Great talent is flocking to Nashville.
In fact, City Observatory, an urban policy think tank, reported that the number of college-educated, young professionals moving to our city increased by a whopping 48 percent between 2000 and 2012! That’s nearly double the national average of 25 percent, and it puts Nashville in second place in the nation (Houston is first).
Research from the Nashville area Chamber of Commerce, conducted in conjunction with Young Professionals Nashville, supports these findings. The chamber reported that nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of Nashville’s fast-growing, young professional population were, in fact, transplants.
What’s driving talented young professionals to Middle Tennessee?
- Lifestyle. Young, college-educated professionals have shown a propensity for urban living in recent years. Proximity to work, “urban cool” offerings like craft breweries and unique restaurants, and ethnic diversity are just a few of the factors that make urban areas appealing to the younger demographic.
- Industry diversity. Growth in areas like health care, entrepreneurship and music provide a broad range of career opportunities for young professionals.
- Availability of mentors. Middle Tennessee has built a reputation for offering great mentors, which is attractive to recent college graduates.
These facts and trends bode well for our local economy. Why? According to Harvard economist Edward Glaeser, places that can attract great talent are more likely to become places of long-term success. In essence, becoming a talent magnet is a great economic development policy.
Nashville is luckier than most when it comes to attracting top talent. How can you capitalize on our good fortune and hire them into your Middle Tennessee organization? Here are a few tips from our Nashville staffing service to become a talent magnet:
- Improve your corporate culture. Work as a team to develop new ways to increase collaboration, autonomy, flexibility and work/life balance – things that are important to young professionals.
- Create clear, long-term career paths. Make a habit of helping each employee establish his career’s “big picture.” Early career professionals want a clear path for growth. Provide it, and you’ll develop a reputation as an organization committed to employees’ long-term development.
- Offer competitive salary and benefits. Money isn’t everything, but it is important. Critically examine your compensation package to make sure it reflects the value you place on your most important asset: your people.
Need help hiring Nashville’s great talent?
Trust your search to Wood Personnel. With decades of experience, we’re Middle Tennessee’s local recruiting experts. We can help you hire the best people smarter, faster and more cost-effectively. Give us a call.
