Today’s smartest employers are thinking more creatively about how to attract talented workers and encourage them to stay. Many are partnering with large landlords to include next-level amenities in their workspaces. Here are 5 things progressive employers are focused on to attract and retain the best talent today.
(BPT) - A recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that U.S. employment is projected to grow by 8.4 million jobs from 2018 to 2028. At the same time, employers are battling an ultra-competitive job market, in which candidates are being wooed by increased pay and enhanced medical benefits. Today’s smartest employers are thinking more creatively about how to attract talented workers and encourage them to stay. Many are partnering with large landlords to include next-level amenities in their workspaces. Today’s employers are focused on: 1. Transportation A well-located workplace is a major selling point for attracting potential employees and retaining existing ones. Employers with a central location, easily accessible by public transportation, already have an advantage. For example, The Legacy Town Center office in Plano, Texas, boasts transit drop-off and pick-up at the building. For environmentally minded employees who bike to work, secure bike storage is a real plus. The office tower at 201 Spear St. in San Francisco anticipates the needs of the area’s environmentally conscious workforce with bike storage and EV car charging stations, plus easy access to light rail. Accenture Tower in Chicago sits above Ogilvie Transportation Center, one of the main suburban train stations connecting downtown Chicago to the suburbs, providing direct access to city trains, buses and expressways. The first two levels of the property are composed of 80,000 square feet of retail space, with more than 45 stores and restaurants. 2. Wellness Beyond providing competitive healthcare plans, employers are seeking new ways to encourage and support employees’ health-related activities — a focus that contributes to less absenteeism and greater productivity. For example, Park Place Village in Leawood, Kansas, has massage therapy on-site for all of its tenants. Many major office owners are adding state-of-the-art fitness centers. 3001 Washington Blvd. in Arlington, Virginia, features workout studios offering barre, yoga and HIIT performance classes in its eight-story, LEED Gold-certified Class A office building. And at Accenture Tower, the building includes a two-level fitness center spanning 14,000 square feet, with a basketball court, group exercise classes and new tenant lounge with air hockey, shuffleboard and wine lockers. 3. Convenience For employees with busy schedules, it can be tough to find enough time in the day to take care of necessary errands. Workers are especially drawn to locales that provide day-to-day services everyone needs without even having to walk outside. Some office buildings go a step beyond. For businesses at RBC Plaza in Minneapolis, employees can use the U.S. Postal Service, on-site bank, a sundry shop and even a shoe repair/shoe shine service. But it doesn’t stop there. Other services offered in the building include a car wash and detailing service, and private wine lockers. And in the Carillon office tower in Charlotte, North Carolina, there's an on-site daycare for parents. 4. Ambiance Beyond location and service-based amenities, today’s employees are increasingly demanding a workplace with a beautiful atmosphere, which often includes access to outdoor spaces. Building designers are taking note, providing more open spaces, skylights and/or atriums for a lighter, more welcoming work environment. For example, The McEwen Building in the Cool Springs submarket of Nashville, Tennessee, offers employees and visitors an outdoor sitting area complete with a fountain and plush landscaping, while 3003 Washington Blvd. in Arlington, Virginia, has a rooftop terrace with stunning views of Washington, D.C. 5. Employee engagement With Generation Z workers about to enter the workforce, today’s employers also understand the power of creating engagement within their team, especially among young professionals. Next-level office amenities can increase employee satisfaction and deepen their connection to their employer. For instance, RBC Plaza in Minneapolis offers a billiards lounge, as well as a cafe and coffee shop, while Preston Commons in Dallas, Texas, and 201 Spear St. in San Francisco both have on-site bars, giving office workers places to unwind and congregate after work. KBS, one of the largest owners of office buildings in the nation, has partnered with many of America’s companies to support recruitment and retention by buying well-located offices and infusing them with state-of-the-art amenities. To learn more, visit kbs.com.
