News & Events
5 Staffing Strategies to Mitigate Recession Risks
Deciding on the best strategies for your organization to manage factors that could impact operations can be challenging.
Here are 5 Ways to Navigate Recession-Related Business Concerns, No Matter the Industry:
The best approach for your organization may vary. However, looking into available options, including staffing partners, can help reduce some of the uncertainty.
Written by:
Kendra Strickland
Chief Operating Officer
kstrickland@marathonstaffing.com
Recognize Employees: Ideas for Employee Appreciation Day
Did you know that National Employee Appreciation Day is on March 3rd?
Showing gratitude and appreciation to employees throughout the year is important for many reasons; it can boost morale, increase employee engagement, improve job satisfaction, and ultimately lead to a more productive and positive work environment.
Taking the time to thank employees for their work and dedication can go a long way, and there is no single way of making sure that people feel appreciated.
Here are some great ways to say thank you to employees:
- Public recognition
Publicly recognizing an employee’s hard work in the organization can increase their sense of belonging and pride in their work while also increasing motivation among other employees.
- Personal thank you note
A personalized thank you note shows that you took the time to acknowledge their contribution. At the same time, this is an opportunity to highlight the role the employee plays within their team and in the rest of the company.
- Gift cards or bonuses
Providing tangible rewards such as gift cards or bonuses can increase employee satisfaction and show that you value their work.
- Celebratory lunch or dinner
Organizing a celebratory meal for your team is a great way of showing appreciation and having the team spend time together in a more relaxed setting.
- Offer extra time off or flexible working hours
Offering extra time off can be an effective way to help employees achieve a better work-life balance and show that you respect their personal time. Similarly, having flexible working hours can increase employees’ job satisfaction because it shows that their organization believes in and values them.
- Professional development opportunities
Offering professional development opportunities can show your employees that you are invested in their growth and development, which can increase their loyalty and engagement.
Remember, the best way to thank your employees is to show genuine appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Be thoughtful, considerate, and personal in your approach!
Written by:
Sam Afador
info@marathonstaffing.com
Best Job Posting Practices for Employers to Reach the Right Candidates
The job market has experienced significant changes in the last few years, leaving many employers from all industries having to shift their processes or leading them to create new ones altogether.
As a result, attracting candidates through online channels has become an effective way for many organizations to continue to meet their hiring needs.
So, how can employers quickly reach candidates that will be the best fit for their organizations? Here’s how in 7 easy steps:
- Write a Clear and Concise Job Description
Your job posting should clearly and concisely describe the job duties, requirements, and qualifications. Be sure to include important information such as the job title, location, and salary range. - Keep the Job Title Simple
Avoid using overly creative or unique job titles that may confuse job seekers. Use a straightforward title that accurately reflects the job duties and responsibilities. - Use Relevant Keywords
Incorporating relevant keywords in the job title and description will help to attract qualified candidates who are searching for jobs with those specific skills or requirements. - Make the Job Posting Easy to Read
Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and clear headings to make the job posting easy to read and understand. - Provide Company Information
Include information about your company, such as its mission, values, and culture, to help job seekers understand what it would be like to work for your organization. - Be Transparent About the Hiring Process
Let job seekers know what they can expect from the hiring process, including any assessments, interviews, and any other steps they will need to take. - Include a Call-to-Action
Encourage job seekers to apply by including a clear call-to-action in your job posting. Provide specific instructions for how to apply, and make it easy for candidates to submit their applications.
(BONUS) Regularly Review and Update your Job Postings
Timing can be very important, so regularly reviewing and updating job postings can further convey your company’s position as an organization that values its relationships with employees, job seekers, and other professional partners.
By following these best practices, you can create effective job postings that will attract qualified candidates and, in doing so, help you find the best employees for your organization.
Written by:
Sam Afador
info@marathonstaffing.com
7 Ways to Turn an Entry-Level Job Into a Career
Many new people to the job market believe that their first job needs to be their dream job. They need to make a lot of money doing something they love with amazing benefits and flexible hours. The reality is getting started in a new field can be an overwhelming experience, especially when most job requirements limit your options.
