Redwood Area Development Corporation (RADC) Shares Three Tips to Grow the Local Workforce

With so much of the news today about workforce shortages, attracting a strong and stable workforce is a critical need for local businesses, and for the larger Redwood Area community. As the unemployment rate continues to fall, there are fewer workers in the market for a new position, making it necessary for companies to do more than simply post a job opening when they’re looking to hire new employees. Redwood is no exception to this trend, and workforce attraction and retention is a major focus of the Redwood Area Development Corporation (RADC) team. Redwood Area communities and businesses must demonstrate how a worker will benefit from locating in their community and accepting that job. 

Here are three tips from the Redwood Area Development Corporation (RADC) to help local businesses attract a strong and diverse workforce:

1. Build a culture

People want to know that they are going somewhere that will feel like home, which requires building a culture and a sense of place that people can relate to. To do this, they need to feel they are part of a community’s story. This sense of belonging can be created through community events, volunteerism campaigns, local organizations, and family-friendly activities. Community leaders and stakeholders should do an audit of these events, organizations, and activities to determine what they say about a community’s culture and if more activities should be planned around any given aspect of it. For example, if a community wants to have a family-friendly culture, there need to be events throughout the year for young families, service organizations that cater to them, and groups in place to support them. The Redwood Area Communities Foundation supports local residents and organizations, including programs like the Hinterland Art Crawl, Friends of the Park (to protect and preserve Ramsey Park), and Celebrate Redwood Falls, which hosts four annual community-wide events.

2. Focus on quality of life

Quality of life initiatives are important for the Redwood Area as we continue to find ways to expand our workforce and attract new workers. Some initiatives are simple things, like installing play equipment in local parks, whereas others are major undertakings, like building out bike trails for those who are athletically minded. The key is to identify what will make the biggest impact, create a plan, and begin working towards its implementation. The RADC is continually striving to make quality of life improvements in the Redwood area. Contact the RADC today to find out how we can work together with your business to make Redwood even better in the future.

3. Tell a story

What is life like in the Redwood area? The best way for someone to find out is for people who already live there to tell their story. Through blogs, videos, and social posts, individuals and families can talk about their lives and what makes them so enjoyable. By sharing different perspectives and personal stories, others can begin to imagine what their life would be like if they moved to Redwood. Reach out to the RADC if we can help craft a story that will help recruit workers to your industry.

RADC is Working to Attract Workers to Our Community

We invite you to join us in creating a cohesive culture, improving quality of life, and telling our story. The Redwood Area is an excellent place to live, work, and raise a family. Now, it’s time to spread the word. Contact us to discuss ways we can get the word out about all that the Redwood Area has to offer!