While the holiday season is an exciting time that many look forward to, there is no denying that it can present some challenges at work. Between team members being out on vacation, year-end wrap-up, and the personal challenges of preparing for and participating in all of the festivities, the threat of distraction and overwhelm is real. Fortunately, with a little planning, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy all that this special time of year has to offer AND continue to succeed at work so that you can end your year on a high note. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
Lists can be a powerful tool when you’ve got a lot on your plate; sometimes all you need is a visual representation of the situation for your motivation to kick into high gear. When you’re feeling stressed, it’s all too easy to get hung up on the details – revisiting the big picture will help remind you what’s important so that you can focus your energy where it’s most valuable. Start with mapping out your major work to-dos and personal commitments, including dates if possible so that you can quickly identify and resolve any conflicts. Then talk with your supervisor to confirm that your priorities align with the needs of the company, and start creating an action plan that makes sense for you.
Regardless of where you work, there are likely things that need to be done in addition to your regular workload to wrap the current year up and prepare for the one ahead. Whether that’s counting physical inventory in a warehouse or prepping financial statements in an office, start as soon as you can! Last-minute panic is no fun for anyone, nor is starting the New Year with lots of loose ends at work. Starting early and doing a bit here and there as you can will help set you up for success while minimizing the stress factor.
When you’ve got a busy schedule, it’s normal for your mind to wander back to work during your downtime, but whenever possible, redirect your thoughts back to where you are and enjoy the moment. Time with loved ones is what this season is all about – give yourself permission to be present and fully enjoy it! Plus, mental breaks are imperative to your overall wellness. They will help you to be more focused and efficient when you do get back to work, so your to-do list won’t feel quite as daunting.
You’ve worked hard this year, so of course one of the best ways to end your year on a high note is by celebrating your successes! Success comes in many different forms; maybe you learned new skills, honed existing ones, built stronger relationships with your coworkers or customers, or reached for a goal outside your comfort zone and surprised yourself – whatever it is, you should be so proud of yourself for nurturing your professional growth, so take time to enjoy it!
What better way to ignite your motivation and sense of urgency than by having fun things to look forward to? Think of a couple professional and personal goals that you feel passionately about, and use that excitement to fuel your year-end success! Ending your year on a high note will help set you up for success in the New Year, so make choices today that your future self will thank you for!
Are you confident that your staff feels appreciated? Have negativity and all of life’s stressors invaded your workplace? Whether it is related to work or personal challenges, we are all carrying around stress, feeling the burden, and it is undoubtedly impacting your workplace. According to the annual Stress in America survey by the American Psychological Association, many adults say that money and work are a significant source of stress in their lives. Cultivating a life of gratitude has been shown to help provide stress relief and build resilience. While there is no way for you to solve all the woes in the world, one thing you can do to make a positive impact is to create a culture of gratitude; here is how.
The first step in creating a culture of gratitude is recognizing that everyone wants to feel appreciated, whether they vocalize it or not. In instances of grand results or exceptional performance it is easy to recognize the superstars, but what about the people behind the scenes that helped? Rarely will you find a case where even the biggest of achievements were completed alone; it takes everyone playing big and small roles to get the job done. Make sure that people on your team are fairly acknowledging those good-ol’-reliable workers, the ones that modestly go about their work with consistency and confidence, and the ones that lend a helping hand when appropriate. While their work may not have been done with major fanfare, it is no less worthy of acknowledgement than those big wins. Creating a culture of gratitude requires you recognize accomplishments and jobs-well-done of all sizes.
While a flippant ‘thank you’ or ‘atta-boy’ may be helpful, it is not nearly as effective as a genuine and specific show of appreciation. Make it a common practice to observe how others do their work, what their challenges are, and how their work impacts the whole. When providing feedback, make it a point to explain in appropriate detail what it was that stood out to you and why. Take for example: systems go out unexpectedly and you notice a team member is staying busy by catching up on some filing. Instead of saying “good job staying productive,” try, “I just wanted to let you know that I noticed that when the systems went down you were able to stay productive by getting the team caught up on filing. I appreciate you stepping up and showing the team how to stay busy when systems go down. That is leading by example, and how we keep our business running smoothly.” Just adding a few specifics helps to send the message that you truly noticed and are being genuine in your praise. That high-quality level of acknowledgement will also likely encourage the team member to continue those positive behaviors.
