A Step-by-Step Guide to Turn Your Temp Job Into a Long-Term Job

Learn How to Keep Your Manufacturing Employees Safe

As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, manufacturing is among the top three most potentially dangerous occupations, with 395,300 workplace injuries and 35,000 workplace illnesses annually. Other highlights of the most recent BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, published in November 2019, include:

• Twenty-six percent of all non-fatal workplace injuries resulted from slips, trips, and falls.
• Twenty-four percent of all workplace fatalities resulted from motor vehicle accidents.
• 229,000 workers were forced to miss time from their jobs due to injuries from contact with objects or equipment.

And many, if not all, of these unfortunate incidents, could have been prevented, had the right manufacturing safety measures been in place, understood and enforced.

Never cut corners on safety training.

Stay laser-focused on safety training, even when it means taking your highest-producing employees off the job and risking missing the day’s target. The cost would pale in comparison to that of a life-altering, life-threatening, or fatal accident.

• Rigorous training helps ensure that all safety mechanisms and steps are in place, clearly understood, and practiced without exception.
• There should be no question in anyone’s mind what to do in case of an emergency.

Implement safer practices and processes.

Set and adhere to strict safety rules throughout your plant, office and support areas, and the factory floor. Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance and make any needed improvements.

• Safety communication should be a leading priority. Utilize whatever methods and platforms effectively reach your employees. These may include bulletin boards, posters, banners, newsletters, an online portal, a health and safety handbook, and more – with your most effective strategy being a multi-media approach.

Ensure safety around hazardous materials.

Make sure your employees fully understand hazardous materials and their potential exposure risks. This includes the proper placing and storage of containers and packing items and clear and accurate labeling.

Maintain a safe environment.

No amount of training, communication, or awareness can help if the environment in which you work is fundamentally dangerous. Many solutions are simple; for example, covering up exposed wires, enforcing personal protective equipment rules, putting up signs near low beams, and practicing overall good housekeeping.

• Never before has proper air quality been more critical. Yet, historically, this has been one of the most overlooked aspects of workplace safety and a major contributor to chronic and acute health problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a great source of related information, including updates pertinent to Covid-19.

At PrideStaff Modesto, we specialize in staffing and workforce development for the manufacturing and warehouse industries. We can help design and implement a safety training and continuous improvement strategy for your business. This includes the latest approaches to coronavirus and related pandemic health issues. Reach out to us now to learn more.

Why Don’t Some People Succeed in Finding a Job?

You’ve been searching for jobs hiring in Las Vegas for a while now, but so far, you haven’t had any luck. It’s hard not to take all the rejection personally, because putting yourself out there isn’t easy.

Finding the right job takes time, but if you’ve been searching for several months, there could be more to it. Here’s a look at common reasons candidates don’t get hired. If any sound familiar, it’s time to make some positive changes.

5 Reasons You’re Not Getting Hired

Not Customizing Your Resume

You’re a busy person, and tailoring your resume for every job you apply to requires a considerable amount of time. However, this is a step you can’t afford to take. Not only does doing so give you the opportunity to sell yourself as the perfect fit, it also shows enthusiasm for the job, which is a must. Your competition is customizing their resumes, so don’t disqualify yourself by taking the lazy way out.

Lack of Interview Preparation

A job interview is a very big deal, so you need to take it seriously. Everything from not researching the company to failing to dress to impress will work against you. Doing your homework prior to each interview is a must. Learn as much as you can about the company, practice responses to common interview questions, and choose your outfit in advance — including trying it on — to make sure you’re prepared for the big day.

Poor Social Media Reputation

It’s almost a given that potential employers will conduct an online search to see what type of information you’re sharing publicly on social media. Posts containing profanity, poor grammar and typos, and anything controversial — i.e., politics and religion — could cause you to be disqualified for a job.

Enable privacy settings on all your personal social media accounts, because you don’t want your online activity to keep you from getting hired.

You’re Not Connected Enough

Employers invest significant resources in new hires, so they prefer candidates recommended by trusted contacts. If your network is admittedly small, it might be time to branch out. Join a professional association, engage with your colleagues on social media, and ask existing contacts for introductions to people who might be able to help you find the job you want.

Poor Reference Choices

Hiring managers want to learn as much about you as possible, so they ask you to provide a list of professional references. It’s important to offer up people who can speak for your work — i.e., former managers, colleagues, clients, professors — and want you to succeed. Take a good look at your reference list and make sure you’re choosing people from recent jobs, who you can trust to sing your praises.

