The scope of the human resources (HR) profession today is much larger than it used to be. The capacity required to advise, direct, control, and lead the imperative business functions of modern HR is nothing short of awesome. Every day, SmartHire® speaks to business owners, senior managers, and HR professionals to glean insights into their processes, goals, and needs in an
ever-changing business environment.
In these conversations, we ask about each organization’s strengths, targeted areas for development, and innovative interests. We learn about the tasks on a specific desk, a company’s high-level and strategic operations, or (in the best conversations) both. Our discussions with HR professionals almost always lead back to one topic in particular – the importance of company culture in an evolving workforce.
Case Study #1: Regional Hotel Chain in Western Canada
Earlier this month, we received a call from a Senior Vice President of Human Resources. He generously took the time to share his 22 years of experience working for a regionally (Western Canadian) owned and operated hotel chain. During our conversation, he outlined the defining characteristic of the organization: a company culture centered on
family.
Creating a
corporate culture of family with just under 100 employees across two provinces has been the hotel chain’s guidepost and greatest success. It is not uncommon to find tenured employees at the company with 10, 15, and 20-plus years of experience. Most, if not all, senior managers grew and progressed together with the company, starting with the organization early in their careers.
One of the potential issues in this hotel chain’s future is retaining the culture of family in the face of the impending
“graying of the workforce.” Across all professions and industries, there is a trending statistic: the “baby boomers” will retire in 2030. Companies must prepare for this change adequately and well in advance. Otherwise, what will happen to this hotel chain when its generation of tenured employees is ready to retire?
Case Study #2: Robertson Family Group
In another discussion, we had the privilege of conducting an interview with Roland Falk of
Robertson Family Group. This Senior HR Manager of a six-location, multi-divisional chain of
New Holland Ag Stores devotes his time to the acquisition, growth, and retention of their 135 employees. Roland reflected on the completion of a few recent projects related to employee engagement and mid-level management, in keeping with the theme of company culture.
Leveraging the
tools and resources available from SmartHire®, Roland worked with mid and senior management teams to understand the unique style differences and traits of success for the Robertson Family Group. By reviewing the
Prevue Selection and/or
Individual Reports, managers have a better understanding of the unique individuals on their teams. Implementing these tools at the time of candidate application gives Roland and his team confidence in which candidates are a suitable fit for their growing family/team and who is the most appropriate for succession consideration.
Although their industries and organizations are very different, both of these HR professionals emphasize the importance of the
candidate experience – especially to weather the employee phase that’s coming in 2030. As the collective workforce continues to age and retire, regional experts like Roland and the hotel human resources VP are implementing the necessary tools, systems, and processes to prepare for what’s ahead.
The Takeaway: Emphasize Company Culture Today for a Stronger Workforce Tomorrow
With a graying workforce on the horizon,
high turnover rates among new hires, and the remaining low
unemployment rate of 6.3%, Western Canadian employers need to focus on the candidate experience to ensure team and company longevity. Impactful interactions and meaningful experiences at work will drive retention rates and lead to optimal productivity for years to come.
Learn more about the importance of the candidate experience, and how you can build a workforce that prevails even as your tenured employees reach retirement age.
Contact us today!
Comments are closed.