Scaling your business starts with building a reliable, talented workforce. It’s not just about hiring the right people — it’s about keeping them. During a recent CompanyCam webinar, Jenna Jackson, COO of Acadian House Design + Renovation, shared practical strategies to attract, hire, and retain top-notch employees.
With a diverse background in healthcare and now home renovation, Jenna brings a unique perspective to hiring and employee growth. Here’s a quick rundown of her top tips for workforce success:
1. Build a Culture People Want to Join — and Stay In
A thriving business starts with a strong company culture. Jenna emphasizes that creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and seen makes all the difference. This includes:
- Regular team-building events: Activities like bowling nights, cocktail hours, and holiday parties create camaraderie and foster a family-like atmosphere.
- Transparent communication: Employees are more likely to stay when they feel their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.
- Celebrating wins: Acknowledging achievements — big or small — helps reinforce a positive work environment.
However, Jenna is quick to point out that culture is a two-way street. Employees must also bring a strong work ethic and a willingness to grow.
“I hire slow and fire fast — If someone isn’t aligning with our values, it’s better for them and for us to part ways sooner rather than later.”
2. Invest in Training That Sets Employees Up for Success
Jenna believes in providing employees with the tools they need to thrive from day one. Acadian House has implemented a three-month training curriculum for all new hires. This program covers everything from company policies to cross-training across different roles, ensuring each team member understands the big picture.
“I need my project manager to know what my designers do — everyone goes through the same training to build understanding and teamwork.”
This approach not only equips employees with job-specific skills but also creates a sense of unity and shared purpose among the team.
3. Be Proactive in Recruitment
Don’t wait for talent to come to you — go find it. Jenna’s team uses platforms like LinkedIn and industry-specific job boards to actively seek out qualified candidates. Crafting detailed job descriptions and conducting thorough interviews ensures they’re hiring not just for skills but also for cultural fit.
A key tool in their process? Personality profile assessments like the DiSC test. These assessments provide insights into a candidate’s work style and motivations, helping the team identify who will thrive in their environment.
“The DiSC assessment tells us so much before we even meet a candidate. Are they go-getters? Organized? Sociable? It helps us ensure we’re bringing on the right people.”
Key Takeaways
Scaling your workforce isn’t easy, but with a solid strategy, it’s achievable. Here’s how you can start:
- Define your company culture and hire for fit, not just skills.
- Prioritize training to set employees up for long-term success.
- Take an active role in recruiting and use tools like personality assessments to guide your decisions.
By implementing these strategies, you can create a team that’s not only skilled but also deeply invested in your company’s success.
