Small business challenge: Recruiting and retaining employees

In Utah and the rest of the country, it’s a great time to own a small business. Confidence among small business owners is higher than it has been in years, with the majority of small businesses expecting faster growth, higher revenue and more hiring. That latter point, though, is turning out to be a thorny issue here and elsewhere. Employers say they are having a hard time filling open positions!

In fact, at a recent market forecast session, a director of research with real estate firm CBRE said Utah might need to refocus some of its economic development efforts away from attracting companies to attracting talented workers to fill the openings created by the state’s new companies.

In such a climate, what can a business do to make itself more attractive to job seekers and to existing employees? Here are some suggestions:

Build a vibrant company culture. Employees are drawn to those companies that provide clear expectations and empower employees to meet them, and those that also foster a culture of collaboration. Millennials, particularly, thrive in companies that aim to have a social impact.

Consider more flexibility. A recent survey found many small businesses are considering a more flexible culture in terms of hours, location and extra time off in an effort to attract and keep employees.

Widen the net. Don’t just post job openings on websites. Spread your message on social media, participate in job fairs and get the word out other ways, too.

Reevaluate the job and the offer. If you find you are not able to recruit candidates with the particular pedigree you’ve described in the job description, such as a master’s degree or substantial experience, consider whether that pedigree is truly important. Also, consider whether you need to offer a more attractive pay and benefits package.