6 Ways to Use Your Benefits Package to Recruit Quality Employees
Attracting and retaining quality employees can be a challenge, regardless of economy. In today's market, it isn't always about the money. The younger segments of the work force value the work, the benefits, and the environment just as much as the size of the paycheck.
Fewer small businesses offer group health plans, and the numbers of uninsured individuals continues to rise. In this climate, benefits take on significant importance. If you have a group health plan, (or dental, 401k or other benefits), you have a great recruitment incentive and tool to entice applicants.
Methods for getting the word out to potential applicants can vary from the cost of a single printed sheet of paper to a few extra lines in an ad or a small packet of information. The cost is negligible when you consider the potential benefit. Take a look at a few ideas:
Mention your group health plan in your advertising.
Whether you use print or web advertising, mention your group health plan or include a single line of bold print at the bottom of your ad as simple as "Health Plan" to let potential applicants know there are benefits available to successful job candidates.
Include a short piece about your group health coverage in your application package.
Businesses who rely on walk-in applicants can use this method to relay information. It is also useful if you send application packages to local employment agencies. Consider combining this information into the application itself or include it as part of an application package.
Post a notice or sign at your place of business.
Any company with customer traffic can benefit from a small sign in a high traffic area that displays a statement as simple as "Ask us about our health plan." Not only will your direct customers get the information, they will share it with friends or relatives in the job market. This is a great way to reach a lot of people by word of mouth.
Provide an information packet to interviewees.
A good level of health coverage can often sway a potential applicant to accept a job offer. The more benefits you offer, the more valuable such a packet could prove. At a minimum, consider including a single information sheet listing the benefits available and a name or number to be contacted for more information.
Anticipate questions.
Provide a question & answer sheet or make the offer to answer any questions applicants and candidates might have. Proactively offer this information because applicants are frequently uncomfortable asking for it until they are offered employment. Don't make them wait if you want them to say yes.
Offer incentives.
Check with your health plan provider for possible incentives, open enrollment options and extended grace periods you could offer potential recruits. Be sure to understand your state's discrimination laws to avoid possible issues or upsetting your current employees. This could also be a valuable tool for securing a desirable employee in a competitive market. Ask your provider about any programs or incentives you can offer in your area.
A group health plan is a valued tool for the recruitment and retention of quality employees. As our economy goes forward, this tool can become much more important. Don't hesitate to use all of your assets in recruiting quality candidates.
Getting the word out is simple and inexpensive, and it can make a real difference in your applicant pool and retention efforts. Check with your health plan provider for further ideas on how to provide information to potential applicants and involve your employees as they are also a source of information for anyone considering an application.