2023 is Almost Over: How to Evaluate Your Current Job SatisfactionMonday, December 11, 2023
|
||
2023 is almost over, and it's essential to take time now to reflect on the last year and dive deep into your sense of satisfaction. If you're wondering if you need to make a change at your current job or find a new one, we can provide you with a few questions to ask yourself. You can develop strategies to help you find more joy in your work. Here are four key factors to consider when evaluating your current job satisfaction.
Job Engagement and Interest
Begin by assessing your interest and engagement in your daily tasks and responsibilities. Reflect on whether your job aligns with your skills, interests, and long-term career goals. What qualities do you like about your current job, and why did you accept this opportunity initially?
Work-Life Balance
Next, evaluate the balance between your work commitments and personal life. Do you feel stressed at the end of every day? Do you dread going to work in the morning? Consider the time and energy your job demands versus the time available for relaxation, family, and hobbies.
Relationships and Work Environment
Reflect on your relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and other team members. Do you work with people you consider friends? Have you ever felt bullied on the job? Evaluate the overall work environment, including the workplace's level of collaboration, support, and communication.
Compensation and Recognition
Finally, assess your satisfaction with your current salary, benefits, and other forms of compensation. Is there room to ask for more money? Have you researched the current market salary for positions like yours? Reflect on how your efforts and achievements are recognized and rewarded within the organization, including promotions and skill development opportunities.
By considering these aspects, you can comprehensively understand your current job satisfaction and identify areas that may need improvement or adjustment. Use your evaluation to determine the next steps in your journey to long-term success.
Are you ready to look for a new job after all? Explore our competitive Ontario-based opportunities! |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Are you Making your Employees Feel Disposable?Monday, November 13, 2023
|
||
While not every work environment will be perfect, making your employees feel disposable only worsens your company's culture. Feeling unappreciated, overworked, and burned out will cause your workforce to become less productive and motivated. That doesn't just affect their morale but can cost your business money. Here are a few ways companies make employees feel disposable without even realizing it.
Speaking Poorly About Employees
Speaking poorly about employees in the workplace significantly damages the organizational culture. It fosters negativity, erodes trust among colleagues, and creates a toxic environment where fear and insecurity thrive. It undermines teamwork, lowers morale, and hampers productivity. It's crucial for leadership to set clear policies against gossip and negativity, encouraging open communication and constructive feedback. Promoting a positive work environment where accomplishments are celebrated and concerns are addressed professionally can transform the workplace culture, fostering collaboration, trust, and a more productive atmosphere.
Focusing on Production Only
Exclusively focusing on production without considering the broader aspects of workplace culture creates a myopic environment that values output over employee well-being. It can lead to burnout, stress, and a lack of job satisfaction among employees. Ignoring the human element in pursuing high production numbers can result in a disengaged workforce, higher turnover rates, and a hostile workplace atmosphere. Management must adopt a holistic approach that balances production goals with employee needs. Encouraging team-building activities, investing in employee development, and soliciting regular feedback can further contribute to a healthier work environment where productivity and job satisfaction thrive.
High Turnover
High turnover rates can significantly damage workplace culture by creating an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty. It erodes team cohesion, as new employees frequently disrupt existing work dynamics. Frequent departures can lead to decreased morale among remaining staff, who may feel overburdened due to the constant need for training and onboarding. This churn also impacts institutional knowledge, hindering organizational progress. To address high turnover, employers should invest in employee engagement programs, offer competitive benefits, provide opportunities for skill development and career growth, and foster a positive work environment.
Immediate Firings
Immediate firings without a probationary period create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among employees, diminishing trust in the organization's leadership. Team members may feel anxious about making mistakes or taking risks, hindering creativity and innovation. It sends a message that the company does not value its employees, impacting motivation and engagement. To change this, companies can implement a structured probationary period where employees receive clear expectations, regular feedback, and support to succeed.
Disregard for Work/Life Balance
Disregarding employee work/life balance leads to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and a high turnover rate as employees seek a healthier work environment. This imbalance fosters resentment and stress, eroding teamwork and morale. It also hampers creativity and productivity, as exhausted employees are less likely to contribute innovative ideas. To improve, companies can implement policies promoting flexible work hours, remote work options, and clear boundaries between work and personal time. Encouraging employees to take their allocated vacation days and discouraging excessive overtime sends a message that the organization values their well-being.
