Building Confidence in Your Employees is Essential

No matter how smart or skilled an employee is, if they lack confidence, they will perform below potential and likely be unhappy or dissatisfied at work.

Hopefully, you’ve experienced the benefits of feeling confident yourself, including:

  • Being your best, even under pressure.
  • Positively influencing others. This can be especially helpful when negotiating or selling a plan or idea.
  • Fewer negative thoughts. This translates into freedom from self-doubt.
  • More fearlessness.
  • Willingness and ability to step outside your comfort zone and take calculated risks.
  • Less anxiety.

    • It works for you – and it behooves you to make it work for your employees, too. To build confidence throughout your workforce, focus on:

    Respect

    Confidence stems from being treated with respect. When you pay attention to a person, their ideas, and their presence, you show respect – even if you don’t always agree with them.

  • When you can honestly allow someone else to be themselves while you do the same, that’s respect. As a business leader, serving as a role model is the best way to influence others positively.

    • Training and Development

    Continually help employees to grow and be better at their jobs and careers. Be sure to provide all the resources they need to do so, starting with a robust training and development strategy. In addition to building confidence, it’s a great way to boost retention among your top performers.

  • In addition to hard job skills, teach people to think openly and look at issues differently. Be sure every hour spent on training provides value – both to your business and your employees’ personal and professional growth.

    • Encouraging Positive Interaction

    Confidence is bolstered when employees feel there is an openness and availability between team members and between staff and management.

  • Everyone should feel comfortable enough to express themselves without reparation. Regardless of their position, each team member should experience acceptance from others, and feel safe and supported.
  • People who bond, support each other. And people who feel that others support them naturally become more confident.

    • Recognition

    When a manager or senior executive shows appreciation for a job well done, it builds both individual and team confidence. It’s human nature: everyone likes to be recognized for their achievements.

  • Be sure to tailor recognition to the individual. Otherwise, it may backfire as it will show a lack of thought and respect. For instance, don’t acknowledge a shy, introverted person in front of a company meeting without first ensuring they’ll be okay with the spotlight.



    • For more tips on building employee confidence and the tools to get there – including training, staff recognition, and more – contact the workforce development experts at PrideStaff Modesto today. We look forward to helping you build and maintain your winning team.

    Management Tips to Help Improve Your Team’s Productivity

    Productivity equals profit. The more effectively you deploy resources, the better your margins become. That added efficiency eventually falls to the bottom line.

    It may seem like you have reached the limit of your employee output. But that could be an illusion. Most teams have a long way to go.

    For instance, one study showed that most employees only really reach a little more than a third of their capacity. For a normal 8-hour workday, the numbers indicate that, on average, workers only really get things done for the equivalent of 2 hours and 53 minutes.

    Imagine what you could do if you bumped that up to a full 8 hours? Even 3 hours would be an improvement.

    But how do you make progress on productivity? It can be a sensitive issue. You need to inspire your workers and set appropriate goals. Here are a few specific steps you can take to improve your team’s productivity.

    Communicate Expectations

    Sometimes, employees don’t meet expectations for a very good reason: they don’t know what they are. If that’s the case, you can’t act disappointed. Your team members can’t excel when they don’t know what’s required of them.

    Solve this problem by clearly stating the metrics you’ll use to judge performance. Track progress and schedule regular review sessions. This way, you can make adjustments as you go.

    Set More Aggressive Targets

    Establishing goals requires a little finesse. You want deadlines and output quotas to remain feasible. However, you also want to push your team to excel.

    That means setting aggressive targets. Don’t overdo it. Create a standard that’s too hard to obtain and you’ll just undermine morale. But a perfectly calibrated objective can drive that little extra effort you need.

    Stay Motivated Yourself

    Set a good example. You can’t expect your team to become hard-driving success addicts if you don’t establish the tone. Give up those two-hour lunches and early departures on Friday. Don’t expect your employees to put in more hours than you do.

    At the same time, get the most out of the effort you give. Look for ways to achieve your goals more efficiently. Then, you can share these tips with your team. In this way, your productivity upgrades will have a multiplying impact as everyone implements them.

    Provide Necessary Support

    Are those 5-year-old computers starting to slow down? Do your workers have to take an extra 10 minutes at lunch because the clunky microwave takes too long? Do your team members waste time with unrelated tasks?

    Productivity isn’t just about people. It’s also about the tools they use. Make sure your workers have the right equipment to succeed. In addition, pay for supplemental support staff as needed. That way, your skilled employees can concentrate on their most profitable roles.

