Tag Archive for: company culture

What Is Your Company Known For?

/in

Today, as some of our team was in a meeting discussing things we would like to roll out early next year, a very simple but profound statement came up; “We do two things, we sell and we hire”. It’s true, here at Award Staffing, we sell our services to local businesses and we help local residents find work (at those companies). Sure there are many moving parts to this, and they are not the only things we do per se, but those two things are our primary functions; they are what we are known for. That being said, if someone were to ask you what your company does, would you know what to tell them without giving a long, drawn-out explanation?

Many times in college marketing classes, students who are about to go out in search of their first real job, are taught how to craft an Elevator Pitch about themselves. An elevator pitch is a statement or description of a product or company that explains the concept in a clear way within a matter of seconds. Essentially, if you only had one elevator ride to tell someone what you did, what would you tell them? Although you may do a variety of things, this pitch is meant to highlight what’s most important so someone can decide if they are interested in working with you or your company. Truthfully, you never know where you’ll meet an ideal client or future employer or how much time you’ll have when you do. Therefore, being prepared for when that opportunity comes will put you at an advantage. Remember, though you and everyone at your company may be experts at what you do; the rest of the world isn’t as well versed. In order to market your company as one that others would want to work with, it’s important to be able to communicate your expertise in a prompt yet efficient manner.

There are a number of reasons it is important to explain what you do succinctly:

1. Your Website

People tend to have very short attention spans. When they are checking out your digital presence, you want to be able to capture their attention and understanding right away. If they can get an idea of what you do from reading just a few short sentences, you will give the first impression that you truly are experts, building a trust factor right away.

2. Conversation

Not only do you not know how much time you truly have to explain yourself when you are first meeting someone, but you also want the chance to make the conversation a dialogue. If you’re doing all of the talking in order to explain what you do, the other person won’t have a chance to ask questions or gage their understanding of what you do. You will look much more credible if you can explain what you do quickly and confidently.

3. Marketing

No matter what the medium, when you are marketing your company, product, or service, you need to be able to get your message across swiftly. Think of all of the most successful marketing and advertising campaigns out there…you likely remember them for their brevity and wittiness. A single quote, a new concept, a rising trend…Whether it’s the verbiage on a billboard or the 30 second pop-up advertisement, things are much more memorable when they are kept sharp and clever.

If your company is in need of employees, Award Staffing is here to help. Contact us here.

Why the Right Employees Make All the Difference

/in

No matter what type of business you run, or where you are located in the United States, it is no secret that there are many more job openings than there are people willing to fill them. The pandemic has allowed people to reconsider what is most important to them and as a result, many people have become more particular about the positions they take. Knowing that there are many options out there that would allow them to work from home and having had the time to start their own income generating projects, a large percentage of the population has chosen to either look for a position that doesn’t require their physical presence or leave the workforce entirely to pursue their own venture.

Of course this has business owners and hiring managers in a bind and has significantly slowed down production of all products and services on a national level. This can make it tempting to employ any and all people who apply to your company. However, as inclined as you may be to do that, being sure that you take the time and consideration into hiring the best/right employees is what will be of the biggest benefit in the long run. Here’s why:

Work Ethic

This may just be the most important quality an employee can have. This means they are someone who arrives to work on time, makes productive use of their time, gets their tasks done, and produces quality work. Without work ethic, you will end up wasting payroll on employees that are not getting the job done. It will be better if you hold out to hire the right people than to spend money on a revolving door of employees.

Social Skills

If you choose to hire just anyone who you think can get the job done, you may find yourself with either; an employee who does not get on well with the rest of the team, or someone who does not do well with clients/customers. Although disagreements between employees are inevitable, it’s important to make sure that the people you bring on can get along with others. In the case of needing your team to collaborate on something or communicate often, it’s important to have people who can work well with one another.

Dependability

Having employees that are reliable is a key component in having a successful operation. This means they show up every day and you as a manager can trust that they are doing their job. Someone who is not dependable will call in at the last minute, have excuses why things aren’t getting done, and may even one day randomly disappear and not come back. This isn’t a good use of the time you spend onboarding employees and you will find your company with plenty of work that still needs to be completed once the days are over. Avoid this by doing your best to find dependable employees.

Communication

People with excellent communication skills are often hard to find. There are so many different facets to communication from email and text responses, to being able to get a point across effectively in person. Having a team of people who all have good communication will ensure fewer errors, will result in prompt responses, and will enable you to have a team that is always on the same page.

