How to attract top talent in 2023?
The job market is going through one of the most challenging times in decades: almost every industry - including mining - needs more employees, and the competition to attract new talent and retain (even poach) experienced minds is fierce..
So the big question is, how can companies differentiate themselves from the competition?
When it comes to mining, the sector is facing a growing challenge: almost half of its workforce is 45 years or older, and the younger generations have a very negative opinion of it, discouraging them to consider a career in the sector, or even do research on it.
These factors, added to the employment crisis in Australia, are forcing companies to go the extra mile when it comes to talent sourcing. That’s why now, more than ever, a proper recruitment marketing campaign, along with a strong employment value proposition, is a must to stand out from competitors.
First, some facts
Mining companies need to attract three major generations: Gen Y, Gen Z and Gen A. Even though 39% of the mining workforce is made up of Gen Y (26-42 years old), more are needed as older generations are moving into leadership positions and retiring.
What is the future workforce looking for?
When it comes to Gen Y, their priorities have changed in the past few years. The majority “…want to save the planet, and mining doesn’t currently appear on their career radars. They are not aware of the sector’s urgent need for digital skillsets”.
The Gen Z, which are those born between 1997 and 2012, are willing to put purpose ahead of pay: they want to make a difference at a social and environmental level, even if that means rejecting a juicy offer.
But that’s only the beginning: future generations don’t seek a job as much as they seek an opportunity. They have multiple expectations of an organisation. It isn’t just the job description, but the workplace culture, the variety, fun, training, management style, and flexibility that drives them.
Fitting to their expectations
When it comes to attracting and retaining new talent, 2022 has proved to us what matters most: an authentic and true employer value proposition (EVP).
Employees not only want to feel invested in the work they do, but they also want to see that their employer is invested in the same things they value and believe in.
Top ten ways to attract & retain talent
One. Leadership
Great talent is after great leadership that exhibits integrity and upholds the values of the company on and off the battlefield.
Two. Career Growth
Professional development needs to be a major part of your EVP. Most talented individuals want to grow and improve in more than one sense: from climbing the ladder to learning new skills, both in the short and long term.
Three. Company Purpose
The new generations want to be part of a greater cause. Employees are now taking special interest in companies with a solid mission and values they can identify with.
Four. Creative Thinking
Studies show that 50% of today's workforce is not engaged at work. Regardless of the job and its related duties, new talent must be sold on the fact that there will be creative thinking involved.
Five. Social Responsibility
Philanthropy and community outreach is the most effective way to prove that your organisation cares about something other than revenue. Plus, it's the right thing to do, of course!
Six. Problem Solving
When employees can be an active part of a solution, it gives them a sense of connection to that organisation: a genuine team collaboration effect.
Seven. Innovation
Companies should be open to innovation and encourage their employees to participate as much as they want.
Eight. Professional Development
Not investing in this area will deter potential new hires and send your existing talent base to your competitors.
Nine. Recognition and Reward
They both need to be intrinsic and extrinsic. This means that companies should utilise public recognition, bonuses, and praises, as well as intrinsic motivation to allow the employees to feel connected.
Ten. Teamwork and Teambuilding
A great team can achieve more than we can imagine. We all want to be part of a caring, high-performance team. Teambuilding should be deep-rooted in the company culture.
Need help with your talent attraction campaign or other marketing services?
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