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Live Here ,
WorkThere
Attracting and Retaining a Remote Workforce
AMANDA LARCH
The effects of the coronavirus pandemic pushed people toward remote work , which is a trend that will most likely continue even after it is safe to return to the office . Many employers and companies have found workers are just as or more productive from home , allowing them to cut costs by incurring fewer overhead expenses . Meanwhile , millennials and younger generations just entering the workforce enjoy — and may even prefer — working from home , creating a workforce that can work from anywhere out of a generation known for enjoying outdoor experiences and pride of place . In an effort to attract , engage and retain these remote workers to West Virginia , public and private entities across the state are pulling out the stops to put the Mountain State ’ s outdoor amenities on display .
Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
West Virginia University ’ s ( WVU ) Economic Development Collaborative is working to enhance and develop the outdoor lifestyle economy that has been successful in states such as Colorado and Utah , according to Danny Twilley , assistant dean of the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative .
“ In doing so , we will build on the state ’ s vibrant tourism economy by being able to retain and attract a talented workforce that in combination will continue to advance West Virginia forward ,” he says .
Research has shown that , due to COVID-19 , between 25-30 % of any given company ’ s employees are able to work fully remote or in a hybrid model , and the goal is to bring those workers to West Virginia .
The collaborative will engage local youth in outdoor education , positive youth development and science programs and build an alliance between WVU , educators , state and local governments , the outdoor industry and outdoor enthusiasts in
order to leverage West Virginia ’ s assets to keep natives from leaving the state while attracting new people to it .
“ Coupled with the dramatic increase in outdoor recreation participation during the pandemic , the state ’ s tremendous outdoor recreation assets and its central location to some of the nation ’ s major metropolitan areas , West Virginia is perfectly positioned to take advantage of these trends in the coming years ,” says Twilley .
City of Huntington ’ s Digital Media Action Plan
The City of Huntington ’ s Digital Media Action Plan , in partnership with StreamScape Media , uses digital ad placement to target specific messaging about relocating to Huntington to internet and social media users . It will use data and behavioral economics to provide the right ad placements at the right time to the right person , according to Bryan Chambers , communications director for the City of Huntington .
“ The overall goal is to sell Huntington and all of the amenities it has to offer to individuals who can work anywhere in the country and are looking to relocate from large urban areas to smaller communities ,” says Chambers .
In December , the Huntington City Council approved $ 250,000 from the city ’ s general fund to pay for the contract with Stream- Scape . The specific outline for expenditures is being developed by StreamScape in coordination with city officials .
“ We know based on data analytics that after COVID-19 and other events , people started rethinking where they live and work and became much more open to relocating to smaller markets . We plan to find those people and show them all the unique amenities and benefits of living in Huntington ,” says Chambers .
StreamScape uses highly targeted yet creative marketing to certain demographic and target audiences who have a higher probability to relocate , according to Chambers .
“ We will then send tailored ads with a message that correlates to their own unique behavior and needs showing them the reasons they should consider Huntington ,” he says .
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE