The Impact of Poor Candidate Experience: Why It Matters and How to Improve

poor candidate experience

Most companies don’t realize the importance of addressing a poor candidate experience. In hindsight, how they treat the candidates will affect the quality of the upcoming candidate. The company may hire incompetent people or have a high employee turnover rate. And it will damage the brand. 

Each candidate may have different opinions on the matter. But the public agrees that positive experience during the recruitment process, including transparency and promptness affect their idea of the company. Multiple research shows up to 40% of candidates are more likely to accept the offer when they have a positive experience.

Negative Impact of Poor Candidate Experience

Companies may be unaware of the negative impacts right away. However, the bigger the company means there may be less satisfied candidates. One of the direct negative impacts is they can’t expand their workforce. They have to make do with the available talents or maybe even less if the company has a less-than-ideal work environment.

1.     Loss of Talent

A survey by Careerplug shows that at least 30% of candidates refuse a work offer due to having experience during the recruitment process. It ranges from lacking transparency to a slow and disorganized interview process. In the long run, the company won’t be able to keep up with the new technology and other life improvements.

The current employee also may start resigning and leave the company for an even less workforce. Several companies that focus on quality over quantity may hire as many people as possible regardless of the qualification. This is common among construction workers, restaurants, and other jobs with a high turnover rate. 

2.     Negative Reputation

Respondents on the same Careerplug survey also said they are likely to leave negative reviews on the company to reflect their experience. These reviews will erode all of the company’s branding efforts. And in this digital era, most people rely on online reviews to know more about the work environment.

3.     A decline in Recruitment Success

Several methods to see a decline in recruitment success. From failing to secure the right talent for the job, to not having enough applicants which force them to open the position for a longer time. All of this situation will impend the current workforce. They have to work on multiple things until the company hires someone to fill the void. Or worse, they have no choice but to hire less competent people for the job. Having a less qualified workforce means the company has to spend extra time and resources to push them to the standard. 

poor candidate experience

Strategies to Improve Candidate Experience

Candidates are not the only people who need to improve their skills. Here are what companies can do to improve the experience. Eventually, they can have the best workforce for maximum efficiency and impact.

1.     Streamlined Processes

One way to improve the experience is by having a streamlined and transparent recruitment process. The company needs to make the process easy for them and the candidates. Most companies asked candidates to fill on multiple forms that take up to 30 minutes to fill. The problem is most of the information there is already on their curriculum vitae.

The company needs to establish a zone to collaborate with the candidate. A streamlined process will also help the company in doing the preliminary vetting. It can massively improve the poor candidate experience into a more positive one.

The company can use recruitment software to help them in the process. Of course, they also may use the in-house system they’ve been developing over the years. At any rate, the process needs to uphold transparency. It also must ensure the candidates understand the expectations and agree to go with the process.

2.     Improved Communication

Communication is key to gaining, or regaining a positive image. A company that admits its past wrongdoings and is willing to improve will receive more positive feedback. Of course, they need to take all of the steps to improve their image further.

Research by Software Advice, an ATS resource company, has multiple interesting findings. Particularly on how 83% of candidates prefer to receive notifications of not getting the job. And 94% of them already have a negative impression when they receive difficult or unclear instructions.

All these numbers show that most companies need to improve their communication. As they expect the candidates to be clear during the interview, the company also has to be concise in explaining its expectations.

Another thing to note is how most companies never ask for feedback from their candidates. It doesn’t matter if they end up hired or not. Any feedback and critique will give the company a fresh perspective on its current situation. Even though the candidates only have minimum interaction, they can have enough information to form an opinion. 

3.     Engaging Recruitment Content

A simple and personal touch can be one small thing that improves the candidate’s experience. It sure depends on the company’s capacity and values. In general, ensuring the candidates are going through a fair, honest, and transparent process is crucial. 

Of course, not everyone will agree or react the same to this treatment. But the company only needs to reflect their values and how they see an employee. Candidates will work their best to see how they will fit into the company. Catering the candidates throughout the recruitment process will push them to give their best.

