May 2013 – Trillium Staffing

Aging Driver Workforce Adds To Driver Shortage

Thu, 30 May 2013 17:33:25 +0000

If your organization hires drivers, you’ve likely experienced the increasing talent shortage of qualified drivers in the past years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, since 2000 the number of service and truck drivers age 55 or older has grown as much as 19% to 616,000. When coupled with the the lowered interest in driving careers by younger generations, the talent shortage for professional drivers will continue to climb well over 100,000 by as early as next year.

What can you do to maintain a qualified driver workforce? The best solution is to implement multiple recruiting and retention strategies to battle both sides of the talent war. Studies have shown that allowing employees the opportunity to work part time or seasonally, may lengthen their employment term and result in later retirements. If your workforce includes drivers of retirement age, you may consider allowing them to split shifts, work seasonally, or decrease their hours in order to maintain their experience and expertise on your team. Making sure you provide a safe and positive working environment, competitive compensation package, and growth opportunities will also help you retain members of your team.

Attracting new drivers, can be more difficult and certainly more costly than retaining your current team. First, your organization has to be one that drivers identify as having career opportunities. Making sure that your website, trucks, and employment brand identify your organization as a company that drivers want to work for is the first step. Referrals from current and past drivers can be a huge savings to your bottom line! Work with your staff to get the word out when you have an opening, offer referral bonuses, and show your staff that you appreciate their efforts in referring safe and qualified drivers.

If you are still struggling to attract or retain drivers, or realize that you will have an upcoming talent shortage, now is the time to partner with an industry staffing expert; before it effects your clients. While many roles within your company can be cross trained, covered by other staff, or neglected, the transportation of your finished product cannot be ignored.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professional drivers? Contact us today! Learn more about our Dedicated Driver Services here! Are you a safe and professional driver who is seeking a rewarding career? Visit us here to locate a driving career in your area!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

]]>

FMCSA Waives Hours of Service Rules For Relief Efforts

Tue, 28 May 2013 12:07:08 +0000

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has exercised its rights and is temporarily waiving hours of service rules for drivers who are aiding recovery efforts from the recent tornado that hit in Moore, Oklahoma. This accommodation is designed to assist in recovery efforts, allowing for critical food, medical, and other relief supplies to be transported into the area.

The current destruction has effected major highways, increasing the difficulty of transporting goods and needed personnel into the area. The temporary waiver is in effect until June 5th, unless recovery efforts require less time in which it will be lifted sooner.

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

]]>

Is Your Staffing Partner Protecting You From Future Damages?

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:17:41 +0000

As with any business partner, most companies assume that the staffing partner that they select is protecting them from future damages and charges. While during the course of employment most of the liability incurred with an employee would fall under the responsibility of the staffing firm, there are some cases in which an incorrect decision on your staffing partner’s behalf could effect you in the future.

Recently a produce company was ordered to pay almost $500,000 in back wages and damages to temporary workers who were incorrectly compensated for their work in the past. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the firm was investigated as part of a multi-year enforcement effort.

In this instance, the produce company operating in New Jersey was requiring temporary workers to report to the production area 15 minutes before their shift was to start but they were not compensated for this time. In addition to this uncompensated for time, the employees were on occasion paid piece rate wages which were not taken into account when calculating overtime.

In this case, both the produce company and their staffing firm were considered liable for Fair Labor Standards Act violations. The produce company signed a settlement agreement that including back wages and liquidated damages, amounted to $498,604. How can you help prevent being in a similar situation?

As with any potential business partner, you should pre-screen your staffing partner. The more established and experienced the staffing agency and their staff are, the more protection and quality of service you can expect. An established staffing agency should be able to provide you with a brief bio on the team who will be servicing your account, information on their corporate support structure, references from current and previous clients in your industry, and be familiar with appropriate laws and regulations in your industry. Choosing a staffing partner who can identify possible situations like the one above, can save you large amounts of money in the long run. While it is not the staffing partner’s responsibility to stop you from violations such as those above with the Fair Labor Standards Act, an experienced staffing professional is likely to bring it to your attention that you may be in violation or that such actions could cause you future damages or harm.

Are you a stand out professional, technical professional, or skilled worker seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities? Visit our job board for more information! Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

]]>

You Can't Afford NOT To Build An Employment Brand

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:47:20 +0000

Whether it’s the time or the money invested that has prevented you from building an employment brand, you cannot afford to miss out any longer. A recent survey done by LinkedIn including 4,700 employers, found that employers saved as much as 50% on each new hire after creating a strong employment brand. By the time time you figure that across each new hire alone, you have quickly justified the investment!

While the initial savings a strong employment brand can produce is exciting, there are several equally or more important reasons that creating and maintaining a strong employment brand can be the key to your company’s success in the future. Companies with a strong employment brand tend to have lower employee turnover, better employee morale, receive more passive candidates, have employees that are constantly marketing their brand, customers experience better service, and have a stronger public image. So where do you begin building your employment brand?

