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4 Signs You Need to Work With a Staffing Agency

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Running a business is hard work. Even if you have a fully staffed team and everything seems to be operating smoothly, there could still be some underlying issues at hand, the eradication of which could empower your business to thrive. Sometimes, that means bringing in an outside source like a staffing agency.

 

Many companies across the US work with staffing firms to help find the best possible talent for their team. In fact, according to a recent survey, around half of all hiring managers said they planned to increase their use of staffing firms over the next five years – and for good reason. Staffing agencies do more than simply place workers into your open positions. Partnering with one can present a number of benefits that help your business operate at full capacity in both the short and long term. But how do you know when you need one?

 

There are some telltale signs that your operation could benefit from the help of a staffing agency. Here are some of them!

 

Low Retention Rates

 

Are you finding that you are having to replace your staff every few months? Low retention rates can lead to a number of other problems, most notably the excessive time, energy and money spent on replacing your staff. The average cost per hire is around $4,000 – but the cost of replacing a bad hire can be up to ten times more. Also, consistently bringing in new team members makes it difficult to establish a strong company culture.

 

Good recruiters, like the dedicated team working at LPC, will go out of their way to find candidates that are well-suited for the position, and won’t present you with any talent that they don’t believe to be a good match. It is not their goal to make as many placements as possible, although it is a welcomed side effect! At the end of the day it is the recruiters’ objective to make matches that are mutually beneficial and long-lasting, so that you don’t have to worry about replacing your team on a regular basis.

 

Low Employee Engagement

 

Having a fully staffed operation is step one, but having a team that is motivated, communicative and collaborative can make a world of difference. Having a company culture of high employee engagement can lend itself to many other positive aspects. Employees that enjoy their jobs contribute to higher productivity levels, better teamwork, lower absenteeism and higher company loyalty. Alternatively, employees that aren’t engaged will likely produce the opposite results.

 

Recruiters have years of experience placing candidates into positions that they are not only qualified for, but that will be a good cultural fit for the overall team. This will allow them to integrate into the team more naturally – and relieve some of your management headache.

 

When you find your hires through a staffing agency, you can be sure that they have been pre-screened thoroughly and you will only meet with candidates that the recruiting professional truly believes would be a positive addition to your team – we aren’t in the business of wasting your time!

 

signs staffing agency lpc personnel

 

Hard-to-Fill Openings

 

Depending on the industry and position, some jobs can be a piece of cake to fill. Whether the job in question doesn’t require much experience, has flexible hours or any number of other attractive qualities, there are some positions that can get filled within hours. However, the people that fill those jobs aren’t always the most qualified for the role. In addition, there are some roles that don’t garner as much interest or are a harder sell, which can leave positions open for much longer than you would hope.

 

Either way, a staffing agency can help you find the perfect candidate for these hard-to-fill situations. They have the resources available to present your positions in an appealing way and in the most effective spaces. They can also help find better matches for those easy-to-fill jobs – so you can be sure your operation is running as effectively as possible.

 

Your Company is Going Through Changes

 

Is your company taking on a new project? Maybe you are expanding into a new territory? Or perhaps you are pivoting into a new industry?

 

If your company is going through any sort of significant changes or restructuring, it may be beneficial to partner with a staffing agency to assist with any personnel changes and make the process much smoother. Especially in the beginning stages of a new venture, it’s important to have a strong workforce to represent your company and to avoid as many bumps as possible. Working with recruiters that have experience staffing virtually every professional situation can be very helpful when you have a lot on your plate.

 

Do any of these sound familiar? If you think your company could benefit from the help of a staffing agency, LPC would be happy to help. We have over 30 years of experience in logistics, supply chain and customer service staffing in the Greater Houston Area – contact us today to get started.

 

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How Working With a Staffing Agency Can Ensure Employee Engagement

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Keeping employees engaged and motivated at work isn’t always a walk in the park – in fact, around 85% of employees have reported that they don’t feel engaged at work. It often takes some trial and error to find the right combination of tactics that work for your team. Placing a focus on onboarding, celebrating achievements and building a strong workplace culture are all ways that an employer can do to encourage engagement. However, working with a staffing agency is step one in building a team that comes to work every day excited and motivated.

