Why Do Workers Keep Leaving?

Posted by admin on

As an employer or manager, you may find yourself asking “why do workers keep leaving?” For some organizations, high turnover rates are a real issue. For others, retention is a lot better, but still leaves something to be desired. No matter where you are at with retention rates, it is important to ask yourself why employees are leaving. Do you offer enough benefits? Do you provide enough salary incentive? Is your managing style to blame? There are many factors to consider, but some of the top things to ask yourself include:

Am I paying my employees enough?

Unfortunately, as an employer, you may not be able to do much about this question. Sometimes, what you can afford to pay employees just won’t be enough. However, before you lose great employees because you cannot pay them what they want, you should sit down with them, explain the goals of the company, and how you see them fitting into your future. By including employees in your company goals, you can provide them with a real sense of value.

Do I provide enough benefits?

Benefits are another tricky issue when it comes to employees leaving. Like salary, your hands may be tied with what you can offer and you cannot really do more than what you provide. For things like insurance, that may be the case. However, you can offset that by offering non-traditional benefits like an extra personal day, lunch once a week, or even allowing some employees to work remotely. When it comes to benefits, think outside of the box.

What is the work environment like?

One thing to examine when it comes to why employees leave is the work environment. This includes things like culture, organization, and cleanliness. Do you provide a comfortable place for office workers to take their lunch? Are warehouse workers have access to a clean space wherein they can take breaks? These are the types of things you should consider when it comes to the work environment you provide for employees. You may be surprised just how many of your employees are leaving because of these issues.

Is my managing style working?

This one may be tough for many to face, but some employees just do not mesh well with certain managing styles. If you find that you have a high turnover rate, then maybe you need to examine the way you are managing. Are you to hands-off with your employees? Maybe you micro-manage your employees? While there are many different ways to manage, you also need to be adaptable to what your employees’ needs are.

Back to Work Safety

Posted by admin on

Being away from work allows us to recharge and refocus. However, before you head back to work, you need to prepare yourself. Back to work safety should be one of your first priorities as you return from time off. You might have gotten used to sleeping in or a brand new routine. Whether you were off for the weekend, a vacation or a holiday, it is important to prepare yourself for getting back into the swing of things. Statistics show that it does not take much time away from work for us to lose our good safety habits that we have worked so hard to develop. So before you head back to work, make sure you take care of a few things:

  1. Get the proper amount of sleep.
  2. Clear your head of any off-job issues and remember your work routine.
  3. Play this memory game to get you focused: envision putting on your seatbelt, the drive to work, and then the parking space you normally use.
  4. It’s helpful to san your path of travel for hazards. When we are away from work, we tend to forget about even the small things that we are used to seeing or avoiding on a daily basis. Also, when we are away, things can change so make sure your safe areas haven’t changed and walkways are still the same.
  5. Be sure to review the critical steps of your job and the specific things you have to do in order to stay safe.
  6. Take the time to settle back in to your work area and make sure everything is where you need it to be.

When you return to work, it’s important to guard yourself from distractions. No matter what mood you are in, the gears on your machines still turn, gravity is still in force, chemicals are still hazardous, and certain areas are still loud. As you prepare to return to work, no matter the environment, be on the lookout for any changes that may been made and allow yourself the time to settle back in and take in your surroundings.

Staying Positive While Job Seraching

Posted by admin on

The job search process can be time-consuming and frustrating. As you sift through job postings and send your resume to various employers, you may find that your spirits start sinking. It’s easy to become frustrated and negative during this time. Whether you are not getting called for interviews or simply miss the target after a couple of interviews, staying positive during the job search process can be hard.

However, staying positive can greatly increase your chances of actually landing a job. When you are negative, this attitude can seep into the rest of your life and eventually provide you with a poor outlook on things. Many recruiters, employers, and managers will notice this and decide not to work with you because of that attitude. Instead, it’s crucial to stay positive during the job search. Here are a few ways to do that:

Volunteer

It may seem like an odd suggestion when you are struggling to find work, but volunteering can give you purpose. Whether you are tutoring, helping in a soup kitchen, or planting some trees, volunteering gets you out of the house and gets you active. Staying active can help you stay positive during this time.

Spend Time with Friends and Family

When you are feeling down or negative, you need something to cheer you up. Spending time with your friends and/or your family could just be what you need. From a good laugh to a long conversation, friends and family are going to be there for you during this time. Spend some quality time with the people who care about you in order to lift your spirits.

Create a Routine

Routines may not be much fun, but when you are trying to find a job, they can keep you on track. In this routine, you need to outline how many jobs you will apply to on a daily or weekly basis, and how long you will spend every day working on your resume/applying to jobs. Make sure that the schedule you set includes time away from the job search process. If you spend all of your time job hunting, you are more likely to become frustrated by the process.

Network

A great way to land a new job or get your foot in the door at a specific company is to network. Who do you know that would be willing to help you find a new job? Do you know someone at a company that is hiring? Use your contacts to help boost your chances at finding a job. Plus, the social interaction will help you stay positive.

