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Disagree With Your Year-End Evaluation? Here’s How to Handle It

HMG Success on December 28, 2018

 

As the year draws to a close, employees around the country are sitting down for one of their hardest meetings of the year: their year-end evaluation. While many will likely receive compliments on their performance, constructive criticism usually comes along too.

When the negative feedback is valid and insightful, it can actually be beneficially, giving you clear ideas on how you can improve in the coming year. However, when the negative feedback feels blatantly false or unjustified, dealing with the situation can become a challenge.

Luckily, there are things you can do to address any disconnect between what your manager is telling you and what you believe is true. If you disagree with points in your year-end evaluation, here’s how to handle the conversation.

Request Examples

If you are being criticized for a lack of timeliness, but you haven’t been late to work (or even a meeting) in your life, that is understandably frustrating. Similarly, if you are told that you don’t take the initiative but personally spearheaded multiple projects that fall outside of your job description, you’ll likely be a bit at a loss for words.

Whenever you receive feedback that doesn’t seem to align with your performance, ask your manager to provide you with examples of your missteps. This helps you gain clarity regarding their perspective and may lead you to hear details that didn’t immediately spring into your mind.

In cases, where they can’t think of an example, this betters your position. It either gives you grounds to discuss how the feedback may not be valid (or accurate) or may lead your manager to realize that they are mistaken, eliminating your need to participate further in the discussion as the misalignment practically resolves itself.

Thank Them

While it may seem counterintuitive, thanking your manager for their input is a smart move. Ideally, constructive criticism (even if someone inaccurate) is a sign that they want to see you succeed and they are trying to steer you in the right direction.

Take a moment to thank them for their feedback and let them know you appreciate their insights and bringing the point to your attention.

Respectfully Disagree

Once you’ve completed the first two steps, you are in a position to respectfully disagree. While it can be a nerve-wracking experience, largely because it may make you seem argumentative or closed to constructive criticism, it is necessary if your manager is genuinely out of line.

However, only openly disagree if you can provide clear examples that contrast with the feedback. That way, you are backing up your position and making the reason behind your perspective easier to see.

Ask Follow-Up Questions

After respectfully disagreeing, don’t end the conversation there. Instead, if your boss responds calmly to your disagreement with their assessment, include a question that can further the discussion. For example, if you were accused of not taking the initiative, you can ask if there is an approach that can make your efforts more immediately visible. This shows your willingness to engage in further conversation regarding the perception of your actions and are hoping to find a viable solution that meets everyone’s needs.

By following the tips above, you can disagree with your year-end evaluation in a respectful, professional, and constructive manner. If you’d like to learn more, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your questions or concerns with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our workplace expertise can benefit you. If you’re ready to start a new job this year, click this link to check out our newest openings!

 

 

The Best Gift You Can Give Yourself (and Your Career)

HMG Success on December 24, 2018

 

Self confidence is often touted as the key to success and, in many ways, it is. But those who extoll its virtues, especially individuals who seem to possess it naturally, can’t always articulate what to do if you are lacking in the self confidence department.

Luckily, self confidence is a gift you can give yourself. With a little time and addition, you can increase your self esteem by focusing on key points about yourself. Here’s how to get started.

Take a Self-Inventory

If you are alive today, you have skills; it’s that simple. By doing a self-inventory and recognizing what you bring to the table, you can increase your self-esteem and, by association, your self confidence.

Start by considering work tasks that you enjoy because, usually, if you like them, it’s because you have skills that help you excel in that area. Similarly, consider any challenges you’ve faced and how you overcame them. Any accomplishment is a source of valuable information for a self-inventory, including those in your personal life.

As you make a list, don’t neglect soft skills and personality traits that you value. Being a good communicator, having an even temperament under pressure, and anything else in those realms should also make the list.

Reach Out to Your Nearest and Dearest

Sometimes, examining your strengths objectively isn’t easy. Many people who lack self confidence have a tendency to downplay their attributes, or assume they don’t have any at all.

However, that is almost never the case; everyone has something amazing to offer. If you are having trouble with your self-inventory, reach out to those you are closest with and get their input. Friends, family, and even trusted co-workers can be excellent parts of the conversation.