Adaptability

As the past year and a half has taught all of us, things are inevitably going to come up unexpectedly. Having employees who understand that instead of insisting that “we’ve always done it this way”, will be a major advantage to you and the rest of the team. People who are adaptable are willing to modify their jobs as needed, shift their schedule occasionally if the business needs it, and are open to hearing new ideas. As an employer, it is important to let adaptable employees know they are appreciated, because otherwise they will feel that their flexibility is being taken advantage of and may take their skills somewhere else.

Self- Motivation

People who are self-motivated, do not constantly need to be told what to do. They know what their job is and will see what needs to be done and take the initiative to do it themselves. Having people like this on your team will keep the flow of operations going as well as save you time as you won’t have to regularly stop what you’re doing to give them direction.

Company Culture

In today’s society, company culture is one of the most valued traits a company can have according to employees. It is one of the number one contributors to employee happiness, therefore it is important that when you’re hiring, you look for people who will fit and contribute to your company’s culture. This means people who have a similar mindset about the company’s mission, people who participate in company events, and people who actively work to keep the energy and the environment positive.

If your company is in need of employees, we at Award Staffing are here to help you! Contact us with your staffing needs here.

How Your Company Can Use Experiential Marketing in 2021

/in

Marketing…what comes to mind when you hear that word? While marketing strategies look different across every industry, it is particularly important right now as we are recovering from a pandemic. As every company is going to implement new and improved methods of operation as well as new ideas for how to bring in business in a post-pandemic market, staying relevant and in the front of your ideal client’s minds by means of marketing is key.

Depending on the business, reasons for marketing will vary. While some companies are looking to build a reputation and gain social proof, others are looking to inform and educate potential clients/customers on their product or service. However, the common denominator is that businesses use marketing as a tool to drive business and bring in sales. Particularly after a year of minimal in-person interaction, experiential marketing is something you will want to maximize.  An effective way to do so is through Experiential Marketing.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to have a physical product to use experiential marketing as part of your strategy. Any campaign where you’re interacting with your potential clients/customers is classified as experiential marketing. This is something that can set the foundation for a long lasting relationship between a brand and their clients as it gives you the opportunity to make a lasting impression. Here are three ways you can use this type of marketing to drive your business.

Brand Partnerships

This can work particularly well if you run a business that does not have a physical product. Free samples of any kind are sure to grab people’s attention. Hosting an experiential event in a public space such as a city park or taking the approach of guerilla marketing. Partner with a product based brand where they can give out free samples of their product while you provide a memorable experience of some sort. It can be a game for a prize, a sensory experience, or an opportunity for passerby’s to create something. Do everything you can to make it memorable, this is what will build omnipresence and keep you at the forefront of your ideal client/customer’s mind. 

Host a Gala/Fundraiser  

Especially if your company has a cause that it regularly contributes to. Philanthropy has become a core value to nearly everyone in the modern world. Knowing that you are an organization that is out doing something for the greater good will make potential clients more likely to work with you. Hosting an event that you invite them to will give the local community and companies that you want to partner with an idea of what your company culture is like and a taste of what they can expect should they do business with you. Hosting an event that will benefit a good cause is sure to bring in a lot of potential partners as they will be happy to attend an event where their ticket cost and donations will contribute to a good cause.

Exchange Event

If you are looking to collect email addresses, take photos for social media, or get more candidates into your company database, an equal exchange can be the way to go. If your office is located in a central location, set up a table outside. If not, find a space you can possibly pay to set up a booth such as a shared workspace, open-air market, or trade show. Invest in a bulk of something that will grab the attention of people passing by such as free smoothies, branded cupcakes, or branded popsockets. Tell people who approach the booth that if they provide their email or take a photo with your product, they are free to take one. Just be sure that it is something they will deem worth it. Branded magnets or pens are outdates and won’t make your company appear as very trendy or prestigious. Make a good first impression by providing them something of value. You could even go the extra mile and have a drawing for a grand prize for everyone who participates.  This is how you will get referrals and build a good reputation.

 

If your company is currently in search of employees, we at Award Staffing are here to help you. Contact us here with any questions or inquiries.

How to Determine a Company’s Culture

/in

Before accepting a job at any company, it’s a good idea to gage what the ambience of working there will be like. Especially if you would like it to be a long-term position that helps you grow in your career, you want to ensure that it will be an environment where you fit in well and feel confident that you can thrive. Employees today list company culture as one of their top values. They know that even if they are compensated well, if they aren’t comfortable in the environment or with the people they are working with, it is unlikely to last long.