 

Engaged employees are more profitable, more productive and note higher job satisfaction, all of which make a manager’s job that much easier. For these reasons, it is in every employer’s best interest to take it into consideration.

 

Here are some of the ways that working with a staffing agency can ensure your staff is engaged.

 

Candidate Experience

 

A positive professional experience starts during the recruitment process. Candidates that have a good experience while working with a recruiter are not only going to be better prepared and equipped for the job, but they will go into the position with a positive mindset and will be more likely to feel engaged.

 

Candidates that have a bad taste in their mouths from the recruitment experience could potentially carry a negative attitude into the position, making it harder for employers to motivate them. Working with a staffing agency that creates positive and memorable experiences for every job seeker that walks through their doors is key in laying the groundwork for their workplace engagement.

 

Finding the Right Candidates

 

One of the biggest contributors to low employee engagement is when workers aren’t well-suited (or interested) for the position they have been hired for. However, if you don’t have the time or resources to find, interview and hire quality candidates yourself, this can often be the reality.

 

Staffing agencies go out of their way to source and screen candidates that are qualified and eager to work, and will never place a candidate in a position that they aren’t a good fit for. Specialized agencies know their specific industries inside and out, and understand what qualities are needed for a truly successful match. Having qualified and hardworking candidates on your team are not only more likely to contribute to a more engaged and motivated workforce, but they can also help improve your bottom line – it’s a win-win!

 

employee engagement lpc

 

Temporary Workers Can Bring Enthusiasm

 

If your current employees have lost their motivation or enthusiasm at work, bringing in some temporary staff can help breathe new life into a project. Sometimes, a little bit of redistribution of talent is exactly what a workplace needs to get re-engaged. Whether that means bringing in temporary employees for a special project so that your full-time staff can focus, or integrating some temporary employees into your team to revitalize the work environment, temp workers can play a role in boosting employee engagement.

 

Staffing agencies like LPC are well-versed in both permanent and temporary employment. Whatever your specific needs are, you can be sure that we can find the right solution to make your workplace as successful as possible.

 

They Can Act as Consultants

 

Recruiters do much more than simply place candidates into positions – they are well-rounded job search professionals! Fostering a relationship with a staffing agency means you have seasoned veterans in your network who can offer you advice, not only pre-hire, but post-hire as well.

 

Recruiters are happy to provide ongoing guidance for both job seekers and employers, long after they have completed the hiring process. Remember: recruiters have extensive knowledge in the industry and have close relationships with candidates. This means they can typically offer employers some valuable insight in regards to what candidates need in a work setting in order to feel supported and engaged.

 

LPC Personnel has been staffing the Greater Houston Area for over 30 years and are experts in making positive, long-lasting placements in a variety of industries. If you are looking to add some talent to your team, don’t hesitate to reach out today!

 

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The Best Methods for Attracting Candidates to Your Logistics Jobs

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Finding quality candidates should be a top priority for any company. Candidates that are engaged and motivated at their jobs are linked to higher job satisfaction, higher retention rates and overall productivity and profitability. The value of qualified candidates is undeniable – but how can you attract them to your jobs?

 

There is no one way to get candidates interested in your open positions, but some methods are more effective or appropriate than others. It depends on the industry, demographic and the position, and can also require a significant amount of trial and error, but we can all agree that the ‘post and pray’ method should be left in the past.

 

From the traditional to the modern, here are some of the best methods for attracting candidates to your logistics jobs.

 

Write a Great Job Description

 

It sounds simple, but writing an excellent job description is instrumental in getting candidates excited about your positions. This is the first impression your prospects will have of the position, and in some cases, your company in general, so illustrating it in an enticing way is very important. Especially in an industry that is as competitive as logistics, you have to do all that you can to make your brand stand out from the rest.

 

Aside from the technical requirements of the positions, some other aspects you can include in your job description are:

 

  • Compensation and perks
  • Information about company culture
  • Company history and reputation

 

Staffing agencies can not only help you compose these descriptions, but they can ensure they get seen by the right people and on the right job boards. Don’t just write the bare minimum – you are trying to sell not only the job, but your company and your values as a whole!

