With “Help Wanted” signs and postings at every business, companies are competing to hire the best candidates. Some areas to consider when trying to attract candidates include;

• Make it easy for applicants to apply for a position.  Review the application process and determine if it is too time consuming, rigorous or out of compliance.  A short, easy and compliant Employment Application is the best.
• Offer flexible hours, if possible.  Applicants are looking for positions that offer flexibility not only in hours but the ability to work at home. During COVID-19, many companies and employees have found that they can still be productive while working flexible hours or at home
• Review pay rates and benefits. With the job market changing so quickly, reviewing pay rates and benefits often is key to staying competitive. If increasing pay rates is not possible, offer benefits or perks that may be valuable or helpful to employees.

Don't forget that developing a great company culture is one of the best ways to attract candidates.  Ask for feedback from current employees about what they enjoy about the company and to identify areas that could be improved. Employee feedback can be a valuable tool in making the company a "great place to work". 

On October 29th, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provided the latest 12-month Employment Cost Index, 

• Wages and salaries increased 4.2 percent for the 12-month period ending in September 2021 and increased 2.5 percent for the 12-month period ending in September 2020.
• Benefit costs increased 2.5 percent over the year and increased 2.3 percent for the 12-month period ending in September 2020. 

Among private industry occupational groups, compensation cost increases ranged from 3.2 percent for management, professional, and related occupations to 6.1 percent for service occupations. Within industry super sectors, compensation cost increases ranged from 3.0 percent for construction to 6.9 percent for leisure and hospitality.