By Ryan Sheehan
We have been privileged to work with a number of non-profits, and one of the most pervasive HR challenges these organizations face is attracting and hiring enough quality candidates. Many of our clients tend to attribute the inability to pay as much as other employers as the principal cause of this issue. We have found that while cash compensation is certainly a significant factor, it is not generally the primary one that determines if a person chooses and stays with an employer in this sector.
So what do they want?
- A strong sense of mission and purpose: Individuals who choose careers in non-profit fields will tell you their number one reason for working in this area is that they want to help people. Organizations that best articulate, integrate, and practice their values / mission, and strive towards a focused vision are the most appealing employers. These efforts must start at the leadership level and cascade down through to the front-line workers. Also, on a job level, each position should be designed in a way so employees can practice their vocation in the way where they feel empowered and effective in serving others.
- A positive work environment and experience: Not-for-profit organizations that can provide the most supportive and flexible work environments have a clear advantage in hiring and retaining employees. Policies and procedures that engender positive leadership to manager to staff and peer to peer relationships are key. In many not-for profit career fields, there are unique stresses and emotional hardships. Here, work life balance is paramount. Consider ways to provide more flexible schedules, better distributed work / case- loads, and other tactics that support a more positive work / life balance. Remember, care workers need to be cared for too!
- Advancement and professional growth opportunities: Year after year, high performing employees rank opportunity for advancement and professional growth among their top three reasons for selecting and staying with an employer. Of course, promotions are meaningful. However, individuals in these particular fields desire to expand their professional knowledge and skills, not just to increase their influence and scope of responsibility.