Shake It Off

Being rejected after an interview can be tough to deal with. Never getting a call about a job you are excited about is discouraging. Instead of dwelling on these things, do your best to shake it off. Make a plan to apply to two jobs for ever rejection. Use rejection as motivation to keep going. Staying positive will help you find the right job, in the long run.

Keeping Top Talent

Posted by admin on

As an employer, manager, or HR representative it can be a real struggle to find top talent, but more than that, it can be difficult to keep that top talent. As someone who oversees employees, part of your job is keeping top talent working for and with your company or organization. This issue goes beyond trying to retain your employees. The issue is retaining the right employees.

In the past, we’ve discussed how employee retention is crucial to your company’s success, but you also need to make sure that you’re keeping the right talent, not just all talent. Here are just a few tips on making sure you retain top talent:

Employee Engagement

Employee engagement goes beyond just internal communications. Yes, employees want to know what is going on at the company but they want more than that. Many employees, especially top talent employees, want to feel like they are a valued part of the company. This means taking the time to hear them, speak with them, and actually get to know them.

Benefits and Perks

In the past, offering employees more money or better benefits might have been enough to keep them around. However, benefits and perks, in today’s workforce go beyond money and basic employee benefits. For example, if your employees do most of their work online or independently, consider letting them work away from the office for at least part of the time. By offering less traditional benefits, you can keep top talent engaged in their work and happy working for you.

Company Culture

Employees want to work in an environment where they are comfortable, valued, and can feel like they belong. As a manager or business owner, part of your job is to create a company culture. You get to help steer your company into the right direction and into the culture you want for your office or work environment.

Training

If you really want to keep top talent around, then provide them with training opportunities. Whether it is leadership training or the opportunity to go to an industry-specific conference, these training opportunities allow employees to grow in their careers. Employees will improve which will in turn help your organization.

Keeping top talent around will not only improve your business, but it will increase productivity and decrease your costs of hiring new employees who may not be right for the job.

Tips for Starting a New Job

Posted by admin on

Starting a new job can be an intimidating process. From filling out forms to reading employee handbooks to knowing what to do during your lunch break, there are a lot of roads to navigate. And the first day isn’t the only thing you are probably worried about.

At many companies and organizations, the first 90 days are like a trial run. You will not receive your full benefits until those 90 days are over and you will more than likely have a review. Starting a new job does not need to be all doom and gloom. If you go into the process with the right attitude and the right tools, you can quickly start to own your job and your new environment.

Come Prepared

No matter how many times you start a new job, there will always be forms to fill out. Before you head in that first day, be sure you bring the right paperwork, numbers, and forms you need to fill out tax information and other work-related documents. For example, if your new employer supports direct deposit, then you should bring a blank check, so you can provide your routing and account number.

Make Work Friends

That first day can be overwhelming. Introducing yourself to new coworkers can really ease that tension and loosen you up a little bit. If you are invited out for lunch, take advantage of the opportunity to meet people and learn more about the company. If no one is going out, be sure you sit with new coworkers at lunch and start to gain an understanding for how the office works.

Engage in Your Work

It can be difficult to just jump into the work on your first day, but if you have a chance to, then do it. Engaging in your work on the first day and every day will give you a sense or purpose and ownership. The quicker you get to what you are there to do, the quicker you will lose that tension associated with the first day.

Pay Attention to Details

In life and in work, details are incredibly important. There is absolutely no doubt about that. However, at work you need to pay attention to your orientations, your work, and your coworkers so that you can do more than just survive those 90 days. When you pay attention to details, you pick up on the nuances of the office and your tasks.

Starting a new job does not need to be an intimidating experience. Will there still be nerves? Yes, but those nerves should not keep you from doing an amazing job. When you commit yourself to your work and to success, you will come through the process for the better.

Eliminating Productivity Killers for Employees

Posted by admin on

No one wants to be the boss or manager who isn’t fun or doesn’t know how to have a good time, but you do need to know how to motivate your employees to get work done. There are distractions all around us, even in an office and warehouse environment. When we allow these distractions to keep us from our work, productivity decreases. Eliminating productivity killers in the workplace can lead to increased productivity and overall company success.

In order to make your work environment a more productive one, you must eliminate productivity killers.

Socialization

People talk. People have phone calls and they have meetings. You cannot ask those in your office or place of work to stop talking. Doing that would be unproductive. However, you can encourage employees to keep socialization to the break room or places where they are less likely to distract other employees. For example, if two employees are talking next to the desk of someone who isn’t involved in the conversation, then they are probably being a distraction. Encourage employees to be mindful of where they are socializing.

Technology

From social media to text to emails, technology constantly interrupts our lives. As a boss or manager, you should establish some rules when it comes to using mobile devices. Your company may already have policies in place for mobile devices and Internet usage. If this is the case, remind employees about the policies and after providing some time for adjusting to the policies, start enforcing them.

Scheduling

If you’re managing or running an office, encourage your employees to take advantage of calendar applications. Whether in your email application or another format, these apps don’t only keep track of your day, but they can help keep you productive. Encourage your employees to not take non-scheduled appointments. By keeping to your schedule, you can avoid becoming distracted and stay on target.

