How to Attract Remote Employees & Combat the Talent Shortage

With the COVID-19 pandemic mostly behind us, some employers are continuing to allow their employees to work from home. In fact, a study by Upwork highlighted 22% of the American workforce will be remote by 2025. According to a two-year study conducted by Great Place to Work that surveyed more than 800,000 employees at Fortune 500 companies, most people reported stable or increased productivity levels after working from home.

Certain companies like Facebook are allowing full-time employees to work from home if their jobs can be done remotely. Organizations should already have a solid foundation in place when it comes to their work-from-home framework or hybrid work model for their employees. If you are an employer that is looking for some guidance, check out the following tips to help your organization attract, recruit and retain remote employees.

Upgrade Your Workplace Technology

Technology can definitely have an effect on an employee’s work experience, especially if they are working remotely. According to a survey conducted by OnePoll and commissioned by Paycom of 1,000 employees, 67% of employees would be willing to take a pay cut to have software and technology that is twice as effective as what they are currently utilizing. Additionally, 77% of employees are frustrated with outdated technology at work.

It’s imperative to evaluate and optimize the technology employees are using for work as it can affect employee productivity. Additionally, outdated equipment can send a negative message about how much an organization is willing to invest in technology for its employees.

Benefits for Employees

Companies should make sure they offer perks such as flexible work hours, summer Fridays, personal and professional training, volunteering and other community-centric initiatives. Additionally, providing a robust health care benefits plan, retirement benefits, unlimited paid time off and matching contributions for 401k plans will help differentiate your company from others.

Giving your employees the right kind of benefits and perks is critical when it comes to attracting and retaining employees. One way to come up with the perfect benefits package for your company is by understanding the needs and interests of all your employees.

Engage in Virtual Hiring Events

As an employer you can connect with candidates at digital job fairs and virtual hiring events. Employers can host a virtual event to attract candidates interested in a specific industry. As jobs continue to operate remotely, it is important for employers to also change the way they communicate with prospective employees through virtual chats and video teleconferences.

Utilize Social Media

Companies that are interested in recruiting virtually should post regularly on social media and interact with followers to maintain a social media presence. Being active on social media can provide some insight into what it is like to work for your company and allows employees to get a feel for your organization’s culture and provides a glimpse into everyday work life. It is important to have a good work and life balance, so you will want to demonstrate that through social media for potential job candidates.

Whether you already have a flexible work schedule in place for your employees, or you’re beginning to think about a plan to implement this in the future, these tips are key if you want to stay ahead of competitors and attract remote employees.

Steve Rosenthal is CEO of Triton Benefits and HR Solutions, as well as the pioneer of CheckPoint HR. Rosenthal previously served as Chairman of EPIX, one of the largest human resources outsourcing companies in the country.