Everyone in the company must collaborate to ensure the candidates have a positive impression of the company. Don’t forget that candidates can witness the interaction between colleagues. Some of them may remove themselves from the application when they think the environment is less accommodating. 

The company has no excuse for mistreating the candidates. They also need the right person for the job. It’s a situation where both the company and the applicant can reach a mutually beneficial agreement. However, just like the applicants can improve themselves. The company also can reduce the poor candidate experience by applying a professional and streamlined recruitment process.

Supporting Employee Well-Being and Mental Health in the Workplace

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of employee well-being and mental health support. HR professionals are actively exploring ways to provide resources, support, and wellness programs to help employees cope with stress and maintain their well-being.

Mental health problems generally arise due to several factors such as environment, psychology, and biology. Someone with a breakdown due to biological factors is easily affected, similar to someone who experienced a traumatizing event because there are many things that trigger it.

Employees who work 9 to 5 or more are more likely to suffer from mental health problems. It happened because of the variety of individuals and situations they face. However, everybody potentially experiences this issue if they do not understand stress management.

employee well-being and mental health

The Reasons Behind Mental Health Issues in Workplace

There are a lot of components that can lead to mental health concerns in the workplace, such as high expectations for employees to do their jobs, unpleasant working circumstances, being bullied, and too many demands on the job.

The implementation of work-life balance is also often underestimated by companies or by employees. They invest their working hours only to achieve company goals or increase sales. In fact, considering working hours and rest time is the right decision to maintain sanity at work.

The Initial Way to Avoid Mental Health Issues in the Workplace

The situation eventually becomes a new task for Human Resources to provide the best solution. There are many things that human resources can do to support employee well-being and mental health to restore enthusiasm and productivity.

Mental health is a major concern for maintaining company sustainability. Therefore, Some ways to promote the importance of maintaining mental health and well-being for each employee in the workplace include:

  1. Provide and offer programs that can manage stress and improve mood at work, such as on-site yoga or meditation classes, health screenings, and healthy eating programs.
  1. Implementing flexible working hours, such as telecommuting and flexible working hours, and hybrid working where employees can work anywhere so that employees can find a work-life balance.
  1. Give employees the opportunity and freedom to take breaks throughout the day after completing work, step away from their desks, and get some fresh air to restore the spirit.
  1. Always provide knowledge about a culture of self-care, which encourages them to take care of themselves both physically and mentally. This will make employees love themselves more and respect the company they work for.

Those are the first steps that a company must take before employees experience more severe problems. However, if employee well-being and mental health problems are no longer under control and have even reduced company performance, the HR team must provide further help.

Creating a Workplace Culture That is Supportive

Employees who come from different backgrounds are often treated inappropriately by coworkers. It can be the cause of mental problems, as they have to work under peer pressure. This issue should be paid attention to in order to create a safe working space for everyone.

Human resources can address this problem by implementing diversity, equality, and inclusion practices in the workplace in order to promote trust and minimize bullying. Employees will be way more comfortable expressing their opinions without hesitations.

Offering Mental Health Education and Training For Employees

Some companies provide working hours that make employees unable to control their working hours. In fact, employees often do not realize that they are experiencing symptoms of mental health problems. Consequently, the motivation to work is lost while working.

To address employees who are experiencing these symptoms, the human resources team can offer education and training. Thus employees will know the importance of good mental health, how to identify signs and symptoms of common problems, and how to maintain their mental health.

Providing an Accessible Way to Consult

After providing training and education related to mental health problems, employees are expected to know the symptoms and the level of help needed. This means that the company must also prepare a help center for each employee if needed.

Human resources can provide facilities by cooperating with mental health services or providing a website that connects the employees with doctors who can be ready at any time to serve employees when they are experiencing the condition.

employee well-being and mental health

What Happens When Paying Attention to Employee Well-Being and Mental Health?

Human resources apparently have some reasons why they pay so much attention to employee well-being and mental health. Some aspects behind the reason are humanity and caring. There are benefits that companies can get if they maintain the mental health of their employees.