The good news is that many professionals can actually utilize entry-level positions as a way of building those necessary skills and making those valuable connections to pursue their dream job. Before you start to position items like pay, hours, or benefits, think about how this next experience will help your development.
Below are some ways of leveraging that entry-level job into a fulfilling career:
- Learn from Training Opportunities – This is a great chance to familiarize yourself with your department as well as the other teams that make up the organization’s operations.
- Gain Relevant Experience in the Field – One of the advantages that an entry-level position has is that there is minimum experience needed, making it ideal for anyone who is starting out or switching careers.
- Think About Transferable Skills – Many skills that you gain along the way can end up being applicable to tasks outside your current job, allowing you to take on more specialized responsibilities.
- Read up on the Industry’s Changes and Trends – Stay up to date with what is happening in your industry, this will help you identify potential new career opportunities.
- Make Professional Connections – Networking remains one of the best ways of learning about job opportunities quicker once you are ready to take that next step in your career.
- Consider Similar Roles/Fields – Sometimes the best choice may be to transition into a related field, for example if you are currently an entry-level assembler, perhaps consider a position in machine operations.
- Explore Higher-Level and Promotion Offers – Once you feel more comfortable within your industry and the right opportunity presents itself do not hesitate to continue your professional journey.
Many of Marathon’s own team members have begun their professional journeys in one of our entry-level opportunities and have gone on to positions in HR, Administration, and various other Managerial positions.
In today’s workforce, there may be many paths to launch your career, and an entry-level position might just be what you need to be on your way!
Written by:
Naomi Raices
Marketing Coordinator
nraices@marathonstaffing.com
Register for Upcoming Webinar on January 19th, 2023: 10 Golden Rules to Succeed in Vendor Negotiations
Marathon Staffing is pleased to announce an upcoming webinar on succeeding in supplier negotiations.
No matter what kind of vendors or suppliers a business works with, it is clear that no one is immune from price hikes due to recent inflation.
Marathon, in collaboration with Mike Parry, President of Parry, Murphy, and Associates, will be presenting a timely webinar on supplier negotiations on Thursday, January 19th, 2023, at 4 PM EST. We are excited to share exclusive access to the expertise that Parry, Murphy, and Associates have in vendor price management. Limited spots are available for this webinar that will provide actionable steps to help companies improve their budget outlook for 2023.
Interested parties may register for this webinar here.
Written by:
Kendra Strickland
Chief Operating Officer
kstrickland@marathonstaffing.com
5 Steps for Negotiating a Pay Raise Like a Pro
We have all been there. We have been working hard for the company, and we know that we deserve a pay raise. But how do you ask for one? How do you negotiate a raise?
The One Factor That Will Determine Whether You Succeed Or Fail at Negotiating a Pay Raise is…having a strong understanding of what you are worth as an employee.
The process of negotiating a pay raise can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. With these five steps, you will be able to successfully negotiate one:
1. Do Your Research: The first step is to research what other people with similar positions and experience are making in your area. This will give you an idea of how much more money you should ask for.
2. Know your Worth: Before you even think about negotiating, you need to know what your worth is. Review your skills and your professional experience to include as part of your negotiation.
3. Understand the Process: The next step in the negotiation process is understanding how negotiations actually work in the company that you work for. Some companies may have a formal process where others might not have any set guidelines at all.
4. Ask for Feedback: It’s important to regularly check in with your manager or supervisor to see if they are satisfied with your performance or if there are any areas that could be improved. This will be an indicator of how you are being perceived in the workplace prior to your request for a pay raise.
5. Make an Appointment with your Manager or Supervisor and HR: If all of the previous points have been met, then it is time to officially request your much-deserved pay raise.
The most important thing to remember when negotiating is that you should never go into it thinking that you will lose. You should always go in with the mentality that you will win so that you present yourself in a professional yet confident manner.
Written by:
Sam Afador
info@marathonstaffing.com