Review Past Assessments

Sometimes, you have indications of your strengths and might not realize it. Any past assessment, like a performance review or even a test grade, can help you see what you have to offer. Review your documents and see what was said about your work, and use that to help boost your confidence. In fact, keep positive emails, reviews, and anything else in a folder together, as it can be a source of confidence-boosting information whenever you need one.

Similarly, if you’ve received verbal praise for a job well-done, consider that too. Write down what you did and what was said, and save that with your other information. That way, you have another source for a pick-me-up should you ever need a reminder about your capabilities.

By following the tips above, you can give yourself and your career one of the best gifts of all this season: self confidence. If you would like to learn more about what you can do, the skilled team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your questions with one of our highly knowledgeable staff members today and see how our expertise can help you make this gift part of your reality. Check out these new open positions today!

 

 

Can You Keep Employees Engaged During the Busiest Time of the Year?

HMG Success on December 21, 2018

 

When employees are scrambling at work and juggling personal responsibilities related to the holidays, keeping them engaged on the job becomes increasingly challenging. After all, your staff likely has a lot on their mind, and not all of it relates to their position.

Luckily, there are things you can do to boost engagement, ensuring that the company remains as productive as possible during even the most chaotic seasons. If you want to know what you can do, here are some tips to get you started.

Don’t Force Joy

While the holidays are usually a joyous time of year, they are also incredibly stressful. But companies often want to make the most of the season by injecting “fun” into the environment, hoping that it will help workers feel appreciated and, subsequently, more loyal and engaged.

Even though recognition is beneficial to morale, trying to force everyone to be joyous is actually counterproductive. If workers feel like they have to maintain a fake smile and express faux happiness at every turn, their stress levels actually rise.

If you want to add some fun to the environment to boost engagement, just make sure it doesn’t feel mandatory. For example, while hosting an ugly sweater contest is fine, clearly state the employees are not obligated to participate. The same goes for other group events, like potlucks and after work celebrations.

Provide Autonomy

Autonomy allows an employee to take ownership of a task. While they may need to achieve a particular outcome, how they get there is in their control.

When a worker has some level of autonomy, they not only get to choose approaches that work best for them, but they may also experience an increase in job satisfaction. Motivation may also rise, as they are personally invested in the steps they choose to take.

However, make sure your team also has access to sources of support. Autonomy doesn’t mean you abandon them. Instead, you merely give them room to breathe. Make sure they know who is available should they have questions or need input. That way, the autonomy can feel like a benefit instead of a punishment.

Add Flexibility

If your workplace can support it, consider instituting a flexible scheduling policy during the holidays. This can help your staff achieve greater work-life balance, enabling them to adjust when they complete specific tasks and accommodating personal obligations.

While adding structure to a flexible scheduling program is a must, such as dictating mandatory core work hours or defining minimum manning requirements, even a bit of adaptability can go a long way. That way, your employees don’t have to be distracted by personal challenges, as they can choose to address them without having to miss work time.

By following the tips above, you can keep your employees engaged during the busiest time of year. If you would like to learn more about how you can improve engagement in the workplace, the skilled team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your goals or concerns with one of our knowledgeable staff members today and see how our employee engagement expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Sick of a Long, Cold Commute? Find a Job Closer to Home!

HMG Success on December 17, 2018

 

If you ask professionals to discuss their favorite part of their workday, odds are they won’t talk about their commute. Typically, the time spent getting to and from work is an inconvenience; minutes or hours that workers would prefer spending with their families, being productive, or simply relaxing.

In America, the average commute is 26 minutes one way, or 52 minutes round trip. However, since that is merely an average, that means there are tons of professionals who spend more time on the road than that. During the winter months, committing so much time to your commute can be exhausting

If you are sick of your long, cold commute, finding a job closer to home may be the best solution. It gives you an opportunity to reclaim minutes (or potentially hours) that are typically spent on the road, decreasing stress and possibly even increasing your job satisfaction. If you aren’t sure how to conduct a job search that focuses on convenient locations, here’s how to get started.

Find Your Target Zone

When decreasing the length of your commute is one of your primary goals, your first step for your job search is to identify your target zone. Start by considering the length of your commute as it stands today and then determine the maximum duration you would prefer having. This will help you map out potential areas based on the location of your home.