 

Tap Into Professional Networks

 

Sometimes, the best logistics candidates aren’t actively looking for jobs, but you would still like to alert them to your company and jobs. Around 70% of job seekers consider themselves to be passive, but 87% of those job seekers would be open to the right possibility if it came along. Building an online presence and connecting with passive candidates on platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram can help you to build a rapport with them and give them an idea of your company. When they are ready to look for employment, your company will be the first that comes to mind!

 

Recruiters are great additions to any professional network: by the very nature of their jobs, they have countless candidates on hand that could be perfect for your positions, so keeping them close is a smart move.

 

logistics jobs candidates

 

Consider Employer Brand

 

Many of today’s job seekers don’t just want a paycheck – they want to work for a company with a great reputation, competitive perks and strong workplace culture. These are all elements of the employer brand, and maintaining a positive one is a crucial aspect of attracting candidates to your open positions. In addition to the way your jobs are seen, the way that you are seen as an employer is very important in gaining the trust of job seekers and getting them excited to work for you.

 

Professionals working in the staffing and recruiting sector know job seekers better than anyone, and they can lend a hand tapping into what exactly it is your prospective candidates are looking for in an employer, giving you that competitive edge.

 

Work With a Staffing Agency

 

Staffing agencies are one of the best professional partners to have on your side when attracting candidates to your logistics jobs. They bridge the gap between job seeker and employer and understand what both parties need, allowing them to make matches that are long-lasting and cohesive. Also, when you are hiring for volume, staffing agencies can be beneficial when you don’t have the time or resources to find talent yourself.

 

A specialized agency such as LPC Personnel that has experience in your specific field has a deep understanding of the industry and what qualities a strong logistics team consists of, allowing them to  present your positions to prospective candidates in a strategic and attractive way.

 

Are you looking to add some talent to your logistics operation? If so, give LPC Personnel a call – we have over 30 years of industry experience in the Greater Houston Area and would be happy to lend a hand. Contact us today.

 

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Short-Staffed? 4 Reasons Why a Staffing Agency is Your Best Bet

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Every now and then, the staff you have on hand for certain projects just isn’t enough manpower to get the job done properly. Being short-staffed can be inconvenient and stressful: finding reliable, hard-working candidates on a time crunch isn’t always a walk in the park.

 

Whether you need a few people to fill in temporarily, or a larger number to help with a special project, working with a staffing agency like LPC Personnel can ensure that you experience no productivity loss. Here is why partnering with a staffing agency is your best bet when you find yourself short-staffed.

 

A Time-Sensitive Option

 

Staffing agencies that have experience filling temporary positions understand the urgency that accompanies being short-staffed. As an employer, you have a lot of priorities which can sometimes push hiring to the backburner, and you may not have several weeks to source and hire a candidate yourself.

 

Experienced staffing agencies have deep talent pools to work with and can often have a position filled that day. Also, if you know you will be needing extra hands on deck ahead of time, staffing agencies can have someone lined up to make a seamless talent transition, so that you never miss a beat.

 

Ensure Quality of Hire

 

Just because you might only need a temporary worker for a short amount of time, doesn’t mean that the quality of your employees should suffer. At LPC, we only work with candidates that are pre-screened, trustworthy and reliable, and we can even assist with their safety preparation and drug screening. All of this considered, we will never present our partners with candidates that we don’t believe are a good fit or that will affect your stability as an operation.

 

It’s also a good idea to partner with an experienced specialized staffing agency that works in your geographical area and has connected talented candidates close to your operation. Having someone on your side that knows exactly what to look for in candidates for your specific industry will make finding the right hire that much easier.

 

short staff staffing agency lpc personnel

 

Contact for the Future 

 

If you have been short-staffed once, chances are it will happen again – employees can get sick, go on vacation or move on to different jobs…all of which can leave you in a tight spot! Working with a staffing agency once means that you have them in your professional network for the next time you need some extra hands.

 

The more we work with a client, the better we learn their needs when it comes to filling open positions – it’s a relationship that only improves with time!

 

There is no downside to too much networking, and having someone in your contact list that can get you out of a tough situation offers many benefits. Especially as we embark into a brand-new hiring landscape that may present unknown challenges, having an expert on your side can give you some welcomed peace of mind.