KEYWORDS
![]()
Advice for Employers for Recruiting and Retaining the Workers of Generation Z
(BPT) - The U.S. workforce is in the midst of an influx with 65 million workers from Generation Z beginning to look for jobs, according to BridgeWorks Consulting. This group of workers, born after 1997, do not remember a time without the internet and have grown up in a post-2008 recession era of financial responsibility, meaning what motivates them differs greatly from previous generations. The combination of Gen Zers’ financially savvy, entrepreneurial spirit and their deeply rooted relationship with technology means employers need to reassess and diversify the ways they interact with and what they offer candidates. This also creates challenges in identifying the groups’ reason for choosing a field or job, placing the pressure on the hiring business or brand to stand out as an attractive experience. “With this generation, the onus is on employers to learn how to relate to and attract their next employees,” said Kristen Wahl, director of the EcoCAR Mobility Challenge, the current Advanced Vehicle Technology Competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors and MathWorks. EcoCAR’s recent study of college students participating in the competition revealed two key insights that translate across industries and may help employers of all types better understand who their co-workers and employees of the future will be. Tech is integral to all aspects of their lives Gen Z hasn’t known a time without access to infinite information at their fingertips as smartphones debuted when many were infants. Easy access to information has allowed Gen Zers to be curious learners and interact with companies and brands much earlier than generations past. The study shows job seekers are likely to engage with online articles (62 percent) and videos (61 percent) along with other content on social media, which can be a great starting point for hiring companies to build their relationship with the Gen Z workforce. These insights apply to all companies — from large national companies to local small businesses — and are easily attainable through a variety of online channels. “Our insights show interaction between Gen Z and employers must start before the next hiring cycle or career fairs,” said Wahl. “Employers of all sizes should be aware how their future employees interact with their brand before they are looking to hire.” Personal and career growth are imperative Gen Zers are seen as self-starters that take pride and responsibility for their own career paths with 76 percent believing they are culpable for driving their own career trajectory and 42 percent with hopes of self-employment, according to Concordia University-St. Paul. The entrepreneurial work ethic and concerns of financial security can explain the emphasis placed on professional and personal growth. Our research shows young job seekers agree on the importance of career advancement opportunities (98 percent), competitive wages (97 percent) and personal learning and development opportunities (96 percent). Regardless of industry or job-level, Gen Zers see a link between personal and professional growth and seek employers who share that thinking. “Employers who can reach prospective job seekers early in their process and then deliver a fulfilling day-to-day experience with proper compensation will be prepared to both attract and retain the incoming wave of young workers,” said Wahl.
KEYWORDS
![]()
It’s not always easy staying organized. Life is busy, chaotic and fast-moving. Although it can be easy to get discouraged at times, there are ways to enhance organization and attitude through the peaks and pits life throws at you. In this article, Carol Lavin Bernick, former executive chairman of beauty conglomerate Alberto Culver, offers her perspective on what it really means to be successful.
6 Keys to Success in Business and Life![]() (Family Features) It's not always easy staying organized. Life is busy, chaotic and fast-moving. Although it can be easy to get discouraged at times, there are ways to enhance organization and attitude through the peaks and pits life throws at you. Carol Lavin Bernick, former executive chairman of beauty conglomerate Alberto Culver, published "Gather As You Go: Lessons Learned Along the Way," a book sharing insights she's learned through her many roles as a corporate leader, working mother, philanthropist and founder of the nonprofit organization Enchanted Backpack. Bernick offers these tips to be ready for the good times and difficult situations, highlighting the importance of loving what you are doing in both business and life.
Find more tips and inspiration at gatherasyougo.com. Photo courtesy of Getty Images SOURCE:Gather As You Go
KEYWORDS
![]()
You spend a good portion of your life at work. You need a job to live and thrive. Over time, you may realize that your current employment is not working for you. While it is nicer to be on vacation than to be at work, no one should dread going to a job. There are several important indicators that it is time for a new career.
There Is No More Opportunity to Grow It can be frustrating when it seems like your colleagues are advancing while you are sitting still. It may be that you do not have the education to go beyond your current level at work. It may be that management likes you where you are. No matter how hard you try, you remain in the same position. If you keep getting passed up for promotion, it may be time to take your life in a new direction. Your Workplace Culture Is Toxic One of the challenges of a workplace is the variety of personalities you must interact with. There will always be difficult people. However, some workplaces have troubling relationship dynamics. There may be cliques or other unhealthy groupings. Poor management may have given more authority to domineering personalities. The place may have developed a culture where gossip and disrespect are tolerated. Your workmates may not be your best friends, but you should be able to work together to accomplish what is best for the company. Your Unique Skills Are Wasted Every person brings a different skill set to the table. However, your current position may not use some of the gifts that give you the most fulfillment. If you love to code but spend your days filing paperwork, both you and your company are missing out on your skills. If you love interacting with people but spend all your time in a cubicle, it is natural to be frustrated by your work. Look for a career that uses your unique skills and gifts. Your Commute Makes You Contemplate Vehicular Homicide Even if you have a great job, getting to and from work can be a real burden. That time you spend in the car is time you could be doing something more productive. Your commute can also be a source of heavy stress that can have serious long-term health consequences. Your commute gets even more dangerous if you're traveling through town, as intersections are famously prone to car accidents. Unless you have the perfect position at work, consider looking for a job a little closer to home. You’re Only There for the Paycheck With the amount of time you spend at work, it should be more fulfilling. You are going to spend years working. While the paycheck is important, you also should be looking to do something that gives you purpose. Think about your personal goals in life. If this job is not working towards those goals, it may be time to look for something else. Seeking a new career can be a risk. You may not love your current position, but at least you know what you are getting. Instead of settling for a mediocre job, find a career that gives you joy. As the saying goes, “If you are not doing what you love, you are wasting your time.”
