The Forgotten Key to Success? Having Fun
If life is constantly evolving, then so are the techniques we use to achieve success in the workplace. Most companies out there are always actively searching for staffing solutions that will attract incredible new talent and build a world class business, but those companies also tend to overlook one of the main methods to achieve eager, skilled new employees: having fun. The word “fun” often seems out of place when mixed together with industry jargon, but more companies are realizing that staffing solutions are now requiring fresh approaches to attract millennials.
Though tech-startup companies used to be the only ones known for boldly diving out-of-the-box to make a statement, companies all over the country are now realizing that tapping into the fun, playful side of employees and applicants can have incredibly positive results. Just take a look at these examples to see for yourself!
The 15-Second Commercial
Rather than relying on standard recruiting methods, recruiter Amy Rees Anderson took an unconventional, funny, and totally successful approach to finding new talent. She purchased a 15-second commercial spot to play before the movies at the most popular movie theater in her company’s town. But don’t think her 15-second commercial was even close to traditional. Anderson didn’t want to spend big money creating and producing the commercial, so instead she asked all employees with the company to create a 6-second home video of them performing their dumbest, most useless talents. The sillier and more random, the better.
Anderson’s company’s 15-second commercial ended up starting with an intro slide with the company’s logo and the words “Featuring the Elite Talent of [Company Name],” followed by the best employee home video, like one of an operations manager balancing a toilet plunger upside down on his finger, lifting his shirt, and suctioning the plunger onto his belly and smiling. The commercial ended with a slide that read, “What is Your Elite Talent? Apply Now!” It generated immense interest in the business and led to many successful hires!
Pack Your Bags
This recruiting tip may not work for companies with a smaller budget, but it sure worked for the ad agency TDA_Boulder. The group was looking to hire a new art director that could thrive and survive in any condition, so they sent their top potential employees on an all-expenses-paid-trip to Las Vegas! The agency’s application stated, “Airfare, food, lodging, golf and/or spa included. Work not included. Hanging included. Bail not included.”
Other fun recruiting ideas involve getting current company employees to participate in the hiring process by rewarding them for finding long-term new hires or including them in the selection progress. The more fun that occurs, the more than new and current employees alike will become engaged in the company and want to work to succeed!
