Vendor on Premises Relationships Expand On-Site HR Work

A VOP can be a VIP for temporary businesses. A vendor on premise is an on-site representative that can handle multiple functions, particularly those that HR would normally manage. A VOP can save your business time and money and be a valuable staffing resource for everything related to temp services.

The extensive benefits of a VOP include:

Reduced costs. As your single point of contact, a vendor on premise can manage payroll, sourcing and your entire temp workforce, helping to control costs throughout your organization. Your VOP can also scale your workforce as needed, based on particular needs and your peak periods, and also manage temp worker reassignment.

Faster job fill. One of the roles of a vendor on premise is to recruit, recruit, recruit, so that you always have a large pool of candidates for ongoing temporary needs and openings. A VOP can screen and interview your candidates and also check references prior to an offer. This significant work will also add up to reduced downtime on site.

Increased safety efforts. In addition to training focused on safety and effectiveness, a vendor on premise will manage overall safety in processes and team members, supporting your company’s overall work and safety efforts.

Greater efficiencies. VOPs are definitely VIPs when it comes to efficiency in the temp workforce. They can monitor employees’ work for productivity, create reports focused on costs and performance, and troubleshoot any issues so your HR team doesn’t have to.

In the end, a vendor on premise extends the work of your HR department and gives them the opportunity to focus on long-term strategy and permanent employees. If you are interested in a vendor on premise for your organization, StaffingForce would be happy to help.

The Great Resignation Transitions into a Great Job Market for Employees

In contrast to the Great Recession a dozen years ago, today’s “Great Resignation” is witnessing more and more employees leaving their current jobs in search of something new and different. More than half of workers intend to seek a new job this year, according to the Society for Human Resources Management. While this has sent many companies and HR teams scrambling, workers today have an abundance of options when it comes to finding their next position or career.

Experts predict an incredible hiring boom in 2021 as the Great Resignation has coincided with the Great Reopening of the U.S. economy. More companies are bringing back furloughed employees or those who have been working from home and updating their hiring plans for the months to come. Industries that were hit hard by the pandemic are rebounding.

What does this mean for workers across the country? Opportunity.

Job seekers will have more options—and more incentives—than they’ve seen in a long time. To entice new talent, companies are upping salaries and benefits, offering more flexible work schedules and creating appealing office spaces.

In addition, more businesses across the country are updating their hiring and retaining procedures with the goal of creating more satisfied long-term employees. Job seekers are emboldened to ask for more flexible scheduling, support with childcare or eldercare, and mental health support.

Companies that recognize the need for employee-forward programs and hiring practices are likely to come out ahead as the Great Resignation begins to shift into the Great Hiring.

How to Make LinkedIn Your Best Friend

LinkedIn is a great tool for job hunters and hiring companies alike. The networking site makes it easier than ever to find the right positions and the right people, particularly with the LinkedIn search feature.

Next time you are searching for a job – or a candidate for your job – consider the following three top tips for making the LinkedIn search feature your very best friend when it comes to staffing:

1. Start with advanced search. The advanced search option allows you to seek out specific fields, query teams and keywords. For example, you can look for only current employees at Google or writers who have AP style experience. Your search can be as specific and customized as you need it to be. You will find the advanced search option via the link next to the search bar on the LinkedIn home page. You can also choose to “Refine Search” after you have made an initial query, which will also help you narrow down your search.

2. “AND/OR” lets you customize even more. LinkedIn really links in to specific search criteria. If you are looking for a website designer, you can use the term “OR” in all caps to find someone who is an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) OR a PMP Agile Certified Practitioner, for example. Many people display certifications and skills in different ways, so the OR gives you the chance to search for different variations of the same skillset. Likewise, the AND option ups the ante: You can look for individuals who speak Spanish AND French, for instance. Again, these advanced tools will help you hone in so you can really spot what you’re looking for.

3. Sort away. Just like the sorting hat in the Harry Potter books, LinkedIn can also sort your search results based on the relevance of various keywords. You can prioritize companies in California or individuals with doctorate degrees, for example, making the sorting feature a great option, no matter what or who you are searching for.

Even without advanced search tips, LinkedIn is a great way to learn more about people and companies. When you take it to the next level, however, your search will shine the spotlight on the latest candidates and opportunities in your field.

Is It Time to Return to the Office (Most Workers Say No)?

After nearly a year-and-a-half of remote work for many U.S.-based employees, is it time to return to work in the office?

The answer is an overwhelming “no,” according to a recent survey by Harvard Business School of about 1,500 remote workers. A full 81 percent of those surveyed who worked from home during the pandemic noted that they do not want to go back to the physical office or that they prefer a hybrid option that involves a mixture of remote and in-person work.

