Lesley Regalado on Talent Attraction [I Wanna Work There]

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Eddie Francis is joined by Dr. Lesley Regalado to discuss what makes an employer truly attractive to top talent. Drawing from her experience working with a standout tech company, Dr. Regalado shares insights on how institutions can enhance their employer brand. They explore strategies like competitive total rewards packages, workplace flexibility, and a culture of employee well-being—elements that higher ed institutions can implement within their own budgets.

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Key Takeaways

• Employer branding matters – A strong employer brand attracts and retains top talent.
• Total rewards make a difference – Beyond salary, benefits and workplace culture play a critical role in recruitment.
• Workplace flexibility is a must – Hybrid work models and flexible schedules appeal to today’s workforce.
• Employee well-being should be a priority – Creative initiatives like company-wide wellness weeks can set an organization apart.
• Diversity is key – Genuine diversity efforts attract a broader talent pool and foster innovation.
• Higher ed must study competitors – Colleges and universities should analyze peer institutions to improve talent attraction.

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How to Attract the Right Talent in Higher Education

1. Build a Competitive Employer Brand

One of the most significant takeaways from this episode is the importance of employer branding. The tech company Dr. Regalado worked with excelled at positioning itself as an employer of choice by crafting a compelling total rewards package. Colleges and universities often underestimate the impact of their employer reputation. While higher salaries may not always be feasible, institutions can still enhance their appeal by promoting benefits like tuition assistance, career development opportunities, and a mission-driven work environment.

Higher ed leaders should also actively showcase their institution’s culture. Potential employees want to know what it’s like to work at a college or university beyond the classroom. Highlighting workplace diversity, professional development initiatives, and employee success stories can make a university stand out in a competitive job market.

2. Prioritize Total Rewards Over Just Salary

A key element of talent attraction is understanding that compensation goes beyond a paycheck. The tech company in Dr. Regalado’s story took a holistic approach, considering benefits, professional growth opportunities, and employee well-being. Higher ed institutions should adopt a similar strategy. Even if salaries are fixed within certain budget constraints, colleges can focus on strengthening their benefits packages—whether through better health coverage, retirement contributions, or work-life balance initiatives.

Higher education professionals often choose their careers because of a passion for learning and impact. Universities can reinforce this by offering robust tuition benefits for employees and their families, leadership training, and mentorship programs. When institutions highlight these perks in their recruitment efforts, they become more attractive to mission-driven professionals.

3. Offer Flexibility and Wellness Initiatives

Workplace flexibility has become a non-negotiable factor for many job seekers. The tech company Dr. Regalado worked with recognized this by allowing employees to choose hybrid or remote work arrangements. Higher ed institutions can learn from this by assessing roles that may not require a physical presence every day and implementing flexible work policies.

Another standout strategy from the tech company was its "wellness week" during the 4th of July, when the entire organization shut down to give employees a break—without requiring them to use vacation days. While universities may not be able to close for a full week, they can explore alternative well-being initiatives. This could include mental health days, wellness stipends, or seasonal slow periods where employees can recharge.

4. Take a Strategic Approach to Diversity

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are more than buzzwords—they’re essential for fostering innovation and attracting top-tier talent. Dr. Regalado emphasized that diversity isn’t about hiring unqualified candidates to fill quotas but about ensuring that institutions provide equal opportunities for all qualified individuals. The tech company she worked with embraced this mindset by hiring professionals from diverse backgrounds while prioritizing energy, attitude, and a collaborative spirit.

Higher ed institutions should follow suit by assessing their hiring practices, ensuring job postings are inclusive, and actively recruiting from a wide range of professional networks. Colleges and universities that are intentional about diversity will not only attract a broader talent pool but also create a more dynamic and forward-thinking workplace culture.

5. Study the Competition and Innovate

One of the biggest mistakes higher ed employers make is failing to analyze what their competitors are doing. The tech company Dr. Regalado described actively studied what similar organizations were offering and made strategic improvements to attract better talent. Universities should take the same approach—benchmarking their hiring practices, benefits, and workplace culture against peer institutions.

For example, if competing universities are offering stronger remote work options or professional development stipends, institutions should explore how they can implement similar initiatives. By staying informed on industry trends and continuously adapting, colleges can position themselves as desirable workplaces for top educators and administrators.

Attracting and retaining great talent in higher education requires more than just posting job openings—it demands a proactive and strategic approach. By focusing on employer branding, total rewards, flexibility, diversity, and competitive benchmarking, colleges and universities can create an environment where people want to work.

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‍About The Enrollify Podcast Network: I Wanna Work There is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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