This is an Encore Episode of #WorkTrends
Sponsored by Workhuman.
Today, we’re talking about the critical employees on our front lines, discussing how to find, recruit, hire, and onboard them effectively. Before we jump into today’s podcast, go ahead and ask yourself these two questions. Number one, do you have a strong grasp on the DNA of your industry’s frontline employees? Number two, how are you currently sourcing deskless employees, and is it working? We are here to discuss this important subset of the employee population, and hopefully deliver some juicy takeaways that improve your ongoing interactions with them.
Let’s take a look at some important points to set the stage. According to various sources, frontline workers make up 70 to 80% of the global workforce. That’s about 2.7 billion people. Pugh Research says that frontline workers are present in a wide range of industries, with more concentrations in healthcare, retail, transportation, public safety, education, and construction. The Bureau of Labor statistics states that frontline jobs are projected to grow by 7% by 2030, faster than the average job growth rate of 5%.
Meet Our Guest: Mateo Cavasotto
Mateo Cavasotto is Co-Founder and CEO of Emi Labs, an innovative frontline recruiting platform that helps employers hire better talent, faster — at scale. Mateo is a smart, passionate entrepreneur who is devoted to making the recruitment process more efficient and effective for everyone involved.
Today’s discussion is especially interesting because we’re exploring key findings from an in-depth study Emi recently published — 2024 Frontline Recruiting Benchmarks for Talent Acquisition Leaders.
For a preview of our conversation, check these highlights…
Defining the Meaning of “Frontline”
Welcome, Mateo. Why don’t we start by clarifying the term, “frontline worker”?
Absolutely, yes. In our view, anyone who does not work behind a desk is a frontline worker. This applies to more than 50% of the US workforce in diverse industries like manufacturing, hospitality, healthcare, dining, retail, and many other segments. Unlike knowledge workers, these people aren’t sitting at a computer all day. So they engage with technology much differently than knowledge workers.
Why Frontline Recruiting Insights Matter
Although these workers represent a majority of the labor force, they’re often overlooked by data. They deserve champions who say, “I get you.” Is that the goal of your frontline recruiting report?
Yes, frontline workers matter. They deserve attention. But also, they are strategic to the operations of many companies. So it’s in every employer’s interest to know these people better.
Recruiting Roadblocks
What does your research reveal about obstacles that keep employers from finding frontline talent?
First of all, we know the market is fiercely competitive. We’re talking about 8 million open roles right now, with 6.5 million people actively seeking employment. That’s challenging.
Also, candidates have different expectations, even across generations.
For example, 54% of Gen Z job seekers won’t complete an application if the technology is outdated or doesn’t meet them on their terms. And among millennials, 40% expect to use social media as a primary source of information when looking for a job.
Every company has its own mindset about where candidates should be looking for jobs. But the truth is, we need to understand their behavior, not try to push our ideas on them.
Keys to Frontline Recruiting Success
Right. The more we know about potential candidates, the better…
Yes, definitely. A one-size-fits-all approach isn’t the best recruiting technology solution. But getting to the answer is also a challenge because there are many different tools, processes, and experts.
Plus, every industry is different. For example, companies in retail and manufacturing need frontline workers, but the specifics differ in how they source and interview candidates.
So when choosing tech, it’s important to be specific about how you’ll implement it. Your recruiters and candidates are behaving in a certain way, while your hiring managers and operations team have their own needs. Recognizing and responding to these differences can overcome these roadblocks.
Choosing Relevant Tools
What criteria should employers expect from a frontline recruiting platform?
Well, our tools address three categories that support our vision of a great workplace with a positive employee experience. That includes communications, culture, and team efficiency. And it all comes together with journeys and moments that matter for employees. And those moments start with onboarding.
Listen to This Full #WorkTrends Episode
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