Life Principles for Personal Excellence

/in

Present times glorify hustle culture to the point that we have a tendency to think about our careers more than any other part of our lives. Whether you work from home or on-site/at an office, your job takes up 40+ hours of your week. Additionally, there is a ton of content in the online space that focuses on careers. Whether it discusses tactics for getting a job or how to do your best work on the job, what often gets missed is recommendations for personal life. Our professional and personal lives are intertwined and go hand-in-hand with one another. If we commit ourselves to personal excellence, it will show through in our professional lives and vice versa. Here are 10 principles to live by for personal excellence.

1. Develop Beneficial Habits

Habits are what will shape your life. It’s the things that you do consistently that will give you the results you’re looking for. Begin by deciding what you want in all areas of your life: money, relationships, health & fitness, etc. Then come up with habits that will get you closer to them. Habits can be hard to establish, but once you get through the initial forming of them, they will become a part of you. Choose wisely and you will notice them changing your life for the better.

2. Seek Knowledge, Not Just Results

Don’t get me wrong, we should always be striving to meet our goals. But we don’t want to get so focused on our results that we forget to do things for the experience, the pleasure, the experimentation, the exploration. Life is just as much about the memories and experiences as it is about making things happen for ourselves. Don’t burn out or miss all of the fun by always having an end in mind. You’re allowed to do things just because.

3. Learn Something New Every Day

Doing so will improve your life in more ways than one. The more knowledge you have, the better equipped you are to handle what life throws at you. You will also naturally start to have more confidence in yourself. It can also spark your interest in what will become a lifelong hobby or new career path. You will catch yourself starting to think outside the box and randomly being able to use the information you’ve learned as situations come up.

 

4. Lack of Planning Results in Less Than Achievement

No one is saying that you have to obsessively plan, but you will save a lot of time if you start your days with a plan instead of trying to wing everything. You also need to know what you’re working towards so you can break it down into small steps to create it. Planning will look different for everyone, do it in a way that works for you. The most important thing is just to have a plan and stick to it as often and as best as you can.

5. Distraction is the Enemy of Productivity

There are so many things in life that require your attention. Be sure that the majority of your time is being spent focused on building the life you want. Also, make it a point to eliminate things that are taking from you. Chores, long commutes, lack of planning, time-wasting habits, etc. This doesn’t mean that you can’t ever mindlessly scroll through social media, but do it intentionally instead of letting two hours go by and then wondering why you have no time left in your day for the important things.

 

6. Ability is Mostly about How You Spend Your Time

It’s easy to fall into the comparison trap and believe that someone else is talented at the thing you want or want to do. While ability can definitely give you the upper hand in some cases, working on your craft regularly is what will set you apart. Natural talent is only a part of it, don’t discourage yourself from trying and working at something just because you didn’t start out as skilled as someone else.

7.It’s Never Too Late to Be Great

Too many people choose not to act on something that they want because they fear that they started or are starting too late. If you choose to start now, you will surprise yourself with how far you’ve come in a year; especially if you’re consistent. If it’s something that you’ve been considering for a while now, it will keep coming up until you act on it. Start now, today it’s not too late, but someday it will be.

8. Do One thing that Scares You a Day

Taking small steps daily will help you diminish your fears and give you the courage to purse the bigger things that scare you. Doing one thing that scares you a day will help you grow as a person and see that we are much more capable than we ever imagined ourselves to be.

9. Take Your Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise Seriously

You have two places to live, the earth and your body. When we’re younger, we like to believe that we’re invincible and can eat whatever we want, go without exercise, and run on just a few hours of sleep per night. As you get older this becomes less and less of the case and will start to affect your work performance and quality of life. You don’t have to treat life like a fitness competition, but you definitely want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself.

 

10. Do What YOU Want

In this lifetime, there are so many (and will continue to be) expectations put on us by society, family, and everyone in between. Especially if you decide to do something unconventional or even just outside of your usual, people are going to say something. You get one life to live, do it your way. If you choose to listen to everyone else instead of yourself, you will be missing out and constantly wondering what it would have been like if you had just done what you wanted. You’re the only one that has to live with yourself, no other explanation needed.

If you or someone you know is looking for a job, check out our latest job postings here.

