President and CEO of Servicon, a leading custodial and Infection Prevention service provider.
Hiring new employees can be a challenge in essential “invisible” industries. By invisible, I mean industries that maintain the infrastructure of society with little recognition. We are a “best-kept secret.” We are not well-known brands that candidates instantly recognize, but those who find us believe we are worth the hunt.
As president and CEO of one of California’s leading hospital environmental services (EVS) and commercial cleaning services providers for life sciences, aerospace and other complex facilities, I know how exciting our industry is. I have had the privilege of witnessing some of the most remarkable advances in healthcare. I have sat in an Apache helicopter, toured facilities that build satellites, climbed inside rocket ships and more.
Most exhilarating, however, is knowing that my team members play an integral role in these endeavors. Without our services, and the services of other companies in related industries, these innovations would be impossible. We provide healthy environments for people to thrive.
So I would like to address how company leaders in invisible industries can promote their businesses and find talented employees.
Highlighting The Benefits
Below are just four advantages of a career in a less-recognized industry. To attract new employees, I suggest leaders emphasize these benefits to potential employees:
1. Impact
One of the main reasons for leaving that I have heard from team members who left large, well-known companies is that they love knowing their work here matters. They have a chance to make a real impact. They are keeping people healthy, helping move research forward and safeguarding the defense of our country. People want to work for a business that aligns with their values. They want to work for a purpose-driven company.
2. Culture
In addition to meaningful work, employees want to know they matter. At many companies in essential industries, owners know their employees and even their family members by name. But a welcoming culture goes beyond familiarity. One of the main reasons some of our employees tell me they came to work at the company is the opportunity for growth and promotion—without having to stab a superior in the back. Increasingly, I’ve noticed many candidates are shunning the shark-eat-shark office for a values-based culture.
3. Stability
While not providing the excessive, often inflated pay of technology positions, many companies in essential industries offer competitive salaries. There is usually room for promotion—and the paychecks can also be far more stable. Consider the thousands of workers laid off this year in the tech industry due to over-hiring and interest rate hikes. Meanwhile, many of these employees’ wages included stock options. So when the company’s stock plummeted, they were left with less compensation than they thought.
Invisible industries are often more recession-resistant. The reality is that people can make do with fewer gadgets but not without toilet paper and clean environments. Essential companies can provide an exciting career and the financial security necessary to achieve dreams such as buying a home or raising a family. At my company, several employees have been with us for over 30 years. I’ve found this kind of longevity is more common in smaller, family-operated companies.
4. Exposure
In smaller essential companies, there is usually a chance to wear different hats, which provides opportunities to learn and grow professionally. Service industries can offer exposure to a variety of fields both within the company and through clients, thanks to the diverse industries we serve.
Where To Find Talent
With all that the companies in essential industries have to offer, the question is: How can these companies find people looking for the benefits above? Below are a few ideas.
Social Media
This category is broad and brimming with opportunities to find outstanding employees. Some suggestions on how to engage with these candidates online include:
• Hashtags: Though their usefulness is often underestimated, using and following hashtags can lead to new opportunities. Be firm in your purpose, promoting your values and goals across platforms, and search for people who look at the world the same way.
• Connect: Look for people who share your interests and values. Then send them an invite to connect that includes why you are contacting them.
Job Fairs
Many small to mid-size companies will participate in job fairs. Make sure your tables are run by employees who can share their experience of working at the company with potential candidates—this can help promote the workplace culture better than any advertisement. Clearly articulate who you are, why candidates might be a good fit and what purpose their contributions would help serve.
Networking
People often think of networking as a formal endeavor, but the best networking is often informal and unplanned. Candidates might find one of their acquaintances works in accounting for a great family business that happens to be hiring.
If there’s something you’re passionate about, you can join a group that engages your community to find solutions, such as addressing environmental problems. Odds are, that group will have members looking for new work opportunities and who would be happy to hear about the career opportunities at your business. It’s a more organic way of finding a value match.
Local Ads
Many essential businesses run ads on the radio or local television stations. Nearly all these companies have departments like finance, HR, technology and innovation, with potential availabilities.
When creating these ads, include information about the company culture, the organization’s mission or purpose, how the role you are advertising supports your goals and if there are opportunities for growth.
The commercial cleaning industry and many other indispensable fields may not appear as attractive. But when it comes to finding a fulfilling career path, looks can be deceiving.
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