Not only is it difficult to recruit and hire in the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession right now, but it’s also more difficult to retain valuable employees.
However, the good news is that hiring, and retention are “two sides of the same coin.” This means what you do during one (hiring) can have a positive effect on the other (retention). I have discussed in previous articles and blog posts that the onboarding process starts the moment that a job candidate accepts your organization’s offer of employment. So, when should employers start engaging candidates in a meaningful way?
At the very beginning of the recruiting and hiring process!
Fully engaging candidates during the recruiting and hiring process not only increases your chances of hiring your top choice for the position, but it also increases your chances of retaining that candidate as an employee for a considerable length of time. (Certainly, more than the six months to a year that has increasingly become the norm within the job market.)
Taking the steps to greater employee engagement
Simply put, employee engagement leads to higher job satisfaction, and it also boosts employee retention, productivity, and overall organizational success. To maximize employee engagement, Animal Health organizations and Veterinary practices must prioritize it from the very beginning, starting with the recruiting and hiring process and extending throughout the employee’s onboarding experience.
With all of this mind, below are 10 steps for maximizing employee engagement for achieving better rates of retention:
#1—Define clear job expectations and role fit.
The first step in maximizing employee engagement is to clearly define job expectations and assess role fit during the hiring process. This involves crafting accurate and detailed job descriptions, clearly outlining the responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required for the role. Ensuring a proper alignment between a candidate’s skills and the job requirements enhances the chances of engagement from the outset.
#2—Implement a comprehensive recruitment process.
Developing a comprehensive recruitment process is essential for finding and attracting highly engaged candidates. This process should involve targeted job advertisements, leveraging multiple sourcing channels, using well-structured interviews, and incorporating behavioral and situational questions to assess cultural fit and engagement potential. An inclusive and diverse recruitment strategy should also be embraced to promote employee engagement.
#3—Provide a positive candidate experience.
A positive candidate experience can significantly impact employee engagement. Ensure that candidates are treated respectfully, promptly informed of the hiring process, and provided with feedback. By demonstrating a commitment to candidate well-being, organizations foster positive perceptions and set the stage for future engagement.
#4—Establish a robust onboarding program.
A well-designed onboarding program is critical for fostering employee engagement from the beginning of an employee’s journey. The program should include a structured orientation, introducing employees to the organization’s mission, values, and culture. In addition, assigning a mentor or buddy to new hires can help them navigate the organization, build relationships, and feel connected from the very first day.
#5—Cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment.
To maximize employee engagement, organizations should cultivate an inclusive and welcoming work environment. This involves creating a culture that values diversity, encourages open communication, and embraces different perspectives. Building a sense of belonging promotes engagement and allows employees to contribute their unique talents and ideas.
#6—Provide opportunities for growth and development.
Employees are more likely to be engaged when they have opportunities for growth and development. Organizations should provide ongoing training, mentorship programs, and career advancement opportunities to nurture employee potential. Regular performance evaluations and constructive feedback help employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement, fostering continuous growth and engagement.
#7—Encourage collaboration and teamwork.
Promoting collaboration and teamwork enhances employee engagement. Encourage cross-functional projects, team-building activities, and open lines of communication to foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Encouraging employees to collaborate not only improves engagement, but it also leads to innovative solutions and stronger working relationships.
#8—Recognize and reward employee contributions.
Recognizing and rewarding employee contributions is a powerful way to maximize engagement. Implement an employee recognition program that acknowledges outstanding performance, teamwork, and achievements. Recognizing and appreciating employees’ efforts boosts morale, motivation, and loyalty.
#9—Foster work-life balance.
Companies must prioritize work-life balance to maintain high levels of employee engagement. Encourage flexible work arrangements, promote time management skills, and provide support for employees to manage their personal and professional lives effectively. Creating a healthy work-life balance helps reduce stress, prevent burnout, and foster engagement and loyalty.
#10—Continuously measure and adapt.
Finally, to maximize employee engagement, companies should continuously measure and adapt their strategies. Conduct employee engagement surveys, gather feedback, and analyze data to identify areas for improvement. Actively involving employees in shaping their work environment and incorporating their suggestions demonstrates a commitment to their engagement and creates a positive feedback loop.
Maximizing employee engagement is an ongoing event that starts from the recruiting and hiring process and continues throughout an employee’s onboarding experience. Prioritizing engagement from the outset establishes a foundation of trust, collaboration, and shared purpose, enabling organizations to thrive in a job market that is increasingly competitive for talent.
The VET Recruiter: your competitive advantage
The VET Recruiter is a valuable resource for Animal Health and Veterinary employers seeking assistance with their workforce planning needs, and this includes maintaining high levels of engagement with job candidates and employees. With our specialized expertise in the Animal Health industry and Veterinary profession, The VET Recruiter understands the unique challenges faced by these employers and offers tailored solutions.
Specifically, we possess a deep network of qualified professionals, enabling us to source and attract top talent. By partnering with The VET Recruiter, employers can streamline their recruitment processes, saving time and effort. In addition, our thorough understanding of marketplace dynamics ensures a strategic approach to workforce planning, resulting in a skilled and dedicated team that can meet the evolving demands of Animal Health and Veterinary organizations.
We invite you to find out more about our Veterinary recruiting services for employers and also learn more about our recruiting process and how we can help you hire more veterinarians this year.
We help support careers in one of two ways: 1. By helping Animal Health and Veterinary professionals to find the right opportunity when the time is right, and 2. By helping to recruit top talent for the critical needs of Animal Health and Veterinary organizations. If this is something that you would like to explore further, please send an email to stacy@thevetrecruiter.com.