How To Attract & Retain Talent in a Hybrid World

Recently, we had the pleasure of bringing together some of our favourite industry experts in HR to discuss "Talent in a Hybrid World" and optimal strategies for acquiring and retaining talent. The panel consisted of Settly’s CEO & Co-Founder Marieke van Iperen, Personio's VP of Talent Acquisition Fritz Singer, and Deel's Benelux Leader Dennis Valkema.

The discussion primarily revolved around the transformation of the work landscape and how the future of talent management is now inextricably linked with hybrid work environments. As businesses adapt to this new reality, understanding the best practices and strategies that can help attract, onboard, retain, and manage talent effectively is crucial. The learnings were incredibly insightful. Let's take a look…

Attracting Top Talent in a Hybrid World

Attracting top talent begins with clearly understanding your organisation's values and culture. Your employer value proposition (EVP) should be well-defined and communicated effectively to potential candidates. Consistency and objectivity in the recruitment process are essential, as is providing an exceptional candidate experience. Leveraging your internal network for referrals and engaging hiring managers in the recruitment process can significantly enhance your ability to attract suitable candidates.

Technology's Role in Talent Acquisition

Technology can streamline recruitment, but choosing tools that align with your organisation's needs is essential. Whether it's AI-powered platforms for diverse hiring or tools that help manage applicant flow, the right technology can be a game-changer. However, it's not just about the tools; it's about how they integrate with your existing processes and contribute to a fair and efficient hiring experience.

"Understand your challenges and gaps, then find the right technology to address them. Just because a tool is great doesn’t mean it’s great for your organisation," - Fritz Singer, VP TA @ Personio

Best Practices for Employee Onboarding

A successful onboarding process is critical for new hires to feel connected and engaged from day one. Here are three solid tips to ensure effective onboarding based on the insights shared during the webinar:

Trust and Preparation

Tip: Trust your employees and ensure all equipment and system access are ready before they start. A smooth start sets a positive tone for the new hire.

"It starts with mindset. If you trust your employees and ensure everything is set up before they start, you create a smooth start and engagement from day one," - Dennis Valkema, Benelux Leader @ Deel

Structured Onboarding Program

Tip: Implement a structured onboarding program that includes e-learning, goal setting, and opportunities to meet colleagues. This helps new hires integrate smoothly into the organisation.

Welcoming Environment

Tip: Create a welcoming environment by connecting new hires with their peers and providing a warm introduction to the team. Facilitating personal connections, even in a remote setup, can significantly enhance the onboarding experience.

Retention and Employee Loyalty

Retention starts from the moment a candidate is considered for a role. It's essential to set clear expectations during the interview process and continue to engage employees through feedback and performance metrics. Creating a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI&B) is vital. Over-communicating the company's vision, mission, and values can help employees feel aligned with the organisation's goals. Additionally, focusing on employee well-being and offering flexibility can enhance loyalty and job satisfaction.

"Retention starts during the interview process. Setting the right expectations and continuously engaging employees through feedback and performance metrics is key," - Marieke van Iperen, CEO & Co-Founder @ Settly

Managing Leadership and Decision-Making

Empowering leaders to make decisions and allowing room for mistakes can foster a culture of trust and growth, ultimately shaping an organisation's culture and policies. Regularly reviewing processes to ensure they serve their purpose and align with the organisation's goals is crucial for maintaining a practical decision-making framework.

"It's on us to ensure we have the right leaders in place. If they are not the right leaders, we either support them or make a change because this impacts the whole organisation," - Fritz Singer, VP TA @ Personio

Equitable Policies Across Geographies

In a hybrid world, creating equitable policies across different geographies can be challenging. Striving for consistency in policies and being mindful of cultural nuances is essential. Leaders should consider inclusivity in all aspects, from time zones to local customs, and ensure that performance evaluations and opportunities are fair regardless of an employee's location.

"Creating consistent and fair policies where possible and being mindful of cultural nuances is crucial. Inclusivity in all aspects, from time zones to local customs, is essential," - Marieke van Iperen, CEO & Co-Founder @ Settly

Final Takeaways

• Listen and Adapt: Every organisation is unique. Tailor your strategies to fit your company's culture and the needs of your workforce.
• Trust Your People: Trust is the foundation of a thriving hybrid work environment. Empower your employees and trust in their abilities.
• Embrace Change: The shift to hybrid work is an ongoing process. Be prepared to iterate and evolve your strategies as needed.
• Leverage Your Network: Don't hesitate to reach out to peers and industry experts for insights and best practices.

As we navigate the future of talent in a hybrid world, it's clear that flexibility, trust, and a strong alignment with organisational values are the cornerstones of success. By embracing these principles, companies can create a thriving environment that attracts, nurtures, and retains the best talent.