Commutes can be tough. Not only are you playing mental gymnastics as you think about your tasks for the day, but there’s also the pit of anxiety you feel in your stomach when you try to figure out why it feels like you forgot something. Oh, and the traffic. The traffic is bad, too. If you’re looking for a way to calm your nerves on your drive, look no further. Here are 7 podcasts for your commute that will have you wishing your ride to work was just a little bit longer.

Stuff You Should Know

Sleepwalking. Human cannonballs. Photographic memory. Hosts, Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant take us through weird topics and how they work. If you’re bad at small talk or just need some new conversation starters, this is your podcast.

Arm Chair Expert

Being human is messy. Actor and Host, Dax Shepard, is fascinated by this and makes it his mission to explore other people’s stories (some pretty famous people’s stories, we might add). Get ready to laugh as you learn more about your favorite celebs.

Up and Vanished

This podcast features an amateur investigator who selected a missing person case from his hometown in Georgia. What was supposed to be a 6 episode season turned in 24 as new evidence and leads began to appear.

RISE by Rachel Hollis

If you’re looking for tangible tools to improve your life, Rachel Hollis is your girl. Our very own WSI Staffing Coordinator, Samantha, listens to RISE every morning and says, “I love everyone she interviews. I end up following them all on social media and it continues to grow my pool of inspiring people to look up to.”

Slate’s Working

Ever wonder what other people’s jobs are like? Us too. In this podcast, host Jordan Weissman, interviews Americans about their jobs. You’ll learn about the ins and outs of everything from toy designers, physicians, and even knights (yes, you read that correctly, knights).

Note to Self

Note to Self dives into how technology is changing our day-to-day lives. Host Manoush Zomorodi explores the good, the bad, and the ugly of the digital age while giving us a lot to think about along the way.

Headspace Meditation

For some of us, our commute is the only time we have to unwind during our busy days. If that’s the case, use it to the best of your ability! Here’s one specifically made for your commute: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/audio/2011/jan/27/headspace-commuting

Looking for a shorter commute that might not event warrant a podcast to pass the time? Head to workforwsi.com for a complete list of current openings. 

With 2.7 million baby boomers expected to retire by 2025, this has created a surplus of openings within the manufacturing sector. This is the perfect opportunity for younger workers who have the drive to move up the ladder in this ever-evolving industry. 

Here are 3 tips for advancing your manufacturing career: 

Do the Work

It may sound obvious, but it’s key. Employees who put in the work and get results are the first to be promoted. The beautiful thing about manufacturing is that it’s sometimes easier to show your achievements since everything is tracked so closely. Whether it’s on-time shipping, customer returns, or product quality, show off your measurable accomplishments. 

Communicate Effectively 

Questions about your job, skills you’re interested in learning, ideas you have to streamline processes: these are all great opportunities to communicate with your supervisor. Disengagement in manufacturing employees is at an all-time high, and showing your supervisor that you’re engaged will do great things for your career. 

Help Others

Teamwork makes the dream work. One of the most admirable qualities of someone in any industry is the willingness to take on projects that go above and beyond your regular duties. It shows you’re committed to the job and company itself. Additionally, don’t sit around and wait for someone else to initiate a project. If you see something that needs to be done – jump in and offer to help. 

Manufacturing isn’t what it used to be. There are so many opportunities for growth, it’s mind-blowing. Whether you want to get into the tried-and-true areas of machining and assembling or want to branch out into engineering and testing, the first step is getting your foot in the door. 

Interested in our current openings? Click here. 

Applying and interviewing for jobs is enough to make anyone sweat. We understand the struggle and want to make our process as easy (and comfortable) as possible. Ready to be the most prepared person in the interview waiting room? Here’s exactly what to expect when applying for a job through WSI.  

Phone Screen

After you apply for a job, a phone screen is the first step. A WSI Staffing Coordinator will reach out to you for a quick chat about the job, shift, and pay rate you’re looking for. This lets us know exactly what you’re looking for so we can make sure we have openings that fit your needs. We don’t want to waste your time, so the initial phone screen reduces the risk of coming into the office only to find out we don’t have any job opportunities you’re looking for. 