According to the survey of remote workers, more than one-quarter would like to remain remote indefinitely while another 60 percent wish to go into the office a couple days a week and work from home the rest of the time with a flexible hybrid schedule. Respondents noted that they appreciate the more flexible working schedules they have enjoyed and would like to continue a similar work environment going forward.

Only 18 percent of the workers surveyed indicated that they want to go back to the office full time following the pandemic – although parents who have kids living at home and married people are more interested in returning to the office than their single counterparts.

Finally, more than half of survey respondents noted that they want to be fully vaccinated before returning to work in the office while nearly three-quarters said they would like to wait until everyone in the office is fully vaccinated. Most also shared that they expect at least six feet of distancing in office spaces as well as mask usage if and when the return to work takes place.

Is It Time to Make a Job Switch after the Pandemic?

In a recent survey, up to 70 percent of workers across the globe declared that they were considering looking for a new job in 2021. The pandemic changed the way we eat, the way we travel and the way we work, and many of these job hunters are responding to new interests and priorities.

Why?

Simply put, some people are bored with their current position, which they may have kept as a safeguard during the tumultuous times of the global Covid-19 pandemic. Others are worried that their skill sets are languishing, and recognize the importance of advancing their career and skills.

Gen Z, in particular, reports that they are struggling with motivation, finding and sharing new ideas, and networking while older workers are tired of balancing work and family life and feeling like they can never stop juggling. Many in this generation feel that managers and companies required too much of them during such a stressful and challenging time.

Finally, others note that they are unhappy with their company or department leadership while some of those surveyed shared the need for a more fulfilling career following some deep soul-searching.

Fortunately, more and more companies are adding new jobs every day, and more businesses are recognizing the importance of appealing to employees’ interests in sustainability and flexibility. If you are considering a near-term job switch, there is no time like the present! It is a great time to update your resume, start looking for new career opportunities that suit your interests and goals, and then go out there and share your passions with the world.

Turn Your Dream Job Interview into a Dream Job

We all have that “Dream Job.” Maybe yours is astronaut or basketball coach. Maybe it’s designing clothing or reporting for the national news. No matter what your dream job consists of, the right interview techniques can help take you from interview to hired.

The following 7 tips will help you turn your dream job interview into your ultimate dream job:

1. Practice, practice, practice. No matter how enthusiastic you are about the position or industry and no matter how much you already know, practicing potential answers ahead of time will help you rise to the top of the pack. You will alleviate any nerves and learn how to best phrase your interests and experience in order to make an impact.

2. Do your research. The more you know, the more you will shine. Make sure you dedicate ample time ahead of the interview to research the latest news on the industry and job position itself so you can impress the interviewer with your knowledge and preparation. Have a few statistics or case studies in your back pocket to share when the time is right.

3. Update your online presence. If your social media shows a lot of party pictures, it’s time for a refresh. Update your online accounts and any personal websites or blogs; you can also adjust your privacy settings. Share your educated thoughts on LinkedIn or appropriate quotes on Twitter that showcase your personality and talents in a positive light.

4. Show up. This means everything from “show up on time” to “make sure you are dressed appropriately and organized” to “be engaged mentally.” Plan to arrive a few minutes earlier so you aren’t rushed and make sure you have copies of your resume/any appropriate work samples with you.

5. Share your best and brightest examples. Part of preparing for interview questions is coming up with examples that best highlight your previous experience, skills and interest. When responding to an interview question, make sure your answers include specific examples whenever possible. Instead of “I am great at building teams,” try “I grew our team by 30% and increased sales by $3 million per year,” for example. Let the person interviewing you know how you can contribute to that dream job.

6. Don’t just answer, ask. Come with a list of questions about the job, the industry and anything else you are interested in, and don’t be afraid to jump in with questions as they arise. This shows your preparation and interest level.

7. Say thank you – then write it. Follow up within a day with a thoughtful thank you note that reiterates your interest and qualification for the job. Remind the interviewer why you are definitely the best person for the job!

Preparing for a New Job

If you are ready for the next step on your career ladder, it helps to prepare for a job change before you even send out your first application. The more you prepare now, the easier it will be when you start interviewing.

The following 7 top tips can help you get ready, set and go for your next new job:

1. Create your own dream job description. What do you really want to do next? What is your dream job? Take a few minutes to create your ideal job description so that you can start to seek out similar roles as you prepare for a job switch.

2. Start networking. Networking is a great way to learn about openings and find new jobs – a human connection can be much more reliable and personal than online employment ads. Reach out to friends, family and contacts and let them know if you’re in the market for a new job and what fields or positions you are considering. You might also consider connecting with a recruiter who can direct you to open positions.