Simple. You start with your employees. Take the time to speak with your staff about what they best enjoy about your company, areas they see for improvement, what drives them to produce at work, and ask them to share suggestions. Take some time to decide what your company is about, your mission, your goals for the future, and how your company impacts those who come in contact with it.

Next you need to communicate it. Have your employees share stories via social media, blogs, video interviews, and print to really communicate who you are and where you are going as an organization. Finally, you need to continue to foster and promote your brand. If your vision, benefits, and goals change you need to communicate that as well. Promoting an employment brand that isn’t true to who you are today and where you want to be can do more damage than good.

Keep in mind the key to maintaining a strong employment brand is simple, creating a working environment that is attractive to candidates and employees alike. Employee recognition, workplace flexibility, and a positive atmosphere that draws people in and makes them want to stay is what it is all about.

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

]]>

Who's Hiring This Summer?

Fri, 17 May 2013 12:47:06 +0000

Whether you are seeking summer employment or considering a career change, the summer of 2013 is looking good for you! According to Career Builder, almost a third of U.S. employers are planning to hire summer workers this year, with an overwhelming majority considering summer workers for permanent positions! What does this mean for you?

The employment outlook has definitely improved over the last several years. Here are some of the highlights for this season’s job seekers:

More than half of employers plan to complete their summer hiring in the months of May and June.

One of the biggest areas of improvement over the past two years is pay rates. About 66% of employers plan to pay their summer hires at least $10/hr.

Almost half of employers in leisure and hospitality will be adding to their staff this summer.

Manufacturing and IT industries still hold strong as second highest areas for projected staff growth.

Due to fluctuation in business schedules and projections, many employers will partner with staffing agencies or recruiting firms to help them locate their talent this summer. With in-demand positions including IT, clerical, engineering, and customer support staff this summer’s hiring demands are a little less traditional than past years. If you are considering a new position this summer, now is the time to apply! With most employers looking to add staff in the months of May and June, recruiting efforts are already in full swing. In order to best increase your chances of landing a position during this hiring surge, employ a variety of methods to get your name in front of hiring managers. For more information on how to land a job, visit the job seekers section of our blog.

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

]]>

Office Etiquette Tips

Wed, 15 May 2013 13:59:48 +0000

Have you ever wondered why you were not selected for a promotion or aren’t being considered for other opportunities in your organization? Your demeanor and office etiquette may be to blame. Here are some great tips to help you excel in an office setting!

Be attentive. Show that you are dedicated and focused to the organization by avoiding distractions such as a ringing cell phone, interrupting others while they speak, or handling personal matters on the clock. Show your co-workers and leaders that they have your undivided attention in meetings by asking questions, contributing to the conversation, and taking notes. Even if your company does not have a policy against social media, keep in mind that engaging in social media discussions that are not directly related to your work responsibilities that are conducted during work hours can quickly give the impression to those around you, including management that you are not engaged or dedicated to your role.

Be professional. Casual attire, inappropriate attire, and personal conversations can lead to others not taking you seriously as a professional. Limiting your personal conversations can show your superiors that you are focused and dedicated to your role in the organization. Even off the clock keep conversations with co-workers including those that take place on social media professional and appropriate.

Be orderly. Leaving the break room, your desk, or any other area of the office untidy is unacceptable. If your office is consistently untidy, others may get the impression that you are unorganized or unable to handle your workload. Leaving common areas of the office untidy can make those around you feel that you don’t respect them or their use of the common space.

Be engaged. Take an active interest in others in the workplace, especially outside of your department. Having a better understanding of other departmental goals and initiatives may help you develop processes or services that could better service the organization as a whole. Be friendly, professional, and courteous to everyone in the office regardless of their position with the company. Treating and respecting every member of the team is a sign of a strong leader. Keep in mind you may work under or directly with anyone in the organization at some point and time and establishing a level of respect and a working relationship with them prior to, could certainly help you collaborate easier in the future.

Acknowledge others. Everyone appreciates being recognized for their contributions in the workplace. Acknowledge others around you for their contributions to the organization by citing specific things they have done and accomplished while acknowledging how that helps the organization as a whole. When employees and team members feel appreciated they tend to be more motivated, loyal, and likely to assist other members of the team when they feel that their contributions will be recognized.

Regardless of the size of your company, common courtesy and respect are crucial to establishing a strong reputation as a professional and a team player. Those who are seen as a leader and respected professional by employees of all level are often those that are targeted for supervisory roles or roles including more responsibility.

Are you a stand out professional or technical professional seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities? Visit our job seekers section for more information! Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

]]>

How To Land Your First Job

Wed, 08 May 2013 15:34:55 +0000

Whether you’ve recently graduated or are entering a new profession, landing your first job can be difficult. While you may have a strong education and credentials on your side, the competition for entry level positions including Engineers, IT Professionals, HR Professionals, and Accounting Professionals can be steep. Looking to gain a competitive edge against your peers? Here’s how!