While you can figure this out by simply using a map, there are also approaches that ensure you don’t have to do the legwork. For example, many large real estate websites have mapping software that features a variety of overlays, including one focused on commute times. This allows you to see how far you can drive in a specific time frame based on your home’s address.

Once you have your target zone, use that information to identify companies within that area. That way, when you explore available positions, you can use your commute time goals like any other job search criteria.

Partner With a Recruitment Firm

Staffing agencies have in-depth knowledge of their local communities, making them ideal resources when you want to find a job closer to home. In fact, recruitment firms can consider any potential job search criteria you may have, allowing you to identify your ideal role quickly and efficiently.

When you partner with The Advance Group to find your next position, you gain access to experienced professionals who not only know how to conduct an effective job search but can also connect you with leading employers throughout the area. Plus, they may be aware of vacancies that are not advertised to the public, giving you options that may not be accessible if you conduct all of your job search on your own.

If reducing the length of your commute is your number one priority, The Advance Group can create a search based on your wishes. If you want to land a job closer to home, let the team at The Advance Group help you locate your ideal role. Contact us to discuss your perfect position with one of our skilled recruiters today and see how our hiring and job search services can make finding an opportunity with a shorter commute as easy as possible.

 

 

3 Ways Tech Can Improve Employee Health

HMG Success on December 14, 2018

 

The basics of good health have remained largely unchanged over the decades, focusing on key points like getting exercise, eating balanced diets, and getting sufficient sleep. However, how people monitor success in these arenas has changed dramatically, predominately thanks to technology.

When it comes to good health, the benefits extend beyond the person’s own life. Healthier people tend to be happier, more capable employees too. But it today’s world where everyone feels pressed for time, staying healthy isn’t as easy as it sounds on the surface. Luckily, there are things employers can do to help their staff achieve their health-related goals.

With that in mind, here are three ways tech can improve your employees’ health.

1. Encourage Activity With Challenges

Nearly everyone has access to a device that can track their activity, particularly since the vast majority of smartphones can add an app to handle the task. However, merely having a tracker isn’t enough if you aren’t motivated to get moving.

Companies can encourage their staff to be more active through friendly activity challenges. Often, these can be based on some kind of points system, though the mechanism can vary depending on the types of exercise you include in the challenge.

Just make sure that, when you design the program, you give options that don’t require people to join teams. Not everyone is as extroverted as everyone else, so providing the ability to go solo can ensure that all of your employees feel comfortable.

2. Embrace Workspace Improvements

Standup desks garnered a lot of attention as a means of avoiding the health consequences of too much sitting. However, employees are rarely able to update their workspaces to include them on their own, leaving these adjustments firmly in the hands of their employers.

If you want to encourage better health, consider investing in equipment that can make each workspace more beneficial. This can include the aforementioned standing desks or even alternatives, like bike pedals that can fit underneath a desk or balance balls that can be used in place of chairs.

While these solutions aren’t all technically advanced, some versions come with tech features that can help a person track their activity, allowing them to fall into the category.

3. Cross-Platform Information

If you ask your workers what their favorite way to communicate in the office is, you’ll likely get a range of answers. Some may favor collaboration software while others prefer email. Text messages may suit your younger workers best while others may want notifications on the intranet home page.

To use technology to your advance, make sure all health and wellness communications are sent across multiple platforms. Use web development options that allow your intranet to have a responsive design, adjusting to each type of device. Summarize the information and sent it out in a mass text, including a link to get more information. If the details aren’t proprietary, share the message on social media.

By embracing different communication technologies, you can reach more of your staff, ensuring that they have the information they need to improve their health.

If you would like to learn more about how you can use technology to promote better health, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to discuss your goals today and see how our workplace wellness expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Is a Shipping/Receiving Job Right for You?

HMG Success on December 10, 2018

 

Shipping and receiving workers are critical parts of many light industrial manufacturing and warehouse environments. They ensure that incoming items are properly received and stored, and outgoing products are correctly packaged and prepared for shipment.

Without shipping/receiving positions, operations would grind to a halt in many environments. This means there are usually opportunities available in the field. But the big question is, is a shipping/receiving job right for you?

