Finding and retaining the right workers can be challenging. Combining workforce development and communication strategies will attract potential employees while improving engagement and satisfaction.
Workforce Development Strategies Defined
Workforce development can refer to a wide range of policies and strategies, from government investment to worker training and retention programs. For the purposes of this article, workplace development strategies refer to actions and initiatives companies take to improve the workplace environment and enhance employee skills and performance. The goal of these strategies is to foster a positive organizational culture, get employees more engaged in the company, and drive individual and collective growth.
How to Get Started
Below are 6 workforce development tips that have been proven to improve employee recruitment and retention.
#1 Employee engagement
With so much of our lives spent at work, it’s important that employees not only enjoy the work but also the people they work with. Engaging them through team-building activities and appreciation programs can help foster stronger relationships that lead to a more positive work environment.
Employee Engagement Program Highlight
Portland Stone Ware Employee Appreciation Campaign
This program was designed to help Portland Stone Ware improve employee engagement by recognizing employees’ contributions and showing appreciation.
Founded in 1847, PSW is a family business with exceptional employee retention. So to celebrate their 175th anniversary, they decided to recognize those who contributed to this achievement.
Inspired by the products and trucks that deliver them, PSW’s Rock and Rollin’ campaign paid tribute to their “rock” star employees. Drawing from the team’s love of music, the graphics were influenced by iconic albums and genres to create fun ways to remind employees that they “rock”.
“The strength of our team and company culture has been critical to PSW’s success. As a family-owned business, we’ve worked hard to cultivate that spirit to make PSW a place where people want to stay. Developing a fun employee appreciation campaign to celebrate our 175th anniversary was a natural fit and the response has been great.”
Additional Workplace Development Tips
In addition to employee appreciation programs, below are other tactics companies use to build a better work environment. Of course, these strategies are going to vary depending on the organization’s goals, industry, and workforce, but what they all have in common is a focus on increasing employee performance, job satisfaction, and the company’s overall success.
#2 Training and development
When your workers understand how to do their jobs right, it’s going to help them succeed–and help grow your company. Creating structured training programs that provide employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and grow professionally will help drive better performance and create a confident, more satisfied team.
#3 Performance management
Workers want to know how they’re doing and it benefits your company to let them know when they’re crushing it–and when they’re not performing at the level you expect. Establish a performance management system that sets clear expectations, provides regular feedback, and rewards high performers to motivate employees.
#4 Leadership development
Finding the next generation of leaders is imperative, especially in the construction industry where management tends to skew older. Identifying and nurturing potential leaders within the organization through targeted leadership development programs and mentoring helps identify promising leaders and provides them with the training and mentorship needed to build their skills.
#5 Workplace flexibility
According to the job listing company Zippia, 72% of people say work-life balance is an important factor when choosing a job. Implementing flexible work arrangements such as flex-time or compressed workweeks promotes a better work-life balance and accommodates employees’ needs.
#6 Diversity and inclusion
People have a greater respect for their employers and are more engaged when they feel everyone is treated fairly. Creating an inclusive work environment that values diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all employees is going to improve morale and make everyone feel valued.
