A recurring question that you face—and one that I am asked occasionally—is it okay to poach employees?
And/or what should I do when someone is poaching my employees?
First off, when someone offers one of your better employees $10k more and they leave, either they were unhappy with you, or you were underpaying them, or underutilizing them, or all three.
However, what if they leave for just a $2-4k raise? or for no raise at all?
That is why I believe this question, “Is it okay to poach?” is the wrong question to ask because it covers up (hides) the larger dynamic happening in the market place.
It’s a seller’s market.
Your company is either growing or shrinking when it comes to talent retention and acquisition.
The growing companies in your market are winning employee market share—and the shrinking companies are losing out on the best employees. And poaching has nothing to do with it.
By my definition, growth means growing in reputation, career opportunities, and client opportunities. These companies are becoming a true Destination Company®️.
Since I published my prescient book (Become A Destination Company®️) over three years ago, I have seen the competitive nature of attracting and hiring employees become even more acute.
The newer generations of good employees have even higher standards on what they want from an employer. It is a race to the top!
Your challenge: Build a company culture that promotes growth from the inside out. Where all the leaders at your company are focused on developing and retaining top talent.
Back to the question – Is poaching ethical? It is not professional when it involves you walking onto job sites. But your company should be so attractive that great employees want to walk across the street to work for you.