If you flat out ask a hiring manger or recruiter what a company culture is like, they will likely just tell you want you want to hear. Of course, when they are in need of more employees and know that you are a good candidate, they’ll say whatever they have to in order to keep you. That is why you as a job seeker can (and should) ask discreet questions and pay attention to subtle signs that help you gain a better perspective on what a company’s culture is truly like. Here are some suggestions:

 

1. Show up Early to an Interview and Observe

Instead of looking through your materials or going over what you plan to say in your head, pay attention to how the employees are interacting. Did the receptionist greet you? Are the employees conversing with one another? Is the office atmosphere quiet because everyone is working independently? Notice things like the dress code and how the office is decorated. This can be a good indicator of if it is a place you would enjoy working.

Whatever you take note of in the office; it is up to you to decide if you truly envision yourself working there. Everyone is going to have a different preference for what type of company will be a good fit for them. Gaging a culture begins from the moment you walk in the door.

2. Ask: “How long have you been with the company?”

This doesn’t just go for the person interviewing you, ask as many people as you can. If everyone you speak with has had a short tenure with the company, you need to ask more questions, such as, ‘how long have the longest employees worked here.” In the chance that the company is new, this can be ok. However, if it’s an established company, this is likely a sign that a company needs improvement. Maybe people are expected to work too much or that they would benefit from changing management.

3. Ask: “Does anyone here ever transfer departments?”

If you’ve ever been in a position where you enjoyed your company, just not your department, but were denied every opportunity to make a lateral move; it can be tempting to overtly ask if transfers are allowed. Most of the time, companies claim that they have plenty of flexibility and career growth, but often when the time comes, they choose to keep you stagnant for their own benefit. There’s nothing that will tell you more than specific examples. If they introduce you to someone who has made a lateral move, even better. 

4. Ask about Lunch Breaks

While you don’t have to ask specific questions about lunch, get an idea of how most employees spend their breaks. If you find out that everyone takes lunch at their desk, it could mean that employees are too overworked to disengage- even just for half an hour. It could also imply that the majority of people who work there are introverted and that it isn’t an office with a lot of interaction. While some people may prefer this, others may rather work for a company with strong social connections and a lot of team work. Depending on your preference, this can tell you a lot.

5. Review the Company on Multiple Platforms

This can happen before or after you go in for an interview. Look at employee review sites such as Glassdoor to see how internal employees rate the company. Where are their strengths and where are they falling short?  Also, LinkedIn to see employee profiles. Take note of how long several of them have been working for the company and what they list as their interests and job history. This way you can infer whether or not it is a pleasant place to work and see if you have anything in common with current employees.

6. Ask about Internal Career Paths

Just like everything else, ask for specific examples of where someone started, where they are now, and what it took for them to get there. How long were they with the company before they got their first promotion? How did they get the promotion, were they offered it or did they have to apply for it? Asking the right questions here is important because you don’t want them to give you a generic answer. If professional growth is important to you, it’s important that you find a company that not only sees your value, but also wants to see you expand.

When searching for your next best opportunity, you’ll want to make sure that a company matches your expectations. The best way to ensure this happens is with observation, research, and asking the right questions.

If you are currently in search of a new job, check out our latest opportunities here.

 

10 Tips for Making Your Job Ads Millennial and Gen-Z Friendly

/in

Believe it or not, Millennials and Gen-Z currently make up nearly 51% of the population in the United States. This means that inevitably, in the coming years, these generations will be leading the workforce across all industries.  Bringing people of these generations onto your team is an excellent business decision in a multitude of ways, beginning with that they are young and up-to-date on all of the trends that are constantly emerging in the modern world. However, enticing this age group to want to work for your company is entirely different than it was for job seekers 10 years ago, and it all starts with the job ad. As a group that has a smaller attention span than populations of the past, it is important to capture their attention right away.

Here is a list of 10 ways you can design your job ad to make them as Millennial and Gen-Z friendly as possible.

1. Emphasize Transferrable Skills, Not Work Experience

Although they are up-to-date on technology and very well-versed in their area of expertise, millennials have been in the workforce for under 10 years and Gen-Z is just beginning their professional life.  Experience is not the only thing that makes someone valuable. They will come with a number of soft skills as well as fresh perspectives to offer about the industry; don’t miss out before even meeting them by making them feel like they are too underqualified to apply. Also, just because they don’t yet have experience in a certain position, does not mean they won’t be as proficient as someone who does. Let them show you what they can offer by asking about their transferrable skills.

