THE CATCHUP
by Janelle Woodfall | January 1, 2024
If your company is planning on hiring new team members in 2024 to build a workforce that can drive innovation and success, it’s crucial to properly prepare for that growth. As you get ready to think about which positions and individuals could best support your company and its goals, implement these strategies to make the hiring process a seamless one.
How to Plan for Hiring in 2024
Conduct Strategic Workforce Planning
Before your organization can even begin to look into hiring for new positions, it’s crucial to audit its current state so you have a good understanding of which areas need more resources and which areas are already covered. Think of it as a SWOT analysis to determine spots where your company has room for growth and where it can be improved.
That may consist of doing the following:
- Assessing current workforce capabilities to understand the skills and experience that your employees have and get an idea of what skills are currently lacking or needed
- Projecting future business needs to see where you could use the most support, as your products or services shift or change in the new year
- Identifying the types of skills, positions, and number of employees needed to guide you when determining the job openings
This planning should align with your short-term and long-term business goals so you can outline actionable steps that will bring you closer to achieving them.
Enhance Employer Branding
Building a company that’s attractive to potential candidates all starts with strengthening your employer brand. This includes:
- Creating a positive company culture that lays the foundation for an environment where employees can learn, grow, and thrive
- Showcasing growth opportunities that demonstrate the potential to move up within the company and achieve promotions
- Highlighting important benefits that are desirable to potential employees, such as remote work, stipends, personal development, and more
- Demonstrating your company values that show that you stand by and support your employees, such as offering resources to breastfeeding parents, providing childcare options, and advocating for your LGBTQ+ and BIPOC employees year-round
Think about what would make candidates want to work for you, and clearly display those differentiators within your marketing. These opportunities are what will attract the right candidates and help you reach your hiring goals in the new year.
Invest in and Retain Current Employees
Before hiring externally, consider opportunities for internal growth and promotions. This not only fills roles with familiar talent but also boosts morale and loyalty among current staff. Make it a priority to retain your top talent by implementing strategies that make them satisfied with their career, including offering competitive compensation, benefits, and career development opportunities. Employee turnover can be costly, so retaining talent is as crucial as attracting new talent.
Show how much your team means to you and how much you appreciate all that they do within their work.
Streamline and Diversify the Hiring Process
Your organization should prioritize making its recruitment process efficient, fair, and effective. This may include updating job descriptions, employing new recruitment technologies or platforms, and training hiring managers in effective and unbiased interviewing techniques.
That also involves creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, which can attract a wider range of candidates and foster a more innovative and engaged team. Implement policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion so that marginalized communities feel supported, seen, and heard.
Foster Strong Leadership with Women
Develop strong leadership within the organization to guide and manage the growing team, and more importantly, prioritize women in leadership roles. Women leaders are known to:
- Multitask beyond belief
- Help close the gender pay gap
- Succeed with empathy
- Engage in effective communication
And more. By making way for more women to obtain leadership positions, you’re setting your company up for success in the new year and beyond.
In conclusion, preparing for team growth is a critical step to take in any company's journey. It requires thoughtful planning, strategic execution, and a deep understanding of both your company's needs and the aspirations of your current and future employees. By assessing your workforce needs, enhancing your employer brand, investing in current staff, and more, you set the stage for sustainable growth.
The key to successful team expansion isn’t just about how many new team members you hire but rather how well they integrate, contribute to, and thrive within your organization.
Preparing for Growth with the Help of a Recruiting Agency
Leaning on MomUp for Support
At MomUp, we specialize in supporting organizations who are ready to attract the best candidates for their open positions while amplifying the talent of underrepresented communities. We work with our clients to build diverse teams and ensure that those candidates feel supported and secure in their new workplace. Working with a recruiting agency gives you access to individuals, resources, and skills beyond what you already have in-house, ensuring overall success for your recruiting needs.
Get started with MomUp today!