I was in a meeting talking about the best companies in West Michigan and their concerns and best practices. A word was used that really resonated with me; re-recruiting.
It was mention in the context of retain your current staff. In this current “employment economy” where there are more openings than qualified people, retaining your current staff that you have already invested recruiting, hiring and training dollars into is a key objective. This is a new experience for employers. In my 40+ years experience in management, if I needed another employee I would hire one. If someone left we would replace them. That is becoming harder and harder to do. Typically the skill set of the unemployed does not match the skills needed by the employers. Therefore, recruiting employees away from their current employer has become the “new normal”.
The concept of re-recruiting your current staff is fascinating. We need to ask ourselves if we are taking our current employees for granted. When you think about your staff, do you have thoughts like, “Harry has been here for 10 years, he is a lifer” or “Mary was a great find 2 years ago”? Do you ever mention to them how valuable you think they are? If you do, is it in passing or do you take enough time so they know you mean it?
This reminds me of the age-old problem in marriage. A guy spends a great deal of money time and effort “courting” his girl, but after they are married “life gets in the way”. How many break ups are “because we grew apart” or “I just don’t feel important anymore”. Is it any different with employment? In the past we did not see employees that way. In today’s culture and market we had better realize things are changing.
Re-recruiting means just that; reaching out to employees. Help them know they are an integral part of the organization and appreciated. Not assuming they feel appreciated, but making sure they do. Helping them plan their career in your organization, not left to find the “greener pastures” on their own somewhere else.
It really boils down to being an employer of choice. An employer people choose to work for and choose to stay working for. It is all about helping the employee become all they can be and in turn becoming a great asset to your organization.
Faced with a choice, would your employees choose you over another opportunity? Do you think you need to re-recruit your staff?
Christian Life Coach 