The Growing Impact of Freelancers and Temp Workers

Decades ago, our workplace model looked like this: you went to college, accepted a job at a company, worked there for the next forty or fifty years, then retired. That has obviously changed. People are changing jobs more frequently; sometimes out of necessity, sometimes out of desire for variety, flexibility, or growth. And the role…

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Should I Hire an Over-Qualified Worker?

Due to our continuing economic situation, there continues to be more over-qualified people seeking employment than ever before. I also believe we’re seeing the result of a shift in priorities from the “live to work” approach of the past to the “work to live” philosophy that’s more about work/life balance. Regardless, there are still many…

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How do I respond to negative feedback?

None of us like to be criticized. We’re only human. But the important thing to remember when you’re receiving less-than-glowing feedback is feedback is good. It is your friend. How else would you know if you’re doing something wrong? How else would you learn about a better way to accomplish a goal? How else would…

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Salary Transparency – is it a good thing or a bad thing?

It’s both. Transparency can have a lot of positive effects. Gender equality is an obvious benefit. Others are more subtle. A recent study by PayScale (a company that compiles a large database of salary information for both individuals and companies) concluded that how people perceive their pay matters more than what they are actually paid.…

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Attention Employers: Rude Workers Cost you Money!

It’s sad but true. According to a 2007 study published in the Academy of Management Journal, incivility costs companies approximately $14,000 per employee. And, a 2016 study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology says that incivility is contagious. We’re not talking about obvious inappropriate behavior like bullying. We’re talking about more subtle actions like…

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How do I keep my top employees?

Have you ever received an unexpected resignation letter from a top-performing, long-term employee? Arrrrgggghhh! Why did this happen?! Let’s talk employee retention strategies. Doesn’t sound very exciting does it? However, thinking about, developing and putting into place an employee retention program can save you time, money and pain. Employee retention strategies should include a variety…

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Confused About New Overtime Rules?

Confession: we all are. But did you know that one of the ways you can safely get more work done without taxing your current staff, or evading the IRS, is to hire a temporary staffing firm to provide the exact expertise you need to accomplish your goals? It’s easier than hiring an independent contractor. Simply…

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Dear Employer: We’d Really Just Love to Make This Easier For You!

With thanks to STAFFING TALK columnist, Kevin Prow, we have some ideas for employers to improve their use of staffing firms … Sad, but here’s how he began a recent column: “As a Director of Support Services, I work hand-in-hand with dozens of staffing agencies every day, assisting them on all aspects of their business.…

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Our 2014 Hiring Predictions

As our senior recruiter, Kathryn Lorenzen, often says, “I don’t have the time to write you a short explanation”, so … We didn’t make hiring predictions for 2013, but as the economy continues to show positive strides, at a slow and steady pace, we’re going to take a stab at 2014. First, let’s look at…

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Need elves in your workshop?

If you have staff going on leave during the holidays, you might need temporary help. Here are the basics for temporary staffing firms or contractors to be of optimal assistance to you: WHEN do you need the person(s) to start work? WHAT skills and experience do you need? HOW LONG is your need (the assignment)?…

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