Invest in the Best

In the past, printers regarded employees as a cost of doing business. Costs that do not affect the value of core products or services are certainly a place where you can economize. By contrast, employees are an investment. An investment is an expenditure for the purpose of producing income, and it affects the value of your product. Investments are judged by their potential return, and have the capability of increasing profits more than the initial financial outlay.

Engagement level 

Vested employees generate high-productivity per dollar spent through their competence, positive attitude, energy, initiative, and sense of responsibility. Not only are bad employees far less productive, but they can also generate unwanted costs and delays through mistakes, negligence, or apathy. Bad employees also tend to reduce the productivity of others, because everyone around them must take up their slack.

Interpersonal skills 

Good employees become effective team players, who are respectful and pleasant to be around and communicate well. They exhibit personal integrity and encourage others, and can gain their confidence, trust, and respect. As managers, they foster an open work environment, where they spark creativity and empower other employees to contribute more to the business.

Learning aptitude 

Top talent exhibits flexibility, and can learn and keep on learning as their job expands. They search for solutions and improvements, and provide strategies to help their employer’s company grow more profitable.

Hiring takes time and resources

Although 60% of company budgets typically go toward employee expenses, a study of North American companies shows that, on average, hiring managers spend no more than 45 seconds to decide whether to accept or reject a job applicant’s resume. Such a rushed approach increases the likelihood of a bad outcome. Conversely, the right recruitment methods and selection tools can improve the odds of success.

While many of us think we know what we want based on our experience and personal preferences, it has been our experience that some of the best employees hired would not have been the first choice from the initial resume review. The “soft skills” described above should be top of mind.

Another benefit will be retention and referrals. Good employees will espouse the positive experience they have, and others will want to be there too. You should always focus on the less tangible when assessing and hiring employees for your organization. Remember this is the people part of the business.

To learn more on how to attract top talent in today’s labor market, visit PrintLink at booth 9452.