Steven Hair helps businesses to find staff in these trying times

Employment

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

Email Jamie
Last updated:
Mr Hair has always been curious about how to make businesses successful through its people and this has led him into a career in Human Resources.


With his brand new business called High Street Human Resources, Steven Hair helps businesses in Queensland to achieve business growth through its people strategy.


Based in Brisbane with his wife and two boys, Mr Hair calls himself a ‘tourism tragic’ for all things Australia with a sweet spot for Port Douglas.

Being originally from Geelong, he said that although beautiful, it is way too cold in winter, which made him move to Queensland more than twenty years ago.

After almost 11 years of working for Accor Hotels Group, Mr Hair said it was almost inevitable that he would go back into his own business again.

His previous experience in HR has spanned several industries and two start up businesses in recruitment. His third and current business focuses on HR Support/ Consultancy and Recruitment.

Mr Hair said that he has always been curious about how to make businesses successful through its people and this has led him into a career in Human Resources.

“I enjoy the development of the business concept, the hands-on work, direct relationships with the customer and the buzz of seeing a business benefit from my support”, he said.

“When you talk to people from all levels, you come across so many different challenges in each location.

“Locations such as Port Douglas have unique challenges including seasonality, weather, rental scarcity or distance from larger populations which means that strategies need to be adapted and benefits highlighted.

“This is something High Street Human Resources focuses on.”

When Newsport asked him how businesses can find staff in these trying times, Mr Hair summed up a couple of ways to combat skill shortages in the current market.

Spread the word

“First of all it is important to talk to people. Candidates want to know who they are coming to work for, regardless of a short or long term opportunity.

“Port Douglas and Far North Queensland have rarely been in a candidate rich market, the difference in these times is that the tourism industry has suffered instability for this work and regional locations.

“It’s up to all of us to re-establish in the hearts and minds of candidates and the community that regional locations such as Port Douglas and Far North Queensland are great places to work and enjoy.

Attractive offers

“It is also important to make an attractive offer. First thoughts go to higher wages and more hours, but don’t forget about the intangible benefits each business can offer. “Think about offering training in different areas, social events, famils. And if these are already in place, celebrate them because they are a point of difference to many other industries competing for employees in this market. 

 

Quick action

“Good candidates are not on the market for long. If you like them, chances are many employers will like them, so act fast.

“Make contact as soon as they apply and don’t be shy to sell the benefits of your opportunity.”

Engaging job ad and socials

“Ditch the shopping list. Listing all the things you do in a role is informative but remember your ad is also a sales document to attract candidates.

“Your social media pages allow candidates to window shop, look at them as part of your sales pitch.

“There is much talk about how business adapts to the current economic conditions however I believe the fundamentals are still the same.

“People are attracted to good jobs with employers that they connect with and see opportunity to share in the success as well as support their personal goals.

“Good employers create good working environments with lots of upfront effort that can be hard to measure on the P&L however the investment does pay off.

“This is where engaging High Street Human Resources or a HR consultancy can set a business apart from the competition.

Call or email Steven to discuss your HR need [email protected] or 0409 433 158 


Thank you!

Newsport thanks its advertising partners for their support in the delivery of daily community news to the Douglas Shire. Public interest journalism is a fundamental part of every community.



Got a news tip? Let us know! Send your news tips or submit a letter to the editor here.


* Comments are the opinions of readers and do not represent the views of Newsport, its staff or affiliates. Reader comments on Newsport are moderated before publication to promote valuable, civil, and healthy community debate. Visit our comment guidelines if your comment has not been approved for publication.