 

Open Communication

 

At the end of the day, our goal is always the same: find the perfect candidate and match them with deserving clients. Working with a staffing agency means that you can communicate exactly what you are looking for in an employee and trust that we will do everything within our power to make a placement that works.

 

Need help with finding your next team member? LPC Personnel has been staffing the Greater Houston Area for over 30 years and would be happy to lend a hand. Contact us today.

 

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Do’s and Don’ts of Writing an Effective Cover Letter

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The next time you are searching for a job, make sure you have all your bases covered. In addition to having a strong resume outlining your work experience and qualifications, it’s important to include a cover letter with your application in order to stand apart from the crowd.

 

A cover letter is meant to give the hiring manager an idea of who you are, why you are interested in the job in question, and why you think you can do the job well. Many people have debated the necessity of cover letters. However, even if the position does not mention including a cover letter, you should get into the habit of writing one for every job anyway. It is an easy way to demonstrate your interest in the position and shows that you have taken some time to reflect on why you think you would be a good fit.

 

If you have never written a cover letter before, it can seem like a daunting task, but there are a few simple steps to follow that can make the process a little less stressful. Read on for our do’s and don’ts of writing an effective cover letter that will land you an interview!

 

Do: Research & Personalize

 

Do as much research on the company and the position as possible, then integrate your findings into the body of your cover letter. If you can, look for the name of the hiring manager. Addressing your cover letter to someone rather than ‘Dear Sir or Madam’ adds a human element to the whole process.

 

Also, make adjustments to the cover letter for each individual position, like you would when writing your resume. Reference some of the particular requirements listed in the posting. Anything that is too non-specific to the job description will come off as generic and insincere, which is not likely to get you through to the next step of the hiring process.

 

Do: Grab Their Attention

 

Hiring managers only look at a resume and cover letter combination for a maximum of 15 seconds, so you have to make every word count. Your opening paragraph should be so compelling that the person reading it will want to keep reading – if you don’t have them hooked by the first few lines, their interest is likely going to decline. Hiring managers have also likely read several cover letters for similar positions before, so they will know a cliché when they see it.

 

Avoid the classic: ‘I am applying for this job…’ The hiring manager already knows you are applying to the job. Robin Ryan, author of the book Winning Cover Letters, illustrates a formula for writing an opening to your cover letter, called the Power Impact Technique: “begin your letter with a strong opening sentence emphasizing the major selling points and skills that you would bring to the job:

 

  1. Analyze the job — both the noted and assumed needs — and determine the most important skills the employer is looking for.
  2. Immediately address how you will meet the employer’s needs.

 

This first paragraph is what they will read so it needs to have your strongest selling points in it.”

 

Don’t: Paraphrase Your Resume

 

Keep in mind that your cover letter is not just a paraphrase of your resume. The two documents are naturally going to contain some similar information, but don’t repeat everything they are going to read on the next page. The cover letter is a chance to go into depth and expand on your experience, explaining how you would directly apply it to this position.

 

For example, in your resume you will list your past work positions. In the cover letter, you can expand on these positions by offering praise you received and goals you met, and how you aim to achieve the same at this new job. You can list some of your volunteer experience in your resume then go into more detail about the valuable skills you learned and how you have applied them to your professional career in the cover letter.

 

cover-letter

 

Do: Highlight Your Strengths 

 

When searching for a job, it can be easy to become discouraged if you don’t have very much experience. But don’t undersell yourself: you have a lot to offer, regardless of whether you match every single one of the requirements listed in the job posting. Don’t sell yourself short with lines like ‘Give me a chance’ or ‘I know I don’t have a lot of experience’, because this isn’t something that you want to draw attention to.

 

Even if you don’t have a ton of experience compared to the competition, you want to focus on the strengths that you do have. Many positions indirectly teach transferable skills, such as teamwork, communication and conflict resolution, that are valuable for nearly all jobs. And don’t be afraid to boast any past achievements and awards that speak to your talents and abilities. The cover letter is a chance to showcase all that you have to offer!

 

Do: Keep Formatting in Mind

 

Content aside, there are some basic formatting rules that should be followed when writing a cover letter. Always include your contact information (full name, email address and phone number) on the page, and keep the cover letter itself to around 500 words – any longer, and the reader is likely to lose interest. There are several templates available online if you need some extra guidance!

