Benefits of Chilling with Employees this Summer

Celebrations in offices are a common scenario with birthdays and the ‘n’ number of festivities held in the country. But to host an event once a month as a part of the work calendar just to celebrate work, effort and dedication holds its own place of benefit.

We have all come across comedy scenarios on TV shows, of HR’s hosting out of the box and sometimes out of the mind team building exercises. No doubt, some of them are fun but most of them are to be made fun off. These team building events do have their own place, but a regular event helps not only motivate the people you work with, but also makes them feel valued. I work at an IT consulting firm that provides staffing services. It is a fast paced job in the genre of HR. Here, everyone is pro in sales, technology and might I add competitive. After all, incentive is one of the main perks in this field.

To host an event on a regular basis for your employees has its benefits. Especially, when you are a part of a demanding job role that expects more than going the extra mile. So, let me walk you through the 3rd Saturday of Summer.

It is Friday night, relaxing at home after a long week, browsing through my wardrobe trying to decide on an outfit for the ‘Sun Kissed Summer Goa Theme’ – celebration. So, what are we celebrating? A lot! After all, it’s not every day that you get to see your manager’s look in Goa is stunning (mortals after all), colleagues dance moves that mooove, laughter and selfies never seen before.

It was during that fun filled time of luminaire club-stage lights, eureka of the benefits of hosting this event strikes.

  1. Sense of Belonging:

It might sound freshman year of college but after attending this monthly weekend of fun, frolic, party you can be a week old in the company but you now know everyone’s name, friends with them, well informed on the fun side of the company and individuals. A sense of belonging to that firm, that you are warmly welcomed and are a part of this mania.

  1. Reward & Recognition:

There is no fun if there is no competition. The joy of receiving your well-earned incentive check not only shows your strength and ability in front of the entire staff. But also makes a loud and clear statement saying that, you are in this to win it. Your career goals are set and you are focused. To be appreciated with a check means enough but to set the statement in front of your competing team boost a healthy ego in itself.

  1. Motivation:

The level of motivation that is created after a party hard to work hard is impeccable. Some of the renowned professors have already stated that the most exciting yet rewarding job is that of a HR Recruiter. This is motivating enough to know that, you are closing in on a top talent for a firm and at the same time, you are changing the life of an individual, by placing him/her in their potential dream job. The cherry on the cake is also the simple motto of ‘Work Hard Party Hard’.

  1. Loyalty:

Every time management takes initiative to organise a time to celebrate, appreciate and create a fun environment for employees. It creates a sense of comfort and loyalty towards the management. You know they appreciate the effort and the hard work that goes into closing each position whether it is permanent hiring or contract hiring.

As a recruiter, I understand the amount of effort and perseverance it takes, to close a challenging requirement from the client. When, a monthly effort is put in to notice, reward and appreciate your work from the management’s side creates a whole new effect.

Keeping up with the changing trends in Hiring

The IPL 2018 series has become the topic of conversation at every table all the way from office desks to dinner tables. I am taken a back from the time my grandfather would actually invest days in following test match cricket series. Things certainly changed and for the better with a younger generation getting one day series. But for someone like me T20 is perfect.

I still remember watching the first session of cricketers auction at the beginning of this yearly Cricket Fest that swept over the nation. It seems like change is a part of human existence. After all, even the Kardashian’s know that you need to keep up with them. Why should hiring be monotonous?

Generations change, technology develops so does the way people think and polish their personalities. Its’ time the recruitment world kept up with the changing trends in Hiring.

If you are updating yourself with the changing trends or looking to get a foothold as a recruiter, then take a quick read into the new trends.

  1. Accommodating the New Comers:

Every year you will find graduates and post graduates getting launched into different industries. Always, remember that there is plenty of jobs and new projects in the market and all you need to do is get those requirements. So that, there is room enough for the experienced and the freshers to grow and promote the projects, skills and development simultaneously. So, don’t rule out on freshers yet, at least not unless the requirement specifies.

 

  1. Global change in Trends:

It’s common notion that you either have to think and plan either local, global and at times glocal. In this case, it’s something similar, unless there is a clear niche skilled technical requirement it is important that you be flexible that people with certain education can multi task and end up with a thriving career in another field. A, B.Com graduate can end up being a Sr. recruiter for an IT consulting firm. This is because that individual can understand technical requirements better than someone with an engineering background. This is the new trend simply because it is more about following your interest rather than just going by the norm. So, be accommodative when you are hiring after all this is the global change in trend.

 

  1. Keep a check on the conversion rates from sourcing to offers:

With the growing number of freshers each year and people changing careers, it is important that you keep the ratio of conversion rates clear, when you are hiring. Remember, it is always in the ratio of 10:1, i.e. for every 10 candidates that turn up for the interview it is just 1 that gets offered. When you are looking at 10 candidates turning up for the interview, it strolls back to 45 profiles sourced for a single position to 25 profiles shortlisted to 15 – 18 interview scheduled. So, if you are new or are struggling with the changing trends and are unable to close maximum positions on a deadline, Don’t Stress! You can always reach out to staffing solutions firm for assistance and support.

 

If you are finding it hard to close some niche positions or are unable to have a good turn up at interview drives than staffing services can be you timely help. In my career the difficult positions in recruitment were the niche skilled requirements that need to be closed under a deadline of few days and contract positions that are project based. In such situations it is always important to play it safe by looking into contract staffing and permanent staffing solutions.

If you are passionate about recruitment or are returning to career after a sabbatical or simply looking for a change of career then, you can always try being an HR Recruiter. If you are from IT background then, a career as an IT Recruiter can be your option.

How to survive a deadline crisis?

It’s a normal trend in the IT industry to feel the pressure and heat before the deadline. In addition, your teammates decide to look for better opportunities at a crucial time or you realise that you need to hire a few more people to deliver on time. The load of skilled requirement for any HR at that moment can be a very nerve wracking time. It can get difficult by the day when you are unable to find the required skill set, within the budget, immediate joinee and excellent performers in moments of pressure. These qualities to find under pressure and on immediate basis can be a difficult task to survive.

While, the notion of being an HR is about having a relaxed, comfortable work life balance. It is moments like these that give a hard reality check. So, what do you do? Rather, how do you step up and prove yourself? Curious……? Read on…

  1. Gain knowledge:

The heading seems simple but effective. While most HR’s are from commerce background, it is quite difficult to understand the exact need of IT requirement. Although to research about the key skills can take time but considering the amount of knowledge you gain is all worth it in the end.

 

  1. Hard work does not go out of style:

Hard work has never gone out of style and probably never will. Every successful man has been known to quote this saying, “Luck favours the prepared”. There is only one way to prepare yourself for a moment that sounds like a deadline crisis. “Hard work” it is the need of the hour and yes it might mean making 30 calls a day and staying up late night reading on sourcing, screening, interview questions to close in important positions ASAP.

 

  1. Be smart:

While hard work is a crucial factor, put in the effort required to do some research on smart work. I don’t mean cutting corners on your work but smart work as in quick and effective work. If you’re unable to find technically skilled people on a deadline, the smart move would be to take help of technical people who are trained in recruitment. You can always reach out to IT consulting services for help. It can get difficult when you need to hire people on contract basis. No one wants a job with an expiry date is what you might be getting as a feedback from potential candidates. It’s moments like that when you rely on staffing services for contract staffing and permanent staffing as well.

 

I hope this has eased your nerves. So, if you are in this situation unable to hire IT people for your firm. Look into these smart thoughts. All the Best!