We all have habits; some good, some not so much. Imagine a workplace where expressing gratitude was a habit, versus merely something done out of obligation. Make it a point to go out of your way daily to express gratitude to someone you work with. It may feel forced at first, but before you know it, showing appreciation will be just as routine as checking your email. While some may try to build a case of ‘too much of a good thing,’ you would be hard-pressed to see ‘too much’ genuine recognition of good work be anything but an exceptional morale boost.
There are more ways to show appreciation in the workplace than we can list here, plus getting creative with the presentation is half the fun. The bottomline is that you don’t have to have a formal conversation with each and every thank you. In fact, the more informal ones are likely going to have the greatest impact. Whether you leave a simple post-it note on someone’s computer, send a well-timed email after overcoming an obstacle, plaster the office with a giant birthday banner, or drop off their favorite sweet treat with a little note – it will all be well-received and brighten someone’s day. Also be sure to get your team involved by providing opportunities for them to show appreciation to their peers both publicly and privately. The possibilities are endless, but providing positive feedback should be the highlight of your day, so enjoy it.
As holiday music starts to filter through store speakers, and retail displays transform into something fit for a Winter Wonderland, you cannot deny it: the anticipation of the holiday season is officially upon us. You’re probably hearing more people talk about gratitude everywhere… well, almost everywhere. Studies have shown that people are less likely to express gratitude at work than anywhere else. That’s a lost opportunity, considering the host of benefits that gratitude has to offer, such as improved job satisfaction, increased self-confidence, stronger and more productive peer relationships, and an all-around more positive work environment. Here are a few tips on how to reap some of these amazing benefits by expressing sincere gratitude in your place of employment.
Whether the task they completed was part of their normal job duties, or they went above-and-beyond to help you with yours, a little appreciation can go a long way in building strong working relationships and a more positive professional environment. Feeling appreciated can even make people more engaged workers by helping them feel more confident, supported, and able to tackle challenges. To maximize these feel-good benefits, avoid super generalized statements of thanks, and make your compliment as specific as possible so your coworker knows exactly what it is that you are appreciative of. For example, instead of “thanks for the great work today,” try something like, “I really appreciated your help with those spreadsheets this afternoon – your expertise with formulas made finishing that project SO much easier – thank you!”
One of the easiest ways to show gratitude at work (and to improve your work environment) is by helping a coworker so that you can reach your shared goals. In fact, the success of most businesses depends on the ability of its workers to come together in support of its mission. We all have busy schedules and deadlines, so it means a lot when you take time out of your busy day to help someone else (and therefore your whole team) succeed. Not only does this help you demonstrate a level of professional courtesy, it also helps build a sense of camaraderie by showing your workers that you’ve got their back, and you’re invested in a positive outcome for the team. Your help doesn’t need to be some big elaborate gesture – it could be something as simple as offering advice on a work challenge you’ve conquered before, sharing an Excel shortcut that could save a coworker some time, or lending a hand with a project when someone is obviously swamped. Never underestimate the powerful impact a small gesture of kindness could have on someone, or the way that impact could transform your work environment for the better. Plus, to give is also to receive, so if you are willing to help out your peers, don’t be surprised when the favor is returned.
Many people, especially those who are used to fast-paced work environments, find themselves in the habit of always having their eyes on the next goal to be met or improvement to be made, and that is great! However, make sure you’re not failing to extend some gratitude to yourself by appreciating how far you’ve already come. The hard work you’ve done thus far has helped you hone your existing skills, build new ones, and discover things about yourself that you wouldn’t have otherwise. Be kind to yourself and celebrate your successes – it will help you tackle everything that follows with an improved sense of confidence and optimism.
If you are interested in steady, long-term work in a light industrial, production oriented environment, we have an upcoming event you don’t want to miss.