 

Always take the time to proofread your documents – several times. Careless typos and grammatical errors will obviously reflect poorly on you. Since this is the first impression your potential future employer will have of you, it has to be as close to perfect as possible.

 

Don’t: Use Overly Formal, Stiff Language

 

If you aren’t sure what to say in your cover letter, it can be tempting to try and ‘fancy’ it up with big words and formal language. It isn’t a bad idea to write in a formal style but going overboard can make you sound ingenuine and unnatural, and not like an approachable and comfortable future employee. Try to find a happy medium between overly casual and overly formal language and write how you would speak in a normal professional conversation.

 

What are some of your cover letter writing do’s and don’ts? We would love to hear them – join the discussion in the comments below!

 

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The Importance of Communication in the Hiring Process

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Communication in the professional world can sometimes feel tricky to master. You have to balance assertiveness with passivity. You also need to know when the best time is to speak up and when to let others have the floor. For many, this level of understanding takes practice and experience. However, it’s important to dedicate time to learning these skills, because a lack of communication can lead to frustration, mistakes and wasted time for each person involved.

In the recruiting industry, a great candidate experience is the result of all parties working together towards a shared goal. As a candidate, you play a crucial role in this process, so what you have to say truly matters. Don’t worry about stepping on anyone’s toes or coming off as demanding, because not saying what is on your mind will only hurt you in the end.

Here are a few of the reasons why we believe maintaining communication in the hiring process is the most important thing you can do.

Be Upfront About What You Want

Maintaining an open and direct line of communication from start to finish while working with a recruiter is very important. Chances are, you have at least a general idea of what you are looking for in a position. But there may be other factors which are important to you that aren’t always obvious to your recruiter (for example, office location or workplace culture) that need to be specifically vocalized. The more information you provide you recruiter with, the higher their chances will be in getting you what you want.

Recruiters are great at what they do, but they are not mind readers! From the moment you first connect with your recruiter up until you have been hired for a position, be honest and open about what is working and what isn’t. It not only ensures you find a position you actually enjoy; it helps recruiters learn and grow professionally.

 

communication

 

Listen Actively

Listening is just as important as talking during the recruitment process. This goes for candidates, clients and recruiters alike. Listening to what the other party has to say is one thing, but actively internalising what they are communicating and taking steps towards improving the situation makes everybody’s lives easier in the end.

Listening to the constructive criticism that your recruiter has to offer should be taken in stride. Your recruiter has tons of valuable industry intel they can offer you to make you a stronger candidate overall, so trust them! The end goal is to find you a position that you love, and sometimes it takes a little bit of adjusting to get there.

Patience and Understanding Go A Long Way

Communication is key, but you need to find a balance between wanting to stay in the loop and giving your recruiter some room to breathe. Playing the waiting game is certainly stressful when it comes to the job search. But trust that your recruiter is doing everything they can to move the process forward and won’t get your hopes up with unnecessary communication.

Also, keep in mind that recruiters won’t place you in a job that they don’t believe to be a good fit. For this reason, you may not find a job right away, or you might have to consider adjusting your criteria slightly. Either way, being adaptable and understanding about the realities of the hiring process will help make the journey that much easier!

If you have some tips on professional communication, we would love to hear them! Leave them in the comment section below.

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Common Questions About the Staffing Industry Answered

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If you have never worked with a staffing agency before, you may be skeptical towards them. Letting a stranger take the reins of your career search can feel unsettling to some people but working with a recruiter has TONs of benefits! LPC Personnel has been operating in the staffing and recruiting industry for over 30 years, so it’s safe to say we are seasoned vets. We are more than prepared to field any questions you may have.

 

Here we have compiled answers to some of the most common questions job seekers have about the staffing and recruiting industry.

 

Why Should I Work with a Staffing Agency?

 

Searching for a job is a full-time job in and of itself. You have to navigate between job boards, resume writing, cold calling and interview prep. It can certainly become overwhelming if you don’t know what you are doing.