  • Improved productivity and creativity

Employees with a good mood will always have unique thoughts and ideas. This will be very helpful in maintaining and increasing creativity and productivity at work.

  • Improved communication

By providing comfort to employees in the workplace, they will also be open and able to share their feelings and pressures.

  • Improved morale

Good morale and attitude will also give a good image to the company. Employees with stable mental health will be more responsible with the work given.

  • Reduced absenteeism

A workplace surrounded by happiness will make employees happy to keep coming to the office. It also will make useful contributions to the company’s progress.

  • Reduced staff turnover

Employees would prefer to quit their jobs to protect their mental health. However, if HR is aware of this then the problem can be overcome and still be able to retain the best employees.

It can be concluded that employee well-being and mental health is a serious issues. It has an impact on the company and on employees if not treated well. But in contrast, if the company provides solutions about this problem then a million benefits will be obtained.

Human resources should have a variety of options to handle and maintain each employee’s condition. Because it is believed that maintaining mental health is an asset for creative thinking. And also, it’s a source of ideas that will help improve company performance.

Leading with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A New Paradigm for Organizational Success

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Organizations are increasingly focused on fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces, addressing systemic biases, and ensuring equity in hiring, promotion, and compensation practices. HR plays a critical role in creating and implementing DEI strategies.

diversity, equity, and inclusion

This term refers to the differences that exist in society, including ethnicity, race, gender, and skin color. DEI is currently a matter of concern that must be addressed appropriately. Certain groups that were previously excluded in the workplace are now changing and have gained equal opportunities. They are finally valued and respected because of this strategy.

A workplace that implements this strategy increases productivity in the workplace because each individual feels safe and comfortable to give ideas and share unique perceptions. There is no more feeling superior or inferior because the differences are not considered a problem anymore. You will always have the freedom to express your opinions and ideas for the organization.

Understanding The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are important concepts in the workplace. Diversity

is the difference in backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences that differ from one employee to another. Then, the organization or company will create a work environment where they can feel accepted and respected as a way of appreciating their true diversity.

Equality means making each person as equal as possible without regard to their identity or different backgrounds. Through equality, organizations will create a work environment where everyone feels they have a fair chance, have equal justice, and eliminate discrimination against certain groups.

Inclusion refers to the act of including someone or something into a group or system. HR in organizations is responsible for not excluding different groups, and providing equal opportunities with other groups.

About The DEI Strategies

An organization implements DEI strategies for specific purposes and as a way of valuing diversity in the work environment. The strategy is also adjusted to the needs of the organization, some of the actions included are training and development, community outreach, recruitment, and more.

Organizations that adopt the strategy of diversity, equity, and inclusion build a more positive and productive workplace. Employees feel valued and appreciated when their differences are respected. Increased innovation and imaginative thinking may result from this. Inclusion also helps to build a strong team spirit and a sense of community.

DEI Strategy In Recruiting

There are some key strategies that can help organizations create an inclusive and equitable recruiting process. As it is known that recruiting is the earliest step for the sustainability of the organization, this process needs to be considered well.

1. Establish clear DEI goals and objectives

Before you can begin to implement any DEI strategies in recruiting, you first need to establish clear goals and objectives. That means you need to know what diversity and inclusion you want to achieve, how you want to approach the recruitment process, and how you can convince candidates that your company can provide a comfortable and safe place to work.

2. Recruiter team must be aware of DEI strategy

As the person who is in charge of finding, developing, and even firing employees, HR must first know the DEI strategy. As the frontline they must be able to assess everything that can potentially cause discrimination later, therefore HR must first know this strategy before conducting recruitment.

3. Develop a diverse and inclusive candidate pool

Actively reaching out to candidates with differences who are often excluded in the workplace is an effective way to achieve a fair recruitment process. There are some groups that are usually avoided by employers, but they actually have potential and skills.

4. Use inclusive language and messaging

In order to attract a diverse range of candidates, it’s important to use inclusive language and messaging in your recruitment materials. This means avoiding stereotypes and using language that is welcoming and inclusive of everyone.

