While attracting and retaining talent has always been a concern for companies, it’s become more important than ever before. With “Now Hiring” signs seemingly everywhere, businesses may need to focus on their current workplace practices in addition to seeking new quality employees. It’s this need the Workforce Innovation Center, which is housed at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, is uniquely positioned to address.
“We are a consulting practice focused on talent to help employers improve their workplace practices for the benefit of their business and for the benefit of their employees,” says Audrey Treasure, executive director of the Workforce Innovation Center.
The Center works directly with employers to create a personalized plan that addresses their specific organization.
“We offer a suite of services to help employers understand better their current workforce and what might be driving some of their challenges. And then we create a customized set of solutions for them to solve those challenges and to help them meet their goals,” says Treasure. “We have a robust set of proven practices to improve things like retention, attractions, employee financial wellness and inclusion, diversity and equity within the workplace. And we customize those solutions based on each employers unique needs.”
Sunrise Treatment Centers, an opioid treatment and medication assisted treatment program with locations throughout the region, from Columbus to Florence, Kentucky, is one company that has taken advantage of the Workforce Innovation Center’s services. The company’s founder, Dr. Jeffrey Bill, learned about the Center at a Cincinnati Chamber event and saw the ways it could benefit his employees.
“He was very excited about a lot of the work they have done with ensuring that people can be self-sufficient while working in the community and what that looks like for families,” says Brett Burns, chief human resources officer for Sunrise. “We started talking about how we could ensure that our employees are self-sufficient while they are helping others, making sure that they can take care of their families as well.”
The Workforce Innovation Center surveyed Sunrise employees to gauge their self-sufficiency and o find ways the business could improve.
“We had a lot of good policies and procedures in place,” adds Burns. “But they have opened our eyes to other things.”
To improve pay equity, for example, Sunrise decided to do an annual salary analysis instead of bi-annual.
“I think that employees notice that we are already doing a lot of the things that the Workforce Innovation Center recommends,” says Burns. “It’s not just about business, it is about the family itself and making sure there’s structure to thrive.”
Employers that would like to learn more about the Workforce Innovation Center can do so at a free webinar this Wednesday, Oct. 27, from noon to 1:30pm called “Become a Destination Employer: Your Customized Roadmap.” The webinar will introduce attendees to the Center and its services, featuring Burns and her perspective as a participating employer.
“Participants will learn about the services that we offer and the overall approach of the Center in providing solutions for companies,” says Treasure. “And then they will get to hear directly from Sunrise Treatment Centers and what they’re doing now as a result of working with us.”
Those who would like to learn more are welcome to sign up for free through the Cincinnati Chamber’s website. And Treasure says that those who are interested but unable to attend the event can email her directly or visit the Center’s website.
“One of the most important things we’re trying to convey is that employers don’t have to try to figure out by themselves how to modernize their workforce in this new economy. We’ve built a whole set of services and offerings focused on human resources and organizational development. We connect employers with partners who can help find new sources of talent or solve other problems for them, like training providers. We’re a one-stop shop,” says Treasure.