3. Stay up to date. You can sign up for newsletters or read publications in your field. Pay attention to current events and trends that relate to the next job you’re seeking. All of this will prepare you for a job change and impress your next potential employer.

4. Update your knowledge. Are there any gaps in your education or training that you need to fill before you will be qualified for a job change? Perhaps you need to finish up an online certification course or refresh your second language. Address these issues now so you can shine when the time comes for a job switch.

5. Then, update your documents. Make sure your resume and online profiles are in top form and that they highlight the skills you have that will apply to the jobs you want. You may need to add in more recent training, certifications and skills. It is also important to have a solid cover letter template so it’s easier to pull everything together when the time comes.

6. Take opportunities where you can find them. Is there something you can do in your current job that will help you prepare for the next one? Or maybe you can find a local volunteer opportunity that will give you more experience in a certain area. Don’t be afraid to raise your hand high and take on additional responsibilities now.

7. Spend some time every day moving forward. Looking for a new job can be a full-time job in itself. Make sure you dedicate a little time every day tackling the things you need to get ready and then applying for new jobs.

USA Staffing Expected to Rebound in 2021

Just like most everything else in 2020, the staffing industry took a hit over the prior year. However, 2021 is already offering brighter prospects and the USA Staffing Industry will exceed $136 billion this year compared to $119 billion in 2020 . While certain segments will do especially well, staffing is expected to enjoy strong growth throughout the year.

As more companies return to work – and return to work in person – and project greater growth and revenue over the year before, full-time and temporary staffing is enjoying stronger headwinds and positive projections. StaffingForce looks forward to spurring on these trends throughout the year.

Certainly, hiring trends will continue to vary based on both job type and industry sector, but 2021 is expected to be a solid year all around, particularly in contrast to 2020.

In 2020, traveling nurse staffing was a bright spot, with continued growth expected based on overall need for health care and nursing. As the focus continues to return to non-pandemic-related care as well, travel nursing will continue to benefit. IT jobs will also likely see notable growth in the temporary staffing arena.

The positive trends for 2021 are based on decline in Covid-19 cases, a steady recovery in the U.S. economy and continued vaccinations worldwide.

What You Really Need When You’re Working from Home

As more and more people across the globe continue to work from a home office (or couch or kitchen table), the must-haves quickly become obvious. It is also important to maintain a business attitude, no matter your attire, and to have a clear space for work that is separate from play.

Beyond a laptop and smart device, the following eight essentials can help you complete your perfect home office:

1. A good chair. While it might be comfortable initially to take your laptop with you wherever you go at home, a good chair will save your back and set you up for long-term success. If you can’t get your office chair delivered, check to see if your company will splurge on an ergonomic option for home.

2. Some natural beauty. If you are working in a corner of the basement to enjoy a little quiet, you are hardly likely to feel inspired by your work space. This can be as simple as a couple green plants (a cactus counts, particularly if you don’t have a green thumb) and a coat of fresh paint. Add a few pictures or family photos and you’re set.

3. Regular hours. Burnout is real and it can be easy to let work seep into every single hour of the day when you’re officing from home. However, setting and keeping regular hours will be good for your stress levels and your work productivity.

4. Office basics. If your at-home recycling bin is overflowing daily due to work documents, a small recycling container is in order. Other office basics may include a shredder, filing cabinet, pens and paper, cabinets and maybe even a water cooler to remind you to stay hydrated and take regular breaks. Think about what you use most often in the office to set up your at-home space.

5. Healthy snacks. Along the lines of the water cooler, it is important to have a stash of healthy snacks on hand – nuts and seeds, fruits and vegetables, for example – so that you aren’t always rushing off to the kitchen when you’re hungry. Healthy snacks can keep you mentally focused and physically satisfied.

6. Noise-canceling headphones. No matter where you’re working, it is easy to get distracted by buzzing phones, the neighbor’s dog or your roommate’s music. A good set of noise-canceling headphones can help you tune out the outside noise and tune in to the work at hand.

7. Connection. And not just a good wireless connection. Whether you stay connected to colleagues and friends through regular Zoom meetings, walks or coffee meet-ups, it is important to connect with others on a daily basis.

8. The right attitude. Are you working from home by your choice or someone else’s? Regardless, a positive attitude, focused mindset and regular schedule can help keep you on track. Regularly remind yourself of the things you like best about working from home.

Hot Jobs for the New Year

A new year always brings new energy, new trends and new opportunities. In 2021, several job and career options are expected to grow faster than previously, presenting a variety of options for job seekers across the globe.

