How to Become an Employer of Choice and Finish the Year Strong

Time flies—it’s already October! As we approach the end of the year, now is the perfect time to reflect on how your business can continue to attract and retain top talent in the HVAC and skilled trades industries. With the right strategies in place, you can finish the year strong and become an Employer of Choice in your market.

What is an Employer of Choice?

An employer of choice by definition is a company that is highly sought after by job seekers due to its positive work environment, culture, values, and benefits. With a smaller labor pool in the HVAC and skilled trade industries, becoming an employer of choice can significantly improve the talent you attract to your team.

What does it take to go from being a standard employer to becoming an Employer of Choice? Employees today have more options than ever, and companies that go the extra mile will stand out. Let’s break down the differences between the benefits of a standard employer and those of an employer of choice to help you stand out in your market.

Industry Standard Benefits vs. Employer of Choice Benefits

A large part of becoming an employer of choice is reviewing how your current benefits stack up to your market and what your competitors are offering.

Industry Standard Benefits:

• PTO: 2 weeks of vacation, accruing within a year, with eligibility after 90 days.
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision with at least 50% employer contribution.
• Retirement: 401(k) or IRA plans without company match.
• Company Vehicles: Allowing employees to take company vehicles home.
• Paid Holidays: 6 standard holidays (New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas).
• Uniforms: Company-paid uniforms.

Employer of Choice Benefits:

• PTO: 3 weeks of vacation plus 40 hours of sick leave, with increases for long-term employees.
• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision fully paid for employees, with partial coverage for dependents.
• Retirement: 401(k) or IRA with company match.
• Life Insurance & Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Holidays: 7-8 paid holidays, including standard holidays plus additional days like the day after Thanksgiving or Christmas Eve.

Additional Benefits That Can Set You Apart

To truly stand out and earn employer of choice status, consider going beyond the basics:

• Work Anniversary Recognition: Celebrate employee milestones with personalized gifts or recognition.
• Flexible Gift Card Options: Allow employees to choose from a selection of retailers.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Hybrid or remote work options when possible to promote work-life balance.
• Wellness Programs: Subsidized gym memberships or mental health support programs.
• Profit Sharing or Performance Bonuses: Offer financial incentives tied to company and employee performance.
• Paid Volunteer Time: Encourage community involvement by offering paid time off to volunteer.
• Extended Parental Leave: Offer paid parental leave that goes beyond the minimum requirements.

Pro Tip: 

Rested employees are happier and more productive. Investing in retention saves you more than just money—it helps maintain team morale and expertise

Holiday Employee Appreciation

With the holidays approaching, it’s important to show your employees how much you appreciate their hard work. Here are some easy ways to do that:

• Thank-You Cards & Gift Cards: $50–$100 to a local grocery store or a retailer of the employee’s choice.
• Free Turkeys: Offer employees the option to sign up for a free turkey in early November.
• Host a Company Meal: Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s also a great time to share benefit and policy updates
• Extra Day Off / Flex Day
• Holiday Cash Bonus

Final Thoughts

As you gear up for a strong finish to the year, don’t forget that employee retention is key to maintaining momentum and becoming an employer of choice in the new year. If you have any questions or want to discuss how to stay competitive and retain top talent, feel free to contact us. We’d love to schedule a call and help you achieve your goals.