Plenty of workers are concerned that there aren’t enough jobs available, especially in light of the recent recession. Inside the business world, however, another concern has reared its head: that there aren’t enough workers with the right skill sets to meet business’s needs.
A business faces a “talent gap” when it has a need for a particular set of skills or abilities, but it can’t fulfill that need from among the employees it currently has. Talent gaps stall projects, choke productivity, and threaten the bottom line.
Fortunately, companies of all sizes can take proactive steps to bridge developing talent gaps and protect themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Here are a few ways to address a talent gap in your organization:
- Create a strategic staffing plan. Work with your staffing partner to create a strategic staffing plan that addresses both your short-term and long-term staffing needs. Don’t hesitate to use a recruiter’s staffing experience and connections to address talent gaps.
- Consider temporary, contract, or part-time help. Temporary, contract, or part-time employees can help address specific talent gaps, particularly when a project calls for a skill your company uses only occasionally. Your staffing partner can help you identify the best mix of temp, contract, part-time, and full-time staffing to meet your specific needs.
- Offer competitive compensation. Salaries and benefits should be competitive within your industry; otherwise, your organization stands to lose a great deal of “top talent” to other job offers. Research the compensation packages offered in your field, and be prepared to offer a similar package to top candidates.
- Consider non-traditional perks. A competitive compensation package puts your company in the running for top candidates – but offering non-traditional perks can set you apart from the pack without costing your company excessive time or money. Flexible hours, telecommuting, company memberships to gyms or other venues, and a well-appointed break room are just a few non-traditional perk options that may draw in the talent you need to fill current or expected talent gaps.
At THE RIGHT STAFF, LLC, our focused recruiters will help you find and keep the talent you need to plug the gaps and achieve your organizational goals. Contact us today to learn more!