Free Man Mountain
Employee Job Hopping Creates Challenges for Employers in the Roaring Fork Valley

By Kari Porter

Historically, employers tend to follow the basic process of giving employees a yearly performance review, and if the economy is doing well, offer a standard 3% cost of living raise. In the Valley, where the population and overall economic growth continues its steady upward trend, this traditional approach is proving less effective. The result is a new trend called job hopping.

With more options than ever, employees have become less loyal and more choosey. To get the salary and benefits they want, some are changing jobs and, when on the market, are holding out for the right offer. For a company to be competitive, they’ll need to give raises to match the market or present higher starting salaries to fill their open positions.

Nathan Perry, PhD, associate professor of economics at Colorado Mesa University explains: “The labor market is insane right now,” he said, referring to employers. “You’re not going to be able to stop raising wages.” When an employee feels they can make more money somewhere else, they may leave, costing companies more money, time, and resources – forcing them to do a search, interviews, onboarding, and training. And if the employee isn’t a fit or finds something better, they have to start the process all over again.

This is where Hot Jobs comes in. By keeping a close pulse on compensation trends in the Valley, we work to find employees that will be a good fit from the start. We take care of searches, interviews, background checks, onboarding, even payroll. In addition, our longer-term temp programs (3+ months) offer both the employee and employer the chance to confirm the working relationship is good fit on both sides. This helps eliminate surprises down the line. If it’s not a match, the employee can move on at the end of the assignment, and if it is a match, there is the opportunity to negotiate and ensure both parties are happy upon rolling over to the payroll. Hot Jobs also provides headhunting and recruiting services for direct hires, so we can negotiate packages upfront, helping employees start off confident and ready to work.

Workers Plan to Look for New Positions in 2023

Workers Plan to Look for New Positions in 2023

Nearly half of U.S. employees plan to look for new jobs in 2023. This is despite the uncertain economic times. Robert Half’s biannual Job Optimism Survey of more than 2,500 professionals in the U.S. showed that 46% of respondents are currently looking or plan to look for a new role in the first half of 2023.

Those most likely to make a career move in early 2023 include the following:

  1. 18- to 25-year-olds (60%)
  2. Human resources professionals (58%)
  3. Employees who have been with their company for 2-4 years (55%)
  4. Working parents (53%)

The following factors are motivating job seekers:

  1. A higher salary (61%)
  2. Better benefits and perks (37%)
  3. Greater flexibility to choose when and where they work (36%)

Employees are leaving for several reasons including the following:

  1. Unclear or unreasonable job responsibilities (56%)
  2. Poor communication with management (50%)
  3. Misalignment with the company culture and values (36%)

There will be an increase demand in contract talent with almost 30% of respondents saying they would consider quitting their jobs to pursue a part time contracting career. Employers looking to attract top talent should streamline hiring process and showcase their company’s culture to avoid losing candidate’s interest during the job search.

Hot Jobs Temp-to-Hire program is an excellent tool for companies to manage their time management as an extension of their HR process. This allows companies and the personnel to engage with each other in the beginning stages before making a direct hire decision.

How to Help Potential Employees during the Roaring Fork Valley Housing Crisis

The Roaring Fork Valley has been experiencing a housing crisis of epic proportions over the last few years. A steady influx of new residents and limited housing resources has created challenges for businesses.

There are a few things employers can do to help employees living in the area.  

1. Reach out to locals – An article in the December issue of the Aspen Times mentioned a call to local homeowners to consider renting extra bedrooms, accessory and caretaker units to local employees looking for housing. This could be a win-win as rent from employees can help homeowners supplement their income through rental prices.

2. Make connections – Utilizing the work environment to network among one another with a networking board for announcements from anyone who may be seeking a roommate or a place to rent.

3. Consult a realtor – Making a connection with realtor in the area that may be on-going and dedicated to your staffing housing rental needs. Perhaps they can contribute to the networking board as well – giving announcements for on-going rentals available in the area. Building this type of relationship can be valuable not only in times of crisis, but also to stay ahead of the game as part of the networking process.  

As we know the Valley has vast ups and downs when it comes to availability of employee housing due to seasonal employees. Savvy employers will be proactive with this issue. We know that employers do not want to be in the real estate business; however, taking some steps towards being of assistance in the above areas can help support long-term employment for the community. Since we’re all in this together, it’s a win-win.

