How to Communicate Hiring Goals Effectively: A Guide for Employers

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful hiring strategy. In Alaska, many companies, including Alaska Native corporations and non-profit organizations, have specific hiring goals for Alaska Native employees. Unfortunately, insufficient communication about these goals often leads to confusion, frustration, and conflict.

My previous employer was in the process of implementing hiring goals. Shortly after being hired, I nearly resigned due to the hostile work environment, limited support, and lack of information.

Many non-Alaska Native employees were unhappy about the requirement to hire a certain number of Alaska Native employees, creating confusion and conflict and leaving many unanswered questions. Supervisors lacked the information and resources to communicate the goals effectively. Other Alaska Native employees and I faced unfair treatment and racist comments questioning our knowledge, education, and experience. This made us feel we were hired for our supposed shortcomings rather than recognized for our experience, strengths, and potential. My supervisor became involved, and as a result, our communication was strained. Co-workers regularly made snide comments, and I didn't want to go to work. Looking back, I see how better communication and support could have mitigated many of these issues, saving time and money and maintaining trust.

On the other hand, I have worked with companies that effectively share information about their hiring goals. Here are key tactics we used to help communicate hiring goals effectively:

Key Tactics for Communicating Hiring Goals Effectively

1. Clear Communication:

• Share hiring goals with all employees through multiple channels, such as meetings, Slack, emails, and newsletters. This approach ensures everyone is informed and involved, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

2. Transparency:

• Be open about why these hiring goals exist and how they were developed. Transparency builds trust and helps employees understand the bigger picture.

3. Provide Support:

• Ensure employees and supervisors have the necessary resources, such as access to information, training programs, mentorship opportunities, or additional staffing support.

4. Listen to Employees:

• Create opportunities for employees to ask questions and share their concerns and feedback. Listening helps address fears, anger, and uncertainty early and prevents escalation.

5. Regular Evaluation:

• Regularly assess the progress toward hiring goals and their impact on the team. Be open to using different methods to solicit feedback.

6. Be Flexible:

• Adjust approaches based on feedback and evaluation. Continuous improvement is key to long-term success.

7. Collaborate with Internal Teams:

• Work closely with your legal, communications, and HR professionals to ensure the company is legally compliant and effectively communicates hiring goals with all stakeholders, including employees. This collaboration will mitigate risks, ensure clarity, and provide consistent messaging across the organization.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Imposing Goals Without Employee Awareness:

• Communicate with employees to prevent resistance and disengagement before setting goals.

Ignoring Feedback:

• Consider employee feedback to maintain a positive work environment and foster progress.

Overloading Employees:

• Set realistic goals and provide support to prevent burnout and low morale.

Lack of Follow-Through:

• Keep commitments to maintain trust and credibility.

One-Size-Fits-All Approach:

• Customize your approach to meet the unique needs of different groups within your organization.

Use of Outside Resources:

• If other organizations (e.g., foundations, non-profits, and tribes) are providing information, be respectful of their time and resources.

Risks of Not Implementing These Strategies

Failing to implement these strategies can result in several negative outcomes:

• Decreased Employee Morale: Poor communication and lack of support can lead to dissatisfaction, disengagement, and high turnover rates.
• Increased Conflict: Without clear communication and transparency, misunderstandings and conflicts among employees can escalate, harming workplace cohesion.
• Wasted Resources: Ineffective communication and lack of coordination can waste time, effort, and financial resources.
• Damage to Reputation: Poor handling of hiring goals can damage the company’s reputation, making it harder to attract and retain talent.

Following these strategies and avoiding common pitfalls can help companies create a more effective and harmonious workplace. Clear, transparent communication and ongoing support are essential for achieving hiring goals and fostering a positive organizational culture. Implementing these practices benefits the employees and strengthens the organization’s ability to meet its objectives successfully.

If your company is looking to improve how it communicates hiring goals or if you need support in implementing effective strategies, such as Alaska Native Cultural Awareness training, let's work together. Contact me today to discuss how we can collaborate to help you succeed.