Improve Your Talent Acquisition Strategy With Workplace Wellness
We’re well into the new year, which means some people are still chipping away at their resolutions, while others have already abandoned them completely. The struggle to keep wellness resolutions has become very real. Believe it or not, employers can play a role in helping their employees keep their resolutions.
Job seekers want support from their employers when it comes to both personal and professional goals. More than that, they want to know that their employers fundamentally value them.
Although wellness programs are typically thought of as ways to improve employee well-being, they can also serve as valuable talent acquisition tools.
Not sure how you can use workplace wellness to improve your talent acquisition efforts? Here are a few ways to get started:
1. Get Social
Today’s candidates are looking for strong employer brands. A survey of more than 10,000 professionals who recently changed jobs found that 49 percent of respondents said the biggest obstacle in the job search is not knowing what working for an organization is actually like.
Stand out from competitors by showcasing an employer brand that centers on workplace well-being. Share program details and initiatives on your careers page, upload photos of well-being activities and events on social media, and create videos that highlight how the company culture values a holistic approach to employee well-being.
2. Develop Employee Advocates
Investing in workplace wellness makes employees feel good, and when employees are happy and healthy, they’re more likely to aid in your talent acquisition efforts. In fact, a 2015 survey of employees published by Quantum Workplace and my company, Limeade, found that when employees believe their employers care about their health and well-being, they’re 28 percent more likely to recommend their workplaces to other job seekers.
Considering the high levels of competition for talented professionals, referrals can make or break your hiring strategy. Referrals are so important that 78 percent of recruiters surveyed by Jobvite in July 2015 cited them as a top method for finding quality hires. Investing in workplace well-being can turn your employees into brand ambassadors and advocates.
3. Take a Holistic Approach
Most employers offer some health and wellness benefits, but these offerings are often limited to health care coverage and physical health initiatives. Today’s job seekers are looking for more.
Seventy-four percent of employees surveyed by Quantum Workplace said they want healthy food and vending options at work, 76.7 percent want time off to recharge, and 60 percent want work-life balance benefits. But few employers satisfy these needs.
Differentiate yourself from the sea of employers who only focus on health care costs by giving employees and job seekers the well-being initiatives they want. Look at employee well-being from physical, financial, and emotional viewpoints to truly promote wellness and show employees you care. Build an authentic culture that values well-being and support, and great hires will follow.
4. Use Team-Building Activities
A functional team is a critical part of a healthy work environment, and job seekers are looking for companies with awesome people.
Group wellness activities can bring your teams closer together and give job seekers a glimpse of your teams in action. Candidates will see employees working together to reach goals, participating in community events, and advancing the company’s mission. When your employees embody a company culture that values teamwork, friendly competition, and community, you will attract similar talent.
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When talent acquisition gets tough, you can use workplace wellness to give your culture and employer brand a boost. Not only will you attract more talent, but you’ll keep your employees happy, healthy, and engaged for years to come.