If you need to scale up your team, let ours help you find the people you need. |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
5 Ways Leadership Can Model Work-Life IntegrationMonday, October 16, 2023
|
||
Much of any company's culture has much to do with the people at the top who make the rules. Sometimes, these policies and rules are explicit, but often, they're unspoken, such as not leaving until the boss leaves. Here are five ideas for leadership to develop a better company culture and more work/life balance for the entire team.
Respect Time Outside of Work
Respecting employees' time outside the workplace is crucial to improving company culture. By promoting a healthy work-life balance and setting clear boundaries, employers show consideration for their employees' personal lives and foster a more motivated and engaged workforce. Encouraging employees to disconnect during their time off, offering flexible schedules when possible, and minimizing after-hours demands can reduce burnout and stress, resulting in higher job satisfaction and productivity. In turn, a company that values its employees' well-being and work-life balance tends to attract and retain top talent, contributing to a positive and vibrant organizational culture.
Don't Work on Vacation
When leaders set the example by unplugging during their time off, it encourages employees to do the same, reducing burnout and stress. It also fosters trust within the team, as employees feel confident in taking their vacations without fear of being constantly tethered to work. This practice promotes respect for personal time, enhances job satisfaction, and leads to a more motivated, refreshed, and productive workforce. In the long run, a commitment to vacation boundaries contributes to a healthier, more positive company culture where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to perform at their best.
Take PTO Time
Encouraging employees to take their paid time off is essential. It promotes employee well-being by allowing them to rest, recharge, and reduce burnout, enhancing their overall health and job satisfaction. It helps maintain a more productive and engaged workforce, as well-rested employees tend to be more focused and motivated when they return to work. Unused PTO can lead to burnout and potentially result in higher turnover, which is costly for businesses. Lastly, supporting a culture of taking PTO demonstrates that the organization values its employees' work-life balance, which can improve morale, loyalty, and retention rates, contributing to a more positive and sustainable work environment.
Be Flexible for Obligations
As a manager, being flexible and understanding of your employees' obligations, such as doctor appointments or school programs, is essential for fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. By allowing employees the flexibility to attend to their responsibilities, you demonstrate empathy and respect for their diverse needs outside of work. This flexibility not only boosts employee morale but also enhances their work-life balance, which can lead to improved job satisfaction and productivity. Encouraging open communication and accommodating these obligations when possible can help create a positive and accommodating workplace culture that benefits both employees and the organization.
Lead By Example
Leading by example as a manager is a powerful way to improve company culture. When leaders embody the values and behaviors they expect from their employees, it sets a clear and inspiring standard. Managers cultivate a culture of trust, integrity, and alignment by demonstrating transparency, accountability, dedication, and respect. Employees are more likely to follow suit and uphold these principles, fostering a positive work environment where everyone feels valued, motivated, and committed to the organization's success. Leading by example strengthens company culture and helps drive higher employee engagement and overall performance.
Need help hiring top local Ontario-based talent? Get in touch with our team! |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Incentives to Keep Your Team as Productive as Possible this SummerMonday, July 17, 2023
|
||
It's not uncommon for productivity to dip in the summer months. Your team is daydreaming of anywhere but work. But your productivity rates must stay high. Here are some fun incentives that can improve morale and increase energy in your company this summer.
Offer Flexible Hours
If your environment can handle more flexible hours, offer this as a benefit in the summertime. You can allow your team to adjust their start and end times based on their personal needs, such as the commute or children's schedules. You can also tap into your employees' most productive hours. For example, if someone is a morning person, they may start early and get things done before closing time so they can end their day when their brain begins to wander.
Organize Sports Events
Teambuilding can be a great opportunity in the summer. Consider organizing a sports event or team for your employees. Casual games like softball or kickball are popular among employees and provide an outlet for their energy in the summer. It can be a fun way for your workplace to get involved in the summer and have fun. Offer Free Lunch
When you can, offer your team free lunches, which can be motivating when they start to feel the lunchtime slump. Provide options for people with all dietary needs to encourage everyone to participate.
Plan an End of Summer Party
Another fun way to get everyone excited about the workplace in the summer is to plan an end-of-summer party. As the season begins to wrap up, plan an event for employees and their families before your employee's children start back to school. There are countless options, including a barbeque at a local outdoor spot, a fun day at an amusement park, or a casual dinner at a great venue in your town.
If you can't find the employees you need, let itec group help! |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Transforming Employee Complaints to ComplimentsMonday, July 3, 2023
|
||
Every good manager wants a team of happy and fulfilled employees. But to do this, it's important to gather employee feedback and know how to support their needs. Both good and bad employee feedback will make a difference in what you can do as a manager, so it's up to you to solicit their input and create an environment where they are willing to share. Here are tips to help you transform employee complaints into compliments and create a more cohesive workplace.