    Build an Exceptional Team

    A productive team knows what to do and how to do it most efficiently. That involves having the right people in place. When you have top talent, increased productivity happens almost automatically.

    But how do you find the best employees? A top staffing agency, like PrideStaff, can help. They can locate the workers you need to take your operations to the next level.

    Contact PrideStaff Bend today to learn more.

    Spring into a New Job! Here’s Why Now is the Best Time to Find a New Opportunity

    Whether you’ve been out of work due to a COVID-19-related layoff or you’re currently employed but considering a change, the current state of the job market makes it an opportune time to start searching. Learn more about why now is the best time to find a new job opportunity: 

    Certain Industries Have Spiked in Demand

    While many industries were unfortunately hit hard by the pandemic and are still struggling to recover, other sectors are booming and have a greater demand than ever. Healthcare, technology, logistics, warehouses, customer service, and e-commerce are still thriving and looking for more workers. Take advantage of this increase in demand by getting your job search started this spring, so you don’t miss out on it being a candidate’s job market. 

    Recruiting Efforts Are Increasing

    As the future starts to look brighter in regards to the impact of the pandemic, employers who had implemented hiring freezes are starting to restart their recruiting efforts. Even if they are not immediately ready to hire, they are likely to start networking and building their talent pipelines in preparation for filling roles in the near future. By preparing for your job search now, you will be ready as soon as those spots open up. 

    Additional Availability in Temporary or Contract Work

    Many employers may not have full-time roles available yet but are likely to be cautiously testing out their staffing needs with temporary or contract work. If you’re trying to fill gaps in your resume, get your foot in the door of a particular employer, or want to change careers, consider pursuing these types of short-term assignments this spring. Plus, you never know if temporary could lead to a job offer when the time is right for the company. 

    You’ve Had Time for Reflection

    The pandemic abruptly changed the day-to-day lives of workers and presented a unique opportunity for contemplation on what they want out of their professional lives post-COVID-19. Now that you’ve had this time for reflection, you’ve likely gained some clarity on what you want out of a job, making it an ideal time to make these changes happen by pursuing a new job. 

    Explore Your Job Options

    Find opportunities that are right for you by working with an experienced staffing agency like PrideStaff Akron. Our team of recruiters can match you with the jobs that are the best match from employers across industries. Search our database of currently available jobs to get started.

    Do Staffing Firms Typically Check References When Screening Applicants?

    Hiring decisions hold a lot of weight, so recruiters always check references during the vetting process. As a leading staffing agency in Las Vegas, NV, PrideStaff Las Vegas never skips a reference check.

    When choosing references, it’s important to opt for people you know professionally — i.e., former managers, colleagues, clients, teachers — who truly want you to succeed. Here’s a look at why recruiters consider this step a crucial part of the candidate selection process.

    Four Reasons Staffing Firms Always Perform Reference Checks

    Verify Background Information

    Unfortunately, all candidates don’t tell the truth, so recruiters conduct their own research. Calling your references allows them to make sure all the employment information you provided is accurate, so they can feel confident they’re dealing with an honest person. Failing to do so could cause them to hire someone who has lied about their work experience, which could be catastrophic for their client.

    Find Out What You’re Like to Work With

    Past experience is the best indicator of future behavior. If your reference is allowed to provide an honest assessment of you — some company policies don’t permit divulging any information beyond employment verification — the recruiter will ask questions about your personality and what you’re like to have on the team. This will help them determine your fit for their client’s culture.

    Gauge Your Skillset

    It can be hard to fully assess your abilities without seeing you in action. Talking with someone who has firsthand knowledge of your skillset can offer telling insights on your ability succeed in the role. Learning more about projects you’ve worked on and areas where you excel or need improvement helps the recruiter get a better idea of exactly what you have to offer.

    Identify Any Other Red Flags

    Speaking with your references offers recruiters a wealth of information they won’t find anywhere else. If you’ve been dishonest on your application or in conversation, you will be caught red-handed. If you have nothing to hide, don’t worry about the reference check, as it should help your chances of getting hired.

    Take the Next Step in Your Career

    Finding a great new job can be a challenge, so allow PrideStaff Las Vegas to guide your search. We’re committed to connecting top talent like you with leading Clark County employers, so contact us today to find out what we can do for you!

    Why You Should Encourage Your Employees’ Self-Improvement

    You want your employees to grow and succeed because they deserve it – and because as they move forward, so does your business. To achieve this goal, it’s up to you to empower them with access to the best possible training and development opportunities.

