Talent is abundant…if you recruit off the beaten path

In today's tight labor market, companies are struggling to find the skilled workers they need to thrive. Cybersecurity teams, for instance, are critically understaffed, with only 10% of companies increasing cyber hiring in the past year despite a 49% increase in cyberattack frequency. The result is overworked, burned out employees and greater organizational risk.

However, there is an often overlooked solution: tapping into talent pools like working mothers, early career graduates, and military veterans. These groups frequently have valuable skills and perspectives to offer, along with a strong work ethic and appreciation for the opportunity. KC Cattle Company, founded by an Army veteran, has seen great success with an all-veteran staff who quickly adapt and communicate effectively.

Companies willing to accommodate the unique needs of these candidates, like flexible hours for working moms or additional training for green graduates, may find them to be some of their hardest working and most loyal employees. As KC Cattle's founder puts it, "We've got to change the perspective of that story from 'I'm a broken individual' to 'My experiences, even the terrible ones, can motivate me to do a lot of great stuff.'" In a labor crunch, that motivation could be exactly what gives an organization the edge.