How to Build a Magnetic Workplace: Tips for Attracting and Keeping Top Talent

Talented workers are hard to find, but they’re even harder to keep. Yet, it’s still so important for businesses across Greater Des Moines (DSM) to attract and retain high-performing employees if they want to stand out.

We’re experiencing so much economic growth and rising national visibility in our region that there’s a unique opportunity for us to lead in shaping workplaces that energize, engage and inspire.

It’s not just about offering competitive pay or trendy perks. It’s about creating a magnetic workplace. One where people feel connected, supported and excited about their future.

From the first-day experience to long-term career development, you can build an environment where top talent wants to stay, much like People Co. and Century 21 Signature Real Estate did.

Let’s explore four high-impact strategies to help your company become an employer of choice.

Start With a Strong First Impression

Those day-one impressions matter. A thoughtfully crafted onboarding experience can set the tone for a new hire’s entire journey with your company. Onboarding should be less about paperwork and process, and more about showing employees they’re valued from the start. Happy DSM in West Des Moines offers expert corporate gift giving, while assorted chocolate boxes from West Des Moines' Chocolate Storybook are sweet gifts to give as well.

A key tactic to elevate onboarding is the use of personalized welcome gifts. Whether it’s a customized pen, a personalized mug or a branded journal, these gifts go a long way in making someone feel valued and laying the groundwork for long-term engagement.

When new employees feel seen and celebrated on day one, they’re more likely to invest emotionally in their role. And that early investment translates into stronger performance, faster integration and lower turnover rates.

Build a Culture People Want to Be Part Of

Once an employee is in the door, culture becomes the glue that keeps them there. An inclusive, values-driven workplace culture encourages loyalty, trust and shared purpose. It gives people a reason to stay beyond their job description.

At the heart of reducing employee turnover is clear, consistent communication. Implementing a reliable communication network ensures that your team can easily connect and share information, confusion is minimized in the workplace, workflows are improved and employees stay in sync and feel supported.

Also, leaders who share company vision and values and invite feedback regularly create a sense of openness and shared ownership.

Recognize your employees for all of their hard work, even if it’s just a simple shoutout in front of the whole team. Pulse surveys and town halls can also be helpful in making every employee feel heard and respected.

In addition, fostering a culture of inclusion means aligning workplace values with employees' lived experiences. That includes celebrating diverse voices, promoting work-life balance and recognizing contributions across all levels of the organization.

Need help creating your own productive workplace culture? Collaborate with local companies like Schabel Solutions in Des Moines to ensure your business' culture is one every employee can thrive in.

Invest in Talent Development

Top talent appreciates their job. But they want a future. Investing in your employees’ professional development is one of the clearest signals that you believe in their potential and are willing to help them grow.

Training programs, mentorship opportunities and leadership pipelines all contribute to a dynamic learning culture. Supporting continuous skill-building equips your team to adapt and lead in an evolving business environment. It’s a win for employee satisfaction and a smart move for business resiliency.

Here in DSM, we’re fortunate to have access to exceptional talent development resources. For example, you can tap into the DSM Fellowship Program’s community of top-tier graduates in your industry. Or, you can use the Partnership’s Internship 101 guide to start an internship program within your company.

When employees see a path forward, they’re far more likely to stay and bring others along with them.

Avoid the Cost of Neglect

Failing to prioritize employee development and engagement can have serious consequences. When you don’t develop your people, it chips away at your company’s culture and productivity. You miss out on innovation and opportunities, and your business becomes stagnant when your employees do.

Fortunately, as long as you’re proactive, you don’t have to suffer these consequences. Conduct regular talent assessments, offer quarterly growth conversations and keep leadership accountable for creating advancement paths. Prioritize cross-training and succession planning as well to future-proof your team.

Build Workplaces Where Talent Thrives

In Des Moines, we have the opportunity and responsibility to shape the future of work in ways that benefit businesses, employees and our community alike. Focus on meaningful onboarding, nurture a strong company culture, develop your team and avoid the high cost of disengagement to rise as a beacon for top-tier talent.

The best employees are looking for purpose, growth and a place where they belong. Let’s give them that, right here in Des Moines.

Design your employee experience with intention. Lead with empathy. And commit to building a workplace where talent is inspired to stay and thrive.

Job opportunities and career resources are abundant in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Whether you're looking to find an internship, a job, develop professionally or grow as a student, we have the resources to help you thrive.