5. Evaluate your recruitment process regularly

It’s important to evaluate your recruitment process regularly to ensure that it is effective and inclusive. The thing that HR should pay attention to in this phase is whether all candidates reached have been given equal opportunities or whether there are other things that need to be improved to make the recruiting process more inclusive for everyone.

Reasons Why DEI Strategy Should Be Applied In Organization

Every organization will have different reasons for wanting to implement DEI strategies. However, organizations generally have these reasons why they want this strategy to work in their workplace.

  • To create a welcoming work environment for staff and clients from different backgrounds.
  • To improve the capabilities of the company in order to increasingly attract workers from different groups.
  • To improve the organization’s ability to respond and serve diverse customers
  • To increase the company’s profitability in reaching more customers or clients from different backgrounds.
  • To increase trust and better respond to the needs of diverse communities.
  • To create a more fair and inclusive atmosphere at work.

DEI Strategies Play Important Role in Organization

Applying DEI strategy to the organization will never be wrong because in addition to a good response to people who have different backgrounds, ethnicities, races etc., DEI Strategy will also be proof that its application can have a positive impact for the organization.

Some of the points below are the results of success that can be achieved if diversity, equality and inclusion are applied in the work environment.

  •  Enhancing employee productivity and creativity
  •  Promoting employee engagement and loyalty
  •  Attracting top talent from diverse backgrounds
  •  Enhancing the organization’s reputation and public image
  •  Strengthening relationships with diverse communities

It is irrefutable that diversity, equity, and inclusion are things that every organization, leader, and every individual must do to increase respect and appreciate every different individual. Companies with a positive response to every group difference have more opportunities to develop and grow.

With DEI strategy, a leader can reach out to many people with qualified skills. Through this strategy, the organization will also change the paradigm of society not to exclude certain groups and must always provide equal opportunities and rights to every member of society.

Remote Work and Flexible Work Arrangements: A Guide to Setting Up a Home Office to Maintain Productivity

remote work and flexible work arrangementsThe rise of remote work and flexible work arrangements, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought new challenges and opportunities for HR professionals, including managing virtual teams, employee engagement, and work-life balance.

The employee has the advantage of not having to go through traffic jams and having more time with their family. Also, In many cases, employers also prefer to hire remote workers to reduce their expenses, which can cover some allowances such as transportation and meal costs.

Creating a great workspace is the best way to always feel enthusiastic while doing remote work. This will provide a lot of enjoyment in working whether it’s because you finally have your own privacy to get work done or it can be your best place at home.

Paying attention to your taste and what you want to create in your home office will be very beneficial. However, some tips on how to set up a home office include choosing a quiet and comfortable part of your home, and investing in the necessary tools and equipment to help you be in line.

Create a Designated Work Space

The first and essential part is to create a space for you to work. You can choose an empty room to work in or just a desk somewhere in your home or bedroom that you like. As long as it is a comfortable place and not easy to get distracted.

Make sure your desk is separate from personal items If you only use a single desk, it is very important to separate it from other belongings. Just put aside things that have nothing to do with your work to help you stay focused. Buy, you still can place it on a shelf in the corner of the room.

Use Adequate Lighting

Dim light can affect the atmosphere while working, dim light can also lead you to be sleepy during work hours. You must provide sufficient lighting for your home office, if necessary you can add a table lamp if the room is in a corner of the house that has minimal light.

By installing lights, remote work and flexible work arrangements will feel very convenient. The room will also look always aesthetic which will help you avoid a bad mood while working. This method is very effective for maintaining the mood when doing a repetitive job.

Create a Filing System For Your Paperwork

The use of remote work and flexible work arrangements does not mean fully using technology throughout work. There may be times when you still use paper for other necessities, or some archives are still recorded on sheets of paper.

It is essential to have a stack of folders or a hanging file shelf to stay organized. Use something simple to keep papers off your desk and all over the room. And if you are always concerned about the aesthetics of the room, then you can use a fancy rack.

