Developing new habits isn’t something that comes exclusively with the start of a new year – but the idea of a fresh start for 2018 is definitely appealing.
Now that the holiday chaos has wound down and you’ve had some downtime to clear your head, it’s a good time to reflect on the good and the bad the past year has brought, and consider ways to make improvements. It’s tough to think about these things when you’re in the thick of a busy shift or putting out figurative (and maybe even some literal) fires around you!
Unsure where to start? We’ve got a great list to help you and your business start off on the right foot for the new year!
Create a culture of feedback
Your team of employees is like a family away from home, which sounds nice and poetic. The reality is spending time together isn’t enough to create a happy and productive workforce.
Communication is key – however, simply encouraging your team to “communicate more” won’t help much. Lead by example: create a culture where feedback is top priority. As a manager, this means providing positive and constructive feedback on a regular basis, whether it’s during a performance review or in general conversation. In return, encourage your employees to offer feedback (whether it’s direct or anonymous) to both management and their peers.
Most importantly, incorporate that feedback and put in the effort to make positive changes throughout the year. Employees who have a voice in their place of work will feel like their work matters, resulting in higher motivation and lower turnover!
Streamline your hiring process
If you’re looking to hire star talent this year, the first thing you need to know is that the best candidates won’t wait around for you. In fact, they’re likely being sought out and interviewed by your local competitors.
One of the biggest reasons you’re losing out on these individuals? Your hiring process is probably too slow. In fact, employer/candidate communication shouldn’t take more than 12 hours between each interaction (application, phone call, email, text-message, interview, etc.). Leaving your best candidates hanging tells them that they’re not a priority, and if they receive an offer elsewhere, they’re more likely to take it than wait around for you.
If you’re like most hiring managers who have a lot more on their plate than just recruiting employees, it’s a good idea to take some time to streamline your hiring process for the new year. Consider investing in an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to organize and evaluate your applicants with ease. HigherMe’s ATS is great for this, as it features Automated Interview Scheduling features and mobile-optimized technology, so you can contact and interact with candidates with a single click – goodbye spreadsheets and manual emails!
Embrace new technology
Is your business is stuck in the stone age? This is the year to make an upgrade! This can be pretty daunting, as purchasing new equipment and systems isn’t exactly cheap, and getting a new POS installed isn’t exactly something that should be bought on impulse.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider upgrading your hiring tools. Your employees are the life of your business and are a huge investment, so getting it right the first time is well worth the effort. Make it easier for them to apply to your business with a simple and smart Text-to-Apply campaign which converts your walk-in traffic into potential applicants. Plus, keep candidates engaged with our mobile-optimized Hiring Suite. By the time the year is done, you’ll be glad you made the change.
Be humble
The majority of employees that leave your team this year will do so because they’re not happy with some aspect of their management. While you can’t please everyone, you can make some adjustments to your approach to make your work environment a safe and comfortable place for everyone to work.
Managers who consistently show humility at work are more likely to retain happy employees. If you think you might be approaching your team on a high horse, consider taking more a peer approach. Even if you technically hold a higher “rank” than them, that doesn’t mean their work is beneath you. Help your team out whenever they need a hand and lead by example.
Get active in the community
There’s a reason why volunteer and community work is so attractive to employers on a resume. It’s a sign that the candidate is a team player who is motivated by their drive to do good by others. So you shouldn’t be surprised when a potential hire looks at your business and evaluates it the same way.
Getting your business engaged in the community is a great way to motivate and attract talented individuals to your business. It’s not hard to get started (check out this article for some simple and effective ideas!) and it’ll make a huge positive impact on your and your team for the coming year!
Get a head start on hiring for 2018! HigherMe can help you connect with talented job seekers in your area. Contact us at contact@higherme.com or visit our Applicant Tracking System.
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