We got the chance to speak to Leah Pearson, the Global Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition at First Onsite Property Restoration, who discussed her role as the global senior manager of talent acquisition for First Onsite Property Restoration, her opinion regarding the best solution to many executives joining the great resignation, steps employers should take to effectively support their employees, in view of the negative impact the pandemic had on their well being, strategies for overcoming heavy workload or stressful job and a lack of time due to long work hours, followed by her advice for employers that will assist them in retaining their employees and maintaining a balanced work environment.
Leah Pearson is the Global Senior Manager, Talent Acquisition at First Onsite Property Restoration. She is a knowledgeable Human Resources professional with over 15 years of experience.
When did you start your professional career? And how will you describe your role as the global senior manager of talent acquisition for First Onsite Property Restoration?
I started my professional career in 2006 and have been with First Onsite Property Restoration since 2015.
In my role, I am responsible for the global talent acquisition strategy to attract and retain the best talent. By leading the recruiting team in establishing and executing a talent acquisition strategy for the global organization, ensuring that the hiring needs of the organization are supported effectively.
What, in your opinion, is the best solution to this problem, since Canada is facing a very difficult hiring climate and many executives are joining the great resignation?
The ‘great resignation’ has presented employers with a great opportunity to reevaluate what they can be doing to provide a positive work environment for their employees. Companies are in a position now where they need to act in retaining their employees. Conduct “stay” interviews with employees to understand what they are looking for and places your company can improve. The other solution that First Onsite has employed is being competitive in the wage structure, making sure that the employees are fairly compensated for the valuable work that they do.
According to a recent Deloitte report, more than three-quarters of C-suite employees say the pandemic has negatively impacted their well-being. What should employers do to effectively support their employees in this regard?
The number one thing we do at First Onsite and companies should always do is listen. Taking the time to understand someone’s situation and then providing unique and individualized support is crucial to making employees feel heard and supported. This can include ensuring there is a strong life/work balance, providing specialized programs to create psychologically safe environments, and ensuring that employees are taking advantage of their own and family assistance programs. First Onsite has access to wellness app, such as Headversity, which we offer to provide support to all team members.
Since the top obstacles cited by respondents were a heavy workload or stressful job and a lack of time due to long work hours, what are the most effective strategies for overcoming these obstacles?
Some of the best ways to help avoid team members from getting ‘burnt out’ from a stressful workload are, discussing alternative work arrangements or schedules with your team members to find a better balance, advocating for yourself, and asking for help if you are overwhelmed or need help, or possibly considering other opportunities within the company that may be more suitable for that specific team member.
What specific advice do you have for employers that will assist them in retaining their employees and maintaining a balanced work environment?
The most important piece of advice I can give is to take the time to appreciate your employees. Employees always want to feel valued and showcasing your appreciation for their contributions to the company will help keep a positive relationship. Another important piece of advice is to make sure that there is two-way communication within your team, allowing you to discover what their long-term goals are and how you can best support their development.
