Cracking the code on how to attract and retain hourly workers

For many employers, attracting and retaining hourly workers seems like a puzzle with no solution. Employers often feel like the struggle to hire never stops. And even when people are hired, they’re often on the job barely long enough to be properly trained before they leave for what they think will be greener pastures somewhere else. No magic bullet exists to solve the problem, but there are things you can do to help.

How to attract workers

With “Help Wanted” signs seemingly everywhere, employers have a tough time standing out as a good place for hourly workers. Consulting giant Mercer passed along some tips for employers in an October blog post. A key piece of advice: Start with pay.

Mercer points out that pay is a major issue for hourly workers, and they can be lured away by as little as $1 more an hour.

“Getting pay right is fundamental,” the post says. “There is very little you can do to keep any category of employee without paying them what they deserve.”

To get pay right, Mercer says employers must find a reliable source of hourly pay data to help them understand the local labor market.

Pay may top the list of concerns for workers, but Mercer advises also looking at benefits, flexibility, and ways to listen to employees.

On benefits, Mercer suggests employers consider offering tuition assistance, student loan assistance, career development opportunities, paid time off, referral bonuses, and performance bonuses.