As Summer nears an end and we start to hunker down and head back to routine, it’s an opportunity to have a new focus. A fresh focus. I’ve spent the last week reflecting on the Greater Seattle Area job market from a client and candidate perspective. I have spoken with large company executives, start-up leaders and candidates actively interviewing and happy where there are. A couple consistencies still remain true: respect and thoughtfulness are priceless when it comes to recruitment and retainment.
Whether you are actively looking for a job, or happily employed, being treated with respect and thoughtfulness is non-negotiable for a positive outcome. Candidate experience during an interview process is real and can easily set the tone for an individual or a group who has heard about a negative experience of one individual (Glassdoor). If you are happily employed, you are likely respected for what you do and work in a positive work environment.
As an employer, you may be hiring for your team or leading a stellar organization and respect and thoughtfulness should be at the forefront of your strategy. Respect your employees, be mindful of who your people are and thoughtful to the environment they are working in. If you are not doing these things, you have an opportunity for a new focus!
As we move into a new Season, I believe we need to continue to focus on people. Treat others as you wish to be treated – with respect, thoughtfulness and encouragement.
- Be kind.
- Work efficiently.
- Respect each other’s time and schedule.
- Communicate and encourage communication.
- Stay in tune with your employees and their wellness.
- Allow a flexible environment to accommodate for families, health concerns, education, travel, commute, etc. If it is taken advantage of, performance will suffer and you can have that hard conversation.
- Encourage collaboration and challenge.
- Inappropriate behavior is NOT accepted. If you see it, report it. Do not protect bad behavior.
- Stay positive and stay true to yourself.
- Enjoy life. Work hard, but enjoy life.