 

If you’ve ever felt confused or discouraged during a job search, it may be time to call in the pros. Recruiters are expert job placement professionals: it is literally their job to find you a job! They have the industry knowledge, contacts and experience to reach a much broader scope of potential employment opportunities. Working with a recruiter takes a lot of the headache out of finding a job. More importantly, it reduces the likelihood of you taking a job that isn’t a good fit.

 

What Kind of Services do Staffing Agencies Provide?

 

While the main service that recruiters provide is finding you a new job, their talents don’t stop there. At LPC, we are all-around job search aficionados, and are more than happy to help in any area you may need help with. In addition, recruiters can also offer resume writing help and interview coaching to make sure you come off as professional as possible. Recruiters are also happy to address any questions or concerns they may have along the way. After all, the job search is all about first impressions.

 

Good recruiters don’t just disappear after finding you an interview, either. They will follow up with you and your employer every step of the hiring process to make sure everyone is (and stays) on the right page.

 

recruiter

 

What Kind of Placements do Staffing Agencies Make?

 

Not every candidates’ needs are the same. One might be looking for a temporary, flexible position while another wants a full-time permanent role. For this reason, there are a few different types of placements that staffing agencies can make, depending on what their client is looking for at the time. Here are some of the most common types of placements made:

 

  • Temporary: this type of job has a decided end-date, and can last anywhere from a few days to several months (although on occasion, temporary placements turn into full-time roles!)
  • Temp-to-Hire: like the title implies, this type of position has the intention of temporary employees becoming permanent team members. The employer, not the recruiter, makes this decision and is dependent on the employee’s performance and other factors
  • Direct hire: the candidate is hired right away as a full-time employee (though, probationary periods are often still in place)

 

LPC fills all types of positions in a number of different industries, including industrial, construction, intermodal, customer service and clerical. If you are looking for a job in one of these specialties, take a look at our job board here.

 

Can You Really Trust a Staffing Agency?

 

You may be wondering if staffing agencies can really be trusted. You might ask yourself questions like: Aren’t recruiters just in it for a paycheck? Why would they possibly care about my career and aspirations – won’t they just place me in a job and move on to the next candidate?

 

The answer to these questions is a cold hard NO! Recruiters are in their line of work not only because they are good at it, but more importantly, because they love what they do. Good recruiters will do everything they can to make you feel like you’re not ‘just a number’, or the means to an end. You can trust that recruiters will use their years of experience, insider knowledge, and their wide network of industry contacts and to help you achieve your full professional potential. To a recruiter, nothing feels better than helping someone land their dream job.

If you have any more questions for the LPC Personnel team about what we do, or the staffing industry on a larger scale, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can leave a comment below or email us directly at resume@lpcpersonnel.com!

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Ways to Improve Employee Engagement

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We are all guilty of zoning out at work from time to time – it’s simply human nature. However, there are certain times when keeping employees engaged proves to be an ongoing issue. The ideal employee will come to work eager and passionate about what they are doing, day in and day out – but sometimes, that flame can flicker out and engagement falls off. This can happen for a number of reasons, and everyone is bound to have an offday once in a while, but if it becomes a frequent occurrence, then whole energy of a workplace can suffer.

 

According to a recent poll, only 32% of employees in the United States feel like they are engaged at work – if you ask us, this number is far too low. Employee engagement goes hand in hand with creating a positive workplace culture, both of which significantly benefit you as an employer. So, the question is: what can you do to make sure your employees stay as enthusiastic and engaged in the workplace as possible?

 

Here are some of our tried and tested ways to keep employee engagement consistent!

 

Place a Focus on Onboard & Training

 

An easy way for employees to become disengaged is when they have no real direction or understanding of what they have been hired to do. Take time to lay the groundwork about exactly what is expected from their role, the company’s values, the workplace culture, etc. in the employee’s first couple of weeks. Rushing through the onboarding and training process will leave them in the dark. New employees are less likely to ask for help in a new environment, so it may only be just a matter of time before they begin to become disconnected from the task at hand.

 

Be clear about what is expected from them, but don’t micromanage. As a manager, it can be difficult to let go of the reigns, especially to a new employee who doesn’t yet know the company like the back of their hand. But, if they don’t have a chance to ease into the role and approach it with their own work ethic and ideas, they won’t be able to meaningfully engage with it, either.