Do You Like to Stay Moving?

While a shipping and receiving role may or may not involve heavy lifting, it does include a lot of movement. You’ll likely need to move throughout the facility, bend and stretch to reach items, move boxes or individual products, and otherwise be physically active during the day.

Essentially, shipping and receiving jobs tend to keep your moving. Depending on the environment, it can also be fast-paced work, making the positions much more active than some people would expect. If being able to use your whole body to accomplish tasks appeals to you, shipping/receiving might be right for you.

Are You Detail-Oriented?

Shipping and receiving professionals need strong attention to detail. Whether you are picking items to fulfill an order or reviewing a shipping document to make sure everything arrived, accuracy is a necessity. Otherwise, the inventory numbers may be off, a customer could become upset, or the company could end up paying for items they didn’t receive.

Additionally, if you are in a role that involves picking products for shipment, you may need to match barcodes or UPC numbers to order sheets. UPCs have 12 digits, and some products that look similar have barcode numbers that are very close to each other. The same can go for item or part numbers, whether they are universal or only used internally. Being able to read them carefully and make the right matches is essential and requires a detail-oriented mindset.

If you enjoy tracking the minutia and have a knack for avoiding mistakes, shipping and receiving might be right for you.

Do You Like Working as Part of a Team?

Shipping and receiving employees rarely work alone. Instead, they are part of a larger team, even if they handle orders individually. This means you can benefit from a sense of camaraderie, as most goals associated with these roles are shared with your co-workers. It creates a “we’re in this together” mentality, and that can be very motivating.

Additionally, it adds a social component to the job. Having strong communication skills is typically essential, as it ensures that you remain on the same page as everyone else.

If you enjoy working directly with others, then working in shipping and receiving might be a great choice.

Ultimately, if everything above sounds like an ideal job, consider shipping/receiving opportunities. If you would like to learn more about current vacancies, the professionals at The Advance Group can help you explore your options. Contact us to find out about our available positions today and see how our career expertise can benefit you.

 

 

Rewarding Employees Without Breaking the Bank

HMG Success on December 7, 2018

 

When you manage an exceptional team, wanting to reward their effort is completely natural. However, many companies can’t afford to spend a bundle on their employees, or even just their top performers. When options like expensive gifts, generous bonuses, or raises aren’t affordable, it can be frustrating. This is especially true if you want to make sure your staff feels valued, something that is critical for retention.

Luckily, you can reward your employees without breaking the bank. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are a few options worth exploring.

Work-Life Balance

When administered properly, flexible scheduling and telecommuting programs can function as rewards. If the entire team consistently meets or exceeds expectations, letting them explore alternative arrangements – like compressed work weeks, work-from-home options, or flexible hours – can actually boost overall productivity while providing greater work-life balance.

If you can support such a program, them make sure to craft a formal policy that outlines the rules. For example, if everyone needs to be available during core work hours or minimal in-office staffing levels must be maintained, make sure that is listed in the policy.

Professional Development

Unless your entire team has reached the peak of their career, offering opportunities that help them learn and grow in their field can serve as great rewards. Plus, the company gets to benefit from the employee’s increased skill set, which can increase productivity, help prevent skill gaps, and more.

While formal training is always an option on the table, it can be expensive. Similarly, sending workers to industry conferences can be a great approach, but might not suit your budget.

If you need to find low-cost professional development approaches, opt for alternatives like mentoring programs and job shadowing opportunities. These arrangements give your team a chance to advance their skills or explore new arenas, while other professionals get to pass down their knowledge.

Another option is to give your top performers first pick when new projects come available. This may allow them to explore areas of interest and expand their knowledge, giving them a chance to learn while simultaneously boosting engagement.

Workplace Improvements

Since your team spends so much time at work, providing improvements to the environment can function as a reward, making their workspaces more comfortable and pleasant. When your staff feels good about the physical space, morale can increase.

You can improve any areas that benefit the workers. For example, adding amenities to the break room may be appreciated if it increases convenience. Providing ergonomic chairs or standup desks can enhance individual workspaces, making them more comfortable and functional.

While these items do come with a price tag, they may be more affordable than certain other rewards, so consider exploring them if you have some room in the budget.

