4 Bad Work Habits You Should Ditch Immediately

To stay happy, productive, and anxiety-free, don’t let bad work habits bring you down. They don’t make you a terrible person; usually, they’re just small behaviors you fall into due to lapses in self-awareness. Or, they may be the result of pent-up stress or job dissatisfaction. Whatever the root cause, you can take steps to eliminate habits such as:

The Sunday Blues

As the name implies, the Sunday blues start the day before you return to work for the week. If you’ve ever had them, you know them all too well: that growing seed of dread that begins midway through the day and grows as Monday looms nearer.

Plan fun activities to fill your Sunday. Don’t defeat the purpose by exhausting yourself, but opt for doing things you truly enjoy and find relaxing. Maybe it’s a long bike ride, binge-watching a Netflix series, or spending the afternoon reading a favorite novel. It does not mean checking emails, meeting schedules, or your to-do list for the week ahead!

The Glass-Half-Empty Attitude

No one enjoys being around people who give off negative energy. Try to keep negativity and frustration out of the workplace – especially if your attitude stems from something that isn’t even job-related, such as that annoying neighbor or the argument you had with your spouse.

Be in the moment. If you arrive at work feeling negative, the minute you walk in, take a deep breath, and consciously adopt an attitude of gratitude and helpfulness. Fill that glass!

The Amateur

There’s nothing wrong with being an amateur golfer or art aficionado. But at work? Nothing less than a consummate pro will do. Sure, you can let your guard down occasionally and have some fun. But otherwise, stay on your pro game as long as you’re on the clock.

Act and speak appropriately. While every company culture varies in what is defined as acceptable behavior, there’s never an excuse for demeaning humor, off-color jokes, or vulgarity. If you’re not sure, put your comments or actions to the New York Times test: If you would want it printed on the front page, don’t do it.
Be coachable. If you don’t listen to feedback to get better, you’re limiting yourself. Be a lifelong learner. When an opportunity for a promotion or recommendation arises, your name will be top of mind.

The Procrastinator

Most people today have multiple tasks, but be sure to prioritize your work. Complete the most critical tasks first and avoid missing deadlines.

Set goals and deliverables – and write them down. Check tasks off as you complete them. Monitor your progress periodically throughout the week. By leaving on Friday with all your key duties accomplished, you can help ward off those Sunday blues just by knowing you’ll be in good shape when Monday rolls around. Or, you can make adjustments early on if you feel yourself falling behind.

Whether it means improving your current role or your reality check tells you it’s time for a job change, contact PrideStaff Fresno today. Our career coaches can help, and our job network is always in motion. We’ll help you find what it takes to make a positive, lasting impression at work and wake up looking forward to each new day.

3 Tips for How Employers Can Show They Care About Their Employees

Satisfied, dedicated employees make for a thriving company. And think about it for a moment: where would you be without your team? Of course, you care about them. But be sure to show it by helping them stay healthy, recognizing their needs both inside and outside of work, and keeping your door open, so communication flows openly.

Take care of employees’ health.

According to a Mayo Clinic survey, many Americans blame their jobs over all other factors for such health problems as stress, poor diet, lack of proper exercise, sleep issues, and more. For those who spend most of the day sitting at a desk, related concerns can include weight gain, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, and back problems. Too much time staring at a screen? Add vision challenges to the list. Ouch.

Start or enhance your worksite wellness program. In another study, 89 percent of employees who participated in such programs reported better overall health and well-being – and 67 percent of employers reported increased staff engagement as a result.

Provide flexibility for work/life balance.

Never before has flexibility at work been more critical. Always at the forefront, it has taken on a whole new level of importance since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Get to know each employee’s needs and concerns and don’t force them to make a difficult choice between work and personal life.

The best-case scenario is to give people the freedom to come and go from the work site as they choose and are able, as long as they get their work done. For those who have to be on-site, work out flexible schedules. Provide robust technological tools and equipment, so remote work is successful and productive.

