As an employer, you’re well aware that it’s tough out there to find good help. Talented candidates are scooped up quickly by companies vying for great workers and team members, meaning everyone is trying their hardest to be the most impressive and the most inviting. It doesn’t help that, according to the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, Hawaii’s 2.5% unemployment rate is among the lowest in the United States and below the national average of around 3.7% — while that is a strong, positive declaration on the state of the economy and Hawaii’s overall health, it also means there are fewer people actively looking for jobs today.
For those in the healthcare, government and IT fields, you have more filled jobs than any other sector, meaning you’re less likely looking for qualified candidates, but you’re in the same struggle as other industries, including hospitality and retail, when a position is opened. You also have to navigate the challenges of disparities in hourly wages: It’s hard to attract candidates when a different industry pays more than yours, and when there’s a wide range in salaries, such as in construction and retail jobs that are very demanding.

What’s an employer to do when faced with these challenges and needing to bring in talented new employees to help keep your company productive and successful? It comes down to how you set yourself apart from the competition.

Approach hiring with a new perspective.

Salary is among the first things a job candidate will want to know when considering a position with a company. It’s important for you to know what your competition is offering so you can stay relevant and in consideration for those rare job candidates. But salary isn’t the only thing that might bring someone to your company versus another. Consider other perks and benefits that help your employees have a more full, well-rounded life: Can you offer flexible working hours or a remote or hybrid work situation? Can you cover a higher percentage of health insurance premiums, or extend that coverage to their family? Can you offer more vacation days? Don’t focus on the limits of what you’ve offered in the past; get creative about what kinds of benefits you can offer to help attract candidates.

Boost morale within your existing team.

Don’t overlook the importance of keeping your current employees happy. People who are satisfied with their job are less likely to look for other opportunities, but they’re also more likely to tell their friends and loved ones about how great their employer is. That can translate into referrals and a better pool of recommended candidates when a job becomes available. Lower turnover also means a retention of institutional knowledge and skills, in addition to meaning you’ll be looking for new employees less often. People who feel supported and valued at work, who are treated with respect and dignity and whose work-life balance is encouraged; those are the employees that will build your reputation as a great place to work and one where people will want to be.

Call in the experts.

If you’re still struggling to get your open positions out to a wider pool of candidates and you’re not getting the number of applications you think your company deserves, it’s time to go to the pros. Bishop & Company has been rooted in Hawaii for decades and we specialize in finding qualified, talented candidates for our clients. We understand the values and priorities of Hawaii’s employers and workers and we pride ourselves on working diligently and tirelessly to bring strong candidates to our clients. We are not satisfied until you are. We will build a relationship with your company, understanding what makes an employee stand out to you, what qualifications and skills are needed and prioritized in your company, and we’ll set out to find just the right people to fill those positions.

Stop searching alone for the proverbial employee needle in the low-unemployment haystack. It’s time to bring in the experts who are ready to make your candidate search a more productive and efficient one: It’s time to call Bishop & Company to help find your next great hire.