Ultimately, all of the options above can serve as rewards, allowing you to demonstrate your appreciation without breaking the bank. If you’d like to learn about other approaches, the team at The Advance Group can help you explore options that align with your budget. Contact us to discuss your employee recognition goals today and see how our workplace management expertise can benefit you.

 

 

5 Light Industrial Jobs You Can Land Before 2019

HMG Success on December 3, 2018

 

If a landing a new job is one of your goals for the upcoming year, why not get a head start on your resolutions and land one before 2019 begins? There are many light industrial opportunities available with some of the area’s leading companies, and many of them will allow you to start before everyone rings in the new year.

Here are five light industrial jobs that are available right now.

1. Assembly

A company in Monroe is looking for a new person to join their assembly team. If you have the ability to use hand tools, are familiar with measuring devices, and have even a little blueprint reading experience, this opportunity may be ideal for you.

While a flexible schedule is required, the position begins on the day shift, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Plus, it has the ability to go permanent, meaning you may secure a long-term role with this exceptional employer.

2. Material Handler

A Monroe-based company that specializes in automotive packaging and distribution is looking for a material handler with forklift experience. The job focuses on operating a forklift, material handling, and order picking.

Multiple positions are available, giving you a chance to potentially work on either the first shift (7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) or second shift (4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.), Monday through Friday. Plus, if you are selected for a permanent position, you will receive a pay raise upon hire.

3. Packaging

A manufacturing company in Dundee that produces products for the electrical and plumbing industry is seeking a reliable worker to join their packaging department. In the role, you would package various parts or otherwise prepare parts for shipment. Based on the nature of the work, some heavy lifting is required.

This temp-to-hire position is on a swing shift, 4:30 p.m. to 3:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. If selected for a permanent role, opportunities for further advancement are also available.

4. Warehouse

An immediate opening is available with equine fence manufacturer in Swanton. They are seeking a new employee to join their warehouse team. Attention to detail is essential, as well as a high level of accuracy. Heavy lifting is required, as well as experience operating a forklift and general computer literacy.

The position is on the day shift, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and may require the occasional Saturday.

5. Machine Operator

A manufacturing company in Monroe is looking for a skilled machine operator to join their company. The position entails operative several screw extrusion and ram extrusion machines, as well as other duties like filling hoppers, inspecting parts, using measuring devices, and more.

While training takes place on the first shift, 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, other options are available once training is complete. One to three years of machine operating experience is required, along with computer knowledge and familiarity with measuring devices.

If you are interested in any of the light industrial positions above or would like to learn about additional opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group want to hear from you. Contact us to learn more about our vacant positions today and see how our services can help you land a new job before 2019.

 

 

You’re Making Your Job Harder Than It Should Be…

HMG Success on November 26, 2018

 

While every job is going to be challenging, at least at times, that doesn’t mean it should feel like a slog each and every day. If even the simplest tasks seem to take an eternity, or like they are harder for you than anyone else in your workplace, it’s possible that it isn’t the duty itself, it’s how you are tackling it.

In some cases, your approach to a task could be harming your productivity, as you are making the work much harder than it would be otherwise. Here are a few things that you may be doing that could actually be making your job more difficult.

Using Outdated Processes

If you’ve been in your role for a while, you’ve likely become comfortable with a variety of processes that were in place since you started in the position. Effectively, they are your normal way of doing things, so the idea of abandoning them for an updated approach might not seem very appealing.

However, if a new process was introduced, there is likely a reason. It may be more efficient or make better use of a new technology when compared to the old way of doing business. By clinging to the past, you aren’t getting the benefits of what’s current.

While change can be scary, it is often necessary. Once you familiarize yourself with the newer process, keeping up with your colleagues will probably be easier. Plus, you’ll likely get comfortable with the updated approach much faster than you realize, so consider giving it a try today and see if things aren’t better. Even if you need to ask for some help or training, it’s nearly always worth the effort.

Needing Everyone’s Validation

While receiving confirmation that you are on the right track can make you feel more confident, getting validation from everyone is unnecessary. Not only does it take from other people’s workdays but it also keeps you from focusing on the next task, making you less productive.