Interview

Congrats! You’ve made it to the interview phase. (Don’t be nervous.) When you arrive in the office, you’ll be asked to fill out paperwork (a questionnaire and tax survey) and then it’s off to the races!  During your interview, our Staffing Coordinators will go more in-depth about the positions they think you’d be a good fit for. They’ll ask questions about your job history, your skills, and why you left your last position. Sometimes we may not have the perfect fit for you, but don’t worry – we’re always growing! We’ll keep your information on file and give you a call when we’ve found the perfect match.

Orientation

You made it! Once you’re offered (and you hopefully accept) a position, you’ll be required to go through orientation. This involves a drug screen, background check, paperwork, an overview of your new position, and a start date. 

HERE ARE A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND: 

1. Our conviction policies vary from client to client. It’s important to be honest with your Staffing Coordinator before we get to this step, so they can accurately assess where we can send you. 
2. Just because marijuana is legal in Michigan, our clients still require that we test for THC.

Don’t worry – we’ve got you. Just think of us as your job search wingman (and wingwoman). If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to your local branch for any clarification.

Ready to get the ball rolling? Click here. 

Let’s face it – not all staffing firms are created equal. That’s why when it comes time to enlist the help of a temp agency  – you should pick one suited for your unique needs.

As a job seeker, check these seven things off your list when choosing a staffing agency to work with: 

They have openings in your field of interest

There are many staffing firms to choose from, so choose one with expertise in your field. If you’re in search of clerical work – choosing an agency like WSI that specializes in industrial positions probably won’t pay off for you in the long run. Double-check with your agency before coming in for an interview to make sure you’re both on the same page. 

They have an onsite representative

When navigating between your employer and agency, there can be some disconnect. It’s important to look for a staffing firm that has a representative onsite at your company (Hint: WSI does). These representatives coach, counsel, and assist you with any questions or concerns you may have. They also are a huge help when it comes to onboarding and orientation procedures. 

They don’t charge for their services

Never sign with a staffing firm that asks you to pay for job placement. Reputable staffing firms don’t charge job seekers for their services.

Fun Fact: Reliable agencies charge the employer for their services, not job seekers. Curious about other staffing agency myths? Head here. 

They offer the option to be hired-in

If you’re looking for long-term work, choose an agency with temp-to-hire opportunities. This means there’s a greater chance you can be hired in permanently with good work performance and attendance. 

Fun Fact: In addition to temp-to-hire, WSI also offers direct hire opportunities when available. 

They offer benefits

Weekly pay, Medical benefits, vacation days, etc. These are all benefits you should look for in your job search. 

Fun Fact: WSI offers all of these, plus incentive programs! Check out our latest Free Rent Referral Program. 

Applying is a cinch 

Besides the guidance, coaching, and connections working with an agency comes with, a streamlined process is one of their biggest advantages. Your agency should be doing everything in their power to make the process fast, easy, and relatively painless. Ask your Staffing Coordinator what the process will look like beforehand to ensure you’re prepared for the next steps. 

The reviews speak for themselves

The proof is in the pudding… or in this case, the Google Reviews. You can easily get a feel for other people’s experience with the staffing agency by looking at the reviews left on the company’s Google page. These reviews will give you perspective on the good, bad, and ugly from current and past associates. 

Extra points if the company responds to reviews! Like this one from WSI 😉

Choosing a staffing agency isn’t rocket science, but it’s a smart idea to give it some thought. 

Any questions about what WSI offers? Head here.

When you get a job through WSI, one of the pieces of paperwork you’ll fill out is IRS form W-4. The purpose of a W-4 is so that WSI can withhold the correct federal income tax from your pay. 

Why is the W-4 important?