Make communication a two-way street.

To truly understand your employees and how they’re feeling, build a culture where communication is two way, and honest feedback is encouraged. Don’t just keep your door open – take it off the hinges!

Reinforce the premise that people can provide feedback, including complaints, without adverse consequences. No one should have a fear of speaking up.
Your open door signifies honesty, trust, and transparency. As employees walk by, chat with them casually about their families, weekend, or hobbies and activities they enjoy. If no one is at work at this time, make that a virtual open door by reminding people how they can easily reach you for a phone or online chat.

Conduct employee surveys on a regular basis. It’s a great way to get a pulse on how things are going, especially in today’s upside-down world. It can be as simple as a quick Survey Monkey, or more detailed to drill down on specific questions and topics.

For more ideas on building better employee relations, contact the workforce development experts at PrideStaff Fresno today. Caring is at the root of all we do, as we get to know our clients and their teams and custom tailor strategies to meet their unique talent management needs. We look forward to doing the same for you.

Learn How to Build a Better Relationship with Your Boss

You spend a lot of time working – and a significant amount of that time is spent interacting with your boss.

You get out of any relationship what you put into it, so when it comes to the one you have with your supervisor, you need to be firmly committed to it. After all, your boss has a tremendous amount of influence over your level of happiness or stress at work: they can make each day something to look forward to – or dread. And, they hold the key to your advancement within your company, and sometimes outside as well.

You don’t have to be best friends or hang out on weekends. But you do need a solid relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

Take the initiative.

Show that you care about doing the best job possible and that you’d be excited to take on new projects to help your boss and the company succeed.

Set up meetings with your manager at least once a month, or as needed to stay up to date. Schedule these sessions for a time and day that works best for your boss: your goal is to relieve their stress and make yourself stand out in a positive light, not be a pest. Use these opportunities to discuss your current assignments’ status, present ideas for the future, and make sure you’re on track with goals and plans.

Foster effective communications.

It takes open lines of communication to establish ongoing trust. Start by putting yourself in your boss’s shoes. Figure out the challenges they’re facing and be prepared to offer effective solutions.

Show value. You don’t always have to agree with your boss, but either way, have facts and data lined up to support your position, and show how it will produce desired results.
Offer to help with your boss’s projects. Demonstrating that you’re willing and able to take on more is one of the best ways to position yourself for advancement.
Ask for help and advice. People like to be seen as subject matter experts. Make a point to ask your boss for advice every so often, and make it count. Don’t ask about something trivial, but by inviting them into the process of helping you find or validate a solution, you’re showing how much you value their opinion.

Be yourself.

You gain respect by being authentic.

Don’t be the person perceived to be kissing up to the boss. Be sincere and authentic in your approach. If the two of you simply don’t click, then maybe it’s time for you to make a change. But you won’t make anything better by trying to “fake it till you make it.”
Ask for what you need. For instance, if spending too many hours at the office is taking a toll on your personal life, propose a more flexible schedule. Be willing to compromise. Your relationship will be stronger as a result.

As you advance in your career, consider partnering with PrideStaff Fresno. We can help you reach greater heights in your current role – or find a new one that’s just the right fit for you. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.

The Importance of Overcommunicating with Employees During COVID-19

Crisis communication refers to the technologies, systems, and processes that enable your organization to convey messages back and forth to your workforce and other stakeholders in the event of an emergency.

Earlier this year, the need for a robust crisis communication plan hit companies worldwide like a tidal wave, with the onset of COVID-19. To a certain extent, you can never go wrong by overcommunicating with your employees. Still, this principle is even more applicable as your business continues to adjust to the changes brought on by the virus.

Make information accessible anywhere.

The methods you use to communicate with your workforce may include anything from bulletin board postings, posters, and snail-mail to emails, text messages, and app-based alerts.

