Looking for innovative solutions to find and develop low-skill, entry level talent? Recently, I co-authored an article on the Harvard Business Review blog about an innovative practice developed by Greyston Bakery in Yonkers, New York. “Open hiring” is an approach that offers jobs to people on a waiting list, who simply said they want to work for the bakery. No interview, no background check. Just show up for work and we’ll train you.
Greyston has built a highly successful business with 70 employees refining this employment model. It creates unique opportunities for people who are widely excluded from the labor pool – ex-offenders, the homeless and those in recovery. Of course, there are significant challenges – and also great rewards – from this approach. As director of the Center for Open Hiring, my co-author, Sara Marcus, is spreading the word on the lessons Greyston has learned.
Read our HBR post “Imagine a Hiring Process Without Resumes.” You may be surprised at some of the staffing practices you can apply now, even if opening hiring isn’t a realistic overall approach for your business.