Get Hired Now

Finding the right new job for your skills and interests can feel nearly impossible. If you’re starting to feel discouraged, consider switching things up and allowing PrideStaff Las Vegas to guide your search. Contact us today to find out how we can get you hired!

What Do I Need to Do to Bring Back Furloughed Employees?

While COVID-19 continues to cause massive disruptions both to our personal lives and to the general economic environment, recent months have seen some return to the pre-pandemic days. Businesses are starting to open up again, and people are beginning to return to work. Giving these hopeful signs, it’s time to figure out what you need to do to bring back your furloughed employees.

We know. It’s still scary out there. But you need to get ahead of the curve. Even if you still live in an area with ongoing coronavirus restrictions, there are signs that the pandemic will eventually pass. Whether you’re ready to enact a return program or not, you need to make sufficient plans. It’s time to put together a detailed procedure for ramping up your operations.

But how do you shake the rust off from the last few months and get people back to work? To answer that question, here’s a to-do list for bringing back your furloughed employees:

Research Up-to-Date Information

Things change quickly in the COVID world. Government regulations, medical assumptions, and market dynamics can morph suddenly as people respond to the latest bit of information. You need to remain up to date to prepare properly for a return to work.

Research the current situation before making any decisions. What’s more, create a process for ongoing education. You need to dedicate yourself to maintaining a cutting-edge understanding of the economic environment as you look to bring back your furloughed workers.

Start a Conversation

You need time to plan and to prepare for a resumption of operations. The same is true for your employees. They will need some runway to reorganize their lives in preparation for a return to work.

As such, begin the conversation as soon as possible. Don’t expect your employees to be able to rush back at a moment’s notice. Give them sufficient warning and communicate your expectations as far in advance as possible.

Get Feedback

The discussions surrounding the return of furloughed workers should go in both directions. You want to share information with your employees, but don’t make that the end of the communication process. Make sure to elicit feedback as well. By understanding your workers’ concerns, you can devise a safer, more productive back-to-work plan.

Prepare a Detailed Plan

Don’t try to improvise a comeback plan. Your workers will forgive the confusion and uncertainty that surrounded the initial pandemic panic. You were responding to unprecedented conditions.

Now, you have a chance to plan your return thoroughly. Your employees will be less patient about any hiccups this time around. As such, you should create a detailed plan to ramp up operations. The more specifics you can provide, the more comfortable your workers will feel.

Think About Safety

Things aren’t going back to the way they were before the pandemic (at least not any time soon). Any return to work has to incorporate the new normal of the post-COVID world. Implement additional safety precautions. Listen to your workers’ concerns. Put a plan in place that minimizes the risk of infection and makes everyone feel secure about coming to work.

Be Ready for Sudden Change

Yes, we just told you to have a detailed plan for bringing back furloughed workers. That’s certainly necessary. But you may need to modify that set of procedures as conditions evolve. In other words, don’t become rigid in your responses to a fast-changing environment. Be ready for surprises and stay flexible in your reaction.

Ready to get operations humming again after COVID shuts you down? Bringing back furloughed workers is just the first step. Over time, you’ll need to add to your team – a difficult prospect in the middle of an ongoing health crisis. A stellar staffing partner, like PrideStaff, can help.

Contact PrideStaff today to discover the best way to improve your team in the complicated post-COVID environment.

6 Tips for Helping Stressed Out Employees

Employees are stressed. In fact, according to Human Resources Executive magazine, 69% of workers say the global pandemic we’re facing is the most stressful time of their entire professional career.

However, when you’re running a company, you have to keep production on track. How can you help your employees face all the obstacles coming their way and still get their jobs done? Here are some tips to help for balancing it all:

Tip #1: Communicate.

The best thing you can do as a manager is to communicate. Acknowledge to your employees that everyone is under a great deal of stress and talk about the options for managing it. Even sharing your own personal struggles can help your employee feel more connected and supported.

Tip #2: Get personal.

If employees seem stressed, talk to each one individually. Ask what you can do in order to help them navigate their unique situation. They might have children or older relatives they’re caring for and are facing an enormous amount of pressure when it comes to managing it all. The more you know about what they’re undergoing both at work and at home, the better you can help them.

Tip #3: Be transparent.

As much as possible, be transparent about why decisions are being made and how they’re being formulated. Knowing the facts and what to expect can help to reduce stress and anxiety. In addition, telling people they have a safe and confidential space to discuss their concerns also provides a sense of teamwork and togetherness.

Tip #4: Offer tips.

Provide employees with information and tips on mental health and how to cope with stress and anxiety. Make sure they understand how to monitor for signs of mental distress and what to do if they’re noticing any warning signs, such as feeling unusually fatigued, tired, worried or alone.

