Posted on October 16, 2020 by English Bradley

Berks Workforce Development Board to release results of countywide Study

By County of Berks

Berks Workforce Development Board to release results of countywide Study

Berks County, PA – To better understand local and regional employer best practices, the Berks County Workforce Development Board contracted with Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI) to conduct a comprehensive study of current employer recruitment, retention, development, satisfaction and engagement best practices in the Greater Reading and Berks County area.

More than 150 employers in the region participated in the study.  Employers completed a Talent Assessment, rating themselves on five key talent metrics: employee retention, employee development, employee attraction, talent and culture, and overall talent strategies. After completing the assessment, employers were invited to participate in focus groups to discuss specific best practices.

The study revealed that high-performing talent organizations clearly understand their jobs and the specific skills needed to fill those roles, they have a talent strategy and vision in place that is connected to the overall strategy and is clearly communicated and supported, and they understand the local competition and demographic challenges related to attracting talent. They also understand that wages, benefits, and work environment increase competition for talent.

The study also revealed that high performing talent organizations focus on developing long term recruiting pipelines, in part by establishing recruiting and workforce development relationships with local educational institutions. Their recruiting strategy is customized for their organization, their processes are continuously reviewed and improved, and technology is leveraged whenever possible.  

Finally, the study revealed that organizational culture and internal opportunities are important to attract talent as well as retain talent. High-performing talent organizations promote from within their culture, offer job sculpting, internal career ladders, individualized training and career plans, flexible schedules, and opportunities for employees through company growth.

EDSI is leading a webinar on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 from 9:00 to 10:00 AM to present the detailed findings and officially release the study. The webinar is being cohosted by the Berks County Chapter for the Society for Human Resource Management, the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA), and the Berks County Workforce Development Board.  

To register for the webinar, click here. (http://info.edsisolutions.com/berksbestpractices)

For questions and additional information please contact: Ken Mall at [email protected].

You Might Also Like

Community Testimonials

Wish my town had a channel like this, very cool idea to bring the community together and give people a platform.

James

I wanted to thank you again for the opportunity you have created for our kids.  This experience is more than the TV show.  Eight students who probably never would have talked to each other were excited to execute a plan. Know that you make a difference.

Kristi

Thanks for your commitment to communication far and wide, for your technical support, and tireless efforts to bring fresh programs to BCTV. Bravo!

Liz

Thank you for always being receptive to my ideas. All of your efforts help me to help others and that is a blessing to me.

Adrean

Fantastic work and thanks so much for the quick turnaround!  Always a pleasure to work with you and the rest of the BCTV team!

Jim

Thank you and your staff for all you do to accommodate so many different shows, personalities, etc.!  Can’t be easy, but we really do appreciate it.

Martha

I am happy and proud to be a part of such a dedicated assembly of talent and purpose. Thank you for being a part of my efforts to promote theater and the arts in this region.

David