NORTHBOROUGH, Mass., Jan. 24,
2008 /SullivanKreiss, Inc./ -- Finding Architectural and
Engineering talent willing to relocate has always been a huge
challenge for A/E firms. Today, however, it’s an even greater
challenge due to the depreciation in residential real estate
values.
“A/E firms still seem to be
having trouble attracting top talent. Today, however, it’s
even more difficult due to the slumping residential real
estate market”, says John P. Kreiss, President and CEO of
SullivanKreiss, an executive search firm serving the A/E
industry.
Kreiss says that many people do not want to sell their homes
in this market for fear of losing money due to the current
depreciation in home values across the country. “This makes it
more challenging for A/E firms to identify, recruit, and hire
talent in an industry already faced with a dearth of qualified
Architects and Engineers”, says Kreiss.
He recommends the following for A/E firms looking to attract
top talent:
Avoid relocation as much as possible – It’s expensive and will
get even more expensive now that candidates face significant
losses from home sales.
Open new satellite offices near the talent – It’s hard to find
talented Architects and Engineers in major metropolitan areas,
but even more difficult in the smaller markets across the
country. Kreiss says that the cost of a small office will
likely dwarf the expenses to relocate significant numbers of
top staff.
Offer flexible scheduling – Companies outside the A/E industry
have been hiring people and allowing them to commute several
days a week and work from home the rest of the time. “We
haven’t seen a lot of A/E firms do this”, says Kreiss, but it
can be an effective way to add talent. We’ve been finding a
lot of Architects and Engineers willing to travel, but balk at
relocating in this declining real estate market. “
If you’d like to hear more about this topic, or to schedule an
interview, please contact John Kreiss at 508-393-4933 ext. 17
or by e-mail at
jkreiss@sullivankreiss.com
To sign up to receive the SullivanKreiss monthly e-newsletter
that offers insight into recruiting, employee retention, and
other human resources issues, visit
www.sullivankreiss.com.
Source: SullivanKreiss, Inc.
The premier search firm in building and design.
CONTACT: John P. Kreiss,
President & CEO,
SullivanKreiss, Inc.,
One East Main St, Ste 206,
Northborough, MA 01532 T: 508-393-4933 F: 508-393-0076
Website:
www.sullivankreiss.com
