After posting a new position description far and wide, a company often gets hundreds of applications within just a few days. With a mound of resumes to sift through, the hiring manager might worry that by the time they discover the best, most qualified fit, that job seeker may have already moved on to a different opportunity. By the looks of it, recruitment and employee retention won't get easier any time soon. But following these three strategic steps will help organizations hire for retention better and faster than ever before.

A negative perception of what it's like to work in manufacturing is a big reason why employers find it hard to fill their manufacturing jobs with qualified employees. Uncertainty about "fit" and about long-term opportunities, too, are contributing to this talent shortage. To help attract and retain good workers, HR and hiring managers can leverage recruitment software to educate job seekers about the realities of modern manufacturing, to test applicants for desired and necessary skills, and to help new hires and current employees advance in their careers. 

Millennials, the largest generation currently in the workforce, place a high value on having a sense of purpose in their work. Just as purpose can bring them great satisfaction, the lack of purpose can drive them to look for new jobs. Organizations that make an effort to give their younger workers a sense of purpose experience higher retention, pride, and endorsement with this cohort.  

With the right approach, organizations don’t have to sacrifice loyalty for performance. By implementing some (or all) of the following 13 creative strategies, companies can increase their ability to grow and retain great employees. 

The upheaval of the last couple of years has changed how companies work—and now it’s changing how they hire. Many employers and HR managers are being forced to make adjustments to how they recruit, train, and retain new people while the skilled-labor shortage continues. And as the world recovers from the economic setback caused by the pandemic, many companies are taking a look at alternative routes to help them get back on track. One possible solution is to hire nontraditional employees.