
Let's talk about skills. There is talent all over the place but local talent is unique. When Austin businesses hire people from the area they are basically hiring people who already know the city's culture problems and opportunities. This familiarity can have a big effect on how quickly new hires can get used to the company's culture and how well they fit in.
For instance a local hire probably knows Austin's ins and outs better than someone from outside the city would after months of living there. They know what the city is like where people go to relax after work and how the tech scene works there. This relationship can help the team get to know each other better and make the workplace more pleasant.
Also people who work in the area are more likely to know people who live there. They know people who could help their business grow and work together. This natural knowledge of the area both personally and professionally can be the key to achieving long term business goals.
Engagement isn't just a buzzword it's the secret to getting people to stick with you. People who work for a company and live in the area care about more than just their pay. They care about how the business affects their families neighborhoods and the economy in their area.
There are a lot of ways to get people to help out in their communities. For instance people who work in the area are usually more willing to help out with community service events or charity drives that their company sponsors. This not only improves the community but it also makes the business look better and strengthens the relationship between employees and the business.
People who work for a local company can be brand ambassadors at work and outside of work. Employees feel proud and loyal when they can see how their work affects the community. This in turn makes fewer people quit their jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics one out of every five workers quits their job because they don't feel like they belong. People who work on community driven projects are less likely to change jobs because their work is important and satisfying.
Companies that hire people from Austin get a lot of information that is only available in Austin. A local workforce knows how to get around the city where to go for team building activities and even which trends in the area might affect what people want to buy.
Think about this If a tech company in Austin wants to reach more people it can trust its local employees to keep an eye on the city's lively music and food scenes. Because your employees live and work in the same area as the rest of the community they can tell you what people in the area are really interested in.
People who work together also tend to have similar cultural references which makes it easier for them to work together and less likely that they will misunderstand each other. People feel more connected to each other which can help teams communicate and be more creative.
Hiring people from the area is good for business and good for the environment. By hiring people who live in or near Austin businesses can lower their carbon footprint from long distance commutes. Businesses are quickly realizing that they need to be more environmentally friendly in order to meet new standards and customer expectations.
People who work from home usually have shorter commutes which means less traffic and pollution. This is very important in a city like Austin which is known for having a lot of traffic and growing quickly. The City of Austin has been working toward sustainability as shown by the projects listed on the City of Austin's Office of Sustainability website. Hiring people from the area is good for the environment and helps businesses reach their goals.
Hiring people from the area also helps the local economy stay stable and grow. When people spend money close to home it helps local businesses and keeps money from leaving the area.
Finally hiring people from Austin can help you build strong partnerships in the area. Companies that say they will hire people from the community often find ways to connect with local colleges training programs and community groups. This helps create a pool of workers that is perfect for the needs of the industry.
You might want to work with schools like the University of Texas at Austin which sends out a lot of smart graduates every year. By working with these kinds of groups businesses not only get the best workers but they also help shape the future workforce by telling them what the industry needs and expects.
Also working with local talent can help you make connections that you wouldn't have been able to make otherwise. Local tech incubators and business forums are places where businesses can share their knowledge and skills. This kind of teamwork can help businesses stay competitive in a world that is changing quickly by coming up with new ideas.
The main reason to hire people from the area is not just to fill jobs but to make it possible for businesses and communities to grow together. By hiring local talent in a smart way Austin businesses can keep growing encourage new ideas and make the local economy stronger.
Putting local hires first in Austin is a good way to build strong long lasting relationships with employees in the end. It's about getting on the same page as the community and creating a workplace that values relationships knowledge and long term success. This practice not only benefits the businesses but it also makes Austin a better place to live by bringing people together and making the community stronger.
To find out more about the benefits of hiring people from your area and programs that can help you do this read The Five Steps to Conflict Resolution | AMA.