In this episode of the One Next Step podcast, BELAY’s Ryan Fitzgerald and John Duisberg, co-founder of Cooleaf and host of “The Great Retention” podcast, explored how a strong employee experience not only improves retention but also plays a critical role in attracting the right talent.
Their discussion revealed three key takeaways that every leader should consider when shaping their hiring strategy.
One of the most effective ways to ensure that company culture is sustainable is by integrating core values into the hiring process.
John shared that leading companies actually grade candidates on how well they align with company values during interviews. This serves a dual purpose:
By making culture a measurable component of hiring, organizations create a workforce that naturally lives out the company’s values in daily operations.
In today’s job market, candidates are choosing employers just as much as employers are choosing candidates.
This makes it crucial for organizations to clearly communicate their culture, values, and purpose so that potential hires can make informed decisions.
A transparent culture not only attracts the right people but also helps those who don’t align with the company’s values opt out—preventing costly hiring mistakes.
John shared a compelling story about a CEO who turned down a highly qualified candidate because they lacked humility, a key company value.
While it was a difficult decision, it demonstrated the company’s authenticity and commitment to its values. When organizations make tough choices based on their principles, employees take notice, reinforcing a culture of integrity and trust.
A company’s success in hiring and retention isn’t just about competitive salaries or perks—it’s about fostering a workplace where employees feel aligned and engaged.
Want to attract and retain top talent? Start by making your company’s values a living, breathing part of your hiring process.