Tip #5: Create programs.

If you don’t already have them, now’s an ideal time to create programs, such as employee assistance, peer support and financial wellness. These will help employees who are dealing with mounting stress and a range of issues, whether related to their health, child care, finances or other areas. Having resources to turn to so they can more easily get the support they need will help them better manage this difficult season.

Tip #6: Go outside.

It’s been scientifically proven that nature is relaxing. Help your employees take advantage of it by encouraging them to head outside during lunch. Whether they go for a walk, or simply sit outdoors, it will give them a break from the office grind, while also helping them lower their stress and anxiety levels.

Showing your employees they’re supported and offering resources for coping with stress are keys to helping them stay productive, as well as healthy. The more you work together with them, the stronger your team will become overall.

Do you need help hiring for your team?

PrideStaff is here for you. We’re one of Tempe’s top staffing firms and can give you access to the temporary, temp-to-hire, or full-time staff members you need, quickly and affordably. Contact us today to get started.

Is the Pandemic Impacting Cross-State Job Searches?

Careers often unfold like an adventure. Travels to distant locations to capture unprecedented opportunities. However, COVID is making those change of venue much more complicated. As you look for the perfect position for you, the pandemic is impacting cross-state job searches.

Cross-state job hunting might seem like a relatively narrow problem, especially given the widespread impact of the coronavirus outbreak. But, especially now, these longer-distance opportunities could be the key to reinvigorating your career.

With many businesses still not at full capacity and the labor market flooded with qualified candidates, local job openings may be scarce. To maximize your career, you might need to make major changes. However, given the environment, the perfect opportunity might not exist in your hometown, forcing you to search elsewhere for the ideal position.

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 outbreak has made this difficult. Travel restrictions and continued worries about infection have created barriers to movement. In these ways, the pandemic has dramatically impacted cross-state job searches.

Taking Some of the “Pan” Out of the Pandemic

Time for a little high-school vocab lesson. The word “pandemic” comes from a Greek term pandēmos. “Pan” means “all” and “dēmos” means “people,” as in a disease that affects all of the people.

We can certainly see the literal truth of this term in the way the COVID pandemic has played out. Almost everyone has had their lives impacted by COVID-19. But not all the effects have not been entirely “pan.” Some areas of the country were hit harder by the economic repercussions of the outbreak. Infection rates and government responses differed from region to region, leading to different outcomes for businesses in various parts of the U.S.

As a result, there is a vast discrepancy in local labor markets. For instance, government statistics show that Utah’s unemployment rate sat at 4.5% in July, the lowest of any state. Surrounding areas, like Montana and Idaho, had similarly low jobless figures (comparatively speaking), with both those states sporting a number below 7%.

On the other side of the spectrum, Massachusetts had an unemployment rate of 16.1% in July, the highest in the nation. The nearby states of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania had figures above 13%. Clearly, the labor market is much tighter in certain parts of the country.

Ready to Move?

The unemployment figures point to a possible job-search strategy: if you’re having trouble finding a position in your area, why not move? With positions hard to find in Massachusetts, why shouldn’t a job seeker in Boston start looking to relocate to Salt Lake City? There, they could take advantage of the lower unemployment rate.

This is certainly a rational response. It’s not unusual for people to react to a tough job market by expanding their horizons. Of course, relocation can be an expensive and emotionally painful decision. Still, at the same time, it also opens the door to new opportunities.

Different Restrictions

While moving might represent a rational strategy, it might not be immediately possible. Interstate travel during the COVID outbreak is complicated. Infection rates vary from state to state, leading to complicated, ever-shifting state government restrictions about long-distance movement. At the same time, the CDC has issued warnings about traveling in general.

As you look at possible out-of-state opportunities, you should investigate the current travel rules. Even open positions within easy driving distance can cause complications if you have to cross state lines. It’s still possible to take advantage of these potential career-boosting chances. You might just have to adjust your approach to fit the current restrictions.

Embrace Remote Work

Yes, the pandemic has made interstate job searches more complicated. However, there is one potential bright point that has come about as a result of the outbreak. The COVID response had forced companies to embrace remote work as a new normal. This opens up new possibilities for you to take positions that don’t originate in your geographical area.

Companies have become much more flexible about where people do their work. Jobs that might have previously required you to move to a new location now might be available for remote work. Be ready to embrace this possibility. Ramp up your remote-working capabilities and you can increase your chances to land a cross-state position.

