Who Drives Employee Engagement in an Organisation

Who Drives Employee Engagement in an Organisation At Pure, our aim is to support local organisations to source, develop and retain top talent which in turn contributes to organisational growth. Sharing employee engagement ideas further supports this. The Institute for Employment Studies (IES) describes the achievement of employee engagement as organisations developing and nurturing engagement through a two-way relationship between the employer and employee. So, who is the biggest driver of employee engagement in this relationship? 1. Leaders Visible and empowering leadership creates an effective culture for employee engagement. Engaging leaders foster strong internal communications, share plans in an open and transparent manner, inspire employees to come together in a collective vision and instill an individual sense of ownership about the role each employee plays. They also empower staff to share their views and influence innovation by passing ideas upwards. Teams working with this type of leadership are likely to be more engaged as they have a clear understanding of what is expected and feel fully informed about the business direction and company goals. 2. Managers Gallup reported that as much as 70% of the variance in the employee engagement of teams can be traced back to the influence of the manager. While strong leaders clearly communicate a vision and inspire people to work together to reach an end goal, great managers take the end goal and provide the coaching, support, and guidance needed for the whole team to work together in achieving it. Engaging managers are approachable and give their teams the support, scope, and coaching needed to do the best job possible. They also put considerable effort into making sure that successes and achievements are acknowledged. 3. Teams Employees are more likely to feel engaged if they are working within a culture of camaraderie, where teams share a common goal and are committed to supporting each other to achieve it. Some of the most inspiring examples we see of engaging workplaces are where it’s obvious that everyone really looks out for one another. Fostering a culture of teamwork can be achieved by creating workplace environments where people have time to build relationships and collaborate with colleagues and where there is a conscious effort to bring people together through activities such as company social events or team fundraising. 4. Individual employees Engaged employees spread optimism and enthusiasm while disengaged employees can bring others down and cause entire teams to become less productive. Employers committed to monitoring engagement levels will be in the best position to prevent any negativity spreading in the first place. They will know if they need to investigate any reasons for dissatisfaction and make positive changes where needed. In a people-focussed culture, leaders and managers will also be willing to engage directly with disengaged employees to find out the root problem and provide any necessary support to bring them back to a state of engagement if possible. 5. New recruits Studies have shown that when employees are well-suited to their position, there is a positive impact on employee engagement levels. Finding high caliber employees who are the right cultural fit for an organisation creates a solid foundation for their own employee engagement levels during their time in the business. New talent coming into an organisation can also bring fresh perspectives and new ideas which can be a boost to the entire team. 6. HR personnel As well as recruiting the right people for the business, as already mentioned, those in HR roles can help ensure employees have the right skills, tools, and environment to do their jobs to their best. Being able to provide a robust and meaningful development plan with clear progression opportunities is a key enabler of employee engagement. People who are fully trained in all aspects of their role are more confident and motivated to go the extra mile. So, while everyone within a business does play a part in employee engagement, the real driving force keeps coming back to leadership. The culture of an organisation flows from the leaders and influences the everyday behavior of people. Leaders create and communicate the values of a business and build management teams who can guide and support teams to unite in a common goal. Engaged employees are likely to be those who have been empowered by leaders and senior managers to do their jobs well, working in organisations where leaders have inspired HR teams to develop positive workplace environments and rewarding career plans.