 

Be Flexible

 

One sure-fire way to turn employees against you is to be unnecessarily rigid in your management style. Nobody wants to work for an employer who is unwavering in their rules and regulations. Flexibility in the workplace is something to be encouraged and being flexible to employee requests does not make you a pushover. On the contrary, accommodating the odd request here and there lets employees know that you value their time and well-being.

 

Allowing for some wiggle room with your employees (within reason) shouldn’t be seen as a loss of power or the beginning of an unstructured, disorganized workplace. If an employee needs a little bit more time with an assignment or needs to come in later due to an appointment, it could help reduce their stress levels and in turn, improve their quality of work and boost engagement levels.

 

employee engagement

 

Accommodate Everyone Equally

 

There are countless types of employees out there, and the chances of you having a workplace where everyone has the same work ethic are almost zero. A positive and dynamic workplace culture benefits from a diversity of learning and working styles, but they all need to be nurtured equally in order for the team to succeed.

 

For example, introverts that are forced to work in an environment that only accommodates extroverts are going to suffer, and vice versa. Some people stay engaged when they work individually, and some thrive in a group setting. Some prefer talking in person, and some get their best ideas out over email. The list goes on and on.

 

It may take some extra time and energy, but try to understand what each employee needs in order to stay engaged in the tasks at hand and feel comfortable at the office. They will appreciate you for it!

 

Celebrate & Encourage Your Employees

 

Employees like to know that they are appreciated for the work they do. Providing feedback, whether it be positive or negative, in a constructive way helps keep them on track, but also encourages them to produce better work.

 

Giving praise to employees will help them to feel like they are more than just a number, and that they are being noticed and appreciated for their work. From things as small as saying ‘thank you’ to bigger gestures, like company outings and team-building activities, showing your appreciation for your employees is absolutely vital to keeping engagement alive.

 

As the saying goes, a team is only as strong as its weakest link. Take the time to make sure everyone feels like they are a valuable team member so that your end goal doesn’t suffer.

 

Every workplace is different, and there is no guaranteed formula for improving engagement levels. Start by trying a combination of any or all of these tips! What do you do to keep your employees engaged at work? Join the conversation on LinkedIn or in the comments below.

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Temp-to-Hire vs Direct Hire: Which is Right for Me?

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If you are looking for a new job, you have probably come across terms such as ‘temp-to-hire’ and ‘direct hire’ in job postings. While there are subtle differences between the two, their true meaning can be somewhat confusing to job seekers.

 

Traditionally, direct hire sounds like the smarter choice, because ‘temporary work’ can often be thought of as open-ended and lacking security. However, the intricacies of each may persuade you to reconsider which direction makes the most sense for your career.

 

Read on for a rundown on the two different (yet similar) employment types, so that you can make an informed decision when looking for your next great job.

 

What is a temp-to-hire?

 

A temporary or contract employee is someone who is brought into a company for a limited period of time. They are usually hired to fill in for employees that are on leave for personal reasons or to help supplement busy work periods, like the holidays.

 

Sometimes, when the temporary worker’s designated duration is over, employers will choose to offer them a full-time position after seeing how well they fit into the role. This is where the term ‘temp-to-hire’ comes in. In these instances, the employee’s stint as a temporary worker can be seen as a test-run for whether or not they will be a good fit with the company. While they are a temporary worker, they are typically still employed by the staffing agency. There are few differences between this, and a standard probation period, beyond semantics.

 

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What is a direct hire?

 

A direct hire is someone who is hired for a permanent position, usually full-time. They are hired for the long-term right off the bat. The process of employing a direct hire is typically a little bit longer than a temporary one, because the employer has to think more thoroughly about who they want to bring on to their team for the foreseeable future. While a probationary period still exists, there is nevertheless a feeling among the team and new hire that they’re in it for the long hall.

 

Permanent, full-time jobs appeal to a lot of people because of the sense of security associated with them. There are also typically benefits and perks that come along with a full-time role, such as health insurance and paid vacation time. However, as mentioned, permanent roles still require a probationary period to be passed before the employee can enjoy any of the benefits that come with the job. A direct hire can also be let go at any point during the probationary period.

 

Which one should I choose?

