Over the past few years, Chicago has developed a well-earned reputation as a global tech hub. This is great news for engineers, who are consistently in high demand. But for the companies that employ them, it means you’ll have to up your game. Here’s what you should know about attracting and retaining top engineering talent.

If your company isn’t a household name, you already know that you probably can’t compete with the industry leaders on compensation packages. But in today’s highly competitive marketplace, workers are looking for intangibles that go far beyond a paycheck. You have the flexibility to make individualized offers that may not be possible for the biggest industry players. Here are some things to consider.

Community Focus

In the post-pandemic world, employees want to feel connected to something larger than themselves. Take proactive steps to develop a “work family” vibe by encouraging cross-departmental collaboration along with plenty of opportunities for people to get to know one another. Then take it one step further by expanding your roots in your neighborhood. Sponsor a youth sports team. Participate in neighborhood events. Help your workers develop a sense of connection.

Career Development

Today’s workers don’t want to do the same thing forever. Offer resources that can help them navigate a long-term career path. Job shadowing, mentorships, and optional workshops are just a few of the possibilities.

Flexibility

Flexibility is one of the things that the modern workforce most desires. Can your engineers work remotely or on a hybrid schedule? Do you offer compressed workweeks or flexible hours? What about flexible career paths for those who are still learning about themselves and don’t know exactly where they want to end up?

Company Culture

Small businesses have total freedom to decide what they want their company culture to be. Ask your current employees what they would most like to see. It might be catered lunches once a month or optional offsite teambuilding excursions, or four-day workweeks. Be creative and see how you can improve your engineers’ work experience.

Work-Life Balance

During the Covid era, work-life balance became a major focus for many workers. From onsite childcare to a prohibition against working after 5:00 or on weekends, there are many ways you can help support your engineers’ work-life balance. In the long run, this will help you attract and retain top engineering talent.

Build A Forward-Thinking Engineering Team With PEAK

If you are looking for talented engineering professionals who can help your organization achieve its goals in Chicago or any location nationwide, contact the experts at PEAK Technical Staffing today to learn how we can help you access cutting-edge talent.