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While a certain degree of stress in the workplace can be expected, too much of it isn’t healthy for employees. Furthermore, it can hinder a company’s productivity by increasing turnover and absenteeism.

According to a survey on anxiety and stress by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, seven in 10 adults who experience work-related stress say it affects their personal relationships, mainly with spouses.

The survey’s results show the main sources of workplace stress are deadlines, 55 percent; interpersonal relationships, 53 percent; staff management, 50 percent; and dealing with problems, 49 percent.

But, most workers aren’t comfortable talking with their employer about their stress. Fewer than 40 percent of employees who said stress interfered with their work spoke with their employer about it.

That’s unfortunate because managers can play an important role in creating less stressful work environments and helping employees address and manage stress.

Here are seven ways to de-stress your work environment

1. Allow flexible work schedules, if possible. This can reduce stress related to commuting, child care concerns, and overall work-life balance.
2. Communicate openly with employees. Keep them informed of departmental and company changes. Ask for their feedback and be available to talk anytime.
3. Speak positively and give sincere compliments of work done well. Recognize ... Read More

Company hiring managers may be uncertain as to whether to engage a recruiting agency or handle the challenge of recruiting themselves. But with most professionals currently employed and reasonably satisfied, finding candidates for key positions is proving more difficult than ever.

As 2018 began, 86 percent of highly qualified candidates for job vacancies were employed and not actively seeking new jobs, according to a survey by Talentnow, a recruitment software company. On the management side, 73 percent were struggling to find suitable candidates. As we near the end of the year, the situation remains much the same.

If you need to find the best candidates for a key position, don’t procrastinate. Your search could take even longer than it would have a year or two ago.

Take the quiz—then learn what recruiting agencies can do for you

Below for your consideration are five questions to help you decide whether to embark on recruitment independently or contact a professional recruiting agency.

The more “yes” answers you have, the greater the urgency for you to contact a job recruiter.

1. Is this position particularly vital—one that has an effect on company performance and profits?
2. Are you consumed with other responsibilities, giving you little time to devote to a search?
3. Do you ... Read More

What they are and how our staffing agency fills them

The robust economy and low unemployment rate of the past few years has been great news for job seekers. The number of jobs available to them has steadily grown, and that trend should continue.

In TriStarr’s coverage area (Lancaster, Lebanon, Dauphin, and parts of York and Berks counties), we routinely place workers in hot jobs—ones that are in high demand and pay reasonably well.

So, what are the in-demand jobs in southcentral Pennsylvania, and what is our staffing agency doing to help clients fill them?

Our clients’ jobs that are most in demand are customer service and call center positions, paying in the range of $13 to $20 an hour, and accounting assistant positions, which pay $13 to $16 an hour. Some of these are temp jobs, while others are permanent positions.

The demand for these positions is in line with the growth in these fields. Professional and businesses services, as well as finance, are currently among the five fastest-growing industries. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists customer service representatives, along with accountants and auditors, in the top 20 occupations with most new jobs projected from 2016 to 2026.

Other hot jobs within our ... Read More

How do you decide if temp staffing would be the right solution for your company or department? Though everyone’s workforce needs are different, there are common signals that a temp or two (or more) can provide you the support you need, and quickly.

Here are five signs that you may benefit from temp staffing services

1. Seasonal workforce changes – If your demand for workers fluctuates, hiring temps can save your company a lot of money during busy seasons and short-term projects. You can increase or decrease your workforce as necessary and with minimum hassle.
2. Reducing hiring costs – Using temps can save you money on recruiting, interviewing and training full-time staff, plus unemployment claims and lost productivity when new employees don’t work out.
3. Job relief – Some of your employees may have too many responsibilities or feel overworked. Don’t wait until burnout motivates them to leave. Overall productivity might increase if a portion of some jobs were delegated to temps.
4. Trying before buying – To avoid hiring the wrong person for a particular job, consider making it a temp-to-hire position. After the temp demonstrates that he or she is a good fit and can do the job well, you can make the temp a permanent ... Read More

Following widespread reports of sexual harassment and gender discrimination over the past year, we all have become more aware of these serious workplace issues. These examples serve to remind us of our duty to comply with existing law and ensure that our workplaces are fair and safe for employees at every level.

Most allegations don’t relate to behavior as obvious or salacious as the ones we hear in news reports, so don’t think your company is immune from these threats.

Revisit and revise your policies on sexual harassment

How is your company confronting the prospect of sexual harassment? Are your corporate policies sufficient to address the changing environment?

If your company hasn’t reviewed and updated your sexual harassment policy lately, now is the time. Read it, mark it up with questions and comments, and ask an attorney to review it. Be sure it defines prohibited workplace behaviors and unequivocally forbids sexual harassment. That’s a start.

But, a policy banning sexual harassment in the workplace needs to do more than just that. It should explain how employees can make a complaint, with several options for doing so. Understandably, employees who make allegations against a supervisor don’t want to approach that person with a complaint.

Your policy should ... Read More