Following are some of the hottest jobs on the 2021 market:

1. Computer pros. Whether you are a software developer, IT user support or a systems analyst, you are in luck next year—and for many, many years to come. Not only are these positions well paid and often flexible in terms of hours and location, but they are recession-proof. Because there is such a variety in terms of positions, some of these coveted positions do not even require an advanced degree. If you are comfortable with technology and problem-solving, you will likely have your pick of jobs in both the short and long term.

2. Nurses and nurse practitioners: As the demand for quality healthcare continues to grow, so does the need for qualified registered nurses and nurse practitioners. Again, these positions offer great starting salaries with plenty of room for growth in addition to ample openings in locations across the country. You will need a bachelor’s degree to work as a nurse and a master’s degree to serve as a nurse practitioner and both career paths will give you the chance to make a real difference in the world.

3. Construction: The building boom has not slowed down, despite a global pandemic, which means the need for qualified construction workers and construction managers remains high. If you are good at managing materials, schedules and budgets while working with your hands, this might be the ideal industry for you. Manufacturing jobs are also anticipated to grow in 2021.

4. Teachers. Just like healthcare professionals, the pandemic has pointed out the importance of great teachers for students of all ages. Elementary school teachers, in particular, are in demand right now. Teachers definitely work hard, but they can always reap a wealth of rewards from such an important job.

5. Electricians. Whether you work for a local business or start your own company, electricians are always in need. With solid starting salaries, electricians provide a skilled service.

Other key opportunities in the year to come include speech pathology, digital marketing, financial management, accounting and HR.

Today is the Day

The year 2020 hasn’t been easy for anyone, and most of us have faced challenges both large and small in our personal and professional lives. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t learn from this year – and even appreciate some of the lessons we picked up along the way.

It’s documented that “Hope” is the most popular word being used on holiday cards this year because people want to remind their family and friends of the power of hope during tough times. We can always find hope and a light, even during the shortest, darkest days of the year.

Sometimes hope and light help us solve a problem. Sometimes they bring a smile. Sometimes they just give us that little bit of encouragement that we need to move forward or take the next step. We can find these sources of motivation every day – but only if we look.

In our work, we have had times where we needed to hold out hope for our business to grow or a partnership to work. Not every opportunity pans out and it can be easy to get down or frustrated.

While it doesn’t happen every time, through hard work and the right amount of hope, we’ve found amazing team members, customers, and progress in an industry we love. Even when a door closes, there is always that glimmer of light shining at the end of the tunnel.

In 2020, we needed hope and light more than ever. We hope that you have found some silver linings – maybe more time with family, a new career opportunity, time in the great outdoors or the chance to practice a new favorite hobby. And while 2021 will hold challenges as well, hope is always there to lead the way.

One foot in front of the other and one day at a time, we can find hope, strength, possibility, and a brighter future ahead.

A Fresh Start in 2021: Setting Meaningful New Year’s Resolutions

As many people eagerly await the flip of the calendar to 2021, we all have the opportunity for a fresh start in the new year. You may have set New Year’s resolutions focused on exercise, time management or positive habits in the past, only to see them fade by March or April.

If you are ready to make your resolutions last in 2021, here are some tips for putting your ideas and goals into action:

1. Set your goals in stone. Rather than simply thinking “I want to read more books next year,” set a goal and write it down – whether on a piece of paper, your tablet or your bathroom mirror, as long as it’s somewhere where you will see your goals regularly. This physical reminder will help keep you on track and motivated. You can even take a picture of your 2021 New Year’s resolutions and post them as your social media profile picture, phone wallpaper or laptop screensaver for an added visual reminder.

2. Create specific, measurable resolutions.  While “I want to read more” or “I want to exercise more” are worthwhile goals, they are also vague. The more specific your goals, the better. For example, your goal might be “I want to read three books per month – one memoir, one historical fiction and one recent best-seller.” You can use a program such as Goodreads to track your progress. Likewise, “I want to exercise more” might morph into “I aim to run three miles at least three times per week and lift weights for at least 30 minutes two times per week.” Again, there are many apps and programs you can use to track – and adjust – your resolutions throughout the year to come.

3. Make sure your resolutions are realistic. When we’re dreaming of a new year, it’s fun to think about pie-in-the-sky possibilities. “Maybe I’ll win the lottery, and build a new house and travel the world.” While that all sounds great, it is important to set goals that you can realistically achieve – putting an extra 10 percent of your paycheck into savings, painting the interior of your home and visiting two new states, for instance. If you set goals that are incredibly lofty, it can be disappointing when they don’t come true. 

4. Think about your life holistically. Many of us set goals that have to do with the physical (weight loss and exercise) or financial (save more, spend less) without examining our lives as a whole. However, when you start to see positive affects in one area of your life, it can begin to influence everything else. With that in mind, it might make sense to set resolutions for all of the key areas of your life, including work, personal/family/relationships, health and wellness, finance and more.

