meant to improve the hiring process. This alone is enough to overwhelm any TA professional tasked with choosing a platform, let alone learning it and using it.
In this blog we highlight this and other challenges, and touch on some emerging trends that need to be considered in order to be as successful as possible in your hiring role. Let us know what you think.
Top Challenges:
- Competition for Talent: In today’s highly competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is a significant challenge. The demand for skilled candidates often exceeds the supply, particularly in specialized fields. Talent acquisition professionals need to devise effective strategies to stand out from competitors and appeal to the most qualified candidates.
- Skill Shortages: Some industries and job roles experience significant skill shortages. Finding candidates with the required expertise, qualifications, and experience can be challenging. Talent acquisition professionals need to proactively identify and engage with potential candidates through various channels, such as job boards, social media platforms, networking events, and industry-specific communities.
- Evolving Recruitment Technologies: The recruitment landscape is continually evolving, driven by technological advancements. Talent acquisition professionals need to stay updated with the latest tools and platforms, such as applicant tracking systems (ATS), AI-powered recruitment software, video interviewing platforms, and social media recruiting tools. Adopting and integrating these technologies effectively can be a challenge, as it requires learning new systems and optimizing their usage.
- Employer Branding: Building and maintaining a strong employer brand is crucial for attracting top talent. Talent acquisition professionals must effectively communicate the organization’s values, culture, and opportunities to potential candidates. Developing and implementing employer branding strategies, both online and offline, can be challenging, as it requires a deep understanding of the target audience and aligning the organization’s image with candidate expectations.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting diversity and inclusion in the workforce is a priority for many organizations. Talent acquisition professionals face the challenge of attracting a diverse pool of candidates and ensuring fair and unbiased recruitment processes. They need to actively seek out underrepresented talent, develop inclusive job descriptions, and mitigate unconscious biases during candidate selection.
- Global Talent Acquisition: As businesses expand globally, talent acquisition professionals face the challenge of recruiting talent from diverse geographical locations. Dealing with different cultural norms, legal requirements, and logistical considerations can pose significant challenges. Developing a global talent acquisition strategy that accounts for local nuances and compliance regulations is essential.
- Data-driven Recruitment: Talent acquisition professionals are increasingly expected to make data-driven decisions and measure the effectiveness of their recruitment efforts. This requires collecting and analyzing recruitment metrics, such as time-to-fill, cost-per-hire, and quality of hire. However, accessing and interpreting recruitment data can be a challenge without proper systems in place.
- Evolving Job Market Dynamics: The job market is subject to continuous change, influenced by factors such as economic conditions, industry trends, and technological advancements. Talent acquisition professionals need to stay agile and adapt their recruitment strategies to evolving job market dynamics. This includes anticipating skill shifts, understanding emerging roles, and quickly adapting to changing candidate preferences.
These challenges emphasize the need for talent acquisition professionals to develop a deep understanding of their organization’s talent needs, leverage technology effectively, and adapt their strategies to attract and retain the best candidates in a competitive and rapidly evolving job market.
Taking that into consideration, below is a list of emerging trends that need to be addressed as part of a strong hiring strategy, and then develop tactics that help you achieve your goals.
Emerging Trends:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation: AI is playing an increasingly prominent role in talent acquisition. AI-powered recruitment tools can automate various tasks, such as resume screening, candidate sourcing, and interview scheduling. Chatbots are also being used to engage with candidates and provide instant responses to their queries. These technologies help streamline processes, save time, and improve efficiency in talent acquisition.
- Candidate Experience Focus: The candidate experience has become a critical focus area for talent acquisition professionals. Organizations are prioritizing the creation of positive and personalized experiences for candidates throughout the recruitment process. This includes improving communication, providing timely feedback, and ensuring transparency. The goal is to enhance the employer brand and create a favorable impression among candidates, even those who are not ultimately selected.
- Data Analytics and Predictive Hiring: Data-driven decision-making is gaining momentum in talent acquisition. Companies are leveraging analytics and predictive models to identify patterns and trends in recruitment data. This allows them to make informed decisions about sourcing channels, candidate assessment, and selection processes. Predictive hiring models aim to forecast a candidate’s success in a role based on historical data, assessments, and other factors.
- Employer Branding and Talent Communities: Building a strong employer brand and cultivating talent communities is becoming increasingly important. Talent acquisition professionals are actively engaging with potential candidates through social media platforms, online forums, and industry events. By consistently sharing relevant content, showcasing company culture, and interacting with candidates, organizations can create a talent pipeline and attract passive candidates who may not be actively job-seeking.
- Remote and Flexible Workforce: The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote and flexible work arrangements. Talent acquisition professionals are adapting to this trend by sourcing and recruiting candidates who can work remotely or prefer flexible work options. They are also leveraging technology to conduct virtual interviews, assessments, and onboarding processes to accommodate remote hiring.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Organizations are placing greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in their talent acquisition efforts. Talent acquisition professionals are actively sourcing and attracting candidates from diverse backgrounds to create more inclusive work environments. They are also reviewing and revising their recruitment processes to mitigate biases and ensure fair and equitable candidate selection.
- Upskilling and Internal Mobility: Rather than solely focusing on external hiring, talent acquisition professionals are increasingly exploring internal talent pools. They are working closely with HR and L&D teams to identify opportunities for upskilling and reskilling existing employees. This approach promotes employee retention, career growth, and organizational agility.
These trends highlight the ongoing evolution of talent acquisition, driven by technological advancements, changing candidate expectations, and a focus on enhancing the recruitment experience for both candidates and organizations. It’s important to consult up-to-date resources to get the latest information on emerging trends in the field. What trends are you focused on, and do you see new trends developing?