The bottom line: Make key messages accessible wherever people are. For instance, don’t assume they have a computer or mobile device at their fingertips. More traditional media may still work better in some cases. Your best strategy is a multi-media approach.

Communicate openly and honestly.

According to the 2019 Workforce Mindset Study, less than half of all employees feel the communication they receive from their companies is open and honest. And yet, numerous studies have shown that workers are significantly more engaged when communication channels flow freely and transparently.

Especially during a crisis, provide as much information as possible. If there are certain points you cannot share, say so in an honest and sincere fashion. Reassure people that you will continue to keep them up to date to safeguard their health and well-being.

Communicate early and often.

Today’s 24-hour news cycle has imploded since the onset of COVID-19. Updates from government, business, and other sources can change hourly. Keep your company’s voice prominent and reliable by conveying news as early and frequently as possible, while ensuring accuracy. This is where you need to cover all your media bases, so everyone gets your messages, regardless of their location or current situation.

Empower managers so they can keep people informed.

Only 50 percent of managers surveyed in the Workforce Mindset Study felt they had the necessary tools to have tough conversations with their employees. In times of crisis, equip your managers with the messaging, authority, and resources they need to facilitate ongoing two-way communications. If they’re well prepared, they can better support their people, who look to them for leadership and guidance.

Yes, it’s personal.

There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for successful employee communication. It’s essential to consider every individual team member’s needs – which in the case of COVID-19, starts with their risk of exposure, whether they’re working remotely or commuting into work. Parents, caretakers, singles who may be experiencing isolation-related stress, and others, all may need specialized attention and support.

Show compassion. Tensions can run high, so be sensitive and level-headed. Your goal as you navigate this crisis is to calm nerves, share relevant information, and provide the resources people need to make informed decisions about their own health, safety, and livelihood.

At PrideStaff Fresno, our goal is to help you develop communication and HR strategies to meet all your changing needs while achieving desired business results. We can also help you build and right-size your workforce in areas including customer service, IT, accounting and finance, healthcare, production, and administrative and legal support. Contact us today to learn more.

Important Tips for How to Calm Your Nerves Before an Interview

Before a job interview, nervousness is normal, expected, and even beneficial – as long as it doesn’t spiral out of control. It’s your body’s way of preparing you to win. As noted by Dr. Sherry Benton, founder and chief science officer of the online behavioral health platform Tao Connect, when you experience anxiety, “the brain’s limbic system fires and makes (you) ready for whatever you need to do, whether it’s fight or flight.”

All you need to do is moderate those nerves to keep them at a healthy level. Dr. Benton goes on to say that “you want some performance anxiety, but not too much. You want your nerves to show you’re interested and excited. But if you’re overstressed, you won’t do well … so strive for the middle zone.”

Here are some tips for balancing those pre-interview jitters:

Take a pause and breathe.

Even a simple deep breath can help you calm your nerves. Or, you may want to try the STOP method, which helps you slow down and be deliberate, not only in your actions but also in the feelings you may let take over.

Four-count breathing is a similar proven technique. Breathe in, hold your breath for four counts, then breathe out and hold it again for four seconds. This slows your heart and your body and reduces the amount of cortisol and adrenaline you’re using. By slowing your breathing, you’ll become more centered and confident.

Practice makes perfect.

Rehearse your interview ahead of time with a trusted friend or coach. Record it and watch it afterward. Rinse and repeat until you’ve worked out all the bumps.

Master your body power pose. According to Harvard Business School research, positioning your body in a stance of powerlessness affects how you behave. Assuming a power pose makes you more calm, charismatic and in control.

Make a cheat sheet. Start a note on your phone with all the important details about your interview: the building address, the time, the hiring manager’s name, three key points you want to get across, your questions, and anything else you don’t want to forget. Read it over just before you leave and if possible, again before you’re called in to your interview meeting.

Be physically prepared.

Get a good night’s rest before your interview. Eat a healthy breakfast, lunch or snack before you go in.