 

In a lot of ways, temp-to-hire positions and direct hire positions share a lot of similarities. Both go through some sort of ‘temporary’ phase before being able to reap the benefits of being a full-time employee. Whether it be the ‘temporary’ phase of the temp-to-hire’s path, or the probationary period for the direct hire, there is a certain period of time before an employee truly becomes ‘full-time’.

 

Aside from these technicalities, there are benefits to both types of position. Direct hire work appeals to many because of its inherent permanence. Knowing that you can anticipate having a job for the long-term is very comforting for a lot of people. Alternatively, temporary work is appealing to some because it lacks permanency; many people enjoy not being committed to a contract before they test the waters. These kinds of positions allow individuals to try a variety of work, enjoy flexible schedules and make fast money.

 

Are you looking for a new job in the Houston area? LPC Personnel recruits for many temp-to-hire and direct-hire positions. Reach out today to see if we have something for you!

 

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5 Tips to Find and Hire Food Manufacturing Employees

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The food manufacturing industry is thriving. However, finding skilled talent to fill open positions in the industry can sometimes be a challenge. As of August 2018, there were 508,000 open jobs in U.S manufacturing. While this job growth is positive, it also indicates that finding candidates with the right skills to fill these jobs could reach crisis proportions. To accommodate this, companies may have to rethink their current strategies to truly engage and hire brand new talent. Here are a few things you can try!

 

Change the perception of the food manufacturing industry

 

With the baby boomer generation almost ready to retire, manufacturers need to find new, younger talent that is ready to work. The challenge with attracting and hiring these candidates is due in part to their perception about the industry. Manufacturers believe negative perception from students and their parents are one of the reasons causing the current talent shortage, according to Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute’s study in 2018. The study revealed that parents encouraged their children to avoid pursuing a career in manufacturing due to the impression of poor job security and limited career prospects.

So, what can companies do to change this public perception? For starters, companies could partner with local high schools and colleges to educate students about the industry in attempts to shift their mindset. Students may not have the opportunity to become educated about this field, so it is up to the companies themselves to make sure it happens

By educating students on what the work environment looks like and what employees do, you can broaden their knowledge about the industry, potentially shifting it into a more positive light. They’ll gain a better understanding of what the job looks like and what the career prospects are. While this is a long-term recruitment strategy, it is not a bad idea to consider when aiming to improve the image of the industry and grow the workforce.

 

Strengthen your company culture

 

Millennials and Generation Z don’t want to be “faceless” employees—they look for collaborative work environments where they can interact with their managers and coworkers. Furthermore, they appreciate receiving ongoing feedback from their superiors in order to learn and improve their current skillset.

With this in consideration, management can take initiative by encouraging more open communication and collaboration across the team. This could be in the form of more productive meetings or using better technology so that employees can communicate companywide. To foster continuous learning and improvement, consider having one-on-one sessions with employees to discuss their strengths and any potential areas of improvement. Managers can also consider offering training and learning opportunities to maintain a skilled and up-to-date team.

 

food manufacturing

 

Take a chance on hiring inexperienced workers

 

To meet the demand of finding and hiring employees, manufacturers can benefit from taking a chance on hiring inexperienced workers. It is becoming increasingly common for companies to train these employees on the job. According to this New York Times article, Alexandria Industries hired a young man who didn’t have a college degree or a manufacturing background.

The company provided him with technical and leadership training. That was six years ago—today, he has been promoted and says he plans to stay there until he retires. Hiring candidates without the desired skills can be risky, but that risk can often pay off if you find a person with the right personality fit.

 

Employee engagement activities

 

One great way to attract new employees and retain current ones is to organize employee engagement activities. Employees like to know that their work is contributing to the company’s overall vision and success. In addition to telling them that you value their contributions and efforts, it is important to show them as well.

Take the team out for dinner or organize an activity that allows everyone to interact with one another. It enables your employees to view the company as one that cares about their workforce. Even if these outings aren’t frequent, your employees will appreciate the gesture.

 

Work with LPC to help find manufacturing employees

 

At LPC Personnel, we’ve helped companies find and hire manufacturing employees for over 30 years. We take the time to understand what you’re looking for in candidates and provide you with the best of the best.

Do you need help finding quality manufacturing candidates? You’ve come to the right place. Contact us today to get started.

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