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Is Employee Loyalty Dead?

January 26, 2018 by gswartz

Is Employee Loyalty Dead?  Until the 1980s and 1990s, there was a culture of hard work. If a team member was dedicated, trustworthy, and reliable, they were rewarded with job security. It was not unheard of to begin your career at the bottom of an organization and work your way up the corporate ladder until you were ready for retirement from that same company. Hearing of a successful person switching careers was an anomaly.

Widespread mergers and layoffs created a pivotal shift in retention, which caused job security to become scarce. The generations following, mainly Gen X and Gen Y, learned to keep their career options open. They learned that hard work does not always guarantee continued employment if there is a merger or downturn. They also find it difficult to be loyal to a manager or organization that changes schedules, work arrangements, or appears to hand out pink slips seemingly on a whim.

This new culture has created retention challenges in many organizations. It is difficult for managers to instill a sense of trust and loyalty in uncertain times – especially if the managers, themselves, are skeptical.

It is not impossible to rekindle a sense of loyalty. Organizations need to understand that the culture has changed: meaning, team members, may choose to move on. Instead of focusing on the end, focus on the time they are in the position. Maximize this time by helping them be happy and successful in their work. People tend to leave managers, not jobs. Keeping managers accountable is critical to team members excelling in their position.

Developing a passion for their work, receiving regular feedback, having a sense of ownership, and working in a positive and collaborative environment are all aspects of a position that a manager and organization can provide. Team members want to set and achieve goals that may lead to upward mobility within the company. These are all aspects of an organization that are highly desired by top talent. Those working for organizations that foster this type of culture are more likely to stay with their current organization longer than the average 4.5 years.

In the end, loyalty is a two-way street. If the manager and organization is committed to helping team members develop a passion for their work and provide an atmosphere of collaboration, employees are more likely to feel comfortable in their position and their work. This cultural shift can dramatically increase employee retention.

David Klein is a leading Executive Recruiter & Headhunter with over 15 years industry experience.  As Director of Recruitment Strategy for KDS Strategic Search., he has achieved industry-leading success. David has successfully led, trained and introduced many to the art of Executive Recruitment and Headhunting.  646-650-2833 or david@kdssearch.com.

Filed Under: Engaged Employee, Generation X, Retain Best Employees Tagged With: #employee_loyalty, #loyal_employees

Tips for Staying Healthy at Work

November 17, 2017 by gswartz

A man is working at a standup desk in an office where he works because standing is healthier than sitting all day. Live healthy, don’t sit all day.

When was the last time you got up from your desk or looked at something other than a computer screen? If it has been longer than an hour, GET UP! Go take a walk around the office or grab a glass of water. Don’t worry; I’ll be here when you get back.

The human body was not designed for modern work conditions. It was made to be active for most of the day. Sitting at a desk, staring at a computer, followed by sitting in a car or on a train staring at a smartphone or tablet is negatively impacting our health.

Organization leaders should always lead by example. This is especially true with workplace health. Team members look to their leaders for cues as to how many hours to work both in and out of the office, when to take breaks, or stay home when ill. Taking care of your own health will foster the same behavior within your teams and will cultivate an environment that is more productive, happier, and healthier.

Our sedentary lifestyle is literally killing us. The human body was not designed to sit all day. It was also not designed to stare at digital displays and type on keyboards. Proper ergonomics is needed to prevent repetitive use injuries, such as carpal tunnel, and nerve impingements in the neck and back. The computer screen should be at eye level to prevent neck pain. If needed, raise or lower the chair’s height to achieve the proper positioning. Having cushioned mouse and keyboard pads will help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Placing your feet flat on the floor will help correct sitting posture and prevent back pain. If your feet do not reach the floor, use a floor stool.

Between computers, smartphones, tablets, and televisions, the amount of time spent staring at screens is negatively impacting eye health. Blinking is reduced when looking at digital displays. This can cause dry eyes which can progress into chronic eye conditions. To maintain eye health, take frequent breaks. Take 15-30 second breaks every 5-10 minutes.