Should You Go Freelance

Should You Go Freelance On paper, the freelance lifestyle is perfect. You have the ultimate freedom from office location and working hours, to clients and projects. There are no bosses or holiday restrictions, and childcare is no longer a problem. However, the reality of freelancing can be quite different. For some people, too much freedom can turn into a curse freelancing requires a deceptive amount of discipline and regimen. There are a number of factors to consider before ditching the 9 to 5, from financial security to evaluating your skill set. Work-life Balance Many regular employees bemoan their work-life balance. However, for freelancers, the office door never truly closes. The lines between work and play can easily become blurred, particularly if you choose to work from home. Workaholics may find it difficult to switch off from their projects, and fully enjoy the evenings and weekends. On the other hand, a lack of motivation can soon lead to disaster freelancers simply can’t afford to miss a deadline. If you have to work from home, converting a shed or garage into a separate office space can help you to achieve some distance. If this is impractical, try to keep your work space in a spare room. Avoid working in your bedroom or living room at all costs this set-up completely removes the work-life barrier, ultimately leading to anxiety and stress. Learning New Skills Freelancers typically have one or two areas of major expertise such as graphic design or writing which they use for client work. However, freelancing also involves a whole host of ‘hidden’ skills, many of which are likely to be unfamiliar. Accounting is perhaps the most important of these skills. No longer guided by an expert HR department, freelancers must learn how to run an effective budget, invoice clients, and file tax returns. However, freelancers must also master other areas such as marketing, advertising, project management, and client negotiation. Loss of Protection Although restrictive in terms of hours and holiday, a salaried position provides a certain level of financial security. Without a regular payslip, freelancers are often forced to deal with stressful cash and workflow issues alone. Organisations like the Freelancer’s Union can provide some support and advice, but on the whole you will be handling difficult situations by yourself. New and experienced freelancers alike are occasionally overambitious, taking on too many projects at once. In this case, it is possible although frustrating to pass work on to another freelancer. However, other situations can prove more difficult to resolve. For example, if a client refuses to pay, the ensuing costly legal battle could take months to reach a conclusion. Consider your Cash Flow Cash flow is often a significant problem for freelancers, particularly in the early days. Regular work can never be guaranteed, so you’ll need to build a financial safety net for slow periods. Ideally, you should be able to cover your rent payments for six months although this is impossible for many people. Before handing in your notice at the office, you must decide on your rates, and calculate how much work you’ll actually need to do in order to pay the bills. You may need to purchase new equipment before setting out on your freelance journey. Be honest when assessing the suitability of your current resources working with unreliable tools can rapidly destroy productivity. It’s also worth bearing your health and travel habits in mind before taking the plunge as a freelancer, you will no longer have access to sick pay or holiday allowances. Loneliness Office politics can be exhausting, and many people find themselves longing for a quiet space to work in. However, all but the most introverted of people can find the freelance lifestyle a little too quiet. Unless other family members also work from home, you could soon find yourself alone for ten hours a day. If you find yourself struggling to work without company, help is at hand. Take action, and join a local co-working organisation. Freelancing is often seen as the perfect career choice for parents of young children. In theory, the freelance lifestyle combines unlimited free childcare with a steady income. However, this is a rose-tinted view of the profession. Many people find it impossible to concentrate on work when their children are around, and freelancing parents often resort to paid childcare for a few days a week. Working as a freelancer can be both challenging and demanding. An irregular income, teamed with difficult clients, can lead to extreme levels of stress. However, the potential rewards are great freelancers are blessed with ultimate flexibility. As with all career decisions, it’s important to thoroughly research and plan before taking the plunge. Author: This post was written by Simon Markland. Simon is the director of VOOVit, providers of international shipping and excess baggage services. RELATED:  How to Transition from Corporate to Freelance