On Monday, October 29th, from 9am-2pm, we will be shining a spotlight on one of our business partners, an innovative Maine-based company that served the world through laboratory diagnostic services and products. IDEXX is one of Maine’s most well-recognized and respected companies, and they are looking for several new team members to fill a variety of job openings.
Anyone interested in stable work in greater Portland is encouraged to come into our office to learn more about the variety of openings we have for IDEXX, including: Inspection Technicians, Coating Technicians, Food Prep Workers, Warehouse Associates, Laboratory Technicians, and Manufacturing Production Specialists. We have multiple positions available on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift.
At this special hiring event you can expect to meet with a recruiter to discuss the variety of positions we have available, your work history, and complete the application process. To make your visit even more enjoyable we will also be providing coffee and snacks, and new applicants will be entered into a drawing for a fun prize.
When you come to the event please bring with you two forms of ID, a resume (if you have one), and be prepared to discuss in detail your work history. If you have not previously registered with Manpower, you can save yourself some time by creating a candidate profile online before you arrive. To create a candidate profile please click here.
We are looking for candidates who have a good grip on how important it is to have a good attendance record and work ethic.
Attention to detail is a must have skill in environments where clients are relying on the accuracy of the product.
While not all positions require it, if you have previous manufacturing, production, or warehouse skills it is an asset.
Carefully following directions is critical to your success. We are looking for candidates with effective written and verbal communication skills.
This company has both a rich history and staying power which means there is no shortage of work to be done. This means you can count on a steady paycheck with full-time hours and a variety of shifts to choose from.
From doing work that has a global impact, to working at a state-of-the-art campus, and working at a Fortune 500 company, you will proudly be able to tell people about your job.
The size and scope of the organization offers you a number of opportunities to learn new things, potentially move into different departments, and gain experience that is respected by many other employers in Maine.
As an IDEXX associate you will have access to their onsite dining facility as well as a discounted membership to their onsite fitness room. Not many other organizations offer such amenities.
If you are interested in steady, long-term evening production work, we have an upcoming event you will not want to miss!
On October 16th, from 4pm-7pm, we will be shining a spotlight on one of our business partners, a large manufacturer in Auburn. At this event, you will get the opportunity to not only interview with the recruiting team at Manpower, but also gain a competitive edge by meeting with a company representative who will be at our office for this special recruiting event – all designed to get you closer to your ultimate goal – a new job!
Anyone interested in stable night production work in Auburn is encouraged to come into our office to learn more about the numerous production and forklift openings we have for this company.
Manufacturing is driven by production deadlines – this means team members have to be focused on getting their job done.
In addition to a desire to work, the team is counting on all their team members to show up on time for every shift.
When making products used by consumers, it is crucial that all team members have a strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Safety matters to both Manpower and our clients, and we are looking for associates that believe in working safely.
This company has a long and reputable history in this community and has an excellent reputation of longevity with their employees.
People that work nights do so for a variety of reasons. With night shift work you can easily schedule important appointments, get to the bank, your children’s activities, and have your days free. Plus you get every other weekend off!
You spend a significant amount of time with the people you work with, so of course you want to work with people that are as hard-working as you are.
Forgot your lunch? No problem! With affordable on-site dining services, you’ll never have to go hungry.
They say if you aren’t changing, you aren’t growing, and we all know that in order for businesses to be successful and increase results and profits, they must be nimble and adaptable to change. But, no matter how much change we experience, or how necessary a change is, it can cause people to experience added stress, anxiety, and sometimes resentment. As a leader, one of your primary responsibilities is guiding your people through change, so here are a few tips on how to handle change management with confidence.
Change for the sake of change is ineffective at best. Before you leap into any change you must have a firm grasp on why the change is necessary, how it will impact your department, and a plan on how you will communicate this information to your team. Being able to communicate confidently about the subject, as well as demonstrate a vision that recognizes (upfront) some of the challenges it may pose, will help show your team that you have looked at this from a number of angles.