Star Tribune’s 2019 Top Workplace in Minnesota

/in ,

Star Tribune Names Award Staffing as a 2019 Top 150 Workplace in Minnesota

Bloomington, MN June 13th, 2019—Award Staffing has been named one of the Top 150 places to work in Minnesota by the Star Tribune for the fourth year in a row. A complete list of those selected is available at StarTribune.com/topworkplaces2019 and was also published in the Star Tribune Top Workplaces special section on Sunday, June 16.

Produced by the same team that compiles the 28-year-old Star Tribune 100 report of the best-performing public companies in Minnesota, Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health, and satisfaction. The analysis included responses from over 140,000 employees at Minnesota public, private and nonprofit organizations.

The rankings in the Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces are based on survey information collected by Energage, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention.

Award Staffing was ranked 59 of 70 on the small company list.

Star Tribune Publisher Michael J. Klingensmith said, “The companies in the Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces deserve high praise for creating the very best work environments in the state of Minnesota. My congratulations to each of these exceptional companies.”

Why Award Staffing as a Top Workplace in Minnesota?

“Of all the national and local awards we receive, this one is the most important because the judges are our employees. We are honored to be included in the list of Top Workplaces.” – Tom Thissen, Owner, and CEO

We continue to hold firm to our signature approach to service – reinforce connections between the people and the places we serve. Our role is to fulfill gainful employment by serving both job seekers and businesses alike. These awards would not be possible without the efforts of our recruiters, our associates, our clients, and every candidate who has walked through our doors.

To qualify for the Star Tribune Top Workplaces, a company must have more than 50 employees in Minnesota. Over 2,000 companies were invited to participate. Rankings were composite scores calculated purely on the basis of employee responses.

Slips, Trips, and Falls Safety at Work

/in

Slips, trips, and falls are responsible for many general industry accidents.  They cause 15% of all accidental deaths and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities. 65% of fall-related injuries occur as a result of falls from same-level walking surfaces.

Conditions that create slip, trip, and fall hazards include:

• Dry product spills such as dusts, powders, granules and small metal parts
• Highly polished or freshly waxed floors
• Uneven or sloped surfaces
• Transitions from one surface to another (e.g., outdoors to indoors, carpet to vinyl, grid to concrete)
• Unanchored rugs or mats, loose floorboards or steps, missing tiles
• Gravel, grass, leaves, pine needles and other slippery natural materials
• Incorrect use of personal protective gear and fall prevention equipment
• Poor housekeeping such as clutter, obstacles in work areas, open cabinets and desk drawers
• Inadequate or no cautionary signage
• Dim lighting, glare, shadows or misty conditions
• Individual physical factors such as poor eyesight or depth perception; fatigue, dizziness, stress or illness; medication, alcohol and drug effects
• Behavioral factors such as talking on cell phones or eating while walking; hurrying and not paying attention to surroundings; carrying or moving cumbersome or tall objects; taking unsafe shortcuts; being off balance when mounting/dismounting vehicles, equipment, ladders or scaffolding; wearing inappropriate footwear for the conditions or wet, muddy or greasy shoes

 

Precautions and Prevention:

• Practicing good housekeeping
• Keeping floor surfaces clean and dry
• Providing adequate drainage in wet floor locations
• Ensuring wet floor warning signs are posted in and around wet floor locations
• Maintaining clear aisles and passageways
• Ensuring walkway surfaces are in good repair
• Keeping cords and hoses out of the way
• Reporting and cleaning up spills immediately
• Providing non-slip coatings or anti-skid surfaces
• Minimizing matting trip hazards
• Providing adequate lighting in all areas
• Eliminating uneven floor surfaces
• Setting standards for type(s) of footwear to be worn
• Training the workforce to take shorter, more vertical steps in tricky spots and to step over obstacles at an angle
• Establishing an “eyes on the path” and no running rule
• Be observant.
• Placement of warning signs or caution tape and cleaning up spills

 

When walking, employees should:

• Wear non-slip shoes or work boots
• Proceed at a reasonable pace and avoid distractions
• Use handrails when going up or down stairs and not skip steps
• Use a flashlight in dimly lit or dark areas
• Use extra caution when walking from one surface to another or when the walking surface is uneven, wet or icy
• Hold small loads close to their body and not carry anything that is too large or bulky to see over or around