 

2. Pique their interest quickly

A great way to do this is by talking about several of the non-tangibles your company offers.  Flexible schedules, PTO, company happy hours, etc. These generations look for so much more than just a steady paycheck and benefits. They want personal growth, friendships, and a place that fits their personality. This is what will incentivize them to go above and beyond as well as help them thrive. When you’re writing the ad, be sure to put this portion towards the top or middle. If you don’t capture their attention quickly, they will likely lose interest and not bother reading the entire ad.

 

3. Highlight the Impact They’ll Have

One appreciable thing about this age group is that they have the deep desire to have impact and be part of the greater good. Known as the philanthropic generations, they want everything they do to be meaningful.  If they know that their job will contribute to a worthy cause, they will be highly invested from the get-go. Whether it’s making a difference within the company or outside of the company; if they feel like their job can make a difference, they will be all in.

 

4. Discuss Growth Opportunities

Employee tenure in these times is a much shorter duration than it has been in the past. A large part of this is because as soon as someone feels like they can’t move up within their current company, they begin their search for new opportunities. Let them know what options will be available to them once they have been with the company for a certain amount of time. It also helps to be a company that promotes strictly from within. Additionally, they want to grow on a personal level, therefore desire to be part of a company that can help them do that. Be sure to emphasize that you are not just their employer, but also a place that will help them expand on both a personal and professional level.

 

 5. Specify the Perks

This goes beyond just above average pay and an all-inclusive benefits package. Regardless of what a job will provide them, it’s important to Millennials and Gen-Z ers that they enjoy their day-to-day and can genuinely say that they are happy in their careers. If your company offers a lenient dress code or “Flex Fridays”, tell them all about it. These generations want their job to be part of their lifestyle, not just what they do for a living.

 6. Talk about the Team and Culture

Did you know that for this group of people, team and culture are often the top factors in determining whether or not they want to work somewhere? This can literally be a deal breaker. If you are working a 40+ hour week, you will spend more time with your co-workers than you do with your friends and family. Millennials and Gen-Z are well aware of this. It is important that whatever company they choose aligns with their personal values and that they feel like they can fit in and get along with the rest of the team. When creating an ad, discuss the personality of the company and some common traits that the people who work there have in common.

 

7. Be Brief and to the Point

If you make the ad too long, you will lose their attention. Period. Cut the fluff and only talk about the things that will actually matter in the eyes of your ideal candidates. Everything else can be talked about in the job interview.

8. Avoid Trendy Terminology

Remember, this age bracket grew up in the social media and technology era, especially Gen-Z. They have the ability to spot when a company is being inauthentic and saying certain things just to get their attention. This doesn’t mean you have to be too formal or use dry language, but avoid using terms like “marketing unicorn” or “sales rock star”; this can come off as condescending. The best thing you can do is make a job ad searchable and descriptive. By doing this, more people will find it and they will have a good idea of what they can expect if they get the position. These generations want clarity, so make the job title self-explanatory.

9. Be Transparent about what the Job Entails

Not only does this generation not like surprises, but they are also the type to need as many details as possible in order to make a decision. In all fairness to them, most job postings aren’t very clear or specific; they list requirements, have a summary of the company, and talk about pay and benefits. When looking at a job post, they want to be able to evaluate whether or not they will be able to do the job well and if they would enjoy the position. In the ad, make sure to list out several of the things they would be doing on a regular basis and what a typical day would look like.

 

10. Offer Instant Gratification

It is no secret that Millennials and Gen-Z ers want instant gratification; even they themselves don’t try to deny it. Especially in this post-pandemic market, candidates have plenty of options, so what’s going to reel them in is the ability to have answers at their fingertips. State in the job post when you plan to get back to people about setting up an interview; the shorter amount of time, the better. This also goes for being quick to respond to emails and phone calls if they have questions. You can also mention some of the things they can expect when they walk into the office every morning (coffee) or some of the trendy team building things you do weekly (trivia, team weekly wins, etc. ). Whatever you do, just be sure to get back to them before they have the chance to accept a position elsewhere.

If your company is looking for new employees, we at Award Staffing are here to help you. Contact us with your staffing needs here.

What is the Purpose Behind your Business?

/in

These days, everyone wants to be a part of something bigger than them.  Not only are customers and clients more likely to work with a business with a mission towards change, but we are also moving towards a Millennial and Gen-Z led workforce; and they are known as the purpose driven generations.  So what does it even mean to have a purpose behind your business? It means to regularly support or take action towards a cause other than your own products or services. Whether you have been in business for several decades or are in the midst of launching right now, it is always possible to incorporate an aligned mission into your company model. Believe it or not, purpose and profit are directly correlated. Therefore, as much as it may seem like adding a mission to your model creates more work just to net less, both your business and the community will benefit if you choose to do so.

