In a thought-provoking one-on-one, Kara Polk, Program Director of Assessments at Symphony Talent, and Pieter Schaap, Associate Professor for the Department of HR Management at the University of Pretoria, delve deep into the power of emotional leadership and its impact on recruitment. They explore how building goodwill and support during the pre-hire phase helps ensure candidates feel valued and invested from the outset. Once hired, continuous learning and growth opportunities help foster organizational adaptability, which improves talent retention — and overall employee satisfaction.
Watch the full, on-demand session:
Key takeaways:
Effective leadership requires emotional engagement
There needs to be significant emotional engagement in the workplace, starting with leadership. Effective leadership involves not only providing clear direction and goals, but also demonstrating empathy, fostering a sense of purpose, and understanding the broader societal impact of an organization’s actions. Leadership that combines purpose and empathy can significantly impact employee engagement and psychological well-being.
Maintain a strategic focus on employee engagement
Strategically focusing on employee engagement is imperative, especially in a resource-constrained environment. Clear communication is a vital aspect of engagement, both for current employees and potential candidates. By maintaining transparent communication throughout the employee lifecycle, organizations can enhance engagement and improve candidate experiences — especially during challenging times.
True engagement starts pre-hire
Engaging employees doesn’t start on their first day; it begins during the pre-hire phase. Organizations can create goodwill and support by engaging with candidates before they join, setting the stage for a positive employee experience. This approach includes clear communication, respectful treatment, and the provision of learning and growth opportunities, signaling to candidates that the organization values them from the outset.
Don’t underestimate skill assessments in talent selection
Assessments play a critical role in selecting candidates with the highest potential for success, especially in government agencies or highly regulated environments. These assessments — including language proficiency, proofreading, grammar, and Microsoft Office skills — are important for identifying top candidates for a given role. For example, candidates proficient in Microsoft Office often perform better in language assessments, demonstrating the value of being skilled in essential tools for productivity.
Invest in continuous learning and engagement
Investing in opportunities for learning and growth is essential for retaining employees and ensuring organizational adaptability. Employees who see their organizations investing in their development are more likely to stay engaged and committed. Continuous learning not only improves psychological well-being, it also enhances an organization’s adaptability in an ever-changing landscape.
Interested in exploring how you can effectively leverage these acquisition insights throughout the talent lifecycle? Contact Symphony Talent today to craft a winning recruitment and retention strategy.