Have a banana so you don’t go bananas! The combination of tryptophan, potassium and beta blockers in bananas naturally calms the nerves. There is some debate on this point, but it’s a light, healthy snack, so it couldn’t hurt.
For a little pre-interview endorphin rush, hit the gym or go for a run. Even 15 minutes on your yoga mat or a walk around the block can put you in the right frame of mind and at a calm, comfortable level for the rest of the big day.

At PrideStaff Fresno, our best-in-class approach has helped thousands of job seekers land the position of their dreams – from resume preparation and networking through interviewing, negotiating offers, and making a smooth transition into a new role. Check out our FAQs or contact us today to learn more.

Follow These 3 Tips for Being Productive while Working from Home

These days, many more people are spending some or all their working hours at home. Whether this description fit you before the coronavirus lockdown occurred or was thrust upon you suddenly, as a result, rest assured that you can be productive and engaged in your work, even if your kitchen has become your breakroom and a corner of your bedroom your office.

According to a study reported recently in Business News Daily, remote employees work 1.4 hours more per day than their office-based peers. This may come as a surprise at first until you get in the right mindset and establish the right environment to work from home. Then it makes perfect sense. Here are some tips to become part of that success story:

Set up your ideal home workspace.

Find a workspace that best fits you and your preferred work style. Chances are you need a computer, but it could be a desktop, your favorite mobile device, or both. Think about what times during the day you tend to be most creative and task-driven, and plan to accomplish your high-priority assignments during those peak performance hours.

Eliminate distractions. Did you know that remote employees can lose up to 27 minutes of work time due to distractions? But guess what else is true? On-site workers can lose as many as 37 minutes per day, so again, you’re ahead of the curve! When working, silence your phone (unless you’re expected an important call) and turn off anything else that draws you away from the job.

Stick to a schedule.

After taking breaks (more on that to follow), the most effective way for remote employees to stay productive, as noted in the abovementioned study, was to have set work hours. Establish a daily ritual, just as you would if you were commuting into the office and back. This helps you feel more structured and efficient and keeps your attention focused. Get up, get showered and dressed, have breakfast, and grab that second cup of coffee … whatever works for you.

Keep a to-do list. Write down what you need to accomplish each day so you avoid constantly jumping from task to task.

Remember three B’s: breaks, balance and boundaries.

Ah, yes. This cuts to the core of working from home. It can be awesome and productive, but taking breaks and setting boundaries are critical steps to work/life balance.

Get up every so often for a healthy snack, a quick stretch, or a 10-minute walk. And when you’re off the clock for the day, stay off it unless an urgent matter arises.
You may want to try the Pomodoro Technique, which involves selecting a task, working on it for 25 minutes, then checking it off and taking a break before resuming work again. It’s time-tested and proven successful for heightened productivity.

To help you optimize your productivity and other key skills as you advance your career, contact the PrideStaff Fresno team today. We can help you build success in your current role or find a new one that’s just right for you, whether it’s temporary, full-time, or temp-to-hire. We look forward to working with you as you take that next step.

How to Navigate Your Job Search During COVID-19

Had you already started a job hunt when the global lockdown due to Covid-19 hit this spring? Or, had you simply been considering a career change and are now feeling daunted by the current economic uncertainty? Either way, here are some tips for your search strategy, circa the second half of 2020, and today’s “new reality.”

Plans Stifled by the Pandemic?

Maybe the pandemic left you in limbo: you had begun pursuing a strong lead or even had a first-round interview before everything came to a halt. If so, stay in touch with your potential employer.

Let them know you understand their current challenges. If possible, offer to help. For instance, send an email saying something like, “I hope things are going well as you reopen this summer. I’ve had some experience leading virtual teams, so I may be able to assist as you transition your workforce into this scenario.”

Jumping in Despite the Challenges?

There’s no reason you can’t start a brand new search or be ready to hit the ground running when things stabilize.

