5 Strategies To Handling Workplace Labour Shortages

As the world economy recovers from the recession of recent years, many organisations in Australia are realising the benefits of recruitment agencies for short term labour requirements while planning a strategic long term labour workforce.

Technological changes, ageing population as well as shifts, growth and decline in certain industries are all contributing to labour shortages on a massive scale. 

Here are top five strategies to implement when managing potential labour shortages:

1. Outsource your labour hire requirements

By outsourcing your labour hire requirements this alleviates the unnecessary strain on your current workforce while seeking those hard-to-find employees.  Recruitment agencies have skilled and qualified staff on hand year-round to suit most types of businesses, and can be engaged at short notice.  There is also the added benefit of the candidate ending up being very suited to the role, and therefore either engaged on a longer-term capacity, or even offered a full-time role by the company.  This scenario usually incurs a finder’s fee, yet this far outweighs the extensive resources that are inevitably expended in searching for suitable long-term employees.

2. Develop comprehensive in-house training programs to build long term knowledge pipelines

Recent expansion as well as retirement of baby boomers is placing a strain on the already overstretched construction and energy industry. Successful companies are already known to develop strategic knowledge transfer programs which enable senior employees to shift their expertise and knowledge to the future generation of workers.

This helps organisations leverage their expertise as well as best practices across the business.

Companies can also take skilled workers and turn them into supervisors and foremen by giving them leadership or mentoring roles. In any fast-paced industry, such forms of knowledge and training can significantly enhance skill sets of junior employees and can also help attract new talent.

3. Engage employees by providing a safe and healthy environment

This is especially true in case in industries that are subject to extreme working conditions. When we talk about retention, two things are crucial: employees should like what they do and also like the people they are working with/for. 

Organisations will not only do well by implementing motivational, reward and performance appraisals; they will take things to a whole new level by using techniques like e-learning to retain current employees and attract new talent. And in either of these cases, (retention and recruitment), fundamentals like safety, security, favourable working conditions, organisational policies and interpersonal relationships play a crucial role.

4. Re-evaluate whether different departments are working synergistically

More and more construction industries are looking to find synergies in different functional areas including IT, HR and Finance. Stand-alone systems tend to counter each other leading to inefficient processes. For example, you might have a fantastic HR department and might hire great labour employees, but if you do not have, say, a fantastic incentive-based compensation program then your competitors will soon snatch your workforce from you. 

By aligning different business functions from the board level to individual company operating level, you can increase efficient communication across the organisation and also push employees to work towards common strategic goals.

5. Assess your risk factors

Often companies hire in frenzy and end up with semi-skilled or even unskilled labour. For example, a broker or a less reputable labour hire firm might recruit a fisherman saying he can weld. Sometimes these labourers do not have experience working safely under stringent working conditions. This is a huge risk to companies. So owners and end users must both rethink their collaborative efforts and even establish relationships with entities years before a project is to commence. A competent workforce with skilled supervision is of utmost importance to build work in a risk-averse environment.

6. Develop your project management capacity

As complexities and scope of projects increases, companies should explore non-traditional ways to manage them and also explore different avenues. Energy and construction industries must try and innovate in areas like technology, knowledge management, communication and prefabrication. The focus should be on optimising labour, reducing rework, using smart equipment with strategic material scheduling among other things. 

These five factors can considerably improve productivity and help you manage costs in a tight labour market.

How To Survive Holiday Down-Time as a Labour Hire Worker

While working for a labour hire company is a blessing in many ways, one instance where planning ahead should be noted is the two week period during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.  Most recruitment agency clients will have a hiatus during these two weeks, so there will most likely be a period of downtime to be prepared for and that includes the everyday items you may not have considered.

First and foremost, plan ahead where your pay is concerned.  In all likelihood there will be no income for this two week period so plan ahead where expenses are concerned and these are the regular expenses you encounter each month for housing, monthly bills, groceries, etc.  But, with the holidays upon us, planning for those extra expenses is important as well.  That’s where a budget comes in and although most people find them difficult to work with, during this time a budget will be your best friend as it will enable you to still meet your requirements but also allow for allotted funds for gifts and holiday celebrations.