Finding a job during a pandemic is certainly a complex endeavor. It helps to have the right support system. By teaming with the right staffing agency, like PrideStaff, you increase your chances of finding the perfect assignment for you.

Contact PrideStaff today to learn more.

Do I Have to Pay to Work with an Employment Agency?

Finding the right job is a stressful experience. You want a position that will align with your skills and abilities. At the same time, the employer needs to be the right fit for your personality, career goals and other needs. How can you tell which opportunities are truly a match? The easy answer is with an employment agency. When you work with one, you’ll be able to take advantage of:

Expert advice for free.

Most reputable employment agencies in Phoenix don’t charge candidates for their services. The hiring company foots the bill and the recruiter is tasked with finding a qualified professional for the job opening. So when you work with one, you can take advantage of their advice, expertise and job network without cost.

Easier access to jobs.

Employment agencies are often the first to know about job opportunities. In fact, sometimes openings aren’t even advertised publicly and are simply sent to an agency to fill. When you partner with one in your job search, you’ll have access to a wider range of jobs, as a result, even those in the hidden market.

An inside look into employers.

You need more than a job you can do, but one you love with a culture that’s a fit for you. When you work with an employment agency, they’ll be able to give you an inside look into each potential employer, including their leadership team, employee culture, opportunities for advancement, and other important areas. You’ll therefore have a stronger sense of whether they’re a good fit for you.

Feedback you can put to use.

If you’ve been applying to jobs without responses, it could be due to problems on your resume or with weak interview skills. An employment agency will be able to give you objective advice and constructive criticism you can put to use. When you do, you’ll come across as a more polished, professional candidate.

That said, not all employment agencies in and around Phoenix are created equal. So before you select one, do your homework by researching them online and talking to recruiters from several. That way, you can be sure you’re partnering with the right agency to advance your unique career.

If you’d like to put PrideStaff on your list, simply contact our team.

As one of the top employment agencies in Phoenix, we know who’s hiring and how to get your foot in the door with some of the top companies in the area. Contact us today to get started.

How to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe & Healthy as You Go Back to Work

As coronavirus pandemic restrictions have been reduced, many people are headed back to work and understandably, may be concerned about their health and safety – especially if they live with someone who is more vulnerable to the virus. Help keep your loved ones safe and healthy as you go back to work with these tips:  

Follow Strict Protocol 

Be intentional about mitigating your risk of coming into contact with virus particles in the workplace. Follow strict protocol for health and safety: 

• • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer whenever you’ve had to touch a shared surface. 
  • Wear a mask. 
  • Keep your distance from others. 
  • Clean any shared surfaces, such as office supplies or equipment.   

Practice Self-Care 

Don’t solely focus on your physical health. Set aside time for yourself for stress-reducing activities, such as exercise or meditation, and simply to take a break. If you are mindful of taking care of your mental health, you will be in a better position to return home to your loved ones and give them the best version of yourself, instead of being irritable or scatterbrained. 

Set Boundaries with Personal Items  

Limit the number of personal items that you take to work with you to prevent contamination when you return home. For items that you do keep with you, such as a mobile phone, be vigilant about wiping it down with sanitizing wipes when you leave work. Consider having a bag for work items that you leave in your vehicle or garage if possible.  

Take Care on Your Commute 

If you’re taking a personal vehicle to and from work, be sure to sanitize your steering wheel and other high touch areas, especially if you were unable to sanitize your hands after leaving your workplace. For public transportation, try to keep your distance from others, wear a mask, and sanitize your hands as soon as you exit. 

Establish a Hygiene Homecoming Routine 

Among the most vulnerable times for potentially spreading any virus particles is your immediate return home from work. Establish a strict hygiene routine you follow as soon as you get home. This may include immediately changing clothes before hugging anyone, washing your hands, and wiping the doorknobs. 

Contact PrideStaff Today

Are you looking for a new job? PrideStaff Akron can help! We work with employers in the Akron area for their hiring needs and can match you with the opportunities that are the best fit for you. Search our database of current available jobs.  

Why You Should Have a Passion Outside of Work

Check out the various dictionary definitions of “passion,” and you’ll find words like “powerful, compelling, a strong fondness, liking or desire” and “an intense, driving feeling or conviction.”

Passion is all of the above. And while it’s awesome to have passion for your work, it’s equally important to pursue your dreams away from the job. There are numerous research-based reasons why what you do outside of work can significantly impact your professional success and personal well-being. Here are some of those proven benefits:

Improved Performance

A recent study at San Francisco State University shows that some form of creative passion outside of work can improve your on-the-job performance by 15 to 30 percent.