Polish up your resume and LinkedIn profile. Focus on developing your personal brand to give employers a sense of the unique contributions you would make if hired. Read job descriptions carefully and tailor your resume to the specific skills listed.
Identify and apply to growth industries. Yes, there are some – at companies that have flourished during the pandemic. Think healthcare, manufacturing, home delivery, and other areas where the demand for products and services continues to grow.

Tips to Remember Regardless of Your Situation

Start by setting a timeline for when you would like to land a new job and plan to get there. Of course, if you’re unemployed due to the pandemic or otherwise, there will be a greater sense of urgency. Either way, don’t just blindly apply. Give careful thought to what you want to do. Then build your strategy to leverage your network and track your progress.

Network online. Seek out like-minded professionals, including friends, mentors, and current and former colleagues. Join groups and participate in discussions. Contribute relevant content to demonstrate your subject matter expertise. Take opportunities to make new connections and revive old ones.
Bolster your qualifications. In addition to networking, this is a good time to expand your professional toolkit by taking courses online. Given the current economic climate, a number of companies are sharing courses and training at no cost.
Prepare to interview virtually. While social distancing, chances are interviews will be done online for the foreseeable future. Dress appropriately, and control your environment by ensuring that it’s quiet, well-lit, and free of clutter or distractions. Download and familiarize yourself with using video platforms like Zoom to help ensure that your interview goes smoothly.

For additional assistance in your job search, turn to the experienced career counselors at PrideStaff Fresno. We’ll keep you moving forward, whether your current goal is a full-time, temporary, or temp-to-hire role. Send us your current resume or contact us today to learn more.

Employer Branding is More Important than Ever

Effective employer branding helps your company stay competitive, as well as attract and retain the best talent. Always top priorities, these considerations have taken on even stronger meaning during the unprecedented – many would say cataclysmic – year that has been 2020.

Employer branding is no longer just a marketing buzzword; it’s an essential business strategy.

Effective branding enhances your company culture.

A strong brand makes your employees feel proud to be part of your organization. For both current team members and job candidates, the positive culture typically associated with a solid brand is a leading draw.

A study by international brand specialists Link Humans shows that a strong brand can lead to 50 percent more qualified applicants. Candidates will search potential employers to get an idea of their expectations and whether they would fit in before considering applying.

Research also shows that close to 80 percent of candidates are likely to use social media in their job search. So, build your brand on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms where desired talent congregates.

You save money by building your brand.

If your brand is well received, you don’t have to spend as much on recruitment or marketing – because good talent will find you on their own.

According to a study conducted by LinkedIn, companies with stronger brands than their competitors, on average, see a 43 percent decline in their cost per hire.
Your current employees become your brand ambassadors. As a result, hires through their referral increase. Good word of mouth remains a highly powerful marketing tactic, and it doesn’t have to cost a dime – though bonuses for successful employee referrals are well worth the expense.
There’s a positive domino effect. When brand awareness grows, so do your sales. Plus, employees are more engaged and productive, and financial stability is improved. Current team members feel more secure in their jobs, and your organization is even more attractive to potential new hires.

As you build your employer brand and the winning workforce that goes with it, consider partnering with PrideStaff Fresno. We can help with branding and other talent strategies, and customized staffing in areas including administration, customer service, IT, accounting and finance, and legal support. Contact us today to learn more.

How to Know It’s Time to Change Jobs

According to research by Northeastern University, by the age of 50, the average person has held 12 different jobs, in an effort to find the right fit. In 2916 alone, 6.2 million workers changed roles and switched to completely different fields.

It’s perfectly normal to go through periods where you’re dissatisfied or unhappy with your work. It happens to everyone. But if this feeling doesn’t go away over a period of several months or more – or you begin to dread getting up every morning and going into work – it’s probably time to consider a change. Or, you may feel as though you’ve “checked out” and are just going through the motions, unable to muster the energy to even fake enthusiasm about work anymore. Not a good place to be in life or your career!

