Recruiting and Retaining Staff in a Social Enterprise: Purpose, People, and Practicality

In the world of social enterprise, finding the right people isn’t just about filling seats—it’s about building a team that believes in your mission and has the skills to drive it forward. But recruiting and retaining talent in this space comes with unique challenges and opportunities.

Here’s how to attract and keep the right staff while staying true to your values and purpose.

Lead With Your “Why”

The most powerful magnet for talent in a social enterprise is your mission.

• Be clear about your purpose. Candidates aren’t just looking for a pay check—they want to do meaningful work. Communicate how their role contributes to social impact.

• Tell authentic stories. Showcase real stories of the lives your enterprise has touched. This emotional connection can be a game-changer in recruitment.

• Use values-based hiring. Prioritise candidates whose personal values align with your organisation’s ethos—even if their experience isn’t a perfect match.

Purpose attracts passion. And passion, when supported well, creates commitment.

Get Creative With Recruitment

You might not have the big recruitment budget of a corporate, but that doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage.

• Tap into mission-driven networks. Advertise through social impact job boards, local community groups, and purpose-driven platforms.

• Partner with educational institutions. Offer internships, placements, or guest lectures to build a talent pipeline early.

• Encourage employee referrals. Your current team knows what it takes to thrive in your organisation—they’re your best ambassadors.

Think beyond the traditional job ad. Be where your ideal candidates are—online and offline.

Build a Culture That People Don’t Want to Leave

Retention isn’t about perks. It’s about culture, communication, and growth.

• Invest in professional development. Even if you can’t offer big salaries, offering training, mentorship, or career growth opportunities keeps people engaged.

• Recognise impact, not just output. Social enterprise staff want to know they’re making a difference. Celebrate wins—big or small.

• Create space for voice and ownership. Employees who feel heard and empowered are more likely to stay.

Culture is the soil in which your team grows. Make sure it’s healthy and nourishing.

Be Transparent About the Challenges

Social enterprises often operate in resource-constrained environments. Being upfront about that builds trust.

• Set realistic expectations. Be clear about what the role entails—both the rewarding and the demanding parts.

• Include your team in problem-solving. Invite them into the process, especially during tough times. It builds loyalty and a sense of ownership.

• Share the bigger picture. When people understand the long-term vision—even if it’s ambitious—they’re more likely to commit to the journey.

Authenticity goes a long way. People appreciate honesty more than hype.

Don’t Just Build a Workforce—Build a Community

Social enterprises thrive on human connection. Your staff are more than employees—they’re mission carriers.

• Encourage cross-team collaboration. Let people see the broader impact of their work.

• Foster wellbeing. Burnout is real, especially in mission-driven environments. Prioritise balance, mental health, and kindness.

• Celebrate together. A shared purpose is strengthened by shared moments—whether it’s success milestones or community volunteering days.

When staff feel part of something bigger than themselves, they stay longer and give more.

Final Thoughts

Recruiting and retaining great staff in a social enterprise isn’t about competing with corporate salaries or flashy benefits. It’s about authentic purpose, creative outreach, and a culture of care and growth.

When you invest in your people as much as your mission, you create a workplace where both thrive—together.