Hiring reliable older workers benefits your business more than you can imagine.
Continue readingHow to Help Aging Workers and Your Business
Five Internal Marketing Channels That Are Better Than Email
Stand out and engage your employees using these easy techniques
Most companies have a marketing department. That department probably spends their days strategizing how to brand the company in a B2B or B2C environment and attract more customers. If you’ve got the external marketing covered, the next question is how well do you promote yourself to your employees?
Internal marketing should be prioritized as highly as external marketing efforts. In a tight labor market, keeping your employees engaged and fulfilled leads to better retention. The problem many employers have is relying simply on newsletters with article after article or putting important information into another email. How many promotional emails do you delete in a day without even reading? While email marketing internally should be a part of your arsenal of tools, there are additional, effective ways to engage and inform one of your most important audiences, your employees!
Here are five non-email internal marketing channels to try that that are not an email that will engage your employees.
PRIVATE SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
It’s easy to manage social media profiles and add/remove users as their employment status dictates. Create a private, employee-only account on social platforms your employees frequent. The housekeeping of getting everyone onboarded should be a focused effort. These channels allow all staff to have a voice for your business. Keep the content light and engaging, and be sure to respond to every post and comment.
TEXT MESSAGE CLUBS
Text message marketing uses SMS (Short Message Service) to deliver messages to subscribers. There are many companies you can contract with to manage your text database of employees and even help you create campaigns like polls and contests. 97% of all text messages are read within fifteen minutes. Creating a text message club can push out relevant and timely messages valued by your employees.
FACE-TO-FACE TABLES
Is the C-Suite making decisions based on the productions floor staff’s operating reality? One way to ensure that is arranging consistent, casual roundtable discussions. Getting administration in front of the floor staff can be as simple as setting up a table in the break room or conference room and inviting a couple of members of each team to meet and discuss wins, opportunities for process improvement, and answer any questions in safe spaces. Increase engagement with giveaways for attendees (like food certificates and company schwag), or letting them leave a few minutes early if the roundtables are held at the end of the day.
STAY INTERVIEWS
Staying on that face-to-face theme, a new practice taking hold is called the ‘Stay Interview”. The idea is to continually interview current employees and find out what their honest intentions are, how their jobs can be better, and what would keep them in their current job. Here’s an article on how big business is using the Stay Interview to fight turnover and retain employees.
VIDEO CONFERENCES
Getting everyone onboard a company-wide Zoom or other video call offers up opportunities to create special recognition, present professional video presentations, and sell your reputation with the entire team at the same time. Always try to keep these brief, and highly entertaining and engaging. Whatever you do, don’t do what better.com did and fire 900 employees by teleconference. Shudder.
When using internal marketing, work to communicate effectively and address your own shortcomings as a company honestly and optimistically. Let employees know that their feedback is crucial and their honesty will meet no form of retribution. Ideally, you could use one or all of the channels on a rotating basis.
Veteran’s Day Highlight: Corporal Brent Rogers
Today we recognize all veterans who have served our country, past and present. In honor of Veteran’s Day, we interviewed WSI’s own Brent Rogers (Payroll Coordinator), retired US Army Corporal, to learn more about his military experience.
What motivated you to join the military? How did you choose your branch of service?
I joined up because I wanted to serve my country and for the adventure. Both my father and grandfather served in the U.S. Army, so it was a pretty easy choice for me when I decided to enlist.
Tell us a little about your time in boot camp.
Boot camp was ten weeks long at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. The first three weeks were pretty rough, but once you get used to the routine it wasn’t too bad. You learn a lot of things in a very short amount of time there (land navigation, first aid, rifle marksmanship, etc,) Our drill sergeants yelled and screamed a lot, but once we neared graduation they would mostly act as mentors to us. They all had served multiple tours overseas and were exemplary soldiers. One of them shook hands with me after I graduated, and I was pretty proud of that.
What was your primary job after training?
My primary job was being a motor transport operator and I was attached to a field artillery unit. Our main mission was to haul and distribute fuel and ammunition to the cannon crews.
Where did you serve the majority of your time in service?
Most of my time was spent at Fort Custer over in Battle Creek. We also spent time up north at Camp Grayling when we had a field training exercise.
What rank are you most proud to have earned, and why?
The rank I was most proud of was being a corporal, which is an NCO (Non-Commissioned Officer). NCOs are considered to be the backbone of the army. They take orders given from officers and ensure that the soldiers within their squad or team get them completed. I felt pretty proud to have that responsibility.
Which medals or citations are you most honored to have received, and why?
The medal I was most honored to receive is called the Broadsword Service Medal. It’s awarded to those who have completed four or more years in the Michigan Army National Guard. I thought it was pretty neat since it’s only awarded to soldiers who served in Michigan.
Tell me about some of the special people you met.
One of the coolest aspects of being in the army is that you get to meet people from all walks of life. One of my best friends in the Army came here from Mexico and actually got his citizenship when he was in boot camp, which is pretty cool!