Every hour, get up and take a walk and stretch. It does not need to be a long walk. Even better, have walking meetings with team members to allow everyone to get up and moving. However, a simple walk to the restroom or to the lunchroom for water is sufficient. If you feel stiff or tense at your desk, do some simple desk stretches to get the blood flowing. Check out this video ( http://www.realsimple.com/health/fitness-exercise/stretching-yoga/stretch-at-work) from Real Simple for a quick and easy desk stretch routine.

Even those who eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep will eventually succumb to a cold. This is where leading by example has the most impact. Too many people feel that they must go to work, despite feeling ill. Offices are prime breeding grounds for viruses and bacterial infections. When you are feeling unwell, STAY HOME! While at home, do not simply work from the couch. Take the time to rest, hydrate, and recover. Doing so will allow the body to recover quicker and will save your colleagues from sharing in your misery.

A healthy workplace is one in which management leads by example. Encouraging your teams to get up and move around during the day, providing ergonomic workstations, and staying home when sick will all make an enormous difference in productivity and overall wellness.

Michael Klein is a premier writer and speaker on all aspects of human capital.  As VP Operations for KDS Staffing, Inc., he has achieved industry-leading success. Michael was awarded, The New York State Small Business Growth Award; presented by Governor George Pataki.  Additionally, Michael has successfully grown and sold multiple firms. If you or your organization would like to discuss hiring needs, contact Michael at 646-350-3015 or michael@kdsstaffing.com.

5 Year Candidate Replacement Program illustrates our long-term commitment to the success of our clients. Discover how our process can benefit your organization.

Filed Under: Healty Workplace Tagged With: #healthy_workplace, #stand_don't_sit, #take_15-30_minute breaks

You are Feeling Sleepy

November 6, 2017 by gswartz

Young woman yawning near laptop at work covering mouth with hand, feeling drowsy suffering from lack of sleep

Sleep deprivation is an epidemic in modern society. Too many rely on midday caffeine rituals to help stay alert. Over time, lack of adequate sleep can result in decreased immunity and serious medical conditions. Taking a cue from our younger selves by partaking in an afternoon nap might be the solution to the problem. Keep reading to learn more about the power of napping at work and its effect on employee productivity, happiness, and health.

Sleep deprivation causes memory and cognitive impairment, increased stress, low performance and quality of life, in addition to an increased risk of injury. It also costs businesses $63 billion per year. Organizations, large and small, have recognized the power of sleep on one’s productivity, absenteeism, and job satisfaction. Companies like Google, HubSpot, and Zappos have created nap rooms to encourage team members to catch a few ZZZ’s during the day.

Why is sleep so important? During sleep, the brain removes toxic proteins that build up during the day. This removal process only happens during sleep. Most people need between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Less than half of all people get the minimum of seven hours. Prolonged sleep deprivation is linked to serious health conditions, including heart attack, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. It will also speed up the aging process, thanks to an increase in cortisol (a stress hormone) production.

While napping will not completely reverse the effects of poor sleeping habits, it can help increase one’s alertness, focus, and mood. Regular naps can decrease the risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, to include heart attacks. A 2008 study, shows that naps are more powerful than caffeine. A separate study by NASA found that a 26-minute nap provided a 34% increase in productivity and a 54% increase in alertness.

Naps taken between 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm work with the body’s natural circadian rhythm. Twenty minutes is typically enough to restore focus and productivity. Napping longer than 30 minutes can have negative effects of increased grogginess due to the body moving into the stages of deeper sleep.

Encouraging naps at work requires a cultural shift. The most successful organizations lead by example, with the CEO and management openly using the nap rooms as needed or before important meetings or presentations. If team members are meeting expectations, completing their tasks on time, and not abusing the privilege, use of the nap room should be judgment-free.

Nap rooms do not need to be elaborate. HubSpot has hammocks in a darkened room. Connecticut-based Yarde Metals has recliners and couches. Google has special nap pods with soothing music that gently wakes the napper with lights and vibrations.

Sleep is important for all aspects of health and wellbeing. A well-rested organization is happier, healthier, and more productive.

David Klein is a leading Executive IT Recruiter & Headhunter with over 15 years industry experience.  As Manager of Recruitment Strategy for KDS Staffing, Inc., he has achieved industry-leading success. David has successfully led, trained and introduced many in the art of Executive Recruitment and Headhunting. If you or your organization would like to discuss hiring needs, contact David at 646-650-2833 or david@kdsstaffing.com.

