Employee Retention

This past week I was able to attend the CFMA National Conference in Grapevine Texas and wanted to share a few things I learned while there that not everyone heard about attracting talent and employee retention. It's the little things that make a difference. We are all human and recognize when people care. It's not what employers say (often empty words), it's what they do.

FIrst, Jade Green had some fabulous gems in her presentation about getting away from job posts that only say the job title and a list of qualifications. It's time we reinvented the job post as advertising. Sharing our culture and recognizing that if you think it's tough to entice workers to the construction industry, it's tougher to find butchers. (I'm pretty sure bakers and even candlestick makers are easier to find these days).

After Jade's presentation I went around asking people "What was your tipping point in taking a job or not?" What did the potential employer say or do that caught your attention and made you stop looking?" My favorite response was from Heather Waldenmayer, CPA, CCIFP, CGMA . She shared earlier in her career on her interview visit she was given a tour of the office. They stopped in the kitchen and opened the cupboards sharing that the snacks they stocked were the favorites of each employee, mentioning Japanese peanuts and whose favorite it was. Then they asked me, "What was my favorite drink or snack?" Now that's specific! What does this convey? This firm wanted to know her and that she mattered. They didn't just need anybody, they wanted her. Heather said she immediately could visualize her favorite snack in the kitchen and knew then that's where she wanted to work.

Earlier during the conference I was talking with a CFO, working for an Electrical contractor. I asked, "What did she need help with the most?" It was finding talent, currently in need of an experienced estimator, and also needing more craft workers. I mentioned the American Society of Professional Estimators Orange County Chapter 3 which may be a good hunting ground. Then I mentioned the National Association of Women in Construction had recent Grand Canyon University electrical pre-apprenticeship grads not yet employed attending the Phoenix Chapter's monthly meetings and that she should send someone to meet them next week. I also encouraged her to have someone join the NAWIC Greater Phoenix #98 Chapter.

I've talked to many people over the years about the employee retention and attracting new talent. That's not what I do for a living. It's what my construction clients need help with the most right now... finding and keeping talent. It's important that every construction firm find connectors in the industry and it's how the smart CFMA associate members build relationships. Don't have enough connectors in your city or region? Need someone that has connections across the country? I'm here for you. Connect with me on LinkedIn (or in CFMA on the Connection Cafe) and start a conversation.