Tag Archives: risk management

Staff Recognition and Engagement Return

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While it is wide known that employee engagement has a direct effect on employee attendance, production levels, and turnover rate; many employers are not sure how to improve employee engagement. Employers juggling tight budgets along with limited time and resources to dedicate to the cause of employee engagement, often put off the process. While increasing employee engagement can seem like a large project, there are several simple and inexpensive ways to promote engagement within your team.

Before integrating an employee engagement process, it’s important to understand the benefits. According to a report by Hewitt Quarterly, organizations with high engagement rates are 78% more productive and 40% more profitable than those organizations with low levels of engagement. In addition to increased productivity and profits, employees are 87% less likely to leave for other opportunities. Promoting employee engagement should be a consistent process and include multiple forms of motivation to encourage employees with a wide range of interests and appreciations.

Recognition

Here are some simple ways to promote employee engagement:

  • Ask employees what would make them become more engaged in the workplace.
  • Speak with your staff about their career ambitions and find ways to foster those ambitions within your organization.
  • Recognize their performance, not their presence.
  • Recognize and reward employees for outstanding performance with larger opportunities, room for growth, and tokens of appreciation.

As with any program, it is important to regularly monitor the progress and return on investment of your employee engagement program. Metrics on productivity, attendance, turnover, and overall office morale are great indicators. The direct correlation between employee engagement and increased profits and productivity make it a great investment for organizations of any size.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

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.

Don't Let A Slip Cost Your Organization!

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With winter in full swing, now is a great time to prevent accidents! Slips, trips, and falls account for the majority of general industry accidents according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Almost a quarter of all reported claims each year fall into this category!

Wet Floor

What does this mean for you as an employer?

  • Loss of productivity and business opportunities
  • Increased insurance premiums
  • Costs of injuries, loss time, and possible replacement of employees
  • Decreased employee morale

What does this mean for your employee?

  • Lost wages
  • Pain
  • Temporary or Permanent Disability
  • Depression
  • Death
  • Changes in lifestyle
  • Possible inability to return to their career path

The good news is these types of accidents are highly preventable. Simple housekeeping, maintenance, and proper training can greatly decrease the changes of a workplace injury due to slips, trips, and falls.

Here’s what you can do to help!

  • Keep all surface areas clean and dry. Winter snow, slush, and water can quickly turn floors slippery.
  • Keep aisles and floors clear and in good repair.
  • Make sure each stairway has appropriate railing to prevent accidents.
  • Remind your staff of the importance of  reporting and who to notify, in case of a spill, leak, or mess that could be dangerous. Keep these areas clearly marked until the hazard has been removed.
  • Make sure all entrances are provided with rugs or floor mats to remove water and debris those entering the building.
  • Keep walking surfaces clear of cords and hoses.
  • Make sure all working and walking areas have appropriate lighting.
  • Make sure parking lots are properly maintained, plowed, and salted during the winter months.

While not all slips, trips, and falls are preventable, preventative action can greatly reduce the number of accidents. Encourage your staff to report any unsafe conditions to management immediately and to take pride in their working area for the safety of themselves and others.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

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.

 

Social Recruiting in 2013

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Without question if you are in the recruiting or HR field, the topic of recruiting through social media has crossed your mind or desk in the recent months. With steady reported losses for employers in social networking suits due to improper use for screening or evaluation, you may have chosen to avoid the topic. While recruitment through social media does require knowledge of legal ramifications, there are some simple and conservative ways to be involved with little liability to your organization.

The Wall Street Journal reported that social networks accounted for 20% of time spent online in 2011. With the continued growth in 2012, it goes without saying those numbers are only continuing to climb. Their report also shows that social networks reach approximately 82% of the world’s online population, a great audience for those of us who are seeking high demand candidates who are hard to locate.

A recent study from Salary.com gives us some insight to the candidate perspective:

  • 72% reported using social connections to find a job
  • 38% reported that they were successful in finding a job through social networks
  • 24% the largest group, reported that they seek career opportunities on LinkedIn
  • 60% listed lack of response as their least favorite part of social networks
  • 55% of candidates would prefer a mobile friendly process that takes 10 minutes or less to apply

Social Media Meets the Candidate: Is it Really a Match Made in Heaven?

Making your application process accessible to those on social networks, especially on mobile devices could greatly increase your exposure to technical and professional level candidates. If you are considering implementing social networks into your recruiting process, make sure your process is legally compliant with all local, state, and federal laws. Also make sure that your staff is properly trained and educated on how to remain legally compliant in the process. It is always a great idea to make sure your organization’s social media policy is well defined. For more information on integrating social media in your recruiting process, contact your Labor and Employment Law attorney.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

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.

Do You Use E-Verify? New State Laws May Apply to You!

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Does your organization currently use the E-Verify system? The system is an online federal system designed to check information from I-9 forms against records with the Social Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security to ensure eligibility to work in the United States. Currently the federal government only requires employees who are working under federal contracts to be verified in the system, while individual states and local entities may also require use of the program. What does this mean for you?

Trillium Rock

With Clark Hill’s Immigration Law Update from November 15th, at least four additional states with begin require use of the system as of January 1, 2013. Some individual states have listed requirements based on the number of employees or new hires as well. Here are some highlights:

  • North Carolina- Use of E-Verify will become mandatory for private employers with 100 or more employees.
  • Pennsylvania- Use of E-Verify will become mandatory for state public works contractors or subcontractors with contracts worth $25,000 or more.
  • Tennessee- Use of E-Verify will become mandatory for private employers with between 6-99 employees.

