Huron County's Human Resources Director recently presented county council with a picture of the challenges they're facing in recruiting and retaining employees.
Lara Vanstone says the problem was exacerbated by the pandemic, but it is clearly an employees market right now and the county is particularly facing staff shortages in the county's long term homes, and in other health-related areas, as well as just the general operation of the county. Vanstone says their response to that is creating a people first culture in the county.
“Really when we're recruiting we talk to our candidates about what our culture is like at the county and we really do work together to create a working environment where everyone can be their best selves," Vanstone shared.
She says they also collaborate across the organization and she believes that's a huge factor in their success.
Vanstone adds they conducted surveys in 2018 and again in 2021, and one of the biggest reasons staff gave for wanting to stay with the county was that they felt supported.
“When ultimately you're supported by your organization, you're willing to take informed risks, creativity expands, there's trust within your organization and your peers," Vanstone said.
Vanstone suggests it just feels better working in that kind of supportive environment.
Additionally, Vanstone also points out retention is critical to the success of any organization because of the significant cost of continually having to replace staff and train new people. Vanstone also notes that the information in her presentation goes beyond the county. She says its a challenge facing just about every employer in Huron County.