Hot Jobs, Inc. recruiters work closely with both clientele and candidates to create a successful placement by identifying, screening, as well as helping with retention according to the clientele’s personnel needs. We service the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding areas including Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Aspen, New Castle, and Rifle, with our corporate headquarters located in Carbondale, Colorado.

Remote Hiring Options for the Valley

As we move into the new year, many businesses are planning on bringing employees back to work or hiring new ones. Unlike past years, there is a movement towards more out-of-the-box and creative options. They include the following:

  1. Increase in flexibility: Employers have discovered that their employees can be productive at home, and employees are more and more expecting that there’s more flexibility in the workplace. A survey from Enterprise Technology Research (ETR) predicts that permanent remote workers are expected to double in 2021. With this shift, companies will require less permanent office space, and those savings could shift into hiring more workers.
  2. Expanding access: With the increase of remote work, companies now have access to employees beyond their immediate geographical area. The new era of remote and hybrid work such as one day on site, several days working home (alternating schedules) will evolve – where an employee lives will be less tied to where their employer is located.
  3. A shift from location to time: For example, employees may work outside the traditional working hours. Splitting up the day into shifts provides the flexibility to handle family priorities such as children. This will be a wonderful bonus for women in the workplace who due to Covid, may have lost their positions due to childcare or have found themselves overwhelmed and overworked at home.
  4. Employers can forecast a greater talent pool: When employers start a job search, many companies are expanding their recruiting efforts through partnerships with staffing organizations by hiring a temporary for project work or long-term as home based office allows an employer to see if they can achieve working independently in this new approach of home-base working before rolling the associate over to their payroll.

Hot Jobs, Inc. is supporting more remote workers for clients to achieve the above goals. Our clients find we act as a function of an extended arm to HR to be of service as companies are staying open to different options that may work best for them.

Hot Jobs, Inc. recruiters work closely with both clientele and candidates to create a successful placement by identifying, screening, as well as helping with retention according to the clientele’s personnel needs. We service the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding areas including Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Aspen, New Castle, and Rifle, with our corporate headquarters located in Carbondale, Colorado.

Hot Jobs, Inc. can support your business during these challenging times

Heading towards the new year, Hot Jobs, Inc. is here for you. While businesses are navigating an uncertain first quarter, our clients have been utilizing our services in many ways.

  1. Flexibility – Hot Jobs, Inc. has many employees working remotely at home for our clients, as well as in the office, with keeping the safe practices in the workplace.  Hot Jobs, Inc. handles the personnel search, initial paperwork, and COVID pre-screening.
  2. Savings – As the employer of record, we absorb the cost of COVID testing if needed, and following FFCRA if any Hot Jobs, Inc. employees are required to quarantine.
  3. Peace of mind – Business personnel needs can change week to week in these uncertain times.  As per your job description, we can help find employees that meet your needs whether on a project basis or temp-to-hire. This allows the client to utilize the employee for only the hours needed or until it has been determined the employee fits in the culture of the company.

Hot Jobs, Inc. is available to provide responsive support to your businesses. As we reflect on our new normal, this may be an excellent time to focus on positive aspects of creative thinking for different work environments as we begin the new year.

Hot Jobs, Inc. recruiters work closely with both clientele and candidates to create a successful placement by identifying, screening, as well as helping with retention according to the clientele’s personnel needs. We service the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding areas including Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Aspen, New Castle, and Rifle, with our corporate headquarters located in Carbondale, Colorado.

COVID-19 Resources

Our firm is here to help you and your business during these challenging times. We are doing what we can to keep employees safe and healthy, including asking potential employees to complete a pre-screening questionnaire to assess their health and potential exposure to COVID-19.

We also have taken steps to allow for social distancing by asking employees to make appointments and by making masks and hand sanitizer available to those entering our Carbondale office.

The key to keeping employees safe and healthy is to follow recommended guidelines that outline workplace responsibilities.

TTPINC, a division of Hot Jobs, Inc. looks forward to continuing to be of service to you and your business. For more information, contact Kathryn at 970-963-2647.

Hot Jobs, Inc. recruiters work closely with both clientele and candidates to create a successful placement by identifying, screening, as well as helping with retention according to the clientele’s personnel needs. We service the Roaring Fork Valley and surrounding areas including Glenwood Springs, Basalt, Aspen, New Castle, and Rifle, with our corporate headquarters located in Carbondale, Colorado.