Here are some additional warning signs to watch for:

You’re stuck in the status quo.

How long have you been in your current job? Here’s a hint: If you know the answer, right down to the number of months, weeks, or even days, then it’s probably time you looked elsewhere. Because if you are truly passionate, who’s counting?

For some people, the status quo of a job is fine – because it’s actually much more than that. Their passion is triggered, and they feel they are growing and developing on a regular basis. But if the opposite is true and things are starting to feel stagnant, consider that a red flag to move on.

You’re not getting feedback on your work.

If your manager isn’t providing regular feedback on your performance, it’s difficult to know what it takes to move up within your company or grow as a professional. The best managers are engaged with your career development and regularly offer advice and guidance. If you aren’t getting this support, you owe it to yourself to find it.

You’re not learning.

If you feel your learning curve on the job as flattened or you’re no longer feeling challenged, this also may be a sign that your employer isn’t investing in your growth.

If this sounds painfully familiar, ask to be involved in a new project or team. And if these options don’t exist, think about making a more significant change.

There’s constant turnover at your company.

Are you seeing a pattern of unhappy coworkers, to the point where they are leaving your company in increasingly large numbers? If you don’t know why you ask them. Do their reasons apply to you as well?

If you feel you’ve reached the point of no return at your job, the career development experts at PrideStaff Fresno can help – whether your goal is to advance at your current company or find a new professional home. We can help you design and execute your strategy, polish your personal brand, and land in a role that meets your needs and incites your passion. Contact us today to learn more.

This Checklist Will Help Make Sure You Start Your New Job Right

The big day is almost here. You’re about to start your new job! And although you’ve obviously already made a good impression on your employer, you want to continue to do so on your very first day at work.

Keep in mind that nobody expects you to be perfect. Starting a new job is stressful, and your nerves are bound to be a bit on edge. But, there are steps you can take to hit the ground running. So, pat yourself on the back and keep these tips in mind:

The Night Before …

Prepare as much as you can on the night before, to alleviate your stress in the morning.

Lay out your outfit. Dress for success. Check even further ahead of time and, if necessary, ask what the proper dress code for your new job is. Plan to wear something you’re comfortable in. This includes your footwear. While it needs to be clean and well-polished, avoid brand new high heels or stiff dress shoes!
Set your alarm 15 minutes early. Allow yourself a little extra time, so you arrive relaxed and ready to go.
Collect all your documents. Hopefully, the HR department has told you what to bring: your passport, photo ID, and any other required paperwork. If not, have them handy, just in case.
Line up your questions and ideas: Impress your new boss by asking well-researched questions about your department and the company. Share your ideas about the projects you’ll be working on.
Get a good night’s sleep. Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol, eat a healthy dinner, and do whatever it takes to sleep well. You may want to listen to relaxing music, practice deep breathing, or try the Sleep with Me podcast.

The Day Of …

On the first day of this new chapter in your professional life:

Maintain a positive attitude. Let your enthusiasm for being part of the team and the organization shine through.
Keep your eyes and ears open to begin learning and meshing into the company culture. How do people present themselves? Work together? Interact with clients? What are the written and unwritten rules of engagement?
Nail down names. Part of your active listening should be learning new colleagues’ names and what they do. You may want to discreetly write them down so you can review them later.
Take notes. In addition to names, take notes on the systems, rules, and processes at your new company. Attend all orientation and training sessions. Your participation shows interest, ambition, and dedication to getting up to speed quickly.
Take initiative. Usually, employers go lightly on new hires on their first day, so as not to overwhelm them. But if you finish something and find you have time on your hands, take the initiative and ask for another assignment.

For additional advice on making a career transition – whether it’s finding the right opportunity, polishing up your resume, interviewing like a superstar, or segueing into your new role – contact the PrideStaff Fresno team today. We look forward to helping you make your professional vision a reality.