That popular mantra for creating a productive work force has always been easier said than done. And today the challenge is tougher than ever, thanks to slim pickings in the candidate pool. Many employees furloughed or exiled to home offices during the pandemic have been rethinking their personal goals. Do they really want to return to a workplace where they never felt engaged? Or join one that promises nothing but dull routine?

Today’s tighter labor environment comes at a time when hiring errors and subpar performance can seriously impact the bottom line. As advances in technology have reinforced the need ...