Hiring to Improve Retention
The average employee turnover rate for healthcare organizations is 13 percent, as of 2014, according to Compensation Force. If your turnover rates are significantly higher, it’s time to make a change to your candidate selection process. You may be inadvertently choosing people who are clearly a poor fit for the company. Learn how to find the best person for the job every time, so you’re not constantly accepting resignation letters.
Gauge Cultural Fit
If a candidate’s personality doesn’t mesh with the rest of your team, they won’t last. Increase retention rates by making cultural fit a huge part of your hiring process. If your company culture is currently a bit vague, take the time to define it before making your next hire, so you know the specific values and behaviors to look for in the right person. During the interview, make a point to ask situational questions to gain valuable insights on the person’s past behaviors, as this is a great indicator of how they’ll react to similar circumstances in the future. Ask each candidate to provide you with a list of references that includes both their managers and peers, so you can gain a well-rounded perspective of their personality.
Discuss Future Plans
Hiring a new employee is a huge undertaking, so you expect them to remain part of your team for years to come. However, many candidates are simply looking for a job to pay the bills until something better comes along. Ask each person where they want to be in five years to learn whether or not they hope to grow their career at your company. Eliminate anyone who sees themselves in a job that has nothing to do with your organization, as they’re a flight risk.
Focus on Potential
It’s always tempting to hire the candidate with the most impressive resume, but the obvious choice isn’t always the best one. Open your mind to candidates who may not have every skill you were hoping to find, but are generally enthusiastic about your company. Opting for a person with high potential who just needs a little polishing can be the best move you’ll ever make, as they’re likely to become your best, most loyal employee. People don’t forget a company that takes a chance on them. Invest in the right person now and enjoy watching them thrive for years to come.
Don’t Make a Hasty Decision
When you needed someone to fill a position yesterday, it can be very tempting to hire the first seemingly qualified person for the job, but that rarely ends well. Always interview at least three candidates to keep your options open. Ask other team members to take part in the interview process, as they will likely observe different things than you, which will help you make a well-rounded decision. Finally, hold interviews in different settings — conference room, restaurant, coffee shop, etc. — to see how their personality changes from one setting to the next.
High retention rates are the key to lasting success. To learn more about how we can help you find top behavioral health talent, contact us today at (513) 651-9500 or by email at [email protected].