5. Establish rewards. Rather than setting up one big reward once you have cleaned out every cupboard, closet and drawer in your house, create small treats along the way. Maybe you can treat yourself to an at-home spa day or a new pair of shoes to reward yourself for achieving part of your overall fitness goal. Just make sure the reward supports everything you are working towards. It is always great to have something to look forward to and something to celebrate!

As we draw closer and closer to the new year, take some time to determine where you want to see yourself in the year to come, craft goals that support that vision and then take action!

Ho, Ho, Ho: Hiring for the Holidays Sets in for the Season

Even though several major retailers – including Target and Walmart – are planning to close on Thanksgiving this year, these same businesses are starting to hire in earnest for the holiday season. Last year, Americans spent a whopping $730.2 billion on holiday purchases, according to the National Retail Federation, and retailers are planning to spread sales and deals out across several months to account for the need to social distance.

Likewise, online shopping is expected to be hotter than ever as more shoppers appreciate the convenience and safety of selecting holiday gifts for their favorite people from the comfort of home. Businesses with a focus on e-commerce may fare especially well this year.

Presently, many larger retailers are in the process of hiring seasonal workers to cover areas such as distribution (mailing, delivery and customer pick-up), gift assembly/wrapping, customer service, fulfillment, operations, retail and the general need for additional support over the holidays. Among others, FedEx intends to hire 70,000 seasonal workers – up more than 25 percent from just one year ago – and 1-800-Flowers.com has shared its plans to hire 10,000 holiday associates as it continues to enjoy record growth this year.

Just as many businesses offered pandemic-related bonuses for front-line workers, competitive wages and holiday bonuses are being promoted for holiday work. Employee discounts and referral bonuses also abound – with some companies providing further employee benefits.

Those interested in seasonal work can look for both in-person hiring events as well as online job fairs for the holidays. In some cases, the initial seasonal work may lead to long-term positions for those who are interested in permanent work. Typically, both full- and part-time options are available over the holidays and, in some cases, employees may be able to work from home.

Finally, companies across the country are implementing expanded safety protocols, from PPE to distanced work stations as well as sick leave. All seasonal workers should expect to feel safe in whatever role they take on – and will likely be asked to wear a mask while working.

While the 2020 holiday seasons will be a little different, many retailers are still going strong when it comes to their seasonal hires.

How to Get Your Resume Past the Robots

Job hunting is an art. Resumes, cover letters, interviews, follow-ups…the process sometimes involves as much finesse as it does skill. Even after you’ve written a killer resume, getting past “resume robots” can be incredibly difficult – fortunately, it is far from impossible.

These resume robots, or automated resume review software, can scan and reject applications in seconds and are a favorite of larger companies that receive a lot of job applications for each posting. An applicant tracking system can help organizations review, organize and respond to your resume and application, and they are growing in popularity. Almost all Fortune 500 companies now employ such a system.

If you are getting too many “thank you for applying for our position, but…” notices for jobs that you know you are qualified for, the following tips can help get your resume past the robots to the qualified humans who can take a closer look:

1. Key in on your keywords. Every applicant tracking system is trained to scan for certain keywords or details to help it quickly weed out unqualified applicants. That’s why the right keywords can make all the difference in your job search. After the HR team determines the key qualifications it is seeking, recruiters can program software to search for them. These keywords can involve certain qualifications, college majors, types of experience, licensing or soft skills. Review the job description and then ensure you have ample keywords to match and that they are easy to find and identify. Even better, offer examples of those key skills in action to provide greater context for recruiters.

2. Don’t apply for jobs that you are not qualified for. While it might seem like a good idea to reach for the stars, if you continue to apply for jobs that you are under- or overqualified for, you will be wasting everyone’s time. Likewise, be wary of applying for too many positions at a single company as software can track that as well. Granted, if there are two positions at the same company that are similar and that you are a good candidate for – go for it. But don’t apply for an entry-level customer service position and a team lead at the same company, which can show lack of focus or self-awareness.

3. Make your resume easy to read and easy to scan. Whether a machine or human is reviewing your resume, it should be easy to follow and comprehend. Whether you use a chronological (scanners are reported to prefer this option) or functional resume, include the most recent information first and use bullets for easier reading and scanning. Ask someone who doesn’t know you well to review your resume and ensure it is well-organized.

