In the not-so-distant past, golf and country clubs operated on a seasonal rhythm. Employees were regarded as a revolving door of support, their services merely contracted for a few months before the annual closure. The clubs were content with this arrangement, relying on their prestige and history to attract talent.
But times have changed.
Today, golf and country clubs are facing fierce competition in attracting and retaining top talent. In an ever-evolving job market, employees have more employment options than ever before. Simply offering seasonal work with limited growth potential and minimal benefits is no longer a sustainable recruitment strategy.
To become employers of choice, clubs must create a positive employer brand that aligns with the expectations and needs of current and future employees. This involves a shift in culture, where employees are now seen as valuable assets that contribute to the success of the club.
While some clubs remain in the stronghold of prestige, many have recognized the need to adapt and evolve. They understand that a strong employer brand is the only way to stay competitive in today’s hiring market.
Shaping Your Brand as an Employer
Employer branding, simply put, is the identity and reputation of your club as an employer. It encompasses everything from the employee experience and company culture to benefits and opportunities for growth.
Building a strong employer brand is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. A positive employer brand can help you stand out in a competitive market, reduce employee turnover, and even lower recruitment costs. More than that, more consumers are choosing to work with organizations that reflect their values. As such, a strong employer brand can also help attract customers and members who share your club’s values.
So how can clubs build and improve their employer brand?
Here are some key steps to get started:
Conduct an Internal Assessment:
- Culture Evaluation: Assess your club’s current workplace culture to identify strengths and areas that need improvement.
- Employee Satisfaction: Gauge employee satisfaction levels to pinpoint areas where enhancements can lead to better retention.
Offer Competitive Benefits:
- Healthcare Benefits: Consider offering healthcare benefits to ensure the well-being of employees and their families.
- Retirement Plans: Provide retirement plans to help employees secure their financial future.
Invest in Professional Development:
- Training Programs: Develop structured training programs tailored to employee needs, providing them with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles.
- Mentorship Initiatives: Implement mentorship programs where experienced employees guide and support newer ones, fostering professional growth.
Cultivate a Positive Work Culture:
- Respect and Inclusivity: Create an environment where all employees are respected and included, regardless of their background or role.
- Collaboration: Encourage teamwork and collaboration to build a sense of unity and shared purpose among employees.
Promote from Within:
- Advancement Opportunities: Develop clear pathways for career advancement within the club, demonstrating a commitment to recognizing and nurturing internal talent.
- Skills Development: Provide training and resources to prepare existing employees for higher-level roles, promoting from within when possible.
- Success Stories: Share stories of employee successes to showcase how the club’s values translate into real opportunities for career growth.
Hire for Cultural Fit:
- Cultural Assessment: Assess candidates for their alignment with the club’s values and cultural identity during the hiring process.
- Team Dynamic Contribution: Ensure that new hires are capable of contributing positively to the existing team dynamic, enhancing teamwork and cohesion.
Communicate Effectively:
- Transparency: Maintain open and transparent communication channels, particularly regarding career pathways, expectations, and opportunities for growth.
- Trust Building: Effective communication helps build trust and loyalty, making employees feel valued and informed.
For many clubs, the revolving door mentality is already a thing of the past. They have realized that adopting strategies to retain talent isn’t just for Fortune 500 companies; it’s necessary for any organization that wants to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
We expect to see many more clubs embracing these approaches in the coming years, building a strong employer brand that attracts and retains top talent, and ultimately, elevates the entire industry.
About The Author
Tyler Bloom is the founder of Tyler Bloom Consulting. A former golf course superintendent and turf professional, Tyler’s love of all things golf began at the age of six when he stepped onto the course for the first time.
Tyler has an Executive Certificate in Talent Acquisition from Cornell University and a degree in Turfgrass Science from Penn State University. With 20 years of experience in the golf and turfgrass industry, Tyler has worked directly with reputable club leaders at some of the most prestigious clubs to place over 100 professionals in executive and management level positions throughout the United States.
Are you ready to build a top-performing team that drives results? Our proven framework, methodologies, and implementation is based on our personal track record of developing world-class teams. In addition to talent acquisition, we provide leadership development and ongoing consultative services for the golf course and club industry. Our team has personally coached and mentored dozens of future golf course superintendents across the United States.