If you plan to do some work around the home, it’s important to remember your personal safety.  According to experts, most accidents occur in or around the home and a large portion of those are related to home repair and maintenance.  Most recruitment agencies actively ensure their employees are well-trained in safety-related matters whilst in the workplace, and this is a great opportunity to take that training and apply these same measures in the home.

Some things to keep in mind are to use proper safety equipment, eliminate distractions, safety check all equipment before use, lift with your legs not your back, double check all cutoffs, and observe all recommended safety rules.  When working with electricity always double check to see the main switch is off and the number one thing to remember is to use common sense and never be in a hurry as haste creates accidents.

Maybe there’s no to-do list waiting for your attention and you will be enjoying some much needed rest and relaxation.  If that’s the case here are a couple of tips to help you get the most out of the sun-filled days ahead.  First, remember it is the holiday season and there will be more foot and vehicle traffic during this period.  Plan ahead and give yourself a little extra time in order to cut down on the headaches of holiday shoppers and traffic which can only decrease your enjoyment. 

Second, don't forget to pack the sunscreen and plenty of water.  Nothing can kill the enjoyment of Christmas quite as much as a sunburn creating pain and discomfort and hydrating will reduce the effects of the sun as well.  Enjoy the beautiful weather and the beaches, but just use caution to protect yourself.

If you will be traveling over the holidays, maybe to visit friends or family, remember social media may be fun in sharing your memories but it may also be an invitation to strangers.  Be sensible about what you post on social media because not all those watching or following have your best interests in mind.  Be smart about posting travel plans as potential burglars could be watching, waiting to know who will be home and when, reducing their chances of being caught in the act.  It is also likewise when it comes to photos.  Use caution posting photos of Christmas trees and gifts as it acts as an invitation and may make you or your family a target for holiday crime.  Enjoy the season with friends and family, just be cautious when sharing with others you may or may not know for your own protection.

Naturally a part of this season involves shopping and it may be a large portion of your time will be spent purchasing gifts for loved ones.  If you will be spending much of your downtime as a jolly elf, there are some suggestions which could be helpful to you, especially if you are not a happy shopper and do not enjoy the crowds or high-stress situations.  Try to purchase your gifts online to reduce the amount of time to be spent in the stores; you may find much of what you are looking for is available from the comfort of home.  Plan the hours of the day you will spend shopping as there are times, even during the holidays, when the crowds are thinner.  Don’t wait until the last minute to take care of the folks on your list, start early and shop in increments to reduce stress and last minute panic. 

Finally, plan to spend time if you will be out on the road doing your shopping.  There will be crowds and queues and long waits and planning ahead will reduce stress as well.

Two weeks to relax and enjoy the holidays can be a blessing but a curse as well.  Although these tips may not cover all the possibilities; using these and more than a dose of common sense will carry you a long way and help you survive the holidays.

How To Avoid That Groundhog Day Feeling; Work For A Labour Hire Company

Getting off the merry-go round.

The alarm goes off and your eyes pop open, seeing nothing but the ceiling and the same day you have been living for what seems a lifetime.  All you can do is attempt to prepare yourself for another day at a job that leaves you unfulfilled and without satisfaction or direction.  You roll out of bed and resign yourself to doing it all again because there doesn’t seem to be a way out.

Well, there is an option, it just may be you never considered it before, or maybe you had no idea it existed, and that is labour sourcing.  Bet you thought this option was only for short term solutions, but there is more to contracting your skills than you are aware of and the benefits to you may be somewhat surprising.

Feel as if you are in the wrong line of work?

You wouldn’t be the first person to have these misgivings and the biggest struggle which accompanies these thoughts is the misconception there are no options.  That’s where resourcing yourself may be the right choice instead of continuing day to day in the hopes things will change on their own.  If you are at a loss as to where you should be, why not sample what’s available and truly gain a working knowledge of what may interest you.

Sounds too good to be true, doesn’t it?  Well it isn’t, just try thinking of it this way.

Your entire life you have eaten the same meal for dinner.  Every evening you sit down and prepare yourself, knowing there will be no variety and the taste will be the same, each and every day.  But then one evening, as you pull up your seat, you are handed a menu with a wide variety of choices, so many you don’t know where to begin.  As you scan the choices there are some which catch your eye and others which aren’t appealing, and that’s perfectly fine because you have a choice.