Organization

Office clutter and desk clutter can actually greatly hinder our abilities to be productive. In order to help your workers eliminate their own productivity killers make sure the office or work environment is always organized and be sure you are encouraging employees to keep an organized workspace. Doing this will not only allow them to be more productive, but it gives them ownership over their space.

How to Impress a Recruiter

Posted by admin on

Last week we discussed some of the things you can do to not impress a recruiter. While it important to know what not to do when meeting with a recruiter, it is equally, if not more so, important to know how to impress a recruiter. While you could just do the opposite of the things discussed last week that will not be enough to really impress a recruiter. To impress a recruiter, you need to go above and beyond what you think might work. You need to be prepared for questions, for tests, and for a quick process. Here are a few things you can do to impress a recruiter:

Prepare a Resume

While the position you are applying for may not require a resume, it is still a great idea to have one with you when you meet a recruiter. Even if you filled out an application online and uploaded a version of your resume, bringing a paper copy with you shows that you are dedicated and thorough. Impress your recruiter by being prepared with a resume and show that you care about the opportunity.

Dress Appropriately

The way you dress says a lot about you and your career/job goals. While you do not necessarily need to wear your best clothes (like a suite), you do want to make sure you are dressed appropriately for the job and for your interview. When considering what to wear, make sure that your clothing is free of holes, offensive language, and excessive wrinkles. When you dress appropriately for an interview, you convey that you are highly interested in the position and that you are professional.

Have Questions

If you are going into an interview, it is important to know that you will be asked questions. Practice answering interview questions with a friend or relative before your interview so that you can answer the questions the recruiter has well and completely. However, if you really want to impress a recruiter, have your own questions ready. What do you need to know about the position? What is the work environment like? Remember, by asking questions you show your interest and you will also learn more about the company and position.

Be Punctual

One of the best ways to impress a recruiter is to actually show up on time. Just because you may be applying for and interviewing for temporary positions does not mean it is okay to show up late. When you do show up late, you waste the recruiter’s time, your time, and ultimately the time of the organization trying to hire you. Do yourself a favor and show up on time. Not only does it show you are a punctual and dedicated person, but it will impress the recruiter and could increase your chances of being hired.

How Not to Impress a Recruiter

Posted by admin on

Maybe you’re applying to a temporary job. Maybe a recruiter has reached out to you about a position. Regardless of the situation, there are certain things you can do as a candidate to most definitely disappoint a recruiter. For passive and active candidates, if you are trying to land a job, it is important to know what works and does not work when interacting with a recruiter. Here are a few things that will not impress a recruiter:

Showing Up Late

If you have set an appointment to meet with a recruiter or with someone at the organization you are trying to be placed at, show up and show up on time. Recruiters will not want to work with you if you have poor attendance and leave them waiting.

Exaggerating Qualifications

If you have experience as an executive administrator, then you should not apply to a position that involves operating a forklift. Know what skills you have and go after jobs that will allow you to showcase the skills you have.

No Enthusiasm

If you are not excited about the potential of a new job, then a recruiter will not be excited about placing you in a new job. Show enthusiasm for the potential of a job and convey excitement when you are interacting with your recruiter.

Talking Too Much

If you are doing the majority of the talking when you meet a recruiter, you may be doing it wrong. Be sure to listen to what the recruiter has to say about the position and organization you are applying to. Show that you can listen and follow instructions.

Before you meet or speak with a recruiter, make sure you know what they are looking for and be sure you make the right impression.

How to Attract Top Talent

Posted by admin on

One of the biggest issues that many companies face is attracting top talent. Putting a job positing online isn’t going to guarantee the best applications. It won’t even guarantee any applications. In order to attract top talent, you have to know how to properly engage, communicate, and find job candidates.

While there are many strategies to attracting top talent, some of them are more beneficial and more successful than others. Knowing which ones are right for your company is crucial, so before you start any new programs, make sure you have found the right strategy. As you weigh your options, keep these tips in mind to attract top talent:

Use Videos to Engage Candidates

You might be wondering how you can use video to attract top talent, but it really is as simple as interviewing employees about why they love the company. Show job seekers what it is like to work at your company, what benefits you offer, and anything else you think they might find helpful. Video is a fun and engaging medium you can use to reach a broader audience.

Create an Easy Application Process

Are you having trouble finding candidates for your jobs? No one qualified is even applying? If you are having these issues, it could be because your application process is too complex. Reevaluating your application process could not only attract more candidates, but it could attract the right candidates. Many job seekers will not go through the hassle of a job application that is too long, too complicated, or too difficult to understand.

Showcase Your Work Environment

We mentioned using videos earlier, but photos are also a great way to show off your work space. When candidates can see the environment they are going to be working in, they will be much more likely to apply to jobs. If you do not want to use videos or photos to showcase the environment, then describe it in detail through written words. Don’t just say it is a fast-paced work environment. Describe what makes the environment click and how coworkers interact with one another.

Build a Company Culture

In the past, we have talked about how company culture is a big deal, but did you know it can also attract top talent to your organization? When you are conscious of your company culture and making it strong, then those outside of your organization will recognize that and want to be a part of it.

Do you have any tips for attracting top talent? What has worked for you in the past? Leave your stories and suggestions in the comments below!