Better Resilience and Work/Life Balance

Research also suggests that pursuing a passion is beneficial for your overall well-being, as long as it doesn’t become obsessive. When you commit to a hobby or personal interest, you’re actively choosing to spend time on it – an option that’s not always available at work, but is critical to psychological ease.

• As reported by Inc., the more roles a person sees themself in, the more resilient they are. This is true because if you encounter a setback in one area, you have another one to help boost your self-esteem. You are reminded of your strengths and, as a result, able to bounce back more quickly.

Increased Confidence

Higher confidence levels also tend to go hand in hand with following a passion, as long as whatever hobby or interest you follow is dissimilar from your work. The resulting confidence boost comes from a feeling that if you can succeed in one area, you can also overcome challenges in other aspects of your life.

Amped Up Brainpower

The right hobby gives your brain ongoing boosts as you master it and learn from it. For example, playing video games has been shown to improve working memory and the ability to make decisions under pressure.

Stronger Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation can be beneficial in increasing mental focus and decreasing stress. Your hobby can be your mindfulness practice, as it demands a continuous presence of mind.

As described by Guardian writer Oliver Burkeman, “deep down, we know that we need this kind of present-moment focus, so we find ways to make it happen.” This mindfulness will often spill over into your work as well.

Career Development

When you’re passionate about something, you naturally want to learn more about it. Once you decide to pursue a dream outside the workplace, you may be surprised by how many unexpected skills you develop. These often include transferable traits, which can be utilized in a variety of roles and situations.

• Be prepared for the future. Ensure that the learning, relationships, and experience gained through your hobbies and interests are broad, flexible, and personally satisfying.

Don’t hesitate to pursue your passions and see where they lead you. They may open doors to personal or professional growth that you never thought possible. For expert guidance as you explore these new pathways, consider partnering with PrideStaff Modesto. Get in touch with us today to access our experienced coaches, career development counselors and networks, and much more.

How to Stand Out During the Job-Hunting Surge

The COVID outbreak has reshuffled the job market. With unemployment still inflated by the pandemic, each open position will likely receive a flood of job applicants. This will make it hard for you to get noticed. To land your dream position, you’ll have to stand out during the job-hunting surge.

But how do you accomplish this? How do you spotlight your resume amid the current crowd of job seekers?

From a tight job market earlier this year, the pandemic led to mass layoffs and furloughs. The unemployment rate skyrocketed from a level below 4% (near the lowest level in decades) to a figure just shy of 15%. Since reaching its peak in April, the jobless rate has steadily drifted lower, but it still sits around 10%.

Millions of Americans who had steady jobs in early March are searching for work now. It has led to a glut of eligible candidates, making it difficult to make your mark each time you apply.

But there are opportunities out there. Many companies are looking to get back to something resembling normal operations and are adding staff, despite the continued COVID restrictions. You just have to take steps to get their attention. Here are a few tips to remember as you try to stand out during the surge of job hunters:

Know Your Best Traits

To make a good first impression, you have to know what skills to highlight. You don’t want to bury your best traits. Instead, review what aspects of your background make you a winning job candidate and make these the basis of your pitch.

Research the Market

Putting your best foot forward requires extensive industry knowledge. How can you highlight your best traits if you don’t know what they are? Research the kinds of positions you want to obtain. From there, you can craft your resume and cover letter to fit what employers are searching for.

Target Specific Companies

When companies post job opportunities, they get inundated with resumes. The sheer volume of interest makes it hard for you to stand out. To avoid this, stray a little off the usual path—target specific companies in your industry. You might find open positions that have gone under the radar.

Boost Your Networking Game

Having an “in” at an employer makes it much easier to find a meaningful position. That advantage comes from a well-developed network of professional contacts. In the regular course of events, you should be cultivating your network, so that you have the connections you need when it’s time to find a new position. Now that you’re facing increased competition, this set of potential referrals becomes even more important.

Get Seen on Social Media

Branding is a key investment for any company. In the modern world, it’s also important for job seekers. Use social media to achieve this goal. Leverage your online presence to maximize your employee brand, opening the door to passive recruitment and making it easier to get noticed when you’re actively searching for a job.

Expand Your Skill Set

While you’re hunting for a job, continue to build your base of skills. Take classes. Learn new software. You can expand and develop your resume, even while you search for a new position. This will make you more marketable over time, allowing you to outpace the competition.

Getting noticed in a crowded labor market is difficult. It helps to have someone in your corner. A strong staffing agency, like PrideStaff, can connect you with the perfect employers.

Contact PrideStaff today to open the door to the ideal opportunity.