“Purpose doesn’t make decisions easy, it makes them clear.”

It’s Not What You Sell: It’s What You Stand For

                                      -Roy Spence

When CEO’s and business owners make purpose a core piece of their organization, it can act as a compass for strategy and decisions including: who to hire, who to partner with, and what type of clients to work with. When everyone in the company is clear on what the business stands for (and doesn’t stand for), collective decisions, assessing opportunities, and innovating out of problems becomes easier. This empowers employees to make decisions without feeling the need to consult their manager first as they can be confident in knowing that it aligns with the company’s core values. Additionally, when you let your purpose guide your decisions, it will help steer you away from short-term thinking and scarcity mentality to focus on the overall picture and end goal.

Having a clearly defined purpose also builds your reputation as a company. When you become known in your local market as well as on a larger scale as a company with a calling, you’ll differentiate yourself from other brands and organizations by being seen as a corporation with a larger role in society. This will increase brand loyalty and make organizations as well as individuals more likely to recommend and endorse your services.

Furthermore, there are many other reasons why it is important for your business to have a purpose. Some examples are:

-Builds public trust

-Attracts top talent

-Drives strong work ethic and optimal work culture

-Improves business performance

-Gives the satisfaction of knowing you are contributing to the common good of the environment and/or society

So what are examples of a purpose behind a company? It can be carried out in a number of ways and doesn’t have to look like that of any other organization. Some examples are:

-Donating a percentage of all profits to a cause that aligns with your company

-Hosting monthly, quarterly, or yearly events that benefit an organization of your choice

-Partnering with a local corporation to help employ those in need

-Scheduling regular staff outings to volunteer in the community

-Becoming a pay-it-forward company

If you are an established or up-and-coming brand looking to integrate a purpose into your brand, here are some steps you can take to help you determine what it will be and how you will coalesce it into your business.

STEP 1: Examine the Core Values of Your Company

You will want to make sure that when you decide how and where you want to contribute that it is parallel with what your company’s values as a whole as well as what the non-negotiables are. This will help you establish whether or not you want to partner with another organization, how much and/or how often you’re going to contribute, and the type of cause(s) you want to be affiliated with.

STEP 2: Determine what Legacy You Want to Leave Behind

What does your company want to be known for? Although it is inevitable for the economy and workforce to evolve, your purpose can (and should) remain consistent. Even though it might be enticing to switch causes every so often, keeping it the same will give you something to be recognized by. It will make the company look more genuine as being passionate about a specific cause instead of half-heartedly contributing to any cause you can get involved in.

STEP 3: Set a Goal

What type of change does your company want to facilitate? To feed or clothe a certain number of people each year? To find X number of people a job every year? To raise a certain amount of money for the non-profit of your choice every event? To volunteer a certain amount of times within a year? Setting a goal will give you the ability to map out exactly how you’re going to follow-through with achieving it and gives employees a chance to see how they fit into the plan as well as gives them something to look forward to.

STEP 4: Combine the Goal with an Action Step

Now that you know what the goal is, put all of the necessary steps to reach it in place. This means; get in contact with the organization you want to partner with, set up what day each month the donations are going to come out of the account, book the space you’re going to host your benefit events, schedule the employee volunteer outings. Once all logistics are put into place, you can focus on achieving the goal you set by taking the action steps needed to bring it to fruition.

If your company is looking to bring in new talent, Award Staffing is here to help. Be sure to check out our services page and contact us here:

 

How to Have a Successful In-Person Interview

/in

When looking for a new job, hearing back from a company that wants to interview you can be quite the confidence booster. Clearly you nailed your résumé and cover letter, now the final step is to make the best impression you possibly can on the hiring manager to show that you are the right candidate for the position. This can feel intimidating as it puts a lot of pressure on you to do well. Luckily, there are techniques you can put to use to make your interview as successful as possible.

Dress to Fit the Culture

You are probably used to hearing the phrase “dress to impress” when it comes to an interview. While that concept still rings true, it doesn’t have the same meaning it once did. A few decades ago, nearly all companies had a professional dress code as they wanted to be seen as polished and prestigious. In today’s world, many companies take pride in their more casual and laid back atmosphere. When you show up to an interview, it’s important that you demonstrate your understanding of their culture by showing up in attire that matches their company values. Gone are the days of showing up to every interview in a business suit. As you’re dressing to impress, keep the aesthetic of their brand in mind. If you’re not sure what to wear, business casual is always a safe bet.

