With a current workforce of around 700 staff and a population that is expected to almost double over the next 20 years, the City of Whittlesea has launched a dedicated employment website to assist Council in achieving its goals for both attracting and retaining quality staff.
Located 25 kilometres north of Melbourne’s CBD, Whittlesea covers an area of approximately 489 square kilometres.
The website – findyourbalance.com.au – was launched in July in conjunction with a full page advertorial in The Age careers section.
City of Whittlesea CEO, David Turnbull, said the site has information about Council as an organisation, the types of roles and disciplines it covers, and the benefits of working for Whittlesea.
“It also has a section specifically on the recruitment process, with tips on applications and interviews to help bring out the best in prospective employees,” he said.
“Ensuring we have a strong and sustainable employer brand to attract, engage and retain the right people to take us forward is vital. The key employer branding message is that whatever your goals and aspirations are, the City of Whittlesea can help you find your desired career balance. The website gives users a clear picture of what the City of Whittlesea can offer, whether they’re juggling professional development with family commitments, or are in search of new challenges and experiences.”
Council’s Manager Human Resources, Peter Heading, said the website will play a major role in increasing the number of applications across all vacancies, attracting higher calibre applicants, and ensuring right fit candidates.
“We’re already beginning to see benefits,” he said. “In the first week, the site had over 1,200 visitors. Encouragingly, the most trafficked areas of the site have been our in demand/hard to fill roles – planning and engineering. Managers have also reported positive feedback on the new site from applicants during interviews.”
Peter Heading said research that included staff focus groups shows that Whittlesea’s training and development program was valued by both existing and potential staff.
“Together with our flexible employment opportunities, this underpins our employee value proposition,” he said. “Investing in the skills and development of staff through programs like our Mentoring Program is key to building our employer brand and staff pride.”
Trainee Stephanie Cvitkovic agrees. “With corporate training programs and study assistance, I really feel I’m supported on a personal and professional level,” Stephanie said. “The Mentoring Program is particularly beneficial as it gives me the chance to learn from other professionals and build my skills and confidence.”
Council’s Manager Marketing and Communications, Kelli Martin, said Council has made a conscious effort to feature employees throughout the site.
“The use of our existing staff in the development of our employer brand and all associated communications has been a key part of the strategy,” she said.
“Using staff in our internal and external communications has helped to paint a more engaging and realistic picture of what it is like to work here. In fact, the ‘Meet our People’ section, which includes staff video testimonials, has been the most popular feature on the site.
“Staff can also see how they are supported by their employer, and there is an increased awareness of the positive contribution they make to the community. This inspires a sense of pride among staff and makes for better advocates.”
Kelli Martin said a close working partnership between Council’s Marketing and HR departments was crucial in rolling out a brand that was both aspirational and deliverable.
“It’s been a real team effort,” she said. “Working closely with HR has meant we can integrate the brand at every available opportunity and maximise its effectiveness.
“Our health and wellbeing program, internal communication activities, training and development programs and generous study assistance programs, mentoring program, staff values, staff morning teas, induction program and social club, flexible employment arrangements as well our reputation and achievements all play a part in demonstrating why the City of Whittlesea is a great place to work.
For further information contact Kelli Martin on (03) 9217 2170 or visit www.findyourbalance.com.au
