Work is as meaningful as we decide to make it, no matter the business we’re in. If your company has low-wage workers, follow these guidelines to hire – and retain – quality employees. For guidance on HR and workforce practices, see NCCI and HR Practices.
Hiring and retaining quality employees
- See the lifetime value of a worker in the same way that marketers evaluate the lifetime value of a client.
- Brand your company as something more than people who clean toilets, serve burgers, or wash cars.
- Consider paying a few bucks more than the competition. As the saying goes, “when you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.” In‑N‑Out Hamburger has exploited this insight with great success.
- Attend job fairs and work with community agencies, colleges, churches, and so forth.
- Advertise online on Craigslist, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.
- Put some juice into employee referral programs, and use referral cheat sheets—one‑page documents that describe the opportunity and provide contact information.
- Consider an online application process, including kiosks for people who don’t have convenient computer access.
- Keep your look and logos fresh and see if you can make them “cool” or “green.” Talk about how you provide environmentally advanced or nutritionally satisfying products (Chipotle does this well).
- Focus on the fact that yours is a steady industry, with room for advancement; encourage your current employees to sell the career opportunities.
- Show that you care by offering workers cool soccer shirts, English classes, company events, etc.
- Have an employee page on your website with video, testimonials, and clear application instructions.
- Stress the advantages that you offer employees, such as flexible work schedules, paid time off, health insurance, retirement plans, car allowances, and so forth.
To understand operational and inspection practices that support reliable staffing and safer workplaces, see The Benefits of Insurance Inspections.
If you want to review options for your business insurance or risk management, talk to an agent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are effective ways to attract reliable low-wage workers?
Offer clear career paths, maintain competitive pay, use employee referrals, and present a strong employer brand that emphasizes respect and stability.
How can small employers compete with larger companies on hiring?
Highlight flexibility, culture, and tangible perks like paid time off or training, and simplify the application process to reduce barriers.
Are employee referral programs worth the investment?
Yes; referral programs often yield higher-quality candidates and lower turnover when paired with clear incentives and simple referral materials.
What nonpay benefits help with retention?
Flexible scheduling, training and advancement, health or wellness support, and community-building events can all improve retention.