How Has a Single Hiring Decision Influenced Your Company Culture?
In the quest to shape a positive company culture, we've gathered insights from five small business leaders, including Presidents and CEOs. They share pivotal hiring decisions, from humanizing the hiring process to focusing on character and work ethic, that have left a lasting impact on their organizations.
- Humanize the Hiring Process
- Introduce Structured Hiring Practices
- Hire for Team-Building Skills
- Embrace Remote Work Flexibility
- Focus on Character and Work Ethic
Humanize the Hiring Process
Impacting culture happens every day – you are either building a better one or sliding down the slope of despair. There is no plateau when it comes to culture.
Want to make a hiring decision that will greatly impact culture? Here is one hot off the press.
Make the hiring process feel human and authentic, with less ghosting and AI, and with more personal connection and human moments. It sounds easy – but it's not being done as well by most companies today.
Candidates have options – they can work for any employer. Employers need to do a better job of wooing them into joining their team, and then focusing on retention by treating them well so that they desire to stay for the long haul. Why should they want to work for/with you? If you want to stand out from the crowd, you must do things differently.
Enter our unique idea: We suggest making the hiring process a memorable and unique experience for candidates by gamifying the process (Cards for Culture Game.com!). The game itself sets the stage for a strong culture – but playing with candidates ensures we are asking the right questions (most importantly – they are aligned with core values), provides a unique experience, builds connection and excitement, and creates engagement all around.
The gaming element also builds a foundation for a culture of engagement. It demonstrates that "we get things done but also want work to be enjoyable." This also supports building a strong employer brand – and we can show our flair on social media, company culture showcases, and with employee testimonials. Candidates feel excited about the possibility of joining the team even before they apply.
If your hiring process is snooze-worthy – and you need some ideas to help create a positive, respectful, and engaging experience for candidates – I know this will work for you! Gaming will enhance their perception of the company and its culture – a win/win solution for all involved. Your teammates and talent pool will thank you for the experience!
Learn more at www.choosepeoplefirst.com or connect with me on LinkedIn. Now, go get your game on. :)
Introduce Structured Hiring Practices
One hiring decision that greatly influenced our company culture was bringing on a dedicated HR manager. Previously, our hiring processes were managed by various team members, leading to inconsistencies and a lack of cohesive culture. The HR manager implemented structured hiring practices focused on cultural fit as much as skills and experience.
For instance, she introduced behavioral interview questions and a thorough onboarding process that emphasized our company values and mission. This approach ensured that new hires not only had the required technical skills but also aligned with our collaborative and innovative culture. As a result, employee morale and retention improved significantly, fostering a positive and cohesive work environment that has been instrumental in our company’s growth.
Hire for Team-Building Skills
As a business owner, hiring decisions can sometimes feel like assembling a winning dodgeball team—you want diversity, skills, and personalities that click. One hire that truly shaped our culture was bringing in Lily, who wasn't just skilled but had this uncanny ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into a team-building exercise. Her knack for organizing office outings, from paintball skirmishes to impromptu karaoke nights, transformed our workplace into a lively community. It taught me that hiring isn't just about filling a role; it's about finding someone who can add zest to your team's dynamic.
Embrace Remote Work Flexibility
One key hiring decision was when we recruited our first remote project manager at a time when remote work was still a novelty. This decision was not just about filling a position but was a strategic move towards what would become a core aspect of our company’s identity—flexibility and trust. This role helped us fine-tune our processes to support remote work effectively, which later allowed us to seamlessly transition to a fully remote company during the pandemic. The impact was profound, shaping a culture that values results over presence, which has attracted top talent from around the world who share our vision of work-life balance.
Focus on Character and Work Ethic
As a small-business owner, finding the right employee can make a significant difference in the success of your business. The most important thing to remember is that while skills can be taught, work ethic and loyalty are invaluable traits that come from the example you set as a leader and from the inherent personality of the employee. When hiring, it's crucial to look beyond just the technical abilities and focus on the candidate's character, attitude, and willingness to learn. Employees with a strong work ethic and loyalty are more likely to contribute positively to your business, stay with you through challenges, and help build a strong, cohesive team. Leading by example, demonstrating dedication and integrity in your own work, will inspire your employees to follow suit, fostering a productive workplace.