Tips on Writing an Objective Statement Resume

Tips on Writing an Objective Statement ResumeWriting an objective statement is a must for every candidate who wants to get into the corporate world. An objective statement serves as a summary of the information one has already given in their resume. If you're wondering how to write an objective statement, the best way to get started is by reading about it first.Objective statement is written based on the requirements laid down by the hiring manager. They need to know what kind of a person you are and what you can bring to the job. Moreover, they also need to know if your skills match their requirements. After all, you would want to be hired on the basis of your qualifications and not your references.There are two kinds of them: (a) standalone statement and (b) a whole set of statements for each of the parts of the resume. It's best that you write your own separate statement for each resume category. But when you're reading one that's already prepared for you, make sure you follow the format and make a list of the objective statement sections that you need to put into your separate statements. However, make sure you don't omit any section in your own statements. In fact, it's highly recommended that you go back and read all of the sections once again.We'll look at all the sections one by one and discuss how to write an objective statement. The first section is the section for your personal profile. This is where you could include your educational history and where you could mention about your work experience in this area. It's always good to talk about your activities in school. Besides, talk about your hobbies and professions.Then you need to write a section about your responsibilities. This section should be about your main role in the organization and how you fit in with your colleagues. Just think about how you will compliment or promote another person and how you will make them feel important. Be specific about it so they can see how you're using your abili ties.Next is a career objective. Here you can talk about the role you played during the last few years. You could include any accomplishments or awards that you got. Also include your career goals. Your goal is to create a summary of your professional life.Writing an objective statement resume should include a summary of your curriculum vitae. So include a bio about yourself and why you're looking for the job. Just remember, it's your reference letter. Make sure it is not too long. It should have one objective sentence per page. If you've written a lot of details, use bullets, but otherwise do away with it.Remember, this is your first and the last to resume, so do not rely on others' writing, especially when you are just starting. Think about it like a real job interview and use your writing skills to reach a conclusion. This is one of the most important steps in your job search.

Surviving a Layoff as an Older Worker

Surviving a Layoff as an Older Worker Surviving a layoff can be a challenge at any age, but especially if youre close to retirement. Tune in to hear my advice live on CNN Newsroom Friday October 31st at 2:30pm eastern. And read below for specific, practical steps you can take to land a new career and take control of your job security.Focus on your employability: When your work plays to your strengths, interests and natural talents, you have no problem demonstrating specific ways you are the BEST at what you do. Even in bad times, employers will hire and retain their best and brightest. Make a list of your top strengths and identify careers where those are key required skills. Youll be a perfect match at any age. Click here for more on landing a job over 50. Convert your skills: Opportunities still exist in industries such as healthcare, education, oil gas, and green power. Identify the skills you have that are transferrable and youll broaden the career possibilities available. Functional skills such as technology, human resources and finance/accounting exist in all types of businesses. Other skills such as project management, communication, and teamwork apply across industries as well. Get creative with packaging your experience: If you are open to consulting, freelancing or project-based work you may have an easier time finding opportunities. Companies may be more apt to commit to a project than a full-time position during the downturn. It may require starting your own consulting business, but youll be able to continue building your resume and earn an income. Click here for more advice and resources on starting your own business. I know it can be tough to go through a career crisis (read my story). But you can prevail if you take action with your career. Writer Art Buchwald puts it all in perpective, Whether its the best of times or the worst of times, its the only time weve got.Share your comments, questions and concerns if youre going through a layoff. And if youve got a survival story from you r own experience, share that too. Were all in this together!

How to get hired as an accountant - Margaret Buj - Interview Coach

How to get hired as an accountant Finance remains a strong sector, and since accounting departments are essential to every business, it’s not hard to see why. However, it’s also a popular and competitive field for that reason. Here’s how to go from search to settled. Solidify skills If you’re a budding accountant, then you need to understand that it’s not just a matter of you knowing that you have a head for numbers and great attention to detail. You’re asking prospective employers to trust you with their money, and if they’re a reputable business, then they’ll expect some evidence that you know what you’re doing. Business accounting can get quite complex, and has to work within traditional and legal standards, so it’s not the sort of thing that you can just step into without prior experience. Completing an accredited finance programme or course helps reassure employers that you have the skills they need, especially if you don’t have any practical experience in the field yet. LSBF offers a variety of programmes and courses, including full-time, part-time and online options, so you can get the credentials you need at the pace and in the format that’s right for you. Work your network As a student or budding professional, you may not feel like you have much of a professional network, but don’t underestimate the power of connections in employment. Check in with contacts in other areas of your life to see if they know of any opportunities. You may also use online channels, but be cautious not to link your professional identity with anything that might turn off employers. Target your search Are you open to relocating? Is there a specific type of accounting that you would like to do, or a specific sector with which you’d like to work? If you’re having trouble finding an opportunity, then broadening your search often opens up new possibilities. On the other hand, narrowing your target to a very specific niche can help you get the education and customise your resume to suit employer needs better. Polish that resume Resumes should be powerful because of their content, not their format â€" go for clean, scannable and conservative in presentation. Highlight your credentials, including education, experience, and skills or traits. Don’t get wordy, but if you can point out some notable achievements that help employers envision what you could do for them, then it can help you stand out from the crowd. Consider outside help to make sure the content and presentation are flawless. Impress in person Dress in crisp, conservative styles that communicate professionalism. This is not the time to express your personality. Employers want accountants who are detail oriented â€" display this in your self-presentation. Prepare ahead of time by reciting your education, experience and accomplishments. Ideally, think about what types of challenges your prospective employer might have, and how something you’ve done in the past or a skill you have could help them solve those challenges. Prepare by taking relevant courses or programmes, ask connections about opportunities, be willing to expand your search, and polish your resume and person for best results. Remember that employers need candidates like you. If you’ve prepared well, be confident in yourself.

