It’s hushed industry speak that’s being whispered by the water cooler–creating a bit of buzz and, perhaps, even a little corporate insecurity. 

Quiet Hiring. An expression used to define when an organization doesn’t actually hire new full-time employees but still acquires new skills.

And for many companies, this soft-spoken phase of uncertainty is becoming a reality at the start of this new year. It’s a time when employers are internally reconfiguring roles, redistributing responsibilities and having to communicate why these changes are happening. 

But it’s also a time to focus on retention, create momentum and prevent workplace turnover. After all, a bird in the hand is worth, well, two in the bushel.

Here’s why Quiet Hiring and Employee Retention matter so much.

In order to recruit new talent, organizations must demonstrate that they can keep their existing talent. 

Through conversations with many of my clients, I hear time and again that either they need to focus on retaining their current employees or that this is a top initiative for 2023. In this tight labor market when employees can be lured away by higher salaries and flexible work schedules, employees need to feel valued. 

As an HR recruiter, I always want to understand and look closely at an organization’s turnover. I want the companies that I'm recruiting for to value their employees and understand the importance of a positive culture. When employees are happy, it’s easier to attract new talent that’s worth hiring. Smart, high-caliber professionals will be reluctant to join an organization that shows signs of employee dissatisfaction. Job boards, glassdoor.com and simple networking can reveal the true ethos of a company. 

Good people attract good people. So keep that bird in the hand and remember that the birds of a feather flock…together.

To read more about quiet hiring & employee retention, check out this CNBC article.