Our famous, or should I say infamous executive director continually states that our business is a realm of cycles, and while painful to admit, he is right again! Who can remember back to 2002?
The unemployment rate in the state was less than 4%, it was difficult to hire employees and keep them for more than a month or two. That was until the recession hit and by 2009 nearly one out of nearly even ten people were looking for work.
And not just work, but any form of employment!
While those were difficult times, we had choices of who we hired and people were pounding on our doors looking for a job! Fast forward to 2015 and here we are again!
The state unemployment rate is at 4% again, and within the metro, it is running less than 3%.
While going through town I have found myself counting the number of help wanted signs posted in windows and entrances. So how do you stay ahead of the game in hiring strong reliable staff during these times? Be proactive! Don't wait for the one employee who works four shifts per week to put in their notice. Constantly be reviewing applications as they come in and ensure you have some backup in your system. Be selective!
Do not hire someone just because they can pass the bubble gum test.
The bubble gum test is when an applicant can chew gum and walk at the same time.
It is better to run lean than to hire someone who is going to harm the morale of your team.
Be a recruiter! Carry your business cards with you, and if you receive good service while out and about, hand the person a business card. Inform them that you are looking for good staff and ask them to give you a call. With changes in health care reform, many people are unable to get the number of hours they need to make ends meet from one employer. So while they are working for someone else now, they may be looking for additional hours. Use social media to advertise! Use Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Craigslist as low budget avenues in which to advertise your needs. Be a fair employer! We are currently in the process of completing a comprehensive comparison of surrounding municipal operations to see if we are offering similar wages and benefits. The city also just recently completed an employee satisfaction survey. We can proudly state that Liquor Department employees rated high in understanding customer service expectations, goals and service to the public. We also found out that our employees would like to feel more appreciated and want better communication. Great awareness factor for our management team. Be a firm employer! Nothing hurts morale more than inconsistency in schedules, rules and procedures. Just because you are running short-handed does not mean employees can rule how you operate. While you may lose one employee who is upset they can't take the week of Christmas off, you will ensure the respect of the others who remain. Be an appreciative employer! Make work enjoyable! Or as much as work can be. A part-time job does not need to be stressful if management is organized and plans ahead. Have a strong vision and expectations of your employees, be a leader in which they can emulate. Bottom line, employees serve our patrons, our patrons ensure we remain in business.
Our employees need to feel welcome, disciplined and appreciated.
I hope this information helps and if anyone has further suggestions or are seeking a part time position in retail liquor, please feel free to contact me directly! Again, never miss an opportunity to recruit!
LOL
Brenda Visnovec Lakeville |