    When employees know you care, they respond. This builds trust, commitment, and other benefits to your company’s bottom line and successful future.

    Make time for employee training and development – and reap the rewards.

    As busy as you may be, always make time to meet your employees’ training and development needs. You’ll see the return on your investment in myriad ways, including:

    Enhanced Retention

    According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average time employees spend at an organization is 4.6 years. Millennials stay even less, at an average of 3.2 years.

  • Turnover and hiring costs are among your top expenses – and team members who are not properly trained are more likely to leave, often within their first year of employment.
  • Professionals who are dissatisfied with their work often cite lack of growth and development opportunities as the leading reason for their unhappiness.
  • Retention rates are 34 percent higher for employees with access to development opportunities.

    • Increased Productivity

    You optimize the value of each employee when you invest in their training. Workers who are on the lookout for ways to get better at their jobs are more inclined to make changes that lead to higher productivity.

    Greater Innovation

    By continually educating employees and keeping them up to date on industry trends, processes, technology, and tools, you incite greater innovation. In addition to hard skills, training areas that have a significant long-term impact in this area include communications, stress management, organizational skills, and efficiency.

    Heightened Engagement

    When people feel their employers’ priorities – including growth – align with their own, they are happier and more engaged because they feel valued.

  • According to Tom Path, author of Are You Fully Charged, “the odds of being completely engaged in your job increase by 250 percent if you work on meaningful projects each day.” If you’re continuously learning and improving, meaningful work follows.



    • At PrideStaff Modesto, our mission is to deliver the value that matters most to your company. Let us partner with you to develop successful training and development strategies – and build and maintain your winning team. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.

    Since My Company is Still Remote, Can I Move?

    More than a year has passed since the beginning of the pandemic. Some things have started getting back to normal. But many workplaces remain in remote mode. If you’re operating from home anyway, why not move to your ideal spot?

    The idea has appeal. Now that you don’t have to worry about a commute, you can put down roots anywhere. Out in the country. On a Hawaiian beach. Maybe in some glamorous European city.

    Okay, some of that might be out of your range. You might not have the financial resources to move to your literal dream location. But you can still upgrade your geography without worrying about changing jobs.

    Still, don’t book the moving vans just yet. Even if your company remains remote, there are details to consider before you relocate. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

    Know Your Company’s Post-COVID Plans

    Sure, your company has been remote for more than a year now. It seems like things will stay that way forever. But will they?

    Before you make any permanent decisions, understand the answer to that question. Research your company’s plans. Confirm whether they have decided to make remote operations part of their ongoing policy once COVID finally passes for good.

    Think About Your Long-Term Plan

    Look at your reasons for wanting to move. Do you just want a change of pace? Are you trying to get closer to (or farther away from) family? Do you hope the labor market will be better in your chosen destination?

    Whatever your specific reason, consider the move as part of your long-term plan. Yes, think about how it solves your near-term problems. But also look ahead to how it can unlock possibilities for your future.

    Talk to Your Boss

    If you plan on keeping the same job after the move, you should loop your boss into the discussions. Learn what they think of your plan. At the very least, it will allow the two of you to work out any necessary logistics related to the move.

    Consider Other Impacts

    Now that your company has gone 100% remote, moving might be an option for the first time. However, the geography of your job isn’t the only factor that should go into the decision. Consider the following points as well as you think about a potential relocation:

    Cost of Living

    Remember: you’re changing locations, but you’re not changing jobs. You’ll still have to make due with your current income.

    Meanwhile, different parts of the country have different levels of expense. Housing prices, transportation, and even simple costs like groceries can vary from location to location. Research your chosen destination and check that you can afford to live there given your income.

    Relocation Expenses

    Moving comes with its share of costs. There’s also the basic hassle of the process. Make sure you anticipate these before you lock into anything.

    Taxes

    Wherever you go, the government will demand its share of your paycheck. However, some places have a higher tax burden than others. Compare the rules in your chosen destination with your current hometown. It could make a big difference in your financial situation.

    Health Insurance

    Some employers offer localized insurance options. You might not have the same coverage if you move out of your current network. Double-check these details before you do anything rash.

    Moving is a big decision. That’s true whether you’re talking physical location or to a new employer. A top recruiter, like PrideStaff, can help with that second situation. They can find the ideal place for you to accelerate your career.

    Contact PrideStaff Bend today to find a company that facilitates the lifestyle you want.