Take Time for Feedback
One complaint many employees have of bad managers is that they don't take the time to listen to feedback. They assume things are fine and don't solicit the thoughts of their team on any given project, situation, or experience. Make sure your employees know that their contribution matters, including feedback. Listen to the Good and Bad
Another mistake managers make is that they are only willing to hear the good feedback and avoid the bad. It's just as important to know what your team is unhappy about so you can solve the problem. Don't assume just because no one is saying anything negative that everything is just fine.
Show Your Support
It's also up to you as a manager to show your support and make their jobs easier. What can you provide that will help the team thrive? Are there tools, technology, or additional talent that could improve the working conditions of the entire group?
Go the Extra Mile
There may also be times when you must go the extra mile and pitch in when necessary. If things are overwhelming, find out how you can help. Roll up your sleeves when needed, and work with your team to get things done.
If you need help hiring, give our team at itec group a call! |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Should I be Creating Social Media Guidelines for my Employees?Monday, April 17, 2023
|
||
Social media is not a fad. We live in a world where everything worth mentioning ends up online one way or another. And once something's online, there's no going back. But what does that mean for your employees and creating social media policies? If you've been thinking of developing guidelines to help your team and represent your company well, here are the top tips to get you started.
Create and Enforce Official Accounts
Your business should have official social media pages on all the major platforms. Keeping these owned by your company prevents someone from creating an account that unfairly targets your business. Maintain ownership, make branding consistent, and have someone within your organization responsible for posting and commenting on these pages.
Request Transparency
Your team is online; that's just a fact of business today. What's important is that you create a culture of trust. What you can ask your team is that if they include their place of employment on their social media, they make sure people know the opinions posted on their social media are personal and not representative of your organization.
Ensure Privacy
While you need to trust your employees to use sound professional judgment online, you can create policies around what they can and can't share. It's vital to let everyone know confidential client or company information not be shared online. This needs to be a formal policy; if it's violated, there are professional consequences.
Train on Cyber Safety
It's also critical that your team is safe online. There are constant threats to safety on the internet, and many of them can look very legitimate. Offer regular training to reinforce safety guidelines. These include:
Be Tough on Harassment
Cyberbullying isn't just something teenagers do. Harassment online is all too common, and you must have a no-tolerance culture in your workplace. There is no room for hate speech or other forms of harassment. You should also provide resources for your employees if they experience harassment online.
Follow Legal Guidelines
There can also be a lot of legal traps online that people get caught in unwittingly. Always remind your employees to respect intellectual property, copyright, trademarks, and other laws regarding content and creations. Make sure they know if they don't have explicit permission or licensing to post something, they need to avoid it.
Let the staffing experts at itec group weigh in. |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
5 Hacks to Building a Team of Loyal EmployeesMonday, March 13, 2023
|
||
Relying on your team of loyal employees is what makes your business succeed. Loyalty is a two-way street, so what can you do as an employer to improve team loyalty? Here are five ways to create a culture that encourages team loyalty now and in the future.
Focus on Culture
Good company culture can improve employee loyalty by creating a positive and supportive work environment. When employees feel valued and appreciated, satisfaction rates are improved. They can build better relationships with coworkers and managers and feel a sense of belonging within the organization. A strong company culture can align employee and company values. And when employees feel their work is meaningful and their contributions are valued, there are higher performance levels and a reduction in turnover.
Provide Meaningful Work
Giving employees a sense of purpose and fulfillment in their jobs can also improve employee retention and loyalty. When their work is meaningful and their contributions positively impact, your employees are more likely to stay engaged and motivated. A stronger emotional connection to the organization based on the feeling of doing good and meaningful work can improve retention. Employees who see themselves making a difference are less likely to seek employment elsewhere.
Be a Stellar Manager
Management can make all the difference in employee satisfaction and loyalty. Managers can improve performance and retention by clearly communicating expectations, providing regular feedback, and listening to employee concerns. Showing appreciation and recognition will enhance employee engagement. There should also be a culture of supportive leadership, empathy, and fair treatment with respect and dignity.
Listen to Feedback
Employees who feel empowered and comfortable providing feedback will also be more likely to stay engaged. But you shouldn't just listen to feedback; it should be used to improve processes and workplace culture. When you hear and incorporate feedback, you demonstrate that you value and appreciate what your employees bring to the table.
