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Attracting and Retaining Employees: Proven Strategies from the Columbia Valley

On January 24, The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and Columbia Valley Economic Development hosted a workshop focusing on employee attraction and retention. It was a very successful event with over 20 Columbia Valley businesses in attendance. Jenn Moss opened the session introducing employers to programs offered through Kootenay Employment Services and WorkBC.

Michelle Taylor, Campus Manager of College of the Rockies Invermere informed businesses of the training opportunities available through the College. They offer health and safety, administration, leisure courses and so much more. If your business requires training, and you do not see in their course guide or online, reach out to Michelle and they can make it happen!

Caitlin Hall-Sharp is the new Human Resources Manager at Home Hardware Invermere; but she is not new to HR. Caitlin is a Registered Professional Recruiter and Certified Change Management Practitioner. She spoke to several strategies from posting your job to a successful onboarding process. “A job post should have more than required credentials” Caitlin says, “it should evoke a feeling of what it will be like to work at your business.” Also noting onboarding is more than just a day, “What is their first week like? What are employers doing to make their new employee feel special and comfortable?

We also learned that workplace culture matters! It affects employee satisfaction, happiness, and sense of belonging. Ullr Bar is a shining example of successful workplace culture. “Our culture begins prior to onboarding. It starts in the interview. We want to understand our future employees and we want them to understand us” says Charly Ion, co-owner. “We want the potential and current employees to know that they have support system in place for whatever their needs are.” To see more of their culture firsthand, visit their Facebook page. Or better yet, stop by for dinner.

The Eva Joseph Early Learning Centre (Little Badgers) took a bold move with their operations, moving staff to a four-day work week. High staff turnover and burn out is a reality facing the early childhood education industry. Carrie Rickards and her team recognized this at their centre and decided to offer a four-day work week. The change has been a fantastic adjustment, resulting in lower turnover and more energized and happy staff.

At the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development, we are here to support businesses as you navigate the staffing shortage. If you are hiring, please post your positions on www.workcolumbiavalley.ca. If you have any questions about programs or subsidies available, please reach out to Theresa Wood at advisor@cvchamber.ca Further, please reach out if there is an area of business you would like to learn more about. We look forward to more workshop opportunities this year.