Addressing Employer Misperceptions (Real and Perceived) Rob Hoffman Employment Analytics November 7, 2013
Jan 11, 2016
Addressing Employer Misperceptions
(Real and Perceived)
Rob HoffmanEmployment Analytics
November 7, 2013
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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1. insight or intuition gained by perceiving; a way of regarding, understanding, or interpreting something;
(pərˈsepSHən)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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1. become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or understand.
2. interpret or look on (someone or something) in a particular way; regard as.
• synonyms: regard, look on, view, consider, think of, judge, deem
(pərˈsēv)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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In our work, it is more about Social Perceptions-it allows us to understand other people in our social world.
Our perceptions influence how we perceive (interpret)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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How Perceptions are Formed
Misperceptions are formed the same way (bad or faulty information/experiences)
Info
rmati
on
Experiences
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Media
Service Providers
Word
of
Mouth
Cultural
Misperceptions form Information
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Misperceptions from Experiences
• With Individuals
• With Service providers
• With Others
With
Service
Provid
ersOther
Wit
h
Indiv
iduals
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
8Addressing and Preventing Misconceptions
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Anticipate common misperceptions • Some of these include:
Performance/productivity Safety concerns Attendance Effect on employees/customers Direct/Indirect Costs (accommodations, longer training
period, etc.)
• Consider framing them as questions/statements you have and/or may encounter “We have a lot of dangerous equipment around here” “Our employees are expected to multi-task”
Strategies to Address/Prevent Misconceptions - Anticipate
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Research and prepare answers/responses• Use a variety of sources
Kessler/NOD Survey on Employment of People with Disabilities- http://www.2010disabilitysurveys.org/Input from hundreds of employersAddresses common misperceptions ex.: 81% of
employers said employees with disabilities have the same ability to acquire new skills as employees without disabilities.
Information and examples from your organization and business customers
Anecdotal stories
Strategies to Address/Prevent Misconceptions - Prepare
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
11Strategies to Address/Prevent Misconceptions - Prepare
Approach from a Business Perspective
• Use business language i.e. recruitment and retention vs. job development and job coaching
• Know the features and benefits of services offered to employersExample: Recruitment Assistance (or help finding employees)Work with you to understand expectations, position requirements,
etc. to make the best possible job match.
Benefits: Save time and $ on hiring, reduce risks, etc.
Look at the Business Case: http://askearn.org/businesscase/index.asp
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
12Strategies to Address/Prevent Misconceptions – Prepare
Increase knowledge and competence on labor market (trends, issues, etc.)
• Use your local economic and workforce development offices for information/data New/expanding businesses Hiring trends Gaps (skills, positions, etc.) Workforce development services
• Can you tie in your candidates and/or services to any of these?
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
13Strategies to Address/Prevent Misconceptions - Prepare
Develop, track and measure performance metrics and other data for your organization
• Use for both marketing and addressing misperceptions/questions• Key areas should include:
Number of businesses who have hired your candidates (1, 3, 5 years etc.)
Retention rate of these employees (1,3,5 years etc.) General industries of your employer customers (retail,
hospitality, manufacturing, etc.) Attendance and Safety records Demonstrated cost savings to your employer customers
(direct/indirect) Others to consider: staff retention rate, avg. years of exp., etc.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Seek understanding and clarification of any misperceptions and/or concerns
• Must be individualized
• Incorporate questions into the informational interview process Get at basis of concerns
Real experience or misperception, lack of knowledge/experience, etc.
Strategies to Address/Prevent Misconceptions - Understand
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
15Strategies to Address/Prevent Misconceptions - Address
Acknowledge and personalize responses
• Blanket responses are not effective
• Address specific misperceptions/concerns Share information and examples Use a B2B approach…typically the most effective
It’s not about convincing someone, it is about giving them information and resources that allows them to move towards resolution (alleviate fears, address misperceptions/myths, etc.)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
16Strategies to Address/Prevent Misconceptions - Address
Meet them where they are at• Asking for jobs is giving them permission to say no
Ask for time instead
• Determine there level of knowledge and experience
• Informational interviews not only help us get an idea of concerns, etc., they allow us to learn about expectations, positions, needs, etc.
• When it comes to concerns and needs, focus on solutions, not services
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
17Strategies to Address/Prevent Misconceptions - Make it easy to engage
• Level 1 – Lower• Limited Knowledge & Experience• Provide Information• Training Awareness• B2B Consultation & Support
• Level 2• Commitment – ROI• Has some understanding but limited experience• Information/support• Training/Awareness• Engagement: Info. Interviews• Job Shadow• Work Experiences
• Level 3• Has Experience• Training/Awareness• Efficient Recruitment Solutions• Retention Strategies• Customized Employment• Corporate Initiatives• Opportunities to share experiences and promote their efforts/business
Lower Commitment-ROI Higher
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Seek feedback and implement continuous improvement efforts
• Provide excellent customer service
• Seek feedback on your performance (and act on it)
• View a business by the potential, not just one placement (the capacity to hire numerous people over time)
• Think about it like an account and service it appropriately Keep records (efforts, hires, communications, etc.) Complete worksite/job analyses Check in routinely
Strategies to Address/Prevent Misconceptions - Feedback
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Job Development Exchange (JDX)
• Southeast TACE formed a JDX Advisory Committee
• Convened focus groups with job developers in the Southeast
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Job Development Exchange (JDX)
In response to identified needs the Southeast TACE will offer a series of Professional Learning Experiences on the following topics:
I. Addressing Employer Misperceptions (Real or Perceived)
II.Getting Past the Gatekeeper to Reach the Decision Maker
III.How to Brand Your Job Development Services
IV.Managing Stress and Feelings of Isolation Related to Job Development
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Job Development Exchange (JDX)
Each package will be comprised of:
•A webinar;
•One or more user-ready resources; and,
•Structured opportunities to network with colleagues, businesses, and national authorities.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Learn more about TACE Job Development Exchange
www.tacesoutheast.org/network/jdx/
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Questions?Comments?
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Register for Upcoming JDX Webinars
February 6, 2014Getting Past the Gatekeeper to Reach the Decision Maker
May 8, 2014How to Brand Your Job Development Services
August 7, 2014Managing Stress and Feelings of Isolation Related to Job Development
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Thank You
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Education CreditsCRCC Credit - (1.5)By November 17th participants must score 80%
or better on a online Post Test and submit an online CRCC Request Form via the MyTACE Portal.
My TACE Portal: TACEsoutheast.org/myportal
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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Southeast TACE Region IVToll-free: (866) 518-7750 [voice/tty]
Fax: (404) 541-9002
Web: TACEsoutheast.org
MyTACE Portal: TACEsoutheast.org/myportal
Email: [email protected]
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2013
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DisclaimerThis presentation was developed by the TACE Center: Region IV ©2013with funds from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) under the priority of Technical Assistance and Continuing Education Projects (TACE) – Grant #H264A080021. However, the contents of this presentation do not necessarily represent the policy of the RSA and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government [34 CFR 75.620 (b)].