Now, imagine if your career was the same as the items on that menu.

How would it be to sit down and peruse a menu of job choices?  How would it feel to be able to get out of the rut your career has become and not only try something different, but, if it happens to be a bad fit have the opportunity to try something else?  Would you like to add flexibility to your professional life?  Would happiness at work make life better?

Take charge and change your direction to new horizons.

If you answered yes to at least one of those questions, you just may be in the market for a new way of doing business.  Call a reputable recruitment agency like All Force Labour Solutions and see just how they can help you take control of your career and happiness by making the most of what you have to offer.  All this while exploring the careers around you for the one that not only provides you with income but satisfaction as well, because as you know all too well, happiness on the job has an impact on your happiness in everyday life.

Why continue to drag through your days, lost because you don’t know where to turn?  Instead, do something to make your professional, and as a result your personal life, a favour and see for yourself what labour sourcing may mean to you.

Contact our friendly recruitment team today, visit our website and submit your CV and make that decision to choose a different life.

Recruitment Agency Consultants (Sharing A Day In The Life Of)

Being a recruitment agency consultant might conjure up various images in your mind. Some of them may be preconceptions, misconceptions and some may be even partially true. The fact remains: recruitment is unrivalled in its rewarding of effort.

Here is what a typical day in the life of a recruitment consultant is like:

My day begins typically at 8 am

With coffee-loads of it!  This is the time to check emails. We generally receive hundreds of applications overnight and additionally we also have the usual lead generation, online/social media groups and job boards. I generally do a quick scan to see if there is anyone with a profile our clients may be looking for. It is very important that a recruitment agent deals with sensitivity with applicants because it is a tough and competitive world out there. I generally like to share advice where I can!

Team Meetings

We usually have a team meet around 9 am. As such, recruitment can be a very solitary line of work and most of us are working alone all the time. These meetings let us brainstorm ideas and even cross reference clients. Although each of us is a specialist in a particular area of work, it is quite possible that we are working with the same client to provide them with people of varying skill sets. So it is even more important that we understand who is dealing with which organisation and also assess the processes being developed for them.

Phone Calls

The phone calls start at about 10-10:30 where both applicants and clients are vying for our attention. Time management is crucial to ensure making the most of the day. I like to touch base with candidates that I am handling making sure they are ready for their interview, providing feedback and confirming availability, etc. I believe it is very important to build a good rapport with both the clients and the applicants so they are open and honest with me.

The noise levels start rising in the office by mid morning. I like to profile applicants with clients where there can be value addition for both. It is important that every recruitment consultant forge new contacts and make at least one arrangement to meet a new or existing client. This strengthens the rapport and also helps me know their business better so I can better help them.

Not Just a ‘Cold-Call’

I pride myself in being a part of All Force Labour Solutions. We are increasingly well-known in the Perth recruitment market and have a great profile. We work across a large client base and have developed a great rapport with our local clients which in turn means they talk about us which leads to more clients and happy customers.

Market Conditions

Yes, market conditions are tough and I cannot guarantee a job to anyone. But the moment I get a new role to fill in, adrenalin kicks in! My mind immediately scans through names in the database. Within a few minutes I am on the phone calling candidates explaining about the role and the opportunity.

Lunch

I often like to meet candidates and clients in lunch hour. If I have met the candidate, it greatly helps me represent them to the clients. It also makes for better long-term relationships. Once I am back from lunch, the afternoon goes with even more calls. If there is a new role, then we have the job of advertising it in detail all across different platforms so we can engage the right candidates.

I Love My Job

As clichéd as that might sound! But at the end of the day, I like to look back at a productive day. People often forget one thing about recruitment: that we actually make people happy for a living. It is wonderful to hear that happiness in their voices as we offer them a new role. It is indeed a fantastic feeling. We work hard and the sense of achievement is great and so are the rewards!

So if you’re looking for a recruitment company - and more importantly a recruitment consultant - who would be delighted to find you that next exciting role, then don’t hesitate to give me a call!  You can either visit our website at www.allforcelabourlaboursolutions.com.au to check out our latest roles available and also register directly here.

And, to get your CV to the top of the pile read my article on CV Tips and Tricks - definitely recommended!

I look forward to being able to help you with your employment needs.