Other states also have new requirements of use with the system next year, read the full report here for more information on  your individual state. If you have temporary or contingent workers that are required to be processed through the system please contact your staffing provider to make sure they are aware of the regulations and are in compliance. Staffing agencies well versed in construction and related fields should be aware of the regulations and requirements in their area.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

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.

75% of Employees Do This- How Do You Protect Yourself?

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Let’s face it, a lot happens throughout the year. Hiring and HR Managers are busy with recruiting, screening, hiring, training, and managing all year long. Have there been any changes with your staff over the past year that you are unaware of?

Were you aware that the leading source of fraud is employee theft of personal information? While we all tend to focus on production, productivity in the workplace, and dealing with the day to day operations we may be missing critical information about our staff. While approximately 90% of employers implement a routine background check for new hires, a startling number do not perform background checks on their employees after their hire date for new convictions that are relevant to their position. Implementing a comprehensive background process is a great way to help ensure a safe, secure, and productive environment for staff, visitors, and customers. According to a 2009 report by the US Chamber of Commerce and Infortal Worldwide, as many as 75% of employees in all business sectors steal from the workplace and do so repeatedly.

Background

Prior to completing any background check on a candidate or employee, be sure that you have obtained a signed release allowing your organization to conduct the search. Employees should be notified in the employee handbook if your organization conducts random or annual background screenings as well. Keep in mind that your employees and candidates are also entitled to several rights including:

  • Employers are prevented by federal law from considering bankruptcy while making employment decisions.
  • Employers are required to provide the candidate or employee with a copy of any consumer report and a copy of their rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, if information obtained from the said report contributes to dismissal or denial of employment.
  • Employers must consistently apply the program to all employees and clearly document their results.
  • Some specific states have laws that limit the employers use of credit reports to be used for dismissal or denial of employment.

While information that may be obtained through employment references, criminal background checks, and credit checks may have a large impact on determining an employer’s level of liability when hiring or maintaining an employee, the risks and liabilities due to employing an illegal background check process can be even greater. Partnering with an established and reputable staffing firm can often greatly assist you in the process. Speak with your staffing provider to determine what their current process is and how they may best assist your company with the screening of potential employees.

Before implementing or continuing a background screening process, it is highly encouraged to research federal, state, and local legislation. Consult with your labor and employment law attorney prior to implementing or making alterations to your background check policy.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of top level talent? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out in your profession and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

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.

The Benefits of Plant Maintenance Outsourcing

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Regardless of the size of your facilities, plant maintenance can be a daunting process. The skills, experience, and qualifications required to properly maintain your facilities is not only important, it can be critical to your company’s ability to continue to produce. Regulations continue to increase to ensure consumer and employee safety, requiring a qualified maintenance staff that is ready to deploy at a moment’s notice.

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The continued tight market to locate skilled technicians and personnel can make it even more difficult to remain in compliance. Downtime and unexpected shutdowns can quickly diminish profits. Ever changing equipment, processes, management systems, and an aging maintenance personnel pool can make remaining in compliance and maintaining an efficient maintenance workforce difficult.

Partnering with an experienced and specialized industrial recruitment firm can often produce the results that you need. A qualified and available workforce can assist in reducing costs, maximizing downtimes, and improving processes. In addition, industrial staffing partners can greatly decrease your labor costs by providing you with skilled talent only during times of need and often provide travelers that can provide skilled technicians and skilled personnel in areas of the country where the talent pool for these qualifications may be slim. With less time focused on managing and recruiting for project or short term personnel, maintenance managers are able to develop alternative processes, programs, and department structure.

Third party plant maintenance services may also be a viable solution. Many offer years of experience, up to date equipment, and have the proven ability to help develop and manage maintenance programs. Providing routine and project assistance, third party service organizations also allow you flexibility similar to those offered by a recruiting or staffing firm.

A well trained and qualified industrial workforce will have less workplace injuries and accidents, are more likely to be able to complete projects efficiently due to experience, and education also impacting bottom line results. Ensuring compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, statutes, and codes; securing required permits; and coordinating with appropriate local authorities must be done correctly to prevent costly fines and down times. If you have concerns about your organization’s expertise in the field, it may make sense to contact a third party maintenance service or a recruitment firm to help you locate qualified and experienced talent.

Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professional and skilled industrial maintenance workers? Contact us today!  If you are a stand out professional or are skilled in technical manufacturing and seeking contingent or long term career opportunities, visit our job seekers section for more information!

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.

 

HS&E And Your Bottom Line

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As any contractor knows, safety practices and training are essential to running a successful business. With employees’ exposure to a wide variety of contaminants, potential injuries, and other dangerous situations; experts have proven prevention and training are key components to reducing liabilities and losses. OSHA estimates that employers are paying almost $1 billion per week for direct workers’ compensation costs alone, a cost that clearly states the need for proper Health, Safety, and Environmental training.

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Employer Based Holiday Party Tips

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It’s that time of year! With the year coming to a close and budget planning for the next year beginning, many organizations look forward to holiday parties to help them celebrate successes and recognize their staff for their contributions. Seems harmless right? Actually, employer sponsored holiday parties can open any organization up to undue liabilities. Here are some great ways to protect your employees and your organization, while still enjoying the celebration.

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