Back to the Future

More years ago than I want to remember (hint, the Oval Office was occupied by someone with the initials R.R.) I interviewed for an associate editor’s position at a publishing company in midtown Manhattan. The offices were in a newly completed spiraling glass structure – one of many high-rise projects on the construction docket that year in New York City.

After the perfunctory Q&A, the interviewer showed me around the space which included a “relaxation room” replete with couches soft music and EZ chairs, and a state-of-the-art gymnasium on premise. Smoking which was still allowed at the time in many companies was strictly forbidden. Those with an insatiable nicotine habit were forced to light up outside – no matter the weather.

The HR executive explained the amenities were a way of differentiating themselves from their competitors and a reason why the turnover rate at the company lingered in the low single digits.

For those keeping score at home I didn’t get the job, but always remembered how the company viewed its employees and the importance of standing out in a competitive field.

Which brings me to today’s missive.

How many CPA firms make a diligent effort to distinguish themselves from the pack and are therefore able to effectively recruit both staff and new clients?

Sadly, those that aren’t vastly outnumber those that do.

For example, I find it incredulous how many practices are tethered to the antiquated notion of a mandatory 9-5 workday within the confines of an office – instead of offering a flexible work schedule and the opportunity to work remotely.

Or, how many still don’t offer tuition reimbursement or have outdated technologies? I’m sure that goes over big with potential millennial or Gen Z job seekers. How about taking a page from that publishing house and have available wellness programs or subsidized memberships to local health clubs?

Guess what, the younger demographic exercises far more than those of generations past – I can never remember my father or mother entering triathlons or “tough mudder” races.

And yet despite all the evidence to the contrary that the ROI on the above-mentioned programs is well worth it, some still insist on remaining rooted in the 1970s.

Now if you’re into the Bee Gees, Saturday Night Fever and puka shell necklaces that may be okay, but don’t call me whining that you can’t find good people.

The hard truth is the good people aren’t looking for you.