For many organizations, recruiting and retaining talent has taken on even more importance as the commercial real estate industry continues to evolve and the need for a more diverse workforce becomes apparent. At CRE.Converge 2019, experts shared strategies for the best use of human capital and how they are working to overcome obstacles including labor shortages in the industry.
Joe’Mar Hooper, Wisconsin market leader, CommonBond Communities, shared the three strategies that CommonBond uses to recruit a diverse workforce:
1) Be intentional from an organizational perspective and specifically commit time and resources to the effort. Create a culture that values diversity – from the top-down and bottom-up.
2) Know that you don’t have to go about it alone. If you don’t know how to get started, it can be intimidating. CommonBond sought out a consultant for how to do this work. “We didn’t have the capacity to do an equity analysis so we brought in a consultant who helped us conduct one, do focus groups, and establish an equity framework to help maintain and attract a more diverse workforce,” said Hooper.
3) Focus on marketing. “We cast a wide net for job applicants, and our HR department takes the time to sit down with the hiring manager to gain an understanding of what we’re looking for, and brainstorm how we can go outside of the more traditional outlets to find candidates.”