The Nature Of Family Friendly Employment

Exploring the meaning of family-friendly employment, what it means for employers and employees alike, and how to create that win-win balance in the workplace.

Click here to read the full article.

How To Write A Winning CV: Get To The Top Of The Pile!

With over 15 years in the industry, HR and Recruitment expert Tiana McDaid, General Manager All Force Labour Solutions, a leading recruitment agency in Perth, Western Australia presents the following resource guide to help create the perfect CV to ensure you succeed in landing your next exciting role!

Writing a top quality Trades & Labour CV:

1. Write a short clear summary about yourself at the start – be honest and positive and focus on the key words that highlight your key strengths
2. Ensure your layout and font is clear and concise – always double check all grammar and layout is clear and easy to read for the recruiter. Complex, hard to read CV’s won’t get you to the top of the pile. Also ensure your work history is systematic and written in order from your most recent role at the top.
3. Highlight your key abilities and experience in the first couple of pages – it is important to get all of your core key skillset and abilities mentioned as early on in your CV to keep the recruiter engaged and realise you are the right person for the job!

See full details of our blog here: http://allforcelaboursolutions.com.au/cv-tips-and-tricks/

Outsourced Labour Solutions for Perth and Beyond

The construction sector in Perth has always been a lucrative field for those who are seeking employment. With over 56,000 registered job seekers and an unemployment rate of 5.2 per cent (as of 2012 data), Perth’s construction industry has a wealth of opportunities to match untapped labour. However, it’s not always smooth-going to get the right information to the right job seekers. Fortunately, online employment agencies have become effective tools to connect employers and those seeking jobs.  

Employment Agency Tips: Ensure a Good Workforce

As a construction company, you’ll be needing a lot of manpower. Though some firms often have a stable of ready workers ready to do the job, there are times when you’ll be needing some extra help, especially when you are facing a big project. The best way to get a workforce up to scratch is to contact an employment agency. Here are a few tips on how to better work with the employment firm:

Determine What You Need

Just asking for “a couple of electricians and several bricklayers” is a rather vague way of putting things. Look at the project and check your current staff. What particular fields of expertise are needed to complete the project? You may want someone who can wire an office building or help with installing plate glass windows. Knowing exactly who you need to hire makes it easier for everyone.

A Primer on Employment Agencies

In Australia, increasingly, job seekers and employers alike connect with private employment agencies to help them with their respective needs. In a year, recruitment agencies are able to provide work for over 100,000 people, and many large companies are turning to them for all their recruitment needs.

Types of Agencies

Mainly, there are four types of private employment agencies, namely personnel consultants, labour hire contractors, student employment services, and employment agencies. Personnel consultants generally handle executive, managerial, and professional positions, while labour hire mostly focuses on giving jobs to skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled manual workers.

Why Your Business Could Use a Labour Hire Company

In the world of business, your company cannot afford to stop moving; it needs to get up to speed and maintain its pace if it hopes to stay competitive in the market. For that purpose, you will need extremely competent workers to staff your business; after all, your company is only as good as the people you hire. It can be a backbreaking process, however, to find the right people. 

It is a good thing, therefore, that you have the option to bring a labour hire company on board. A labour hire company can help you secure the right people for the job, whether for a long or short term project. Although this does not sound any different functionally from a typical human resource department in any large business, there are advantages to using a labour hire company instead.

Pros of Hiring Through Employment Agencies

Finding and hiring a new employee can be an arduous task and hours can be spent on trying to look for candidates that would best suit the job opening. For this, there are employment agencies that can help speed things up. They would have a wide selection of qualified applicants who go through a number of tests to ensure that they have the necessary abilities.

Hiring through an agency saves a significant amount of time because it takes care of the beginning phase of the hiring process. It runs background checks on the candidates and conducts interviews to get a feel of the person. This means that, in the end, the agency will have a pool of the best talents. If the applicant works for the employment agency, his/her services may be used for as long as required. What’s more, there is the possibility of keeping the applicant as a long-term employee.

Once there is an established relationship with a particular employment agency, any future open positions can be filled much faster because the agency would know the qualities that the company is looking for in an employee. It would lessen the time it takes to present a list of candidates to the company. Companies that have open positions which need to be filled should definitely consider working with an employment agency.