Arrive Early

When I was in college, one of the best pieces of advice I ever got was, “the secret to not being late is to be early”. I’ll seriously never forget that. When leaving for an interview, it’s best to leave around 20 minutes earlier than you need to. This way, in the case you get stuck behind an accident, caught in unexpected traffic, or accidentally make a wrong turn, you will be able to make up for the lost time without becoming stressed out. The stress of possibly not being on time will only put you in a negative headspace which could affect your performance during the interview.

Being early also makes you look together and well-prepared. If you arrive early, you will be able to observe the office/site a bit and gage the dynamic among future colleagues. You will also likely get to meet more people and will have the time to fill out paperwork if need be, without cutting into actual interview time.

 

Be Cordial

This begins before you even arrive at the office. Be sure that you greet everyone; including the person at the door, people in the elevator, and the people you pass on the way to the interview room. You never know who you’re talking to or what connection the people you encounter have to the person interviewing you. The interactions you have prior to the interview can make or break the entire process. Remember, the interview starts before you even say anything.

 

Pay Attention to Your Body Language

Communication extends beyond just the things you say. Eye contact, posture, and the gestures you make will all make you appear both confident and refined. The interviewer wants to see someone with self-pride and eagerness for the position. That is why it is essential that you present yourself as credible without coming off as too uptight. When in the interview, be sure you are facing the person you are speaking with, are sitting tall, and that your facial expressions emanate that of someone who is engaged in the conversation. Also, don’t forget to have a firm handshake.

 

Come Prepared

There are many different components to this. Even though you know they already have your résumé, be sure to bring at least two extra copies in case they ask for another one to look over during the interview. Also, bring your portfolio of past work and a notebook to write down key information that they may tell you during the interview. This will make you stand out, as not many interviewees’ do this. Additionally, do your research on the company prior to the interview. Know who the executives are and what the company does outside of (what would be) your department. Keep in mind – there is no such thing is being over prepared, especially not for a position that you really want.

Ask Questions

If the person interviewing you says something that you don’t quite understand, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or a little more detail. This shows that you are interested and will make the conversation more of a dialogue. At the end of the interview, when they ask if you have any questions; have at least a few questions you’re prepared to ask them. Ideally, these would be questions outside of when your start date would be or when you can expect to hear back from them. Ask a question about the company that isn’t stated on the website or something about the company culture. The company wants to hire someone who will be invested in them and their mission. Having questions at the end of the interview will indicate just that.

If you are currently in search of a new job, check out our opportunities here.

 

Top 6 Things Employees Look for in a Job

/in

In the current workforce, there is so much more that an employee looks for in a job outside of a livable wage. While many companies believe that the best thing you can do to attract employees is offer competitive pay, getting people to apply and onboarding them is only half the battle. Pay is important of course, but in order to maintain employee morale and a healthy work culture, as well as retain high-quality employees, there are other factors that need to be taken into consideration.

Here are the top six things employees look for in a workplace:

1. Mission

Contrary to popular belief, growth or the vision of your company are not missions. These days, people want to feel like they are a part of something bigger. A company that gives back and has a deep sense of social responsibility is something employees will wear with pride. There are many ways you can implement this into your company model, some examples include:

  • • Having employee volunteer outings and/or opportunities
  • • Giving a percentage of your profits to a good cause
  • • Host office donation drives (such as collecting clothing, pet food, or canned goods for underprivileged families)

2. Flexibility

Nowadays, it is more crucial than ever to address employee flexibility needs. If a workplace isn’t flexible, people are unlikely to stay. This can look like, ability to work remotely, flexible hours or arrival and departure times, having more than average paid time off, etc.

Remember, you do not have to accommodate every option, but having a wide range of options that appeal to employees across the board will benefit not only them, but also you as company by keeping your top talent and saving money on turnover.

3. Inclusivity

In the past, employers have placed  major emphasis on being a diverse workplace. And while diversity is still something organizations should include in their recruiting and hiring processes, inclusivity has become just as, if not more important. While diversity tends to focus on lifestyle as well as the physical, and social attributes of a person, inclusivity is the behaviors, procedures, and social norms a company puts into place to ensure that all employees feel comfortable, welcomed, and included.

Some ways to be inclusive are:

  • • Encouraging employees to include their preferred pronouns on email signatures
  • • Providing a place for people whose native language is not English to take calls in privacy
  • • Offering options that accommodate a variety of dietary needs during staff breakfasts or lunches

Things like this will help employees stay motivated, continue to be engaged, and want to stay with the company for longer.

