How talent acquisition can help talent retention
You want someone who can hit the grow running, someone who understands your business like the back of your hand. Someone who has experience with your industry. However, with this there can be a level of short-term uncertainty: you know you want someone with a particular skill set, but you know how long it can sometimes take for a new employee to click with the company. From system training to understanding internal processes, these are all normal learning curves an employee faces.
There is also the issue that if you hire externally, that you might upset current employees who weren’t considered for the position. But have you thought how talent acquisition can help with talent retention?
A fresh perspective
New hires can be seen as the key to innovation due to the fresh perspectives, updated skills, and enthusiasm they bring from the challenge of a new role. Think of this as a positive shake-up that looks to invigorate projects, and makes the workplace more dynamic and exciting.
Branch out opportunities
Bringing in external talent is a direct highlight of skill gaps that were needed, or showcases areas of potential expansion. In turn, existing employees see clearer paths for promotion, lateral moves, cross-training, or mentorship opportunities (e.g., onboarding new staff members), which dampens the "no future here" frustration that often causes top talent not to be retained.
Raising the talent bar
New hires are hired because of the skills they bring, which often means they are a benvhmark, especially if they fill a gap that couldn't be recruited for internally. Talented newcomers set higher standards and introduce best practices from other companies. This can motivate current staff to level up, feel more challenged, and take pride in a stronger overall team—leading to higher engagement and lower turnover.
Moving up morale
It may seem logical, but a by-product of a new hire is that is speaks volumes about the strength of the company. Proactive hiring shows the company is growing and future-proofing for success.
Image from Debora Pilati via Unsplash
