With multiple generations in the
work force, ease of travel, global
competition, and a relatively sound economy, companies are facing
challenges in attracting and retaining top
talented employees.
“Employers today are realizing that they
must invest in sound hiring and retention
practices to include programs that meet
the needs and wants of employees,” says
Michael Garcia, work force services manager at Tampa Bay WorkForce Alliance.
“Those employers that best understand
their employees’ behaviors, values and
goals fare better in the competition for the
brightest.”
Smart Business talked to Garcia, who
said that many companies are employing
strategies that break away from traditional
culture.
What is the employment situation in the Tampa
area?
The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater
metropolitan statistical area (MSA) has
been going through a period of growth. For
example, in 2006, on average 1.2 million
people were employed in our MSA each
month. From 2001 through 2006, the average monthly employment levels in the
Tampa-St. Petersburg MSA experienced
approximately seven percent growth, an
increase of more than 73,000 employed
workers. Hillsborough County’s average
monthly employment levels rose approximately 60 percent of overall estimated
employment growth for the MSA. For the
same period the average weekly wages
increased by 20 percent. Among the highest
average wages are finance and insurance.
Unemployment rates, on the other hand,
hover around three percent with minor
fluctuations. There was a slight increase
for the month of June, which is fairly common given the number of graduates entering the workforce at that time.
What does this mean for the employers?
It means that it is going to take more preparation and effort to secure the best
employees. The lower the unemployment
rate, the more challenging it is to find qualified individuals. Management needs to be
fully aware of employees’ needs and wants
to offer competitive packages that are
compatible with the values and goals of job
seekers they wish to recruit. Companies
should strive to be the employer of choice
in the area and within their industry.
What are some things companies can do to
obtain and retain the best people?
Companies are creating work environments that are as conducive to employees’
needs as they are to customers’ needs.
When employees are satisfied, they work
toward making the customer satisfied. If
flexible schedules, fitness programs or
dress codes are important items on the
overall compensation and benefits scales,
employers are working toward incorporating those items into the corporate culture.
Job candidates search for those companies
that share their philosophies for financial
responsibility, environmentally friendly
practices, a family first environment or
work-life balance. A new-hire will put in
long hours and time and energy into a project as long as they feel they are contributing or making a difference (not just to the
bottom line, but their community as well).
Adopting flex schedules that allow a parent
to attend their little leaguer’s game or
school play or allowing employees the freedom to express creativity by decorating the
work station are not costly initiatives and
can garner positive morale and productivity if your environment can accommodate
it.
What about going outside this area to find the
right talent?
Employers can no longer think locally as
they seek the best talent. They need to look
globally. Candidates around the country
are interested in positions in areas showing
significant growth. Tampa Bay is one of
those growth areas, creating jobs in the
professional service, technology and creative industries.
Do you have any other thoughts on securing
the right people for the job?
Knowing what is going on in the market,
using available resources to assist you in
the recruitment and training process and
taking the steps to create an employer of
choice for your type of business is key. Job
seekers today align themselves with companies that offer not just competitive
salaries, but that also have a high standard
of ethics, share values for community
empowerment, and have environmentally
sound policies.
MICHAEL GARCIA is work force services manager with Tampa
Bay WorkForce Alliance. Reach him at (813) 740-4680 ext. 259
or by e-mail at [email protected].