How to attract the best talent

What do employees want?

To attract the best talent, you need to know what it is your potential employees are looking for. 

According to the results of this year’s survey, employees leave a business for a number of reasons, including due to burnout, poor management and lack of career progression. But the number one reason why employees leave a not for profit is to find more competitive remuneration elsewhere.

How are not for profits attracting new talent?

When asked what strategies they’re using to attract talent, and how effective they are, respondents to our Salary Survey indicated that workplace flexibility – including remote work and flexible hours – is the most effective strategy. The second most effective was relying on the organisation’s cause and reputation to attract staff.

Not for profits are also winning over employees by offering higher-than-average remuneration or bonus structures, additional leave entitlements and career development pathways.

So, in a world with a 3.6 per cent unemployment rate, how can your organisation compete to find the best people?

At a recent Pro Bono Australia webinar, we heard from David Meere, national manager of talent and attraction at Life Without Barriers and Richard Green, director at NGO Recruitment. Both noted that it can be hard to recruit in the current candidate-driven market. 

But their experience matches what the Salary Survey found: that is, offering employees choice and control over working hours and location are crucial factors. In fact, said Green, “the more flexibility the better” – or, as Meere said, “you have to earn that commute”.

The pair said hiring staff should also be aware of the following:

• Look after your people and be mindful of your competition, who may be out to poach dissatisfied staff.
• Provide purpose, flexibility and inclusion for candidates and employees, across all types and levels of workers.
• Wages are a big motivator for potential staff, especially given the ongoing cost of living crisis.
• Employees want to feel comfortable and celebrated at work – so remind your employees of their importance to your organisation!