    5 Non-Monetary Incentives to Offer Your Employees

    Engaged employees are the catalyst for your company’s success, but unfortunately, workplace engagement is not that common. According to a Gallup survey from September of 2020, only 36% of employees consider themselves engaged or “highly involved in, enthusiastic about and committed to their work and workplace.” Improving engagement leads to higher motivation and productivity – check out these 5 non-monetary incentives to offer your employees:

    1. Flexibility 

    Work-life balance is often more in-demand for employees than a bigger paycheck. Offer flexibility to your team, such as opportunities to skip their commute and work from home occasionally or tweak their schedules a bit for personal obligations, as incentives. This will help drive performance and benefit your company by improving retention since employees will be less inclined to go elsewhere and give up the work-life balance. 

    2. Professional Development 

    Morale often declines when employees feel like they are in a rut and not growing their skills or gaining worthwhile experience. Ensure your team doesn’t feel like they are in a dead-end job by offering professional development as an incentive. It doesn’t cost you money to let employees tackle new projects, take some additional training on company time, or provide chances for them to lead meetings or give presentations, but it is very valuable to their goals. 

    3. Recognition

    Morale can plummet if employees feel their effort is not acknowledged. A simple, but very effective non-monetary incentive is to provide thoughtful recognition to your team for the hard work they do. Take the time to specifically thank each of your employees in real-time after completing major tasks/projects, achieving milestones, or simply going above and beyond. Personalize your kudos, whether in person or via a written note or email, rather than giving a general statement. 

    4. Additional Paid Time Off

    A rested and recharged employee will be more productive, motivated, and engaged than an overworked one approaching burnout. Give your employees additional paid time off as an incentive, such as letting them have their birthday off or announcing they can leave early after accomplishing a goal or surprising them simply because you’ve noticed they’ve been performing so well lately. 

    5. Room for Passion Projects

    Often your employees have professional projects they would love to pursue, but since these initiatives may not necessarily align with their day-to-day priorities, they don’t have the opportunity. As a non-monetary incentive, consider making room for these passion projects. For example, you could permit them to set aside one day per week (or whatever time period is reasonable) to working on those. 

    Partner with Us for Recruitment 

    Find top talent to join your team with PrideStaff Akron. Our experienced team of staffing experts will work with you to understand your needs and provide you with qualified candidates. Contact us for more information on how PrideStaff Akron can help you with your staffing needs.

    Didn’t Get the Job Offer? Here’s What to Learn From It

    Searching for a new job is stressful enough. However, when you find out you didn’t land the position you really wanted, it can be downright depressing. This is certainly a normal reaction, yet one you don’t want to dwell on for too long. Here’s how to learn from it and move on instead:

     

    Don’t assume it’s personal.

    When you find out the offer went to a different candidate, it’s easy to assume they were more experienced or talented. However, there could be any number of factors in play. For instance, the job might have gone to an internal candidate, which is difficult for even the strongest external candidate to contend with.

     

    Think about areas where you could have performed better.

    If you slipped up during the interview or didn’t prepare enough ahead of time, then make sure you don’t make the same mistake twice. Think through your performance and any areas where you could have done a better job. Learn from it, so it doesn’t happen in future interviews.

     

    Ask the hiring manager for feedback.

    If you’re unsure why you didn’t get the offer, reach out to the hiring manager and ask. Be professional and polite and simply inquire about any feedback they can offer. For instance, you can say something like:

     

    Dear Jim,

    Thanks so much for taking the time to interview me last week. I appreciated your time and was excited to learn more about the company. While I’m disappointed I wasn’t able to secure the position, I do want to ask about any insight you could provide as to why. I’d love to be able to incorporate your feedback into my future interviews and job search efforts. Thank you again.

    Sincerely,

    Mary

     

    If they do offer a reason that pertains to your resume or interview performance, don’t get defensive. Instead, make sure you’re factoring that in, so you can make the best impression on future hiring managers.

     

    Get help from an employment agency.

    If you’re struggling with your job search and would like to get professional help, turn to an employment agency. You’ll be able to work with a recruiter who can help you enhance your resume and your interview skills, so you put your best foot forward. They’ll also be able to identify any areas that need improvement so you stand out and land a job you love.

     

    Ready to learn more? PrideStaff is here for you. As one of Phoenix’s leading employment agencies, we can connect you with rewarding opportunities at top companies. Simply connect with our team to learn more or search our jobs now.