KEYWORDS
![]()
Most people are stuck with a career path that has little to do with what they studied or envisioned themselves doing. Years later, they may suddenly find themselves at a crossroads, wondering how they came to their current point in their work life. However, finding a new career is a possibility at any age, and finding one that incorporates what you love is possible for anyone determined to seek a new path.
Start Your Own Business By starting your own business, you can incorporate your own interests and be your own boss. However, like any business, getting started requires a lot of planning and research. Whether you want to open your own eatery or become an online merchant, the cost of starting your own business is high, but so is the potential reward. Here are several pitfalls to avoid when starting your own business:
Join a Franchise Sometimes, starting a new business from scratch is not an attractive option. If not, you might want to join an existing franchise instead. Joining a franchise allows people to work in an industry they love with a brand they are passionate about. With the wide variety of industries with franchises, it's not too hard to find a franchise that mirrors your interests. In order to find the right franchise, you need to define what you wish to accomplish with a franchise, and then do market research to identify the available options, your budget and your community. Contacting the franchisor, reviewing their processes and interviewing other franchise owners comes after doing your initial research. Joining a franchise of a brand you love can be a rewarding way to work in an industry you love. Teach What You Love At times, teaching and sharing what you love is richly rewarding. Teaching and learning no longer have to be onsite at an expensive physical location. Many learning platforms offer virtual online learning conducted through videos, forums and online communication. Whether you want to teach online yoga or advanced coding, there are online communities available where online classrooms can be set up, and you can get paid for uploading your own educational videos. If you are starting to doubt yourself and the passion behind your work, perhaps it is time to change your career. The average person changes jobs between five to seven times in their lifetime. With many options available both online and off, there are many opportunities to find a path that leads to a fulfilling job that you love to do. If you’re looking to change your career but you don’t have a degree, check out this list of high-paying, easy-enter career fields that don’t require a degree!
KEYWORDS
![]()
While there are many benefits to earning a degree, not all jobs require that you have gone to college. There are several high-paying careers that offer entry-level opportunities to people without college degrees. Here are four of the best fields to consider when you're looking to earn a solid salary even if you do not have a college degree.
Ultrasound Technician Surprisingly, there are a variety of jobs in the healthcare field that do not require a degree. While most need some type of training or certification to perform, you don't need a college degree to get started. One of the most high-paying job titles is ultrasound technician. Diagnostic medical sonographers earn an average salary of about $70,000 annually. This field also boasts an abundance of opportunity for upward mobility within the field. Truck Driver Being a truck driver is a fantastic way to see the country while being paid to do so. Many truck driving jobs will require you to have a CDL, which does require certification. A career in truck driving also offers a flexible schedule, which is ideal for when you have other obligations. You can choose the routes that you want to take based on your availability. There is currently a shortage of truck drivers in the U.S., providing job seekers with plenty of opportunity. Real Estate Agent As a real estate agent, your primary function is to help clients buy and sell commercial or residential property. Ultimately, this job requires people skills, the ability to research properties, and strong negotiating skills so that you can secure favorable real estate deals for your clients. In addition to getting your real estate license, you will need to complete a training course that meets your state's minimum hours. This job allows you to be your own boss, which means that you can set your own schedule and determine how much work you want to take on. Computer Support Specialist In today's increasingly wired world, the demand for computer support specialists is high. This industry encompasses titles such as tech support specialist, help desk technician, IT specialist, and IT consultant. This career pays a median salary of about $50,000 annually. Good candidates for this job include people who enjoy communicating with other people and do not mind spending most of the day on the phone helping to troubleshoot computer issues. There are myriad career options that do not require you to have a college degree. With the right research and commitment to gaining the skills that you need, you can be well on your way to a high-paying job in a variety of fields. Read this other article for some more great career ideas! KEYWORDS
![]()
The global economy couldn't exist without the trucking industry. Cargo planes and ships play their part, but truckers around the world make sure a product makes its way across the country. Truck drivers, sadly, must deal with a job that doesn't always come with thanks. Because of that, the field is becoming less and less populated. The job does come with its dangers, so it is no surprise truckers face tremendous stress. Here are three main reasons why a trucking career can be stressful.