Instead of touching base with everyone who may be impacted by your work, find out who the assigned decision maker is and only get a stamp of approval from them. This can give you the confirmation you need and sufficiently covers your bases but takes the shortest amount of time possible.

Planning for Every Possibility

Having a solid plan can be incredibly beneficial. However, if you find the need to thoroughly plan for every possible outcome, your overanalyzing is doing more harm than good.

When your planning hits extreme levels, you aren’t just mitigating risk; you’re delaying your ability to start. Plus, giving all of the potential roadblocks some of your time is incredibly stressful as you are concentrating on the worst-case scenarios, even if they are exceptionally remote.

While understanding that you may encounter problems is wise, don’t try to plan for every potential issue. Instead, craft a basic plan and actually start the task. As you proceed, you can always adjust your approach when the need arises, so don’t let your planner nature prevent you from doing the work laid out before you.

By following the tips above, you can make sure that you aren’t making your job harder than necessary. If you’d like to learn more about workplace productivity, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our skilled team members today and see how our expertise can benefit you.

The Mistake You’re Making With Workplace Inclusion

HMG Success on November 23, 2018

 

Even as more companies begin to focus on diversity and inclusion, progress has been incredibly slow going. Many demographics are substantially underrepresented in a variety of fields. Additionally, a significant number of minorities continue to experience bullying and harassment on a regular basis, while others simply don’t feel comfortable in their workplaces.

Often, company leaders strive to find solutions to these issues, trying to remedy the situation as quickly as possible. However, this approach may actually be what’s holding you back when it comes to inclusion, as focusing on providing solutions can actually be a mistake.

The Harm of Management’s Focus on Providing Solutions

When a problem needs solving, managers often spring into action. They try to find a path that can deliver the desired result, aiming to move quickly to handle the existing issue. Usually, when it comes to diversity, policies are created or adjusted in response to problems like bullying and harassment.

While setting rules and guidelines can be a necessity, it might not speak to the core of the issue. Management’s tendency to focus on solutions means they could be missing a critical piece of the inclusion puzzle; they might not actually be listening to what their staff needs and how they perceive their situation.

Additionally, merely creating new policies doesn’t always alter behavior. Instead, management needs to focus on more than finding a potential solution; they need to be willing to take action, too.

How to Make Your Workplace More Inclusive

Before management tries to find a solution to a problem of inclusivity, they first need to genuinely listen to their staff. Ask questions and let your employees respond, including through anonymous surveys, if necessary. Let them present how they perceive the current situation and discuss how they feel when they are at work. Allow them to identify sources of discomfort and explain how they are affected by them.

As you gather responses, look for patterns. Are multiple employees expressing the same sentiment? Is there a specific issue presented over and over?

Then, determine if the issue is policy-based, cultural, or something else before you try to craft a course of action. Often, cultural norms are the biggest factor when it comes to a lack of inclusivity, and some words on paper aren’t going to change that automatically.

When this occurs, management needs to be prepared to take action. For example, they may need to interject if an employee says or does something inappropriate, guide workers who exhibit poor behavior on how to improve, and use anti-discrimination and anti-bullying policies as a basis for corrective action.

By taking the proper steps, you can begin to reshape your culture into one that supports inclusivity, ensuring everyone can work together comfortably and productively.

If you are interested in learning more about creating a more inclusive workplace, the professionals at The Advance Group can help. Contact us to speak with one of our knowledgeable team members today and see how our expertise can make achieving your diversity goals easier than ever before.

 

 

Make Money for the Holiday Season With These 5 Open Jobs

HMG Success on November 19, 2018

 

While the holidays are clearly on the horizon, there’s still plenty of time to make a little money before the largest gift-giving season of the year is in full swing. If you are looking for an ideal opportunity, here are five open jobs that are worth exploring.

1. General Labor

If you are relatively new to the manufacturing industry, a position as a general laborer may be ideal. During the execution of your duties, you’ll gain valuable experience working with a variety of hand and power tools while also performing general work throughout the facility, including material handling.

Candidates need at least one year of experience either as a general laborer or in a manufacturing environment, the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. regularly, and to stand, bend, and reach with ease.

2. Accounting Clerk

If you have experience in accounts payable and receivable, you might be the perfect candidate for an accounting clerk position. This exciting opportunity is in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, ensuring you won’t have the chance to get bored during the course of the day.