    How and When Should You Include Projects on Your Resume?

    As you fine-tune your resume, should you include projects you’ve completed as you vie for your next great job?

    The answer is: It depends.

    An even better answer is: Include projects only if they are relevant and help support your case as you try and beat out the competition. Here are two common examples of how it may be helpful:

    Are you a Recent Grad?

    Projects that may enhance your resume include those– including course-related work, part-time or seasonal work while you were studying, or volunteer gigs – as long as they would boost your case as you compete for a specific position.

  • Did you play a key role in a recent project that showcased your leadership, project management, and related strengths? If so, include it. Tie in the results achieved, and use numbers and other clear facts to illustrate the role you played to meet desired goals.
  • You may want to list key projects in your education section. Or, if a project was part of a previous job, put it under your experience section.

    • Are you Changing Careers?

    If this is the case, projects that show any experience related to the role, field, or industry you want to enter are helpful. Be strategic regarding which ones to include on your resume. Don’t just waste valuable space or reiterate what you’ve already stated elsewhere.

  • If you list too many projects, you risk overcrowding your resume and making it difficult for recruiters to cut through the clutter. If a project doesn’t fit anywhere else on your resume, you may want to add a related professional experience section.

    • Make a Strategic Choice

    Whether or not these situations apply, be strategic as you decide which projects to add to your resume.

  • Carefully review the job description. Highlight the specific skills and qualifications an employer is looking for and any job duties they list that you have performed in the past. Then, note any that can be further proven by including a certain project on your resume. If these requirements don’t match up, then it’s probably not worth it.
  • Keep content concise, but include enough information, so it’s easily understood. List a project title, brief description, and what you did to achieve desired results. All the while, tailor your content to the job description. As you do so, weave in some notable keywords.
  • Whenever possible, include links to your work. Almost everyone who reviews your resume for the first time will do so online, so links can be very helpful.



    • Preparing the perfect resume for your dream job is challenging. If you need further guidance to make it happen – or if you need tips for any aspect of your job search – turn to the experts at PrideStaff Modesto today. Read our related posts or reach out to us now to learn more.

    5 Tips For Staying Calm Under Pressure

    The ability to handle stressful situations and stay calm under pressure is an in-demand professional skill, regardless of your field or role. However, when you’re in the midst of nerve-racking circumstances, it can be difficult not to let it get to you. Stay calm under pressure with these tips:

    1. Focus on Your Physical Response

    Stressful situations affect both your mental and physical states. It can be difficult to calm your mind when your body is experiencing physical symptoms of stress, like increased heart rate, shortness of breath, or shakiness. Focus on controlling your physical response first by breathing deeply and slowly. This will signal to your brain that you are not in danger and that it’s okay to relax. 

    2. Pause Before Reacting

    The ability to stay calm under pressure is reliant on your impulse control. Falling apart under stress is generally due to immediately accepting your brain and body’s responses and not questioning them. Instead, remember that you are in control. Once you realize you are in a high-pressure situation, pause before you react in any manner. This interrupts the automatic stress response and puts you back in control of how you choose to react. 

    3. Switch Your Mindset 

    When you are in the midst of a high-pressure situation, you are likely only thinking of everything that is overwhelming you. Take control of your thought patterns and switch your mindset. Take a few moments to remind yourself of positive factors, such as thinking of all the things within your control, the skills you have, or simply the fact that this current situation soon won’t matter. 

    4. Commit to Your Values

    Often in the aftermath of stressful circumstances, people experience regret with how they handled it. Empower yourself by deciding ahead of time how you want to deal with these situations. Commit to your values. For example, if a core value of yours is treating others with respect, tell yourself you are not the kind of person who takes their stress out on other people and hurts their feelings. Then when you are in a high-pressure situation, remind yourself of your personal values as you make choices on how to navigate it to minimize regret (i.e., “Although I feel frustrated right now, I will not snap at people because that is not who I am.”)

    5. Break It Down

    When it comes time to determine the practical next steps to handle the issue(s), don’t look at it as one major task that needs to be fixed. Instead, break it down into the sum of its parts. Analyzing high-pressure conditions by identifying all of the smaller subtasks it consists of will help you be able to take immediate action in an effective manner while remaining calm. Focus on one subtask at a time, and don’t think about the following step until it is fully completed. 

    We Can Find the Right Job for You

    Make your job search more successful with the help of PrideStaff Akron. We work with area employers to fill their open positions, from temporary to full-time employment. Search our current available jobs to get started.Â