How to Be So Irresistible Online Youll Barely Keep from Buying Your Own Stuff

How to Be So Irresistible Online Youll Barely Keep from Buying Your Own Stuff Irresistible Attraction by Supreme Decals This is a guest post from Jess Webb, who creates beautiful + delicious online presences for female entrepreneurs over at Jessilicious. Shes a sweetheart and a smartie -I totally agree with every single one of her points below! Have you ever come across someone online and you just  fell in love  with them and what they were doing? There was just  something  about them and their online presence that drew you in. You felt like you had just made an amazing discovery by finding this person. You just  knew  they had something that would help you, and you  couldnt sign up fast enough  when they offered you a chance to learn more, whether it was a free gift or an offer that you pulled out your credit card to get in on. Now imagine if  you  were that irresistible to  your ideal clients? What if you could have people eagerly signing up for your offers, feeling like they had made a great discovery by finding you, and excitedly sharing you with all their friends? Sound good? Here’s the truth.  You absolutely can be irresistible online! And you can start to shift toward being that irresistible right now. Are you ready? Here are three steps you can take right now to start to be irresistible online Identify Your Ideal Client + What She* Wants *(Your ideal client may well be a man, I’m in no way suggesting it will be a woman. I just find it’s easier to identify with she/her or him instead of them, or they, and that’s why I refer to your ideal client as “she”.) If you’re online trying to sell to anyone and everyone, you’re going to get mediocre results. When you’re trying to talk to  everyone, you’ll end up with  no one  really hearing you. You need to identify your ideal client. An ideal client is someone who you love to work with, who needs what you have to offer right now AND is happy to pay you what you’re worth for it. When describing your ideal client, you need to dig right down to her frustrations and fears, dreams and goals, as well as the demographics like where she lives, what she does, what her hobbies and interests are. Get uber clear on this, and make up an imaginary person if you want to. Or pick one of your current clients who fits the description. Make it really personal, so that when you’re writing your marketing content you can picture exactly who you are talking to, and you know just what their pain and frustration is, and how you can help them solve their problem. This step alone can make a huge difference! Once you know precisely who you are talking to, your message will be more clear, compelling and speak directly to that person. They’ll  have  to listen, because you’ll be talking directly to them! Create an Irresistible Online Presence to Attract Your Ideal Clients Now that you know  who  your ideal client is, and what she needs, it’s time to create an online presence that speaks to her, that attracts her and draws her in to find out more. You want your website, Facebook Page, Twitter, squeeze pages, and anything else you are doing online to  sing  to your ideal client. You want her to feel relief that she’s found someone who can help. Excitement about the possibilities that you show her. And a commitment to do whatever she needs to do to get those results. (Hint: Don’t cheap out here! Hire a professional to help you get it all set up just right. It will save you lots of money in the long run.) Your brand should reflect who  you  are, with all your unique gifts and talents. It should strut your stuff, as the expert that you are in your field. And it should appeal to your ideal client and make them feel welcome and confident that you can help them get the results they want. That’s a pretty tall order, so don’t rush this. Play with ideas, get some help from an expert, and get feedback from people who know you and your business well and support you to be the most you can be. Once you’ve got your brand the colors, fonts, images, graphics, and everything else that goes along with it then get it up there online! Your website, Facebook page, ebooks, Twitter profile, squeeze pages, newsletters and anything else you’re doing online needs to line up with your brand. That includes the actual design make sure you’re online places are all customized and branded with your unique image. Make Irresistible Offers Offers are what lets your ideal clients know exactly what you have and how you can help them. Don’t expect them to go combing through your website or brochure to find all the details. You need to be telling them about what you have. Putting offers out there. Start with a small free gift on your website, that they can download by signing up with their email address. Make it extra enticing, and something that will help them start to solve their problem, or get one step closer to getting the results they want. Give it a catchy headline that draws them in. Voila! Now you’re building an email list, and you can start sending out regular emails to those subscribers! Send a regular newsletter, and make offers in it. Sure, you want to include great free content, but don’t forget to let them know how they can take it further. When making offers, don’t worry so much about the features of what you’re offering. They don’t really care about all the details at least not right away. You can share those later. Start with the benefits, the really great results they will get. How will it impact their business, their income, their family, their lifestyle, their health, their emotions? It doesn’t matter  what  you’re offering, there are always lots of juicy benefits that people experience by working with you. List them out, highlight them, talk about them. Then when your ideal client raises her hand to say that she’s interested, you can cover the details at that point, or whenever she starts asking about them. Get used to making offers and asking your people to take action. Even if  no one buys  at first, keep doing it! Keep refining your message, digging deeper into the benefits they’ll get, and talking to real-life people who are your ideal clients to get feedback on what they need and what you can do to help them get the results they want. Follow just these three steps, and you’ll soon have ideal clients banging down your door, eager to work with you Because you’ll be so irresistible! And along with that, comes more money, more confidence and a hell of a lot more fun! Jess Webb is a digital artist who helps women entrepreneurs be irresistible online to attract their ideal clients, make more money and make a difference in the world. If you don’t have a website yet *OR* you need a fresh new re-branding to create an online presence that truly reflects your gifts, talents and ambitions,  sign up for a free, no-pressure, strategy session with Jess where she’ll give you at least one customized tip that you can take action on NOW to start to be irresistible online.

