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Best Resolutions For 2018 To Attract And Keep Top Talent

Forbes Human Resources Council
Forbes Human Resources Council

Finding the right people to fill the open roles at your business is top of mind for your business in 2018. You want to attract the best candidates to these positions and take advantage of what these potential new hires have to offer your company in the new year.

Attracting top talent to your business starts with building an organization where employees want to work. Creating buzz around your company and positioning yourself as a choice employer can help gain the attention of talented job seekers who are looking to expand their horizons in a position that will challenge them, as well as provide plenty of opportunities.

Twelve members of Forbes Human Resources Council shared the 2018 resolutions company leaders should make to ensure they are attracting top talent and are being regarded as a choice employer. Here is what they recommend:

All photos courtesy of Forbes Councils members.

1. Live By Your Values

Being an employer of choice goes beyond a marketing tactic. It's the day-to-day experiences that leave employees with a sense of purpose, pride, and commitment to achieving the company's mission. These well thought-out and noble values are often displayed on the company website and shared sporadically, but employers that bring their values to life will develop a culture that is irresistible. - Candice McGlenComfort Systems USA

2. Focus On Diversity And Inclusion

An important resolution companies should make for 2018 is to cultivate diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Leaders should outline their diversity and inclusion vision and then set specific goals for the year to support that vision. Focusing on creating a diverse workplace helps employees feel valued, and is vital in attracting top talent who feel like they have every chance for success. - Jeff WeberInstructure

3. Be A People-Focused Organization

Any company's 2018 resolution should be to be a people-focused organization. Your employees are your brand, and if they are happy, they will promote the company everywhere they go. Employees truly are a walking billboard, and companies need to recognize that and invest more internally, so externally they are attractive. - Charece Newell, MSILR, sHRBPSunspire Health

4. Revisit "How We Have Always Done It"

The new year is a wonderful time to analyze benefit offerings, pay scales, employee engagement, recruiting methods, training programs and retention programs. Resolving to take a fresh look at each of these at least once per year will absolutely keep the company relevant in its industry, make job postings more attractive and generate positive word of mouth from existing employees. - Cristin Heyns-BouslimanBlake's Lotaburger, LLC

5. Map The Employee Journey

An approach that I've used successfully is to map the employee journey. Much like marketing departments map the customer journey to understand where the positive and negative experiences are, companies can benefit greatly from doing the same for employees. Start at the beginning as a candidate, and then go through the entire life cycle. Doing this as a group will generate surprising insights. - Dr. Dale AlbrechtAlonos, Inc.

6. Think Like A Marketer

You're selling jobs and you want the best buyers. Think like a marketer to attract top talent. The pitch: why should someone want to work at your organization, what will they get out of it? Next, the campaign: Ensure the people you want know how to find you. Last, focus on your reputation: What do people see when they look up your organization? Work to ensure what they see is what you intend. - Jennifer MarszalekHavas Chicago Village

7. Examine Your Environment And Culture

In order to attract and retain top talent, companies must foster and promote a positive workplace environment. Companies should examine their workplace and ensure that it has created a healthy culture for employees. A positive environment that is ingrained into the company culture increases engagement, drives employee performance and productivity and establishes the company as choice employer. - Ivelices ThomasGardaWorld U.S. Cash Services

8. Show Value In Work-Life Balance

Employees value work-life balance more than ever. Showing employees you value their dedication to their job and their life outside of work will make your company a preferred choice. Companies should consider offering a flexible work environment with a hybrid remote working option or a generous paid time off policy to attract top talent. -Tiffany ServatiusScott's Marketplace

9. Be Willing To Compete In A Candidate’s Market

Today’s savvy employers know it’s a candidate’s market. They must therefore be willing to remain competitive in order to recruit and retain top talent. Maintaining a strong employer brand, offering applicants a great candidate experience and listening and responding to employee needs is essential. Companies that think offering a paycheck is enough will soon see employees working for competitors. - John FeldmannInsperity

10. Identify Your Ideal Talent Profile

Employers should first identify the profile of the ideal talent that they want to attract and retain. Use the talent profile to build a talent brand to attract by promoting what matters most in terms of benefits, organizational culture, and professional development. An important factor for retention is ensuring that the promoted brand and culture are reflective of the actual employee experience. - Bridgette WilderMedia Fusion

11. Enhance Your Employment Value Proposition

For 2018, companies should be focusing on creating or enhancing their employment value propositions (EVPs). Having a strong EVP not only for your company as a whole, but for individual roles within your organization, will be a key driver for top talent going forward. A strong EVP should answer the question that all top talent is asking, "Why should I take this particular job and go to work for you?" - Peter K. MurdockBlackmon Mooring/BMS CAT

12. Provide Purpose And Emotional Connection

Purpose is key. In the fight for top talent, employees want more than just a paycheck. It’s about their contribution, their role and the part they can play in your organization’s journey, and the wider impact this could have on the world around them. Employers should make sure their organization's mission is clear and has an authentic, emotional connection with candidates. - Chatelle