It’s extremely important to fill out this form correctly because the IRS requires people to pay taxes on their income gradually throughout the year. If you don’t fill out the form properly, it could result in owing a surprisingly large amount in April. Additionally, you could also face penalties for underpaying your taxes during the year (and nobody wants that). 

On the contrary, if you withhold too much tax, your paychecks will be smaller than what you’re used to. 

When determining how much to withhold, the IRS Online Withholding Calculator can help provide an accurate depiction based on your current situation. 

When should I file a new form?

Starting a new job is one situation where you would need to fill out a new W-4. Other situations that might warrant a change to your W-4 include having a child or picking up a second job. It’s also important to note that you may change your form at any time, not only when you have a life-changing event. If you identify that you are having too little or too much in taxes withheld, it’s not the end of the world – you can still make a change!

The Bottom Line

It’s important to take the time to calculate your withholdings properly. By doing so, you’ll avoid having to pay penalties at tax time and will keep as much of your earnings as possible. 

At the end of the day, we don’t know your full tax situation. If you have questions about your withholdings please refer to the IRS Online Withholding Calculator. Happy calculating!

It’s performance review season, and for many, this is a cause for panic.  Although they get a bad rap, annual performance reviews can provide valuable feedback and are a key driver for one’s professional growth. 

Here are several tips to help you prepare (and rock) your performance review: 

Preparation

Preparation is the key to your success. Give yourself at least an hour to reflect as you fill out your form and take into account the accomplishments you’ve had throughout the year. Be ready to discuss new goals, areas for growth, and examples of the value you brought to the company. 

Address Your Shortcomings

Look, no one is perfect – even your boss. So if you had any failures, be prepared to talk about them and explain why you fell short. Then, make a plan on how to avoid those shortcomings next time (and don’t be afraid to ask your boss for advice)!

By addressing your faults, it signals that you’re taking your performance seriously, and gives you a chance to craft your message before discussing difficult topics. 

Prepare Questions in Advance

Take advantage of the conversation and ask for feedback. Questions like “What could I do to improve?” and “Am I on track relative to my peers?” are great ways to demonstrate your commitment to the role. 

Be on Offense (Not Defense) 

There’s a fine line between offering excuses and explaining yourself. If you go into the review on the defensive without providing evidence – this sounds like a game of he-said-she-said. Instead, gather evidence for the shortcomings you need to address and be open to suggestions. 

Listen

Keep in mind – the goal of the performance review isn’t to make you feel bad. Rather, it’s intended to bring out the best of your abilities. By actively listening to your manager, consider how you can apply what they’re saying to your responsibilities. 

That’s it! At the end of the day, these meetings are intended to be a conversation to help you improve. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll be sure to walk away from your review refreshed and ready to rock your role throughout the rest of the year. 

“That’s not my job.” We’ve all heard this phrase in the workplace before – heck, we’ve maybe even said it a time or two. It’s become a common phrase, but that doesn’t mean it should be. Ever heard of “All other duties as assigned?” 

Let’s think about a scenario for a second:

Your co-worker comes to you, frantic, because she’s running behind and needs help cleaning at the end of the day. Is it your job to clean up at the end of her shift? Probably not. You have two options: Help her out, or mutter “That’s not my job.”

Obviously, it would be easy to avoid extra work at the risk of being labeled as someone who is lazy and unaccommodating.

But that doesn’t mean you should automatically pick up the slack for others, either. Consider other ways to say yes or no in a more productive way: 

If you do have time to help out: 

Instead of, “Yes, I’ll drop everything I’m doing right now.” 

Consider: “How can I help [within this time frame]?”

If you don’t have time to help out: 

Instead of “Cleaning the kitchen isn’t  my job.”

Consider: “I’d like to help you out, but I don’t have the capacity to right now.”

If you can, offer a compromise:

“I’m really pressed for time so I can’t help clean the whole kitchen, but I’d be happy to take the trash to the dumpster on my way out.”

At the end of the day, it’s ok to say no. But, next time a co-worker requests your assistance, think about whether or not you want “That’s not my job” to be your tagline.