Team Player – Part I – The Tale of a No-Show Team Player
Bill was psyched when the department manager assigned him to the “A Squad.” “I guess all the long hours this past couple of months have paid off,” he murmured, mentally patting himself on the back. Now he could kick back and enjoy the ride. Not to mention the prestige of being on the team everyone respected. They had it all together. No doubt about it. “I probably won’t have to do a thing . . . ” More murmuring under his breath. Show up, smile, nod. He’d be on easy street now. And after only six months of keeping his…
4 Reasons to Love Manufacturing in 2018
As one of the largest and most influential sectors of the U.S. economy, manufacturing accounts for a large chunk of the workforce, employing 8.7 percent of the country, the third largest regarding jobs. But for many people, the thought of a job in manufacturing still summons visions of dark, dusty factories where overworked employees operate dangerous equipment for little pay. That long-ago reality is simply that—the way it used to be—but bares little resemblance to the world of manufacturing in the twenty-first century. Thanks to technology; modern manufacturing models and practices provide safe, satisfying, well-paying opportunities for millions of employees.…
Work-flex – Part I: Employees
QUESTION: What is workplace flexibility or work-flex? ANSWER: A dynamic partnership between employers and employees that defines how, when, and where work gets done. This alternative to the traditional business/employment model with rigid, cookie-cutter schedules is fast becoming the norm across many sectors. The broad term includes such options as telecommuting, flexible work arrangements, job sharing, compressed or reduced schedules, and a number of other variations that once would have seemed out of the question. It provides the means for employees to address both work and life needs while at the same time ensuring the needed stability and productivity companies must…
5 Tips for Keeping Key Employees
If the new year finds the HR department holding their collective breath, fearing/dreading the announcement that a top-notch employee has resigned, it’s time to rev up efforts to prevent the loss of your workers to greener or perceived greener pastures. Everyone knows losing a key employee is costly, making employee retention a challenge facing every organization today. So, what steps will make a positive impact on your retention efforts? 1. Demonstrate Appreciation It may sound too simple but think about it. Who doesn’t want to feel rewarded, recognized and appreciated? When thank you’s, pats on the back, and sincere expressions…
5 Reason Millennials Should Seek Manufacturing Jobs
If you’re part of the Millennial demographic, it’s likely your view of the manufacturing industry was molded by your grandpa’s life-long experiences in a factory. Well, it’s time to exchange those perceptions for the reality of today’s world of manufacturing because it’s not your grandpa’s plant/factory/industry anymore. Jobs in manufacturing are no longer the dirty, dangerous, backbreaking jobs that once paid low wages. Today’s manufacturing industry has experienced sweeping changes that have modernized processes and utilized innovative technologies, making for an improved, safer working environment. A setting that is a remarkable fit for job-seeking Millennials. Here are five reasons why…
6 Signs it’s Time to Quit
Although quitting a job usually carries a negative connotation, there are times when leaving your current place of employment is the best course of action. But how do you know when it’s time to bid farewell to your job? Consider these six good reasons for moving on. The idea/thought is a recurring one. Like over and over and over, something you can’t erase from your mind. And according to your spouse, you talk about it non-stop, too. A job should bring more positive than negative into your life. If the opposite is true for you right now, then it…