Hiring has been a challenge for most businesses in most industries for the past couple of years. It’s been a very different labor market. We are on the front side of layoffs and changes in the economy. While that sounds bad, the positive side of this is that when it comes time to staff your franchise, you will see a better labor pool. There will be more candidates who are better qualified.
In addition to the labor pool, being a franchisee comes with other benefits and support from the franchise company to lessen the hiring burden.
FRANCHISE HIRING SUPPORT
Franchises are highly successful because they have a proven business model. That model includes a system and an algorithm for hiring employees and staffing your franchise. The franchise company has experience with helpful information like the number of employees you need to start your business and how to proactively continue to grow.
They know what roles you need to fill (managers, technicians, sales staff, assistant managers, etc.), as well as those employees’ responsibilities, what to pay them, and where to find them.
Some franchises have a recruiting department that can help with staffing. You’ll still interview prospective employees and have the final say in hiring, but they help to put the best candidates in front of you and offer support and resources such as:
- Ad templates
- Job descriptions
- Interview questions
- Candidate evaluation process
- Interview pipeline
- Training programs
- Onboarding materials
You will also receive support when it’s time to grow your business. The franchisor knows, based on the business model, when it’s time to expand and add new employees. They can help you decide how many people you need to hire and when you need to hire them.
This allows your business to continue growing.
RETAINING EMPLOYEES AND ATTRITION
The business model provided by the franchise company also makes it easier to retain employees. Franchises often have better training, onboarding, and support so employees feel confident and prepared to do their job and have a clear understanding of their roles.
As a franchisee, you are hiring employees into a business with an established culture where they are part of a team. As your business grows, you can provide employees with growth opportunities and look to hire from within. All these aspects of franchises help to retain employees.
Another reason franchises are more likely to retain employees is the benefits and perks that are often provided. Clearly communicate these with your employees and help them access these benefits.
Some employees will leave – that is unavoidable. However, some industries have higher rates of attrition than others. A franchisor can help you establish the right cadence of interviewing and hiring so you are always ready to replace people as needed.
If you do find yourself short-staffed or without a manager, neighboring franchises or a franchisor can step in and provide support until you are properly staffed. With a franchise, you get a whole community of support where you can ask questions, get advice, and find solutions.
PASSION EMPLOYEES
Another strategy for hiring the best employees and keeping them is to look for passion employees. A passion employee is someone who takes a job in an industry they really enjoy. They like the work, they like helping people, and they like sharing their passion with others.
You’re most likely to identify passion employees during the interview process. At this time, you can get a better idea of their level of enthusiasm, their professional and personal growth goals, their hobbies and interests, and if they seem like a good fit for the business. Passion employees will interview differently. They’ll ask questions and be excited about the opportunity.
Since Covid, more and more people are looking for and taking jobs they really enjoy. Industries that attract passion employees include fitness, healthcare, beauty, and pets, among others. Passion employees are easier to retain. They will work hard because they love what they do, and they’ll stay with you for that reason, as well.
If you haven’t decided on a franchise yet, consider industries rich in passion employees and you’ll experience fewer staffing challenges.
FRANCHISE EMPLOYMENT GROWTH
While almost every industry has experienced hiring challenges the past few years, the franchise industry continues to grow and hire more employees. Even during the hiring shortages in 2021, the franchise industry managed to hire 8.2 million employees. By the end of 2022, franchise employment is expected to grow by an additional 3.1%.
While all types of franchise business lines are currently seeing employment growth, personal services, commercial and residential services, and real estate have seen the largest rates of growth. These industries are expected to continue to lead franchise growth in 2023.
Don’t let concerns about hiring keep you from exploring franchise opportunities. The franchise model works and offers the support, tools, and resources necessary to help you hire and retain quality employees for your business.
If you are interested in becoming a franchise owner, contact me to learn more about the franchising process and how the franchise model can help you become a successful business owner.
