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5 Top Tips to Help Your Business Overcome the Skills Shortage

In the UK, 51% of employers state finding candidates with the skills they need, is their main challenge. And 63% of employers have failed (at times) to fill a role, because of the talent shortage.

The talent supply is shifting, whilst demand is increasing. This is proving to be a challenge for the future of businesses and their workforces.

At GB Solutions, we have been working with clients who have been trying to overcome the skills shortage. We have drawn on these experiences and put together 5 of our top tips to help your business overcome the skills shortage and enable you to hire top talent.

So, what can businesses do to overcome the skills shortage?

⭐ Stand Out

We have spoken about this in a previous blog post. But creating a focused EVP is essential to ensuring your business stands out. With so many job opportunities on the market, you need to be doing all you can to stay ahead of your competitors.

Look at your job ad, is it created with a target demographic in mind? There is no point in including ‘desirable’ attributes with the current skills shortage. Keep it short and to the point, and only include essential information.

A great way to stand out is to include your benefits package clearly in the job ad. Top talent isn’t going to be attracted to average incentives. Perks that stand out include bonuses, flexible working, social events, extended maternity/paternity leave, etc. Think outside of the box. If you’re only offering standard holiday, basic pension, and free parking, then it’s time to reassess your benefits package.

🌎 Agile Workforce

Due to the pandemic, where and how we work has changed drastically. When looking for a new job, one of the applicants’ top priorities is a role that is flexible, and that allows them to work remotely. We know this is something many businesses offer, so if you don’t, you’re likely missing out on top talent.  

With geographical restrictions lifted, the search for talent is expanded. This encourages diversity, which enhances innovation, creativity, and retention.

By being flexible, open to change, and adaptable, you show that the priority is on the people you employ, not the business you operate.

💡 Re-evaluate Your Recruitment Process

Now is the perfect time to re-evaluate your recruitment process. From how you employ new starters, to what you expect from candidates.

Firstly, working with a recruitment agency can have significant benefits to your overall recruitment process, as they will likely have access to passive candidates. Those who aren’t looking for a new role, but are open to opportunities, are people businesses won’t have access to. It is these people who usually get the job, and have the skills required.

However, it is important to remember, that if you do choose to recruit from an active candidate pool, they don’t have to be perfect from the get-go. You will find you can easily hire applicants with 80% of the right requirements and help them grow into the role.

By diversifying your recruitment process, and considering transferable skills, you will find excellent, motivated candidates, who given the chance, will excel in the role.

📈 Invest in Training/Upskilling current employees

Many companies are offering training to their current employees, to overcome the skills shortage. Investing in your people, and nurturing their talents, is essential to a happy workforce. Not only will your workforce gain knowledge, and learn new skills, but you will increase retention, productivity, and morale.

Not only this, but by demonstrating a commitment to your employees’ development, you will attract ambitious and driven candidates, as you show a commitment to career progression. In turn, this will help you close the skills shortage gap.

🤝 A message from Mike (our MD) – Work With a Trusted Talent Partner

I was in conversation this week with a major housebuilder whose London based, in-house recruitment team had drawn a blank on two roles. After further digging it was obvious their website was geared around selling houses, not hiring staff, and the roles were the first of their kind to be hired in 3 years. By comparison most of our marketing spend is geared up to attract active and passive talent from over 20 years trading across the Gloucestershire region, 365 days a year.

✔️ Skills Shortage Conclusion

To overcome the skills shortage, you need to:

• Stand out from your competitors
• Create an agile workforce
  Re-evaluate your recruitment process
• Invest in upskilling current employees
• Work with a trusted talent partner

The pandemic has undoubtedly affected the way we work, but businesses need to embrace the changes, to become the employer of choice.

If you’re struggling to fill roles due to the skills shortage, then get in touch with us. We have the knowledge and expertise to find you the right candidate for your role.