 

Good housekeeping practices include:

• Stowing or covering electrical cords, cables, hoses and other trip hazards
• Repairing damaged ladders or steps and uneven walking surfaces
• Ensuring floors are clean, dry and not too slippery
• Closing all drawers and doors that protrude into walkways and aisles
• Installing skid-resistant materials on ramps and other sloped surfaces
• Cleaning up spills following strategic placement of caution signs
• Using moisture-absorbent, slide-proof floor mats, especially at entrances/exits
• Installing adequate lighting in walkways, staircases, ramps, hallways and other work areas

Also review other workplace safety topics here or if you’re looking to hire new employees but don’t know where to start, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find the right employees for your unique business needs.

Download Now

 

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Every month we will share with you an engaging infographic, designed to catch the attention of workers around that month’s topic.

Utility Knife Safety in the Workplace

/in

Many workers use utility knives to cut drywall, ceiling tile, strapping, puncture shrinkwrap, and open packaging. But one wrong move and these blades can do serious harm. If there is one hand tool that demands your respect over many others in the workplace, a tool that can cut you to the bone in an instant, it’s the utility knife.

In fact, nearly 40 percent of all injuries attributed to manual workshop tools in the US involve utility knives.

Accidents involving utility knives occur for the following reasons:

• Drawing the knife towards you instead of away from your body.
• Working with a dull blade. (Dull blades require more pressure, increasing the potential for injury.)
• Trying to cut more than the knife can handle.
• Improperly storing the knife with the blade extended.
• Failing to wear personal protective equipment.
• Neglecting to inspect the tool before use.
• Blade and tip are left exposed when put away, laid down or put in tool boxes.

Knife Use –

• A knife should be used for cutting and cutting only
• Never use a knife as a screwdriver or prying tool
• Always make cuts away from your body
• Do not use too much pressure to cut
• Never use a defective knife – such as one with a broken handle, blade or lock system
• Always be sure the knife is sharp
• Dull knives lead to injury because more pressure is needed to cut and this can result in slips
• Never throw a knife
• When done with the knife make sure the blade is retracted into the handle.
• Make sure you are using the right knife for the job. A good sharp knife should cut without difficulty, allowing you to get the job done quickly and safely.

Protection –

• If you have to make cuts close to your body, be sure to wear the proper PPE to avoid injury
• Gloves and Kevlar sleeves are available for certain cutting applications

Storage –

• Always carry a knife in its sheath
• Never leave a knife uncovered on a table or workbench
• Always store the knife with the cutting edge down or covered, keep it on the pouch and not exposed.

First Aid –

• Treat even the smallest cut
• Blood Poisoning or infections can develop if cuts are not treated properly

REMEMBER!! Utility knives are extremely handy on the job, but they can also be handy in causing serious injuries. As an employer, please take time to download this informational graphic to generate awareness and prevention of utility knife related injuries.

Also review other workplace safety topics here or if you’re looking to hire new employees but don’t know where to start, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find the right employees for your unique business needs.

Download Now

 

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Every month we will share with you an engaging infographic, designed to catch the attention of workers around that month’s topic.

Preventing Heat Stress

/in

Effective Ways to Prevent Heat Stress in the Workplace!

Heat stress generally occurs when spending long periods of time outside/inside in excessive heat. Symptoms typically include physical exhaustion, cramping, rashes, and dehydration. In the most severe cases, heat stroke can result in confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness and even death.

Risk Factors for Heat Illness

· High temperature and humidity, direct sun exposure, no breeze or wind
· Heavy physical labor
· Not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
· Limited air movement
· Bulky or heavy personal protective equipment or clothing
· Radiant heat sources (vehicle and equipment engines, hot manufacturing processes, etc.)
· Physical conditioning and health conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, influenza, etc.)

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

· A headache, dizziness, or fainting
· Weakness and wet skin
· Irritability or confusion
· Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. Burns may also occur as a result of accidental contact with hot surfaces or steam.

