Finding high-quality candidates for skilled trades positions can be daunting. Many employers are missing out on top talent by not leveraging one of the most effective recruitment strategies available: incentivizing employee referrals. At Gillmann Services, we understand the importance of connecting skilled tradespeople with great companies. A well-structured employee referral program paired with a great staffing solutions partner can significantly enhance your hiring process.

The Cost of Not Incentivizing Employee Referrals

Many employers rely heavily on traditional recruitment methods such as job boards and career sites. While these methods can yield results, involving your current workforce in the recruitment process can significantly enhance your ability to attract top talent. Industry research shows that referred candidates are more likely to be high performers and have higher retention rates than those sourced through other channels alone.

By partnering with a staffing solutions provider, employers can implement a well-structured and effective employee referral program from the start. By incentivizing employee referrals, employers can avoid missing out on a pool of pre-vetted, high-quality candidates who could be an excellent fit for their organization. Employee referrals typically lead to faster hiring times compared to traditional recruitment methods. Staffing solutions providers can further expedite this process by quickly identifying and vetting referred candidates, reducing the time it takes to fill open positions.

Integrating Employee Referrals with Staffing Services

While employee referral programs are highly effective, they are not a standalone solution. Combining them with the expertise of a staffing solutions provider like Gillmann Services ensures a comprehensive approach to recruitment. Staffing agencies bring specialized knowledge, extensive networks, and advanced tools that can enhance the effectiveness of your referral program. This partnership allows you to leverage the strengths of both strategies, ensuring you attract and retain the best talent available.

Benefits of Employee Referrals

  1. Higher Quality Candidates: Employees are likely to refer individuals they trust and believe will be a good fit for the company culture and job requirements. This often results in candidates who are not only skilled but also aligned with the company’s values and goals.
  2. Faster Hiring Process: Employee referrals typically result in faster hiring times than traditional recruitment methods. Staffing solutions providers can further expedite this process by quickly identifying and vetting referred candidates, reducing the time it takes to fill open positions.
  3. Higher Retention Rates: Employees who come into an organization through referrals often have higher job satisfaction and a stronger sense of belonging, leading to increased retention rates.
  4. Improved Cultural Fit: Referred candidates are more likely to align with the company’s culture and values because they have insights into the organization’s dynamics through their referring colleagues

Tips for Creating an Effective Employee Referral Program in the Skilled Trades

  1. Educate Employees: Ensure that employees understand how the referral program works and why it was implemented. Sharing relevant data and statistics can help employees see how their referrals can impact the company.
  2. Incentivize the Referral Program: To motivate employees, offer a mix of monetary and non-monetary rewards. These could include cash bonuses, additional vacation days, or other creative rewards such as paid vacations or dinner at a fancy restaurant.
  3. Simplify the Process: Make the referral process intuitive and straightforward. Providing a direct and easy way to submit referrals can increase participation. Integrating advanced tools to centralize and keep all activities organized can also encourage employees to refer candidates. At Gillmann Services, we can tailor our staffing solutions to work with your employee referral program. 
  4. Keep Employees Interested: Maintain engagement in the referral program through internal marketing strategies, progress updates, internal competitions, and gamification.
  5. Build a Foundation of Trust: Ensure transparency in the referral process. Keep employees updated on the status of their referrals and provide feedback on every referral to maintain their engagement
  6. Recognize and Reward Efforts: Publicly recognize and celebrate employees who make successful referrals. This not only motivates the referrer but also encourages others to participate actively. Highlight success stories through company-wide communications or recognition events to reinforce the program’s importance. 

At Gillmann Services, we provide skilled trades staffing solutions to commercial, industrial, marine, manufacturing, and mining industries. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to promoting maximum production and profitability for our clients. Contact us today to leverage our expertise to implement an effective employee referral program that will help you attract and retain top talent.