Filed Under: Healty Workplace Tagged With: #healthy_workplace, Naps_are_productive

Feeling Stressed?

October 18, 2017 by gswartz

Stress is a simple fact of life. Even though there is no authentic way to eliminate it from our lives, there are ways to minimize its effects on our physical and mental health.

The American Psychological Association estimates that job stress costs $30 billion per year. A Towers Watson and Company study of 892 employers worldwide indicates stress as the biggest lifestyle risk, closely followed by obesity and lack of physical activity. There is no doubt that fostering a workplace that addresses the causes of stress, and implements ways to help combat it, will increase talent attraction, satisfaction, retention, health, and productivity.

The best way to create a healthier workplace, regarding stress, is to look at the various sources of stress. It has become an unspoken expectation among employers and employees alike that access to email outside of the office means that it should be monitored at night and on weekends. This 24/7 connectivity is causing significant stress. An unclear expectation, such as being available at all hours, is just one of several areas of the common causes of stress in the workplace. Other common causes of stress reported by workers include low pay, lack of growth opportunities, and hours of work.

However, there is a disconnect between management and their teams regarding stress factors.  Organizations need to develop leaders who can identify stress among team members and be empowered to make changes as needed to benefit the individual, team, and company.

Workplace stress can lead to top talent looking elsewhere. Employee turnover is an increasing issue within all industries. The cost to replace a team member can rise as much as 50-60% of that individual’s annual salary.

Mental health benefits, wellness programs, and EAP services promote a healthy workplace. However, they are ineffective if not utilized.

Behavioral changes within management can be more effective than company resources for health. Changes such as aligning assigned work with a team member’s skill set, increasing communication efficacy between management and teams, and reassessing pay scales can be more beneficial than other health resources that the company provides.

Stress affects everyone in unusual ways. Identifying the root causes of workplace stress and implementing measures to reduce stress will benefit everyone within the organization, while increasing productivity, revenue, and, most importantly, employee engagement and satisfaction.

David Klein is a leading Executive IT Recruiter & Headhunter with over 15 years industry experience.  As Manager of Recruitment Strategy for KDS Staffing, Inc., he has achieved industry-leading success. David has successfully led, trained and introduced many in the art of Executive Recruitment and Headhunting. If you or your organization would like to discuss hiring needs, contact David at 646-650-2833 or david@kdsstaffing.com.

Filed Under: Healty Workplace Tagged With: #healthy_workplace, #workplace_stress

The Benefits of a Zero-Minute Commute

October 11, 2017 by gswartz

The effects of a long commute both in mileage and time can be detrimental to your organization’s ability to attract, hire, and retain top talent. Virtual teams allow for work to be performed at any time, from anywhere, thus increasing revenues, productivity, and morale. Keep reading as we make a case for creating part- or full-time virtual teams in your organization.

According to data from the January 2016 report from GlobalWorkplaceAnalytics.com, the number of employees who work from home has grown 103% since 2005. While the employee population only grew by 1.9% from 2013 to 2014, the number of employees working from home-based offices grew 5.6%. The rapid increases in remote or virtual work teams is, in part, the result of the incredible ease of online conference, messaging, and file sharing platforms such as Skype, Dropbox, Slack, and many others provide. These varying platforms and programs allow team members from anywhere in the world to collaborate and work together seamlessly and efficiently, whether from the office or from the comforts of their own homes.

We are seeing an increasing number of organizations that are working almost entirely with remote teams and forgoing the structure of a more traditional office space. This change has greatly expanded the organizational ability to hire top talent from literally anywhere in the world, which not only dramatically increases their ability to readily find the best fit for various active positions, but to also be able to have work completed virtually around the clock, pending team member locations. The elimination of a commute has also yielded a significant reduction in absenteeism, while increasing rates of retention.

It is estimated that 50% of all jobs in the United States are compatible with telecommuting, either some or all the time. Virtual teams include so much more than coders, web designers, writers, and customer service representatives. Nearly all types of work can be done remotely when both the worker and the organization have the appropriate program applications needed to communicate, complete work, and share the work that has been completed. Many organizations are realizing that remote teams are the key to finding the most qualified talent to address specific needs, regardless of geographic location.