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.
Benefits of a Virtual Hiring Event Platform
The Covid pandemic forced employers to pivot to virtual to be able to hire and avoid the face-to-face disruption. This taught employers, recruiters and staffing companies valuable lessons and new hiring strategies that remain in place today.
Essentially, virtual proved that it has many advantages over in-person only events. It’s not to say that virtual needs to replace in person hiring events, but adding virtual, and turning in-person events into hybrid events will yield better results. Below are just a few of the main reason you want to make sure you integrate virtual into your hiring strategy.
A virtual hiring event platform offers several benefits compared to traditional in-person hiring events. Here are some of the advantages:
- Wider reach: Virtual hiring events allow companies to reach a larger and more diverse pool of candidates. Geographical limitations are eliminated, enabling participation from candidates regardless of their location. This expands the talent pool and increases the chances of finding the right fit for the job.
- Time and cost savings: Hosting virtual events eliminates the need for renting physical venues, travel expenses, and other logistical costs associated with in-person events. Recruiters and candidates can attend from their respective locations, saving time and reducing overall costs.
- Convenience and accessibility: Virtual hiring events provide convenience to both recruiters and candidates. Recruiters can easily schedule and manage multiple interviews and interactions from a central platform. Candidates can participate from the comfort of their homes or offices, reducing the stress and expenses associated with travel and accommodation.
- Enhanced efficiency and productivity: Virtual platforms streamline the hiring process by providing features like automated interview scheduling, candidate screening, and digital resume management. Recruiters can efficiently manage large volumes of applicants, conduct back-to-back interviews, and easily collaborate with their team members. This leads to improved productivity and faster hiring decisions.
- Increased engagement and interactivity: Virtual platforms offer various tools and features to enhance engagement during hiring events. These can include live chat, video interviews, interactive presentations, and virtual networking rooms. These interactive elements facilitate better communication between recruiters and candidates, allowing for a more immersive and personalized experience.
- Data-driven insights: Virtual hiring event platforms often provide analytics and data tracking capabilities. Recruiters can gather valuable data on candidate engagement, interview performance, and event success metrics. These insights enable recruiters to make data-driven decisions, optimize their hiring processes, and improve future events.
- Environmental sustainability: By eliminating the need for physical travel and reducing paper usage, virtual hiring events contribute to a more environmentally friendly approach. This aligns with sustainability goals and demonstrates a company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.
Overall, virtual hiring event platforms offer numerous benefits, including broader candidate reach, cost savings, convenience, efficiency, enhanced engagement, data-driven insights, and environmental sustainability. These advantages make them an attractive option for companies looking to streamline their hiring processes and find top talent.
After powering over 7,000 virtual job fairs, Premier Virtual has become on of the top rated, and most reliable platforms in the industry. But there still are employers and recruiters who have not adapted, and not embraced this format. For those that remain on the fence, let’s also review what a virtual job fair is and why it can accomplish everything you can do in an in-person event.
What is a virtual job fair?
A virtual job fair, also known as an online job fair or virtual career fair, is an event that connects job seekers with employers in a virtual environment. It is a digital adaptation of traditional job fairs where employers set up booths or stalls to showcase their company and available job opportunities, and job seekers attend in person to meet and interact with recruiters.
In a virtual job fair, the entire event takes place online through a dedicated platform or software. Job seekers can log in to the virtual fair from anywhere using their computer or mobile device, while employers can participate remotely from their offices. The platform typically includes features such as chat rooms, video conferencing, and information booths to facilitate communication and engagement.
Here’s how a virtual job fair typically works:
- Registration: Job seekers register for the virtual job fair by providing their details, including their resume, job preferences, and contact information.
- Virtual Booths: Participating employers set up virtual booths that represent their company. These booths can include company information, job listings, videos, brochures, and other resources to showcase their organization and available positions.
- Interaction: Job seekers can browse through the virtual booths and interact with recruiters through various means. This may include text chat, audio calls, or video conferencing. They can ask questions, learn more about the company and its job opportunities, and submit their resumes.
- Presentations and Webinars: Virtual job fairs often include live or pre-recorded presentations and webinars where employers can provide insights into their company culture, job requirements, and application processes. Job seekers can attend these sessions to gain more information and interact with presenters.
- Networking: Some virtual job fairs offer networking opportunities where job seekers can connect with other attendees, industry professionals, or alumni from their alma mater. These networking features may include group chats, virtual meetups, or one-on-one networking sessions.
- Follow-up: After the virtual job fair, employers may follow up with promising candidates, schedule interviews, or provide further instructions for the application process. Job seekers can also follow up with recruiters to express their continued interest and inquire about next steps.
Virtual job fairs offer several advantages, such as eliminating geographical constraints, reducing costs, providing convenience to both job seekers and employers, and allowing for a wider range of interactions and engagement opportunities. They have become increasingly popular, especially in situations where in-person events may be limited or restricted, enabling companies to connect with a larger pool of talent efficiently.
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:
- The hybrid work environment
- Employee wellness, safety and support
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Skills mismatch: The skills required by employers are evolving, and many workers may not have the necessary skills or training to meet the demand.
- Generous unemployment benefits: Some economists argue that the generous unemployment benefits provided during the pandemic have discouraged some workers from seeking new jobs.
- 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:
- 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.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry has been facing a shortage of skilled workers for several years, and the pandemic has only made this worse.
- 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.
- Transportation and logistics: The transportation and logistics industry is struggling to find enough truck drivers and warehouse workers to keep up with demand.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- Use of social media: Schools are using social media platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook to advertise job openings and connect with potential candidates.
- 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.
- 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