Being a skilled job seeker can be an art form. Even candidates who are under qualified or have less experience than others applying for a position, can gain a competitive edge in the interview process simply by being a strong interviewer. Here are some key components to landing your first job:

Preparation is key.– Nothing jumps out to a hiring manager or HR rep faster than someone who is unprepared. Preparation for a career search can be timely process and being thorough is key. Many candidates complete the obvious such as obtaining contact information for references and preparing a resume, but don’t forget to think of how the recruiting market has changed in the past several years. Make sure that your social media landscape is separated by your personal and professional images. Having an employer locate you on LinkedIn with a professional profile that appropriately highlights your greatest attributes in your career field can quickly lose it’s power if your Facebook profile reflects less than a professional image. Keep in mind that the average recruiter spends less than 10 seconds reviewing your resume. Make sure your resume sells you quickly.
Maintain an active network. Want to stay up to date on the latest trends in your industry? Do you want to be the first to know of excellent career opportunities in your field? The best way to gain and maintain up to date information in your field is to network with others in it. Social media and sites such as LinkedIn, provide excellent opportunities with little time commitment to stay informed and build relationships with others in your field. Make sure that others in your line of work know that you are looking for career opportunities. A simple update on your LinkedIn profile can quickly open doors. Sharing information and industry trends in groups and through status updates can quickly show others that you are knowledgeable and passionate about your field. In a recent survey by Salary.com as many as 72% of respondents reported using social connections to land a job.
Do your research. Most employers will do a decent amount of research on you including reference checking, background screening, testing, and credential verifications. Show them that you have invested time into the process as well. Be educated and informed about their company, industry trends, their reputation, and their goals. Make it clear that you want to work with them and that while you have other options, partnering with them to meet their objectives and goals is something you are passionate about. Arrive early and dressed appropriately for your interview. Simply dressing the part and some simple research on the company can give you some added confidence in the interview, something employers are looking for. If you appear unsure, uneasy, or uninformed an employer may get the impression that you are uninterested or unprepared for a position with their organization. Strong interviewing skills can quickly progress you ahead of your peers.
Partner with an industry expert. If you are a recent graduate or are entering a new line of work, your career search may prove more difficult than others with more experience in the role. Many employers are seeking candidates with prior experience or a more proven ability for their open positions. Getting a foot in the door with these employers can often prove to be more difficult. Working with an industry expert recruiter can significantly increase your chances of landing a position in your field. Partnering with a recruiter allows you a foot in the door, more inside information about the company and its objectives, interviewing and resume support and guidance, with the ability to prove your skills and abilities to an employer for a contracted period of time before they make a hiring commitment. Many employers prefer this flexibility and are more likely to hire an entry level candidate through a staffing partner due to the additional testing available. A contract to hire position also allows you to determine whether or not the position or company is the right choice for you, while building experience and skills for your resume.

Regardless of the profession you are looking to enter, remaining confident during the job seeking process is a must. If you find yourself becoming overly frustrated or discouraged, consider taking a few days off from the job search or partner with a staffing partner for more assistance. Often time candidates who are frustrated with their job search results can come across as lacking confidenence or negatively during an interview.

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

]]>

What Do the 2012 Top 100 For-Hire Carriers Have In Common?

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:21:16 +0000

Transport Topics recently released of their 2012 Top 100 For-Hire Carriers rankings. Ranked and evaluated in a number of areas including annual revenue, net income, number of employees, equipment, and their operating units, this report is provides an at a glance analysis of the trends that are shaping today’s industry. What do these major players have in common?

While these organizations range in size from under 100 employees to upwards of nearly 400,000 employees, the need for their operations and service to flow seamlessly is universal. In order to excel in the for-hire industry, the level of service, professionalism of the drivers, and their ability to quickly adapt to their clients changing needs is crucial.

The majority of this influence comes from the direct actions and qualifications of their staff. With positions ranging from drivers through operations managers and CEO’s, the level of service that is experienced at the customer level is directly impacted by all roles. In the competitive market of for-hire carriers, turnaround time and service are critical to maintaining a strong customer base and solid figures for the bottom line.

So how do these organizations set themselves apart? They’ve likely captured and maintained some of the strongest talent in the logistics industry. Locating, identifying, and qualifying logistics professionals and drivers in a timely manner can be difficult for even the most experienced of organizations to do. The ever changing regulations put on our industry only add to the level of difficulty.

Trillium Drivers is proud to provide qualified drivers and logistics professionals to half of the companies ranked in the top ten this year!

Our clients benefit from having an industry experienced staffing partner that provides a wide range of customized services ranging from casual drivers to trial hire drivers as well as direct hire placements of logistics professionals. While taking on the burden and resources of the recruiting, hiring, and even in some cases managing of staff; we allow our clients to do what they do best, provide world class service to clients nationwide. As leaders in the driver staffing industry, we are proud to call many of this year’s recognized companies our valued clients.

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

]]>