4. Don’t get too fancy. First of all, don’t try to cheat the system by looking up ways to fool automatic scanning software; if you are overstuffing keywords in your resume and cover letter, for example, this will quickly be flagged. Then, don’t overdesign your resume – this can make it harder to review, no matter who is taking a look. Many scanning systems convert resumes to text-only files, so you will lose formatting; in addition, tables, images and text boxes can get messy pretty quickly. Stick with common fonts such as Arial, Times New Roman or Cambria. Bolding, italicizing and underlining are all ok.

Finally, stick with a .doc format for the easiest scanning experience and make sure you spellcheck everything before you send out your resume.

Once you take the time to appropriately update your resume to get past the robots, you will likely receive more “thank you for applying and we would like to talk with you further” responses to your job applications.

Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.4 Percent While Payrolls Increase by 1.37 Million in August

With new hiring from government, retail, education and healthcare, August saw the unemployment rate dropping from 10.2 percent a month earlier to 8.4 percent while payroll increased by about 1.3 million during the month.

These hiring trends revealed that the economy is rebounding from the recent downturn spurred by the pandemic. In fact, the August unemployment rate was the lowest since the global pandemic struck the United States in March, according to the Labor Department.

Expectations from economists were that the unemployment rate would drop from 10.2 percent to 9.8 percent over the course of the month, so the 8.4 percent represented positive news. In addition, workers temporarily laid off declined to 6.2 million, a sharp contrast from more than 18 million in April. Permanent job losses increased to 3.4 million.

In particular, government hiring represented more than 340,000 workers – chiefly those working for the Census – and eight million more people reported getting off of furlough. Likewise, new retail positions represented an increase of nearly 250,000 workers and leisure and hospitality saw growth of close to 175,000 people. Warehouse and storage jobs added 78,000 positions and education and health services reported gains of about 147,000 workers.

Unemployment rates for diverse workers also decreased: The unemployment rate for Black people fell to 13 percent while the same rate dropped to about 11 percent for Asians and 10.5 percent for Hispanic workers – all representing month-over-month decreases.

On the whole, economic news is trending stronger, with positive bumps in real estate, retail sales, real estate, manufacturing and hiring.

Improve Your People Skills in 8 Simple Steps

Technology is important to every business today, but people skills still make the difference between a great business and an average one. While some people are a natural when it comes to communicating and connecting with others, others struggle with this component of business management.

If you are looking to bolster your personal or business connection to customers, consider the following 8 steps for success:

1. Ask questions (and listen carefully to the answers). Make an effort to learn more about your customers. Ask about their interests and concerns. Show your interest in them. If you are introverted, this is a great way of getting other people to talk about their passions and needs – you will learn what they love, what they struggle with and what they want more of, which can inform your offerings.

2.  Show your appreciation. The words “thank you” can go a long way in the world today. Show your customers and visitors how much you appreciate their time and interest. Send thank you cards with each order you ship. Offer sincere compliments. People like to hang out with others who make them feel noticed and appreciated.

3.  Maintain impeccable business ethics. This should be a given, and it is critical to long-term business success. Simply put, good business ethics means that your business and everyone involved with it should act with integrity. Treat your customers and suppliers the way you want to be treated.

4.  Clarify your values and incorporate them into your business planning. You may already know that creativity and honesty, for example, are the most important values to you and your business. This information can help you with everything from training to marketing to customer service. Clarify your personal and business values and ensure that they inform everything you do.

5.  Take a class. There are a wealth of online classes or podcasts on everything from communication to persuasion and strategy. If there is an area that you struggle with, find a well-reviewed course and dive deeper into that topic. A growth mindset is key to business growth as well.

6. Treat everyone with respect. Again, this should not be a surprise for any business owner or employee, but there are still too many examples of poor customer service out there. Treat each person you meet with consideration and respect – not only is it the right thing to do, but it will also help you build your reputation as an outstanding business that takes care of its customers.

7. Stay positive. Some days are hard, some years are hard. Sometimes your power goes out and you lose profits and products. Sometimes your system goes down and no one can get through. Every business faces adversity, but how you respond to it makes all the difference.

8.  Make connections. If you haven’t already joined a local or industry business association, do so now. These connections can help you with problems you didn’t even know you had and they can help you focus on future growth as well. Some businesses fail to do this, thinking that other businesses are simply competitors. We’re all in this together and sometimes these same businesses can turn out to be your greatest allies.

All of these people skills can help your business shine, cementing your reputation as a true treasure and a place that appreciates every person who walks through the door.

Why Twitter May Be an Outlier When It Comes to Long-Term Remote Working

Many workers and managers took note when Twitter said its employees could remain working from home for as long as they liked – and many expected a tidal wave of other companies to follow suit. Yet, not every company is willing, able or suited to make the transition to regular remote working.

To determine if this arrangement works for a given business, it helps to examine the pros and cons of working from home.

