A drive around Lubbock will show "now hiring" and "please apply" signs all over the city, from mom-and-pop shops to large companies. Some blame a shortage of workers, continued struggles from COVID-19 shutdowns, along with other factors.

Even Spherion, a staffing company in Lubbock that has been open for about 20 years, has felt the impact and strives to change it. Marie Cabrera, manager, detailed what they do, along with advice for businesses and people looking for new jobs.

"We talk to our clients, get a feel for what they need, and try to pair our employees with them," Cabrera said. "Our goal is to get our employees hired on, and 90% of our clients are temp to hire."

Lately, Spherion has had to "think outside the box" and reach out to businesses they haven't worked with before.

"We've tried all kinds of marketing, going out to different locations, and places we've never had to go before, like pawn shops and Salvation Army," she said. "We have a referral program ... and that seems to be working pretty well."

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What are companies and prospective employees looking for?

Cabrera mentioned that since COVID-19, employment hasn't been the same. Spherion receives daily calls from people wanting a position that allows remote work.

"What employees are looking for today is something that's going to cater to their needs, since there's so many options now," Cabrera said. "They are looking for something comfortable and will cater to their hours."

Following the Great Resignation and a rise in options, prospective employees tend to have options. According to a USAToday article, 27% of candidates cited salary as a reason they rejected an offer; another 27% mentioned inconvenient location; 11% a job description that didn’t match the actual requirements; 10% a desire for remote work; and 8% an inflexible schedule.

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In order for companies to gather new talent and retain current talent, Cabrera recommended "listen to people's needs and accommodate them. Offer ways to grow with the company."

On the other side, Cabrera said business's biggest want is for "somebody to show up."

"Even if (a person) doesn't have the specific training or the work history, (businesses) are willing to train nowadays," she said. "Before, it was like 'I want them to have five years of experience,' now it's like, 'if they're willing to work, come to work.'"

Another thing Spherion does is create a welcoming environment for their employees, which includes holding parties, celebrations and "making them feel special."

"We let them know that we do care, because without (our employees), we wouldn't be here," Cabrera said.

This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: How to keep, gain employees: Lubbock group shares advice