Why Employee Referrals Should Be Your Top Hiring Strategy

Great things in business are never done by one person. They’re done by a team of people. – Steve Jobs.

Hiring the right people is one of the biggest challenges for any business. Employee referrals account for only 7% of job applications but result in nearly 40% of all hires. Why? Because referrals bring in candidates who are already vetted by someone within the company, leading to better hires, faster onboarding, and improved retention rates.

But traditional referral programs often have a major problem: they’re clunky, slow, and not easily accessible to employees. That’s where self-service kiosks like hrPad come in, making referrals seamless and efficient.

Why Employee Referrals Work So Well

Referrals aren’t just convenient—they drive real results:

• Higher Retention: Employees hired through referrals have a 45% higher retention rate after two years compared to those hired through job boards.
• Faster Hiring: The average time to hire a referred candidate is 21 days, compared to 39 days for non-referred candidates.
• Better Fit: Referred candidates tend to align better with company culture since they’re introduced by someone who already works there.

With these benefits, it’s no wonder businesses want to improve their referral programs. But how can companies make it easier for employees to participate?

Simplifying Referrals with Self-Service Kiosks

A common problem with referral programs is awareness. Employees either don’t know about open positions or don’t know how to refer someone. A self-service kiosk solves this by displaying job openings in a place where employees are already engaged—like a break room, entrance area, or common workspace.

With hrPad’s self-service kiosk, employees can:

1. Browse open positions easily, without having to check a website or HR portal.
2. Refer friends and family directly from the kiosk in just a few taps.
3. AI Chatbot-Assisted Applications: Referred candidates can apply instantly through an AI chatbot, guiding them through the process without HR involvement.
4. Track Referral Status: Employees can check the progress of their referrals, keeping them engaged in the process.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Employee Referral Program

To get the best results from a referral program, businesses should:

• Make It Easy – The simpler the process, the more employees will participate. Self-service kiosks eliminate barriers to referring candidates.
• Offer Incentives – Whether it’s a bonus, gift card, or extra PTO, rewarding employees for successful referrals keeps them motivated.
• Keep Employees Updated – Transparency is key. Let employees track their referrals and keep them informed about the hiring process.
• Promote the Program – Regularly remind employees about open positions and how they can refer candidates.

Conclusion

A strong referral program can transform your hiring strategy, bringing in top talent while improving retention. By using a self-service kiosk like hrPad, businesses can remove friction from the referral process, making it easier for employees to help grow the team.

Hiring doesn’t have to be complicated—sometimes, the best candidates are just one referral away.