The preferred candidate will have around five years of experience as well as an associate’s degree in business or accounting, though this is not a strict requirement. Being bilingual (English and Spanish) is also a plus, though not a necessity.

3. Shipping/Receiving

If you are looking for a team-oriented environment and have prior experience in shipping and operating a forklift, this shipping/receiving role may be the right position for you. You’ll work as part of a team to meet daily objectives, ensuring shipping operations run smoothly during the course of your shift.

Job seekers with a steady work history are preferred. If you have pallet jack experience, that is a plus, but not a necessity.

4. Staffing Coordinator

If you enjoy working with people and helping them achieve their professional goals, consider exploring this staffing coordinator position. The selected candidate will handle tasks including, but not limited to, sourcing candidates, interviewing job seekers, screening applicants, networking, and managing current employees.

Exceptional customer service skills are a must, as well as a high school diploma (college degree preferred). Additionally, knowledge of Microsoft Office is also essential, in addition to strong leadership and organizational skills.

5. Machine Operator

If you have previous production or industrial experience, the ability to read a tape measure, and math skills including the ability to work with fractions and decimals, you may be interested in this machine operator opening. The position is highly physical, so you’ll spend a significant portion of your day picking up and packaging various parts.

The position is with a steel fabrication company, so it can help you get your foot in the door in the exciting steel industry. If you are detail oriented, mechanically inclined, quality oriented, self motivated, and open to working in a fast-paced production environment, make sure to apply.

All the positions above are open jobs, making them ideal for earning some money before the holidays. If you would like to learn more about these open jobs or other exciting opportunities, the professionals at The Advance Group want to hear from you. Contact us to explore our current openings today and see how our services can make landing your next position as easy as possible.

 

 

What Your Employee Engagement Is Missing

HMG Success on November 16, 2018

 

Most managers know an engaged workforce is a productive one. However, crafting an environment where employee engagement is the norm is often easier said than done.

In many cases, the majority of any company’s employees aren’t overly engaged. While they may be meeting expectations, few are as enticed and entranced by their work as they could be, so they aren’t as inclined to go the extra mile unless it is absolutely necessary.

While there is some debate regarding the best way to increase employee engagement, one point is usually agreed upon: Effective communication is a requirement for success.

Developing an Effective Internal Communications Method

At times, companies may assume that if they simply embrace the latest app with the newest features, they don’t have to spend much time cultivating an internal communication strategy. While providing new tools can be beneficial, it isn’t a guaranteed method for increasing engagement over the long-term.

Instead, leaders need to analyze which communication methods not only meet your functional needs but also connect with your workforce. It needs to make engaging with the content feel natural and convenient. Otherwise, it misses the mark.

Think All-Encompassing

Ideally, you want to select a communication platform that can reach your entire workforce, a highly visible solution that provides value across the board. Any system that is restricted to a particular niche, like a single department, isn’t going to stand the test of time. Plus, it guarantees management is going to have to reach out on multiple platforms to get critical information across to everyone.

In many cases, choosing a platform that can deliver messages across computers and mobile devices is the most appropriate solution. It ensures your message can be cohesive, as you don’t have to recreate it for different devices.

Allow a Tailored Experience

While you want to make sure every worker receives critical content, you also want to make sure they aren’t bombarded with information they don’t need. Work to find a platform that allows employees to have a somewhat tailored experience by enabling them to eliminate communications that are irrelevant, without having to see them at all.

Make the Content Interesting

People are highly visual creatures, often responding better to content that is interesting to the eyes, as well as full of valuable information. When you select a platform, make sure it can support an aesthetically pleasing message. For example, will it let you include images? Can it support video? Will it reformat messages in a way that is cluttered or makes it harder to process visually?

In many cases, people are better equipped to process image-based information than simple text. Plus, it makes the information more interesting, which can increase engagement. Make sure your platform provides you with that capability if you want to make the most of it.

By following the tips above, you can increase employee engagement in your workplace. If you’d like to learn more, the professionals at The Advance Group want to hear from you. Contact us with your questions and see how our experience in managing employee engagement can benefit you today.

 

 

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