4. Wellbeing

No matter what industry they’re in, employees spend the majority of their time at work.

For this reason, it is essential that employees know their well-being is being is looked after by the company they work for. Studies show that companies that have implemented employee wellbeing into their model has resulted in both increased productivity and boosted employee morale. Some ways companies have done this are, gifting their employees company branded wellness gifts, renovating the office to bring in more natural light, and giving them the permission to disengage from work once they leave the site or office.

5. Fulfillment

More than ever before, especially with millennials making up such a huge percentage of the job market, people are craving purpose and progress in the workplace.

Helping your employees feel like they have a reason to come to work every day beyond a paycheck and a fancy work title is a sure-fire way to ensure quality work and employee retention. A few ways you can do this are by sitting down individually with each of your employees to discuss a goal and a path to achieving it and inviting them to give suggestions on how to increase revenue, improve company culture, and make the workday more pleasurable or productive.

6. Communication

This goes for both communication between employees and senior leaders as well as between employees and their direct supervisors.

Communication comes in many forms: schedule, training, weekly feedback, recognition, etc. We have found that 69 % of employees say they would work harder if they felt recognized yet of the current workforce, only 30% state that they have received valuable feedback from their organization.

There are many ways to improve communication in your company, some of them to consider are:

  • • Expressing an “open-door” policy with office hours
  • • Facilitating regular check-ins where you and your employees can exchange feedback
  • • Putting out the schedule two weeks in advance
  • • Ensuring that employees feel properly trained and equipped to do their jobs

Overall, employees want to feel like they are seen and heard for the contributing individuals that they are, not just a number or a cog in the machine. If your company regularly demonstrates that you actively care about your employees, in return, they will respond with a strong work ethic and company loyalty.

How to Demonstrate Employee Value

/in ,

Yes, it takes commitment, but the challenge isn’t as tough as you might expect. Employees who have confidence in the company leadership, share the vision and feel valued are more engaged and stimulate positive company morale. Here are 5 ways to make a great start.

Communicate:

From introducing a new employee to your company’s mission, values, and purpose to creating and keeping engagement among your staff, communication is essential. And, it’s more than making sure the memos and updates about logistics go out. It includes:

  • • Ensuring that everyone connected to a project receives all the pertinent information.
  • • Putting some fun and creativity in memos, notifications, etc. Why not add a cartoon to the bottom of updates?
  • • Stopping at cubicles to say hi and ask how an employee’s day/week is going.
  • • Seeking, listening to, and respecting your employees’ feedback concerning projects. (Employees who feel their voice is heard are 4.6 times more likely to feel empowered to perform their best work, and 40% of highly-engaged employees receive weekly feedback.)
  • • Listening. Listening. Listening. It’s an essential component of great communication.

Create Connections:

Develop a mentor program within the ranks and encourage fun work relationships among your employees. Take time to “play” a little each day. Sure, some companies have workout rooms, table tennis tournaments, and other large scale options, but that isn’t a prerequisite for fun. “Play” is an attitude or mindset.

  • • Share a company trivia site. Put the names of employees who participate in a once/week drawing for a token gift card to your local ice cream shop.
  • • Have a small stuffed company mascot. Hide it in a department. If they find it, it’s their job to hide it in another department. Whichever department ends up with it on Friday . . . well, make it a fun “penalty.”

There’s a multitude of simple, inexpensive ways to create fun on the job and encourage employee engagement.

Express Appreciation:

Recognizing your employees’ attitudes, contributions, innovativeness, and daily commitment, etc. is vital.  Express your appreciation in words – both written and verbal– as well as intangible thanks will give a boost to employee engagement and morale. Some ideas include:

  • • Verbal appreciation – in person or via a phone chat. Be genuine, personal, and specific.
  • • Written appreciation – send an email, text, or better yet a thank you card. Once again, be genuine, personal, and specific.
  • • Gift cards, an occasional early leave on Friday, free food – from a snack tray to a department lunch . . . There are many ways to express appreciation.

Recognize Employee Value:

Recognizing your employees’value -their talents and contributions is a key factor. (27% of employees who leave, do so because of lack of recognition) Substantiate your recognition with:

  • • Opportunities to learn new skills and move upward within the company. (42% of employees say learning and development is the most important benefit when deciding where to work)
  • • Increased responsibilities – without micro-managing. Letting them rise to the task expresses your confidence and trust in them and encourages innovation and creativity.
  • • Assign responsibilities that align with their interests and abilities.