There are several advantages to creating a partial or full-time virtual work program.

  • Increased productivity – It is a common myth that people who work from home perform very little work. However, the opposite can often be true. Most people who work from home all or some of the time frequently report increases in focus and productivity.
  • Decreased absenteeism and tardiness – Long commutes, both in time and distance, can be the most stressful aspect of your team’s work day, especially in heavily populated metro areas. Working from home eliminates this stress, saving 100% of the time and stress spent on this effort, which maximizes both the time and focus needed to successfully and smoothly complete the projects at hand.
  • Increased customer service – The ability to bring on staff, regardless of geographic location, can enable work to be performed and concerns to be immediately addressed nearly around the clock.
  • Decreased overheard costs – Office space can be expensive. Most virtual teams simply require a phone, laptop, and internet connection. It can be more cost effective for organizations to provide any necessary devices and stipends required to secure office supplies and absorb any internet costs associated to work functions.

Virtual teams could be the answer to any of your organization’s talent attraction, procurement, and retention woes. In the final article of this series, we will share best practices for establishing and managing virtual teams.

Michael Klein is a premier writer and speaker on all aspects of human capital.  As VP Operations for KDS Staffing, Inc., he has achieved industry-leading success. Michael was awarded, The New York State Small Business Growth Award; presented by Governor George Pataki.  Additionally, Michael has successfully grown and sold multiple firms. If you or your organization would like to discuss hiring needs, contact Michael at 646-350-3015 or michael@kdsstaffing.com.

5 Year Candidate Replacement Program illustrates our long-term commitment to the success of our clients. Discover how our process can benefit your organization 

Filed Under: Work From Home Tagged With: #remote_teams, #virtual_team, #work_from_home

Don’t Stand So Close to Me

September 15, 2017 by gswartz

Unless you are in a crowded room, no one likes a close talker. This time we learn how to read body language. This is a crucial skill that extends beyond networking and is beneficial in all social situations, whether at the office or a family picnic.

Body language can speak volumes about a person. Learning to master your body language and effectively reading another’s body language is the key to all social interactions.

When talking with someone, look for actions of engagement, such as head nods, forward leans, and eye contact. These are the actions that you want to casually mirror. This will create a more relaxed atmosphere. Smile, but do so genuinely. Fake smiles can be spotted a mile away.

Be conscientious of cues from the other people and be less focused on the next thing you should say! Look for disagreement cues such as leaning back, frowning, or looking away. This is a sign that it might be time to spin the wheel of topics. Try redirecting the conversation. If these cues are still present, it might be time to move on.

When engaged in social interactions, distance is key. Standing too close to someone can be an immediate turn-off, resulting in that person stepping back. You may also see tension cues such as face touching or leaning away. Touching someone is never advised during first interactions. Touch, like distance, is very intimate and shows a level of trust that is rarely achieved during a first conversation.

Many people do not know what to do with their hands. The hands can give off unintentional negative cues. To avoid this, keep your hands unclasped and relaxed. Never place them on your hips or cross your arms. These are defensive cues that are not effective in networking.

There are so many nuances to body language. Check out this TedTalk by Amy Cuddy to learn even more.  http://www.ted.com/talks/amy_cuddy_your_body_language_shapes_who_you_are.html

Michael Klein is a premier writer and speaker on all aspects of human capital.  As VP Operations for KDS Staffing, Inc., he has achieved industry-leading success. Michael was awarded, The New York State Small Business Growth Award; presented by Governor George Pataki.  Additionally, Michael has successfully grown and sold multiple firms. If you or your organization would like to discuss hiring needs, contact Michael at 646-350-3015 or michael@kdsstaffing.com.

5 Year Candidate Replacement Program illustrates our long-term commitment to the success of our clients. Discover how our process can benefit your organization 

Filed Under: Networking Tagged With: #negative_body_language, #social_interactions

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Is Employee Loyalty Dead?

Is Employee Loyalty Dead?  Until the 1980s and 1990s, there was a culture of hard work. If a team member was dedicated, trustworthy, and reliable, they were rewarded with job security. It was not unheard of to begin your career at the bottom of an organization and work your way up the corporate ladder until […]

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