Some of the pros include:

1. Flexibility (and talented employees who appreciate this flexibility): You can draw from a broader global talent pool when you offer greater flexibility – workers can manage dentist appointments, visits from the plumber, workouts and more when they have greater flexibility in setting and maintaining their hours.

2. Time: Along those same lines, employees can save a significant amount of time when they don’t have to worry about commuting (not to mention the environmental benefits) or spending as much time getting ready each morning. This is more time people can dedicate to their jobs and/or personal pursuits.

3. Productivity: Many team members report increased productivity and innovation from working at home. Likewise, the technology tools to support this are better than ever.

4. Loyalty: Employees stay with businesses they deem appreciative of their talents and flexible with time. Companies may have to spend less time hiring and training when their workforce stays longer.

On the other hand, some of the cons are:

1. Training: When you do have new employees, training and onboarding can be more difficult, entail extra steps and take longer.

2. Relationships: Building connections with coworkers often happens while pouring a cup of coffee, walking to meetings or enjoying a meal. All of these interactions can add up to a stronger team, and this is harder to forge when everyone is at home.

3. Work-life balance: The lines between work and home can quickly become blurred when you are working at home. Some people will struggle to balance commitments on one or both ends.

4. ·Endless distractions: Young kids, barking dogs, technology issues, ringing doorbells – the list of potential distractions is endless and some workers will struggle to stay focused in light of all of these.

Ultimately, companies will need to determine how effective their workforce is at home and whether that is sustainable for the long term. In the meantime, focusing on employee dynamics, productivity and morale can bolster greater at-home success.

6 Top Tips for Managing Remote Employees

More than ever, people are working – and managing other people – from home offices. Some companies are finding the transition surprisingly successful and plan to continue it indefinitely while others may struggle with time management and accountability, among other issues.

If you find yourself suddenly managing remote employees, these 6 top tips will help you and your team succeed in this new environment:

1.      Share in both the pains and the gains. Unless your office had many remote employees previously, this may be a big challenge for everyone involved. Issues can include lack of face time, communication challenges, technology issues, and the many distractions of family, pets and home life. Let your team know that you recognize these challenges and that you’re facing them yourself. Likewise, let them know that you see their efforts and celebrate the good that is happening.

2.      Ensure that everyone has the right tools and technology. Just like school districts have had to scrounge to supply tablets and laptops to students in need, many of your employees may need assistance in procuring the technology and tools they need in an at-home environment. These items may include a laptop, policy manuals, a corporate credit card, a headset and a phone, for example. Make sure that security and privacy remain paramount in your offsite work.

3.      Establish clear expectations. Based on the work and the employee, expectations may vary, but it is important to set guidelines from the start so that your team doesn’t drift off every day at 3 p.m. (that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t let them leave a little early on Friday if all work is satisfactorily completed). This can include start and end times, email and voicemail response times, resolving X issues an hour and other specific deadlines. Determine how much of this work needs to be documented and how it should be done.

4.      Stay connected. When you are suddenly and indefinitely away from the office, you may quickly realize how much you miss those water-cooler interactions, the birthday celebrations and the impromptu lunches. With that in mind, make an effort to conduct regular team meetings where everyone has a chance to participate and to see each other’s faces. This can provide connection, communication and a chance to check in. Make sure all team meetings include an agenda. You can also check in with individual employees on a regular basis.

5.      Pay attention to budgets. While remote work can save money in the long run if you give up expensive office space, this work can also be costly in the short term if you are paying for your regular physical space while also supporting everyone’s technology needs at home. Particularly if you are in charge of a budget, pay attention to charges and costs throughout your remote working time.

6.      Communicate, communicate, communicate. Email and texts can easily be misinterpreted and days away from the office may turn into weeks and months. Make sure you are regularly communicating with your team and your managers and letting your group know what is coming and what to expect.

Finally, be patient. Change always takes time. Give yourself and your team the time and space they need to get settled and to begin moving ahead proactively.

Life in the Gig Economy

The “gig economy” is a bigger part of our overall economy and workforce than ever before. Often defined as work that includes temp jobs, freelance projects and independent contracting versus a full-time position with one company, the gig economy allows for flexibility, creativity and independence.

A whopping 57 million Americans now participate in the gig economy, according to Gallup, and more than half of the workforce in the United States will consist of gig workers or those who have worked independently at some point by the year 2023, according to MBO Partners. Young people, in particular, are part of this movement, although recessions can create more opportunities for others interested in freelance or part-time positions.

What has changed and what stays the same

While online freelance platforms have been growing steadily for decades, more corporations are now getting into the gig economy business. To save money on full-time employees, some large companies are pursuing contractors, freelancers and seasonal workers for areas such as IT, social media marketing, design, writing and more.

