How to Attract and Retain Top Talent in a Resort Town

A quick guide on the best ways to attract and retain talented staff in high-cost-of-living resort-town environments, such as the Bow Valley.

Every year, people from all over the world and Canada flock to stunning resort towns like Banff and Canmore to experience the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. The idyllic lifestyle and stunning landscapes make these locations ideal places to work, especially for outdoor enthusiasts – who wouldn’t want to hit the slopes on their day off or enjoy a mountain bike ride before their evening shift?

However, the high cost of living and limited affordable housing can create significant challenges for workers moving here. These factors often lead to businesses losing their best employees, as staff struggle to find permanent, affordable places to live. To help with this, the Job Resource Centre has together a few tips for local employers on how to not only attract top talent – but also keep them for the long run.

1. Offer Affordable Staff Accommodation

No surprises for the first one on the list. Finding affordable housing is a top concern for many newcomers seeking employment in the Bow Valley. The rental market can be incredibly competitive and expensive, which can add stress for employees who are also trying to adjust to a new job and environment. Offering subsidized or affordable accommodation is a huge incentive for prospective staff and, without a doubt, is one of the first things applicants will consider. We understand that finding housing solutions can be tricky for employers, particularly in national parks, but offering this option goes a long way in attracting and retaining good staff.

2. Provide Competitive Wages and Benefits

Paying a decent, above-minimum wage, along with additional perks like extended health and dental benefits, can make a big difference. Offering these benefits demonstrates to your employees that they are valued. Additionally, lifestyle-based perks such as B2B ski passes, wellness days, or discounts for local attractions can help boost morale and make employees feel more connected to the community. These kinds of incentives are a great way to stand out and keep employees long-term in towns with high turnover rates.

3. Create a Positive and Inclusive Workplace Culture

It goes without saying but a supportive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture is essential. Word travels fast in small communities, and businesses that mistreat employees won’t have a good reputation for long. On the flip side, demonstrating that employees are valued, respected, and understood is an incredibly powerful tool for retention. In addition, providing opportunities for career development – such as paid certifications or continuing education – not only benefits the employee, but in turn, strengthens the business overall.

4. Offer Flexible Scheduling and Work-Life Balance

We know peak seasons (like summer and ski season) are busy for everyone and a great time to make money. However, most employees are here to experience the lifestyle: hiking, skiing, biking,

and spending general time outdoors, etc. Accommodating time-off requests and offering flexible schedules that allow employees to enjoy these activities will attract jobseekers and keep them satisfied long-term. A better work-life balance helps prevent burnout and keeps staff loyal.

5. Reward Hard Work and Celebrate Achievements

When promotion opportunities arise, offer hardworking employees the chance to step up and take on more responsibility. This will help retain top talent and motivate them to continue contributing to the success of the business. Additionally, hosting company events or staff socials after a busy season is a fun way to show appreciation and build team morale.

These are just a few tips for employers in resort towns like Banff, Canmore, and the surrounding area, to attract and retain the right talent.

Bonus Tip: Consider advertising job postings through platforms such as our online job board. This helps local employers find the right candidates locally while ensuring applications are received directly, making the hiring process much smoother.

For more information on the Job Resource Centre and how we help both employers and jobseekers alike, please feel free to get in touch or explore our website!

Written by Oliver Reeves, an Employment Advisor at the Job Resource Centre. Outside of work Oliver can usually be found on a trail run, skiing or at home writing about sports.