Offer Room for Development
Advancement is a big draw for many professionals. If someone feels they've maxed out their company's career growth opportunities and earning potential, they will seek that gratification from another employer. Provide opportunities for learning and increasing responsibilities within your organization to improve retention and employee loyalty.
If you still can't find the people you need, itec group is ready to assist! |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
How to Give your Manager Feedback & Get ResultsMonday, March 6, 2023
|
||
Feedback is a necessary part of any job. But often, employees don't feel empowered to provide feedback to their managers. It can be tricky, but it's an integral part of productive communication and necessary for everyone's growth in the workplace. Here are a few ways you can give your management team better feedback and get results.
Gather Examples
Whenever you make a case with your manager, you should always have evidence available. Examples that can help get your point across will be better than simply telling them what you want to change. For instance, if there is a need to make a process more efficient, provide examples of how the current process is causing projects to take more time.
Reach Out
Next, reach out directly to your boss and ask for a time to meet one-on-one. This allows you both to prepare for the conversation. Don't forget to let them know what the discussion will be about, so they're not blindsided. You don't have to give details until the discussion, but let them know your reason. "Can we meet this afternoon? I need to talk to you about the department's project."
Be Respectful
Always be respectful of your boss's position and time. You respect them as professionals and expect them to do the same for you. Don't make the discussion personal or accusatory in any way. Present your feedback professionally and ensure to communicate that you're looking for their assistance in creating a solution.
Focus on the Future
There are certainly reasons why this situation has come up, but focusing on the past can be less productive than looking toward the future. Make it clear that you're providing this feedback because you want to improve the situation for the future, not just rehash information from the past.
Ready to look for a new opportunity? Browse itec group's open positions! |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
5 Workplace Resolutions to Make in 2023Monday, January 9, 2023
|
||
We've turned the calendar to 2023 and are ready to push up our sleeves and get to work. But how do you create a positive plan for your career-based New Year's resolutions? If you want to take your career to new heights this year, consider making these changes your top priority.
Work/Life Balance
If we learned anything over the last three years, uncertainty is the only sure thing. We know life is short with everything that happened, and working until you're burned out at a job is not healthy. Take time this year to plan for a better work/life balance. Focus on setting boundaries and taking PTO time this year.
Time Management
Good time management will also help set boundaries and accomplish your tasks when and how you want to. Use organizational software or a calendar app to track your work and progress. You can even use a desk calendar to write down immediate tasks and feel the satisfaction of crossing them off.
Landing a Promotion
Do you think that 2023 is your year for a promotion? If so, now is the time to build that foundation. Determine what opportunities are available in your company and how to position yourself to take advantage of them. What do you need to improve? What skills should you pick up? How can you talk to management about your interests?
Network More
For many people, networking is a top priority. Online networking has become even more commonplace, so start there. Update your LinkedIn profile and interact on the platform. Join industry organizations and consider attending events in your area. Take classes offered in new skills.
If getting a new job is one of your career goals for the year, turn to itec group!Our experienced recruiters will get you your dream job asap! |
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Constructive Criticism: How to Level Up your Engineering TeamWednesday, January 4, 2023
|
||
If you've worked with engineers, you know they aren't always the most receptive to constructive criticism. Many focus on linear thinking, which can be perceived as a challenge when something disrupts that thought process. Managing engineers isn't always easy, but it is critical to success. Here are some of our best tips and tricks to help improve your feedback and how you can work together optimally.
Tactful and Private Feedback
No one likes to be called out in front of their peers, even if it might be justified. Tact will be essential to providing feedback. Management should always talk with employees privately about performance or behavior issues. And always have action items your engineer can take on to improve.
Consider All Employee Input
Your engineers are intelligent and thoughtful people, but they may not be comfortable sharing ideas if they don't think anything will happen. Make sure you provide an avenue for sharing feedback and, more importantly, a way for management to act on them in service to the team.
Take a Poll
If you're concerned that your employees aren't willing to provide candid feedback, or any feedback at all, consider a poll. A survey can help you get to the root of problems but allow your employees to provide anonymous feedback without fear of retribution. Once you gather the data, you can see the primary concerns and take action.
Improve Communication Overall
Management's responsibility is to ensure that communication is effective across your departments. Improving communication skills on your end, including composing emails or sending texts when necessary, will help everyone perform better. You can also provide communication training to your team to improve the experience for everyone.
Struggling to build up your engineering team? Turn to itec group!
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
Modesty Sabourin 3 May 19, 2021 |
Lance Chartrand 1 June 19, 2020 |