Before you prepare for a company-wide rollout, it is crucial to the success of any initiative that all members of your leadership team are on the same page. While there may be some concerns expressed behind closed doors, when you decide to move forward, do so as a cohesive unit. If you are not all communicating the same message, the same sense of urgency, or presenting a united front, you are setting yourself up for failure and conflict.
While you may have a clear vision, clear expectations, and a decent working knowledge of how this will impact different departments, the fact remains that there could be things that you have not considered. Bringing in the right front-line staff at the right time can call early attention to important pieces of information that could make a huge difference in the success of implementation. Know who your trusted front-line advisors are, and invite them to pilot new initiatives or provide feedback early on – while letting them know you are counting on them for their discretion.
Not all changes need big fanfare, but when you are making an extensive change, why not roll out the red carpet? Big changes like re-branding, new product lines, new management staff, or major technology updates can be an opportunity to bring your team together and get them excited about the future. Hopefully, if you have gotten the whole leadership team on board, received feedback from your front-line advisors, and worked out a clear and concise presentation, you will be able to build enthusiasm for the change versus speculation and anxiety.
At the end of the day, when you have decided to make a change, your team has one of two options – they can opt-in or they can opt-out. Obviously you want your team to all jump on board, embrace the change, and perform their jobs without conflict – that is the picture of opting-in. Where an employer runs into issues is when staff rejects the changes, refuses to adapt, or even sabotages the plan through performance or gossip; that’s what we call opting-out. Unfortunately you will come across some detractors, and it is important that you be prepared to transition them out of the organization, as their lack of buy-in can impact the team and the overall results.
If you are adding on to your team or needing to fill a vacancy due to turnover, Manpower is ready to help.
Change can be difficult, and change in your work environment is no exception. Whether you’re under new management, your job description is evolving, or the company is simply shifting gears in a new direction, you may find yourself unsure of how to adapt or thrive in your new set of circumstances. Here are some tips to help you navigate professional change with grace, while setting yourself up for continued success.
When you find that the fear of uncertainty has you resisting change, it’s time to put yourself in the mindset to see opportunities, not obstacles. While change can be unsettling, don’t forget that career twists and turns can also bring you to delightfully unexpected destinations. Being open and adaptable to change helps you grow, which helps make a whole new world of possibilities accessible to you.
Change challenges us to question what we know and adapt to a new reality. If you’re in the midst of a change in your professional life and aren’t quite sure how to proceed, don’t panic. One of the best ways to chart a path forward is to learn from your past. Assess what you’ve done and the progress you’ve made so far so that you can figure out what makes sense for the future. What have you most enjoyed doing? What have been some of your biggest career challenges? Have you uncovered any strengths or weaknesses that you’d like to explore or improve? Answering these questions helps get you better in tune with your career wants and needs, so that when you’re faced with change, you can tackle it with the confidence and determination of someone who knows what they’re working towards.
Change is uncomfortable because it forces us to operate outside of our comfort zone. In that comfort zone, there are lots of different habits and routines that provide a sense of stability and control. Some are beneficial, while others may hinder our progress and limit our work capacity. If we keep falling back on the habits that no longer serve us, we’re not successfully adapting to the new circumstances or challenging ourselves to grow. So, as you work to manage change in your professional life, take a careful inventory of your habits, and make an actionable plan to address any that you feel could be problematic.
If your personal and professional needs aren’t lining up with the direction your current employer is headed in, it’s time to find a new job. That’s okay – as long as you do so without burning any bridges. Leaving a job can be a very emotionally charged situation, so it’s important to handle it professionally by providing adequate notice and treating people with respect. You never know when the working relationships you’ve built at one job could make or break a future career opportunity – don’t throw them away to satisfy a fleeting moment of anger or frustration.
If you’re not able to get on board with the changes happening in your job, and you’re ready to explore your options, make the process easier on yourself by partnering with a team that understands career transitions inside and out. Working with a reputable staffing firm like Manpower allows you to benefit from a vast network of employer connections, and provides you with the opportunity to learn more about a variety of employment options – some of which you may never have discovered otherwise!
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