If there is one thing the pandemic has had a universal impact on in business, it is the demand for staffing. Yes, there are supply chain issues and raw materials issues and any number of challenges which have forced business to pivot and go in different directions. Underlying all of these are people.
As part of our Promise Culture model, we highlight that relationship and the people involved in those relationships are near and dear to the success of any endeavor whether in business or life. For this reason, the relationships which exist both internally and externally in your business are critical to the future growth and best outcomes for your businesses.
This staffing challenge comes in many forms. In some cases, it places options in the marketplace for people to sell themselves to the highest bidder. This causes a ripple effect not only in industries but also inside of organizations. Owners are placed in the inevitable situation to either match or up the pay of a current staff person who is out in the marketplace looking for another job or having to go into the marketplace to hire an unknown quantity/new hire. Once the first domino falls then the line at the owner’s desk begins to form – each looking for some added dollars to keep them from jumping ship. Don’t be in denial, it is happening every day at all levels of role responsibilities.
One thing this points out is that as leaders we have not been keeping our ears open and listening to the team as they also have been having to navigate the dynamics in the business world. The extra hours, the demanding customers, and the list goes on. This is just another indicator that the culture at the business is softening.
When a business has a solid “Purpose” driven culture, and all of the team are aligned with core values and solid relationships then they will stand together to win the battle. People at their core want to be part of something bigger. Yes, they want and need to be heard and be compensated fairly. They are all looking to be part of something, especially over the past 24 months when we have all been more separated than at any time in history for those of us under the age of 100.
This week if you have not been investing time since the beginning of the new year with personal conversation with your team and key individuals then I would suggest you start there. I realize that time is a critical commodity but if you don’t invest your time with your most critical asset – your people, then you will be investing your time in replacing them at a potentially higher cost and less direct and immediate contribution to your business operations.
If you don’t have a model for staff interaction, then please give us a call to help you engage your team. We have tools and processes to bring that conversation not only to life but to make it meaningful to all parties. Give JKL Associates a call at (407) 9847246 in Florida or (313) 527-7945 in Michigan.
Journey On!