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…
Advancing Your Career
With the holidays but a memory and the slower-paced days of January nearly over, many a thought turns toward the typical, day-to-day routine; to the job that occupies a large chunk of your time each week. At this time of year, many people ask themselves questions like “Am I happy with my job? Am I where I wanted to be in 2018? Where do I want to be by the end of this new year?” As you consider moving forward in your career, professional job coach, Alicia Reece, has this advice. “Start with the end in mind: Visualize the outcome you…
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…
Stress: Part II – Eliminate, Manage, Cope?
So, now that you understand the mechanics of stress, all that’s left to do is divide and conquer, right? Identify the stressors interfering with your mental, emotional, and physical well-being and all will be good. Well, if it were that easy, the harmful type of stress that chips away at people’s health and happiness would have been eradicated long ago. Let’s face it. Watching the evening news is a stress-inducing activity. Hey, just reading about the effects of stress is stressful. Uncertain times whether it be political or personal, work or family related eat away at us. When we feel…
Happy New Year
There’s no need to worry about the post-Christmas blahs settling in with so many fun, exciting, and interesting events still to come this month for the residents of the Twin Cities. With a plethora of ways for Minnesotans to ring in the new year, folks of all ages will be saying goodbye to 2017 and hello to 2018 in style. Lovers of the great outdoors will appreciate the variety of outside event noted on Midwest Weekends. Fort Snelling State Park will offer a candlelight walk and ice-skating plus marshmallow roasting. In Eagan, Lebanon Hills Regional Park will hold a New Year’s…