Older Americans are also looking into gig work – with more seniors looking into work such as Lyft and Uber drivers or Airbnb hosts, among other flexible positions, so it is not just a young person’s game.

The beauty of the gig economy

While full-time work does often come with healthcare and benefits, more people today are interested in following a dream or passion than crunching numbers or spending every day doing the same work inside the same building. Gig work allows people to come and go, to work when they need money and then to travel, pursue a hobby or simply enjoy more leisure time. It also allows the flexibility and convenience that some families require, for example, allowing one parent to work at night to avoid child care costs.

Many college graduates are now choosing to work for themselves or find a flexible position for several years before moving on to something more steady or completing another degree program. Likewise, anyone struggling to find a full-time job can find part-time gig work in areas such as delivery, technology, the arts and more.

Ultimately, the gig economy is clearly here to stay, and will likely continue to explode as more people either struggle to find the right full-time job or choose to pursue more flexible or meaningful work. Furthermore, the gig economy is changing the way businesses of all shapes and sizes work, as companies realize they need to offer more flexibility to maintain satisfied employees.

Put Your Best Face Forward: How to Excel in a Video Interview

More companies are turning to online platforms such as Zoom and Google Hangouts for job interviews, which means applicants need to really focus on putting their best face forward to score an offer. While many of the secrets to success in video interviews are the same as for an in-person interview, there are a few key differences.

Beyond the obvious – practice ahead of time and wear pants – here are 10 top tips for succeeding in your next video job interview:

1.      Be confident. You might feel more nervous than you would for an in-person interview – where you can get a better feel for the person or team interviewing you – or even a phone interview – where you can make funny faces and easily refer to your notes – but you need to let your confidence and personality show. Practice with a friend or family member ahead of time so you are comfortable with the technology, the company interviewing you and your potential answers.

2.      Testing, 1, 2, 3. Beyond knowing how to mute and unmute your microphone, you should be very familiar with the technology you’re using for the interview – and have a back-up device ready, if needed. Chat with a friend or family member ahead of time to make sure you look and sound good and that there is no distracting background noise or clutter. Make sure you are the right distance from your laptop or phone – you don’t want to appear giant or miniscule in the interview. A neutral background is best.

3.      Dress for success. Even if you’re sitting in your living room, you should look just as nice – and formal – as if you were going to an impressive office for the interview. Focus on your outfit from head to toe, which includes shoes, even if you don’t normally wear them inside. Make sure the clothes you select all look good on camera and that your outfit isn’t too busy. Finally, make sure you’re not wearing anything that creates distracting glare or reflections, such as a watch or glasses.

4.      It’s all about the body language. Good eye contact is critical to garnering good reviews and developing rapport in any kind of job interview. Look closely at the interviewer’s face, nod your head and smile, trying to appear as natural as possible, even from a distance. Maintain good posture throughout the interview, rather than wiggling or slouching. Nonverbal communication says a lot.

5.      Let the other person finish speaking before you start. If you jump in too early, it is particularly awkward on video calls, where you can actually mute someone’s mic as you take over the conversation. Make sure the interviewer has finished the question or comment before you begin to respond.

6.      Slow down. If you tend to talk fast or ramble, this can make it hard to hear your answers during a video interview. Practice pauses within your answers ahead of time, and make sure you speak with the right volume – not too loud, not too soft.

7.      Arrive early. When everyone is working from home, it’s easy to slide into a meeting with 10 seconds to spare. However, if you were interviewing in an office, you would show up at least five to 10 minutes early and you should do that here as well to show you are ready and that you are prompt.

8.      Keep notes to a minimum. It can be helpful to have your resume, a few key bullets and responses nearby if you need them for reference, but this should be more of a free-flowing conversation, so do your best to avoid shuffling papers or looking down at notes. Again, the more you practice ahead of time, the less you will need to rely on notes.

9.      Handle disruptions like a pro. If disruptions – your cat, the interviewer’s laptop – happen, don’t fret. While it is important to minimize them, when possible, by silencing your phone and closing the windows, just have a sense of humor and maintain your professionalism if something does arise.

10.  Focus on your opening and closing comments. It’s nice to make a little small talk, which often happens naturally at the beginning and ending of an in-person interview, to show your interest and your personality. Make sure you have some questions ready for the interviewer as well. Do your best to be yourself and to show your best self off.

Video interviews offer a chance for people in different locations or time zones to connect and get to know more about each other, a particular company/position and a candidate’s fit for a given job. Next time you have a video job interview lined up, prepare, prepare, prepare ahead of time and then let yourself shine.