Make Giving Back a Company Thing:

Your employees want to make a difference – especially within the community, but also globally.  Make giving back ad “team project.” Nothing boosts morale like knowing you have helped someone else.

  • • Get involved in a local work project: For example, plan a Saturday where your team participates in a habitat for humanity. One company built a pavilion along their local river greenway. The company supplied the lumber, and the employees supplied the labor.
  • • Sponsor a little league team or a dream team for handicap children and encourage employees to attend a game, treat the players, or sponsor an end-of-season picnic.
  • • Join in a global charity drive like the Marine’s Toys for Tots.
  • • Hold a company bake sale to raise funds for a charity – let your employees vote on which charity.

Employees who believe that management is concerned about them as a whole person and values who they are, as well as what skills and input they bring to the table are productive, find increased job satisfaction and are more loyal to their employer. In other words, they are engaged employees, and company morale is up, which all adds up to increased profitability.

At Award Staffing, we recognize the value of our staff and our temps. Because we do, you can count on the talent we place in your business. Our mantra is work hard, have fun, and be nice. It makes a difference you can’t get along without. Contact us today.

Employee Value and Company Morale

/in ,

“Success in business is all about people, people, people. Whatever industry a company is in, its employees are its biggest competitive advantage.”   – Sir Richard Branson 

Winning with your customers/clients begins by winning with your employees. Your employees are your pipeline to customer engagement, positive reviews, and word of mouth advertising, and a prosperous bottom-line. The more your employees feel valued, the higher and more profound than your employee engagement is; the greater your employee engagement, the more positive and stronger your company morale will be. It’s a domino effect that begins with a company’s decision to recognize the value of their employees.

Employee value begins with taking the time to ensure that every employee understands:

  • • The company’s mission statement and purpose and their role and input in attaining that purpose. In fact, a 10-year study by Grow Author Jim Stengel reveals that companies with a high sense of purpose outperform others by as much as 400%.
  • • That their attitudes, efforts, and accomplishments are recognized and appreciated. Only 12.4% of workers who are recognized for their work have interviewed for a potential new job switch in the last three months, while more than 21% of workers who don’t feel recognized have been exploring new opportunities. (TINYpulse)

When employees are appreciated and valued as the asset they truly are, they are much more likely to be engaged employees. Engaged employees contribute to tangible returns for your business. The numbers speak for themselves. Valued, engaged employees:

  • • Take their tasks seriously and be self-accountable for their responsibilities –ensuring that they complete their part of a project well and on time, and going above and beyond their required tasks for the company’s benefit. (Studies reveal that companies with highly engaged employees improved operating income by 19.2% over 12 months)
  • • Stay with the company, reducing turnover. (Engaged organizations have reduced turnover by as much as 87%)
  • • Become a brand ambassador for their company. (78% of engaged employees would recommend their company’s products and services)

When employees are engaged, company morale – employee outlook, attitudes, satisfaction, and confidence – climbs. Employees are positive about their work environment and confident that they are in a place where their career can grow and dreams are attained.

Susan M. Heathfield points out that, “Feeling part of the goals that are bigger than themselves (and their job) contributes significantly to positive employee morale. Many employees want to feel as if they are part of something important and contributing to success for the greater good is a real morale booster.”

So, what gives employees a sense of personal value within the workplace? What builds company morale? While there are multiple angles, it boils down to 5 essential pillars.

  • • Purpose: As we already mentioned, it’s vital for your employees to connect with the company’s mission and purpose – to know that their tasks contribute to a big picture.
  • • Well-being: Creating an atmosphere that says your employees matter to you – that you care about the whole person – including their emotional, social, and mental health — a sense of camaraderie among their coworkers.
  • • Appreciation: Nothing contributes more to a sense of purpose and well-being than knowing that your contribution is recognized, respected and appreciated.
  • • Growth opportunities: Providing the encouragement and provision to learn and grow in their knowledge, abilities, experience, and career opportunities.
  • • Freedom: A chance to be innovative, creative, and even take a risk without fear of repercussion if an idea doesn’t pan out.

Focusing on these five pillars to bring value to your employees, engage them in your culture, and build overall company morale pays a significant ROI. Studies have shown that companies who place value on and invest time in their employees are:

  • • 53% more likely to have highly engaged employees
  • • 29% more likely to have employees innovating and performing great work
  • • 27% more likely to have increased in revenue last year

With numbers like those, who can afford not to place value where value is due?

At Award Staffing, we recognize the value of our staff and our temps. Because we do, you can count on the talent we place in your business. Our mantra is work hard, have fun, and be nice. It makes a difference you can’t get along without. Contact us today.