The Advantages of Resume Writing With Sar

The Advantages of Resume Writing With SarIn resume writing with sar you will want to focus on two things: first your strengths and your passion; second, your professional development and leadership potential. It may seem like a small distinction, but keeping them separated helps you focus on what you can do to positively improve the quality of your life, and ultimately, the life of your job.One of the first things to keep in mind when writing your resume is that the experience you provide is everything. If you are lucky enough to have worked on your resume from the very beginning, then this will provide your employer with what they need to know about you: what you are, and how you have accomplished your goals.There are good examples of both, as well as poor examples. So be careful in putting your job experience into a resume. Try to focus more on the skills and talents you have and put the limitations on others. Resume writing with sar: apply your skills and talents and outline your achievements from the beginning of your career.You will find that your resume is not nearly as important as it's a mindset. Resume writing with sar means that the point of emphasis should be the words you put into it. No matter how great your skills are, if you don't know how to put them into words, you will be exposed to meaningless qualifications that will not get you the job. Your employer wants to find out what you can offer them, and not what you can do for them.Having an open mind is also important. Taking a long-term approach is a good way to help yourself with your resume. While some employers will go for candidates who have a top-rated certification, they may have different criteria for candidates who have the qualifications but not the most important ones. A long-term approach will allow you to stand out from the crowd and show that you are serious about applying yourself to get the job you are searching for. Let your best qualities shine through.Resume writing with war al so means that you need to have clear and concise language. This is very difficult to do when you are at a loss for words. Try to stick to the most important parts of the resume and remove anything that is irrelevant. Lastly, keep your resume as short as possible and include only the most important job information.By following resume writing with bar, you will get the most out of your resume and improve your chances of getting hired. Try to use your resume as an outline for what you can do for your employer. People who have it designed for them already know what it is all about and are more likely to see the potential in you. No matter what your experience is, you can come up with a great resume for you.