Like many areas of the United States, Hawaii is facing a “brain drain,” as young professionals — especially those in the millennial generation — are considering moving, or packing up their lives and heading to the mainland or other locations for their jobs.

It comes down to basic economics: The cost of living on our beautiful islands is among the highest in the country, meaning the opportunities for home ownership are lower, grocery bills are higher, and everything is a little more expensive here than in other states.

The University of Hawaii Economic Research Organization finds that only one in five young local families can afford the average median-priced mortgage for a home, which costs about $900,000; childcare costs also are among the highest in the country at about 18% of their median income.

So how can your organization work to keep young professionals, especially those in the technology industry, administrative and executive-track positions, here in Hawaii, knowing these economic challenges might be a deciding factor for where they want to work and live?

There’s been movement toward increasing salaries to keep pace with the higher cost of living: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found wages for non-military workers increased 3.8% between December 2023 and December 2024. For state and local governments, wages increased even more, at nearly 5%, in that same timeframe.

It’s also reassuring to know that of the 56 metropolitan areas with a population of more than one million people according to the 2020 Census, Honolulu had the lowest jobless rate at 2.6%. Additionally, there are 2% more jobs outside of agriculture available to locals in metropolitan areas. The jobs are here!

As an organization looking to retain local workers and encourage them to stay here instead of taking their talents elsewhere, especially in the high-demand technology and administrative industries, Bishop & Company has some advice on how to be more attractive to potential job candidates.

  1. Offer benefits that resonate with young professionals. Make sure your benefits packages are competitive and include pre-tax savings for childcare costs, comprehensive health insurance opportunities with little or no employee contribution where possible. When possible, offer remote work possibilities and flexible schedules in order to promote and protect work-life balance.
  2. Talk about the future. Young professionals are looking for a place to put down roots and grow both their careers and their families. It’s important for job candidates with your organization to know what their opportunities for advancement might be: Do you offer mentorship programs to help develop the skills needed for promotion? Do you offer training to help keep their skills sharp? Is there a tuition assistance program for those who want to continue their education? Making that kind of investment in your team can help build engagement and loyalty, resulting in reduced turnover and deeper commitment to your organization.
  3. Work with a committed partner to find the best candidates. If your organization needs some help attracting these talented candidates, Bishop & Company, a Hawaii-based staffing agency, is here to help. We specialize in helping organizations fulfill their staffing needs for administrative professionals, information technology experts, and executive positions and can help you reach out to those candidates to share the benefits of your company before they look away from the islands.
    • Administrative staffing is a cornerstone of a successful organization. At Bishop & Company, we know a good administrative team is critically important. Our locally owned and operated agency has a 30-year track record of catering to our multicultural community, relying on the values residents of Hawaii hold dear to find the right candidates to meet your organization’s commitments to professionalism and community.
    • Information technology is the industry of the future, and Bishop & Company has worked closely with leading organizations in the field to hone our understanding of what matters most to you. These jobs are in high demand and that makes the competition for candidates incredibly fierce, but Bishop & Company is positioned to help you carve out an advantage when it comes to recruiting the talent you need. Whether you need permanent positions filled or a temporary contract to help meet a pressing deadline, we can quickly identify and bring to you candidates who will be able to be an effective member of your organization right away.
    • Executive-level leaders pave the way for a bright future, and Bishop & Company has a reputation for finding exceptional talent for local organizations. We pride ourselves on moving quickly and discreetly to help our clients find just who they’re looking for to help usher their organization into a new chapter.

Discover Top Talent Across Hawaii

At Bishop & Company, we understand the needs and demands facing local organizations when it comes to finding the right candidates for your needs — and that time is of the essence. We’ll work with your organization to understand your specific needs in terms of background, skills, and positions, in addition to understanding your corporate culture, and we will tap into our network to find the candidates we think will be a great fit. We’ll review resumes and conduct thorough in-depth interviews, as well as provide skills assessments to bring to you the candidates we believe best fit your needs.

Ready to learn more? Give Bishop & Company a call today!