One of the most formidable challenges facing organizations today is the retention, development, and recruitment of top talent. This is a nationwide situation with regional and local ramifications. My role at Strang affords me the opportunity for firsthand interaction with numerous organizations across the Madison and Milwaukee areas. From private industry to nonprofits or the arts and education, these conversations often recite this reoccurring refrain: “How do we best address today’s unprecedented challenges within employee retention and recruitment?” From my perspective, there is no one answer. Each of the leaders I speak with share differing circumstances, but they end up in the same place—maintaining the best employee base possible.
So, what is the genesis behind these comments? While I am no expert in human resources or economics allow me to share My View From Here.
First, the global pandemic—in combination with favorable economic conditions—has created an employee marketplace. Here, career seekers have numerous options available to them. This includes where they work, how they wish to work, and for whom they wish to work. Although wages and benefits remain a strong bargaining chip, demands for workplace flexibility are key.
However, there are other factors in play. For example, an improved and technology-enabled work environment is holding an increasingly larger role in employment considerations. Your workplace setting has become more important than ever.
“You are a product of your environment. So, choose the environment that will best develop you toward your objective. Analyze your life in terms of its environment. Are the things around you helping you toward success—or are they holding you back?”
- Clement Stone