What was the best and worst ‘military’ food you were served, and why?
The best meal I ever had was steak, mashed potatoes with gravy and biscuits. We were at Fort Irwin, California for a month and had just gotten back from a two-week field training exercise in the desert. It just tasted really good after eating nothing but cold rations for two weeks. The worst meal I had was powdered eggs and what looked like undercooked bacon for breakfast once. The eggs looked pretty gross because they were green, but we ate them anyway haha.
Any funny stories you experienced that could only happen in the military?
One funny story comes to mind. In boot camp, they taught us how to throw a hand grenade. You stand inside a low concrete square with an instructor, throw the grenade, and duck behind the barrier to shield yourself from the explosion. Well, this one guy in our platoon chucked the grenade too low, it hit the barrier and bounced back. The instructor grabbed the guy by his collar and dove out of the barrier. The guy got yelled at a lot and they made him run laps around the barracks when we got back later that day. Everyone thought it was pretty hilarious at the time.
What are some ways civilians can honor Veterans not just on Nov. 11, but every day?
I think the best thing civilians can do to honor those who served is to volunteer and try to become an asset to both our country and our community.
How did your military experience affect your life today?
Well, I never can sleep in past 7 am nowadays haha. All joking aside, the military taught me some pretty important values like honor, courage, and commitment. I try to bring those values to my job here at WSI.
Brent, thank you for your service and for sharing your experience!
High Praise for THC-Friendly Jobs? Let’s Break it Down.
With the growing number of states legalizing the use of marijuana, the workforce has seen a shift in pre-employment requirements from employers. One of these shifts has many companies advertising “THC-Friendly” employment opportunities; WSI included.
But what does “THC-friendly” actually mean?
For WSI, THC-friendly means we are no longer screening for THC during pre-employment drug tests. It’s important to note that this does not apply for every job opportunity; being THC-friendly is at the discretion of each employer where WSI associates may be placed on assignment.
Alternatively, a THC-friendly position does not mean it’s ok to show up to work under the influence. Work environments remain drug-free. Actions such as possessing, selling, trading, or offering drugs/alcohol are grounds for termination from your position.
This also means you’re still subject to random drug screens throughout the duration of your employment. In the event that there is a work-related accident, such as crashing a forklift, you will be drug tested to confirm whether or not the incident was drug-related.
What you do off the clock will not affect your job status as long as it does not affect your work performance. Our goal here at WSI is to balance our respect for individuals while also maintaining a safe, productive, and drug-free environment.
For more information, please visit our website to view our full drug & alcohol policy.
Flex-N-Gate Hiring Event
[Metro Detroit, MI:] WSI (Workforce Strategies, Inc.), an award-winning recruitment and staffing agency, will be hosting a hiring event for Flex-N-Gate on Thursday, August 26th from 10 am – 3 pm.
WSI is teaming up with Flex-N-Gate to fill Production Associate positions on all shifts. By providing the highest quality products and systems in the automotive industry, Flex-N-Gate is where solutions are built in the automotive industry. Associates of Flex-N-Gate enjoy guaranteed pay increases at 12, 18, and 24 months of employment, perfect attendance incentives, and the opportunity to be hired in with good attendance and productivity where employees will then receive a full benefits package and vacation time. Pay rates for these positions range from $15.30 – $15.55/hour.
“We’re excited to be hosting this hiring event for Flex-N-Gate right here in our Metro Detroit office,” says Kristi Rankin, WSI Branch Manager. “We have immediate temp to hire opportunities available in Royal Oak and Troy. Applicants can stop by our hiring event and start working right away!”
Due to COVID-19, face masks are required inside – if you don’t have one, WSI will provide one for you. Hand sanitizer stations will be available throughout the building.
Highlights:
- WSI & Flex-N-Gate
- 22637 Woodward Ave, Ferndale, MI 48220
- Thursday, August 26th
- 10 am – 3 pm
- Job seekers should bring 2 forms of identification
- Please contact the Metro Detroit Office with any questions
WSI Battle Creek Hiring Event Cookout
[Battle Creek]: We’re serving up hot jobs! WSI (Workforce Strategies, Inc.), a 4.8-star Google-rated recruitment and staffing agency, will be hosting an end-of-summer hiring event cookout on Wednesday, August 11th from 11 am – 2 pm.
Join us onsite at our Battle Creek location for open interviews, delicious hot dogs, and cold refreshments. Job seekers should bring two forms of ID and plan on chatting with staffing coordinators for about 45-minutes about their work history, their preferred type of job, and schedule availability.
“We look forward to chatting with job seekers about all of our Battle Creek opportunities in a relaxed, fun-filled environment,” says Aliya Fadel, WSI Branch Manager. “What better way to close out the summer than grilling out and matching associates with their perfect job!”
There are jobs for people with all types of experience, education, and skill levels. These roles offer a