To Prevent Heat Illness:

· Establish a complete heat illness prevention program.
· Provide training about the hazards leading to heat stress and how to prevent them.
· Provide a lot of cold water to workers close to the work area. At least one pint of water per hour is needed.
· Take breaks in more relaxed, shaded areas and rest regularly.
· Use fans or air conditioning to stay cool.
· Use cooling pads that can be inserted into hardhats or around the neck to keep the head and neck cool. Vented hardhats or neckbands soaked in cold water also can be used to minimize prolonged heat exposure and prevent the body from overheating.
· Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.
· To prevent dehydration, another hazard associated with exposure to heat, drink lots of water, about one cup every 15 minutes. Drink cold water and avoid diuretics such as coffee, tea, alcohol or soda, as these can deplete the body of fluid.

 

With outside temperatures and humidity soaring during the summer months, now is the time to make sure employees are taking the steps necessary to protect themselves from heat stress and heat-related illness. As an employer, please take time to download this informational graphic to generate awareness and prevention of serious heat illnesses. Also review other workplace safety topics here or if you’re looking to hire new employees but don’t know where to start, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find the right employees for your unique business needs.

Download Now

 

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Every month we will share with you an engaging infographic, designed to catch the attention of workers around that month’s topic.

6 Easy Ways to Avoid Electrical Accidents at Work

/in

If you’ve been shocked, burned, or suffered from any sort of injury as a result of electrical hazards at work, your very first step is to search for medical attention. Try to recall, electrical burns are among the most serious injuries you’ll have the ability to receive and needs to be given prompt attention. With care, such accidents are simple to avoid and save plenty of pain.

Today’s employee’s work with or uses electricity directly or indirectly throughout the workday. Since it has become such a familiar part of our daily lives, we tend to overlook the hazards electricity poses.

Preventing Electrical Accidents

Electricity can Shock, Burn, and Cause Fires or Explosions. Your body can easily conduct electricity. Avoid electrical accidents by doing the following;

· Inspect electrical equipment before use.
· Check that plugs have a good, tight connection.
· Never bend pronged plugs.
· Don’t touch anything electrical with wet hands or while standing in water.
· Don’t use metal tools or metal hard hats around electricity.
· Use insulated tools.

Award Staffing wants to help you keep your workplace safe. Please download our free informational flier for avoiding electrical accidence. Also review other workplace safety topics here or if you’re looking to hire new employees but don’t know where to start, contact Award Staffing. We will be able to help you find the right employees for your unique business needs.

Download Now

 

SUBSCRIBE TODAY

Every month we will share with you an engaging infographic, designed to catch the attention of workers around that month’s topic.

Star Tribune’s 2018 Top Workplace in Minnesota

/in ,

Award Staffing Named One of Star Tribune’s Top Places to Work in Minnesota

Bloomington, MN June 25th, 2018—Award Staffing has been named one of the Top 150 places to work in Minnesota by the Star Tribune. A complete list of those selected is available at StarTribune.com/topworkplaces2018 and was also published in the Star Tribune Top Workplaces special section on Sunday, June 24.

Top Places to Work In Minnesota

Top Places to Work In Minnesota

Produced by the same team that compiles the 27-year-old Star Tribune 100 report of the best-performing public companies in Minnesota, Top Workplaces recognizes the most progressive companies in Minnesota based on employee opinions measuring engagement, organizational health, and satisfaction. The analysis included responses from over 71,000 employees at Minnesota public, private and nonprofit organizations.

The rankings in the Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces are based on survey information collected by Energage, an independent company specializing in employee engagement and retention.

Award Staffing was ranked 31 of 70 on the small company list.

Star Tribune Publisher Michael J. Klingensmith said, “The companies in the Star Tribune Top 150 Workplaces deserve high praise for creating the very best work environments in the state of Minnesota. My congratulations to each of these exceptional companies.”

Why Award Staffing as a Top Place to Work in Minnesota?

Over 30 years ago Award Staffing started with only one office and a couple of team members with a signature approach; providing its clients with unsurpassed service and their associates with the clear career path, all the while serving the communities in which we work and live.

Today, Award Staffing has grown to a nationally recognized staffing agency with six locations all throughout the Twin Cities. Even though times have changed, their approach to service with a local focus has not. By using innovating technologies and processes, they have been able to grow the quality of service that has made us a premier staffing company.

To qualify for the Star Tribune Top Workplaces, a company must have more than 50 employees in Minnesota. Over 2,400 companies were invited to participate. Rankings were composite scores calculated purely on the basis of employee responses.