Long Hours Behind the Wheel Driving to a destination and arriving on time may require spending 10-hour days on the road. Fatigue sets in after a while. Struggling to deal with a lack of sleep brings on worry and anxiety. Sitting in the driver's seat for many hours doesn't always work wonders for how the body feels. Exercising and burning off calories isn't easy, and a trucker's lifestyle becomes sedentary. That's not healthy. According to Pass My Physical, “warning signs of being too tired to drive are: trouble keeping your eyes open, trouble keeping your head up, daydreaming or wandering thoughts, drifting across lanes, drifting of the road or hitting rumble strips, missing signs or exits, frequently yawning or rubbing your eyes, irritability or restlessness.” Even a 5-day, 40-hour per week driving schedule can become tiresome. The pay might make the long hours worth it, but those hours can seem like an eternity at times. Accidents Are Less Forgiving Trucks are colossal moving machines. They weigh tons. In an accident, even a small one, a rig can do a lot of damage. The chances of a fatality during a collision increase immensely. The government imposes regulations to decrease the chances of a fatigue-related accident. According to Heiting & Irwin, “whether a big rig collides with another big rig, a bus, or a recreational vehicle, the results are almost always catastrophic. Driver fatigue is the leading cause of trucking accidents, which is why so many regulations are in place to prevent it.” Federal laws limit the number of hours a driver can work per day and week. Still, other factors besides fatigue contribute to crashes. Citations Can Ruin a Career Depending on the terms of his/her employment, a trucker may need a spotless driving record to stay employed. Since he/she is on the road for hours upon hours a day, the chances of making a mistake increases. Assuming the speed limit is higher than it is or not coming to a complete stop when required might mean a hefty ticket. Getting more than one ticket within a specific time period could even lead to a license suspension. According to GetLoaded, “if a truck driver ever gets a ticket, as quickly as possible afterwards, they need to write down every detail, starting from five minutes before the alleged violation to when the officer drove off.” Even the most careful truck driver, one who never receives a ticket, can stress over the thought of receiving one. If you are a trucker, do what you can to drive safely, adhere to traffic laws, and keep stress levels down. Many people rely on you to continue doing a great job.
KEYWORDS
![]()
Regardless of your career path, getting a promotion is often a professional goal. Here are a few secrets to taking the reins and getting noticed — and promoted — in your career.
(BPT) - Regardless of your career path, getting a promotion is often a professional goal. Being recognized and landing a promotion can provide a variety of perks such as more money, increased influence and more control over your daily routine.
So how do you land that promotion? It comes down to building key skills such as self-development, listening and communication. Fortunately, online learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning can help you develop these skills to get to the next level in your career. Here are a few secrets to taking the reins and getting noticed — and promoted — in your career. 1. Prove that you’re capable of self-development The difference between being a “high-potential employee” versus a “high-performing employee” means everything to your advancement, and to the company where you work. While a high-performing employee does their job well, their performance review will look similar from year to year, revealing little about their potential for moving up. A high-potential employee, on the other hand, shows a willingness to push themselves to learn new skills, take on more responsibilities and be open to lateral moves — especially if that means mastering new abilities. How do you become a high-potential employee? Demonstrate your capacity for self-development by actively soliciting feedback from others to learn how you can grow and improve, and proactively take on opportunities to increase your skill set. 2. Be a strong listener In today’s world, there’s a misconception that dominating the conversation means you’re a leader, but the opposite is actually true. Being a good listener is vital to being a strong leader, and a crucial component to earning that promotion. By taking the time to understand others’ perspectives, needs and concerns, you’ll be better prepared to communicate your ideas and solutions, and to persuade others to come on board. This is essential to leading, whether it means a small group or an entire corporation. Active listening is an art — it is underrated and takes significant practice to master. Identify a leader in your organization who is a strong active listener and watch how they lead. You can also master this skill by taking a course on active listening as part of your own career development. 3. Communicate with purpose Boosting your communication skills is critical to being both a leader and a team player. Demonstrate to your manager and your team that you know how to address the bigger picture, and show how your work ties to the overall company strategy. Express your vision of the larger mission or goals of the organization, as opposed to getting caught up in the details. How you express yourself also makes a huge difference. Be concise, purposeful and confident in your statements. This will help you build a strong executive presence and build trust among you and your colleagues. Don’t wait for a promotion to come to you. Now’s the time to be proactive and focus on growing your skill set. Show what you’re learning by actively taking on new challenges and communicating with purpose and confidence. To learn more about mastering the skills you need to advance in your career and get that promotion, visit www.linkedin.com/learning.
KEYWORDS
![]()
|
Archives
January 2021
Interested in Publishing on The Career IDEA?
Send your query to the Publisher today!
Categories
All
Get this content for your website with our RSS Feed below!
|