Fill in The Tools Used for Working

Working at home is about working efficiently and saving time, to make that possible you have to add some equipment that supports your work. This includes a computer, printer, paper, and pens. The equipment will not bother you to move far to do printing or just grab a pen.

This method will simplify your work and minimize stress as well. If the company implements remote work and flexible work assignments, you have already prepared the essential things that are needed to make it easier for work to be finished quickly.

Add personal touch

This part is optional, it all depends on your preference and taste such as if you like flowers, then you can add a small flower vase or your favorite action figure to add more enthusiasm to work. But make sure to put it separate from the work table.

For people who are easily distracted, it should be placed in the corner of the room only to be glanced at once when they are stuck at work. Favorite items such as dolls, action figures or dolls can really improve the mood at work.

Why Should a House Office Be Comfortable?

There are many reasons why the home office should be a comfortable place. The reasons may seem like nothing but actually have a lot of impact on your work, mental health, and how you manage stress. For those who implement remote work and flexible work assignment, it is very necessary to know about these reasons.

– A Lot Of Time Will Be Spent In The House Office

Working from home is indeed just staying at home, but the work hours required are basically the same as working from the office. It’s advisable to create a home office that can contain your work tools and keep your emotions in check since you will be spending a long time there.

– Increase Productivity

A relaxing place is very conducive to productivity. It can be a place to work and rest at the same time to refocus. Besides, a relaxed atmosphere can boost creativity and innovation.

– A Comfortable Office Is A Healthy Office

Additionally, if your office is uncomfortable, you may start to feel stressed and overwhelmed, which is not good for your health. A cozy office is a healthy office.

The truth is, the application of remote work and flexible work assignments will feel very different and may surprise you a little if you have spent a long time working in an office, especially if the office has strict rules. And then working at home allows you to get work done in your bed or chair.

But, if you work in comfortable places such as beds and cozy couches, it will make you spend more time lying around. Therefore, the House Office is highly recommended to maintain Productivity to stay creative while working. Just follow the method above to build the home office you want, hopefully it can help you in the process.

How to Improve your HR Department Performance?

Your firm or organization probably has many departments that work together to complete company operations. However, industry patterns change, consumer needs evolve, and you have to find ways to keep up.

While it’s a challenge to improve aspects such as the HR department, the results are essential for your business. The improved performance gives you a competitive edge and helps compliment the smooth flow of operations in other departments.

Here are some helpful tips to start improving your HR department in 2021:

Perform an Employee Survey
The first step is to determine the obstacles that are compromising the productivity of your HR department. Do this by conducting an employee survey. If you don’t have solutions available already in place, several services online can help you create surveys. You can then send out the surveys in bulk and to specific staff members for data collection.

Continue reading “How to Improve your HR Department Performance?”

How To Drive Your Business Performance With Human Resource Strategy

Business performance is one of the top priorities of many companies. Combining management and system analytic processes, companies constantly strive to drive business performance to achieve their predetermined mission, vision, goals, and objectives.

Business performance management (BPM) managers need to know several key points in order to effectively manage and drive the company’s performance forward. Many of these key points can be collaborated with Human Resource strategy so that a more efficient and seamless process can be employed.

It’s important to understand the key tools in BPM before a manager can incorporate Human Resource strategy to drive business performance to greater height. Continue reading “How To Drive Your Business Performance With Human Resource Strategy”

How to Conduct Performance Appraisal Professionally

Through performance management, managers and supervisors are able to know the capability of his or her team members.

With this system in place, managers and supervisors are able to find the most suitable plans of action to help underperforming employees improve their performance.

Companies of different business natures employ different types of performance appraisal system.

Even though these systems are unique and exclusive to the company’s business, every performance appraisal system share the same objective – measure and evaluate performance of the workforce to ensure quality and standard are met while at the same time help employees to strive for the best.

How does a business conduct performance appraisal? What are the things that go into an appraisal system? And how is this system efficient in ensuring consistent quality towards driving business excellence forward? Continue reading “How to Conduct Performance Appraisal Professionally”

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