How do you attract and retain talent in a competitive and changing sector?

1 Define your purpose and values

One of the key factors that attract and retain talent in any sector is a clear and compelling purpose and values. Your non-profit organization should have a well-defined mission and vision that guide your decisions and actions, and that resonate with your staff and stakeholders. Your values should reflect the principles and behaviors that you expect from your team, and that support your organizational culture. Communicate your purpose and values regularly and consistently, and make sure they are embedded in your policies and practices.

2 Offer competitive and flexible compensation

Another factor that influences talent attraction and retention is the compensation package that you offer to your staff. While non-profit organizations may not be able to match the salaries and benefits of the private sector, they can still offer competitive and flexible compensation that meets the needs and preferences of their employees. For example, you can provide options for health insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, professional development, and recognition. You can also offer flexible work arrangements, such as remote work, flexible hours, or job sharing, that allow your staff to balance their work and personal responsibilities.

3 Invest in learning and development

A third factor that enhances talent attraction and retention is the opportunity for learning and development. Your non-profit staff should have access to training, coaching, mentoring, and feedback that help them grow their skills and knowledge, and advance their careers. You can also create a culture of learning and innovation, where your staff are encouraged to share their ideas, experiment with new approaches, and learn from their successes and failures. By investing in learning and development, you can increase your staff's engagement, performance, and loyalty.

4 Build a diverse and inclusive team

A fourth factor that boosts talent attraction and retention is the diversity and inclusion of your team. Your non-profit organization should strive to recruit, retain, and promote staff from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, that reflect the communities and causes that you serve. You should also foster a culture of inclusion, where your staff feel valued, respected, and supported, regardless of their identity, role, or function. By building a diverse and inclusive team, you can enhance your creativity, innovation, and impact.

5 Engage and empower your staff

A fifth factor that strengthens talent attraction and retention is the engagement and empowerment of your staff. Your non-profit organization should involve your staff in setting goals, making decisions, and solving problems, that affect their work and the organization's direction. You should also empower your staff to take ownership of their tasks, projects, and initiatives, and to exercise their autonomy and initiative. By engaging and empowering your staff, you can increase their satisfaction, motivation, and commitment.

6 Show appreciation and recognition

A sixth factor that improves talent attraction and retention is the appreciation and recognition of your staff. Your non-profit organization should acknowledge and celebrate the contributions, achievements, and successes of your staff, both individually and collectively. You should also provide constructive and timely feedback, that helps your staff improve their performance and reach their potential. You can show appreciation and recognition in various ways, such as verbal praise, written notes, awards, incentives, or events. By showing appreciation and recognition, you can build trust, loyalty, and morale.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?