American Diabetes Association

Employee Referral Program

SITUATION

American Diabetes Association (ADA) wanted to decrease their cost per hire and develop an ongoing pool of candidates. We conducted a needs assessment with their entire HR team to identify their core audience. To that end, we analyzed recurrently open positions and the demographic data that proved to be most successful in filling them.

STRATEGY/SOLUTION

As a result of our meeting, ADA decided they wanted to develop a campus-marketing plan, step up their diversity initiatives, and try to contain their costs. We also recommended the development of an Employee Referral Program because it could be implemented quickly and offer faster results. All field offices were to participate in the program, and therefore needed access to the information. We designed posters, flyers, and post cards (that were sent to all employees as a reminder).

Since our client's budget was limited, we encouraged smaller rewards for employees--to be given for their participation throughout the program. Each employee who made a referral was awarded a video store gift certificate, and those resulting in a hire received a $300.00 shopping certificate and a raffle entry for the $3,000.00 grand prize. The grand prize could be awarded in the form of cash or as a travel voucher. Additionally, after six months, the referring employee would be given a choice of gifts valued at $500.00.

THE RESULT

Over the six-month period, American Diabetes Association made 17 hires, with a cost per hire of approximately $1,000.00. The results exceeded our client's expectations, since they only expected 10 hires. They also realized the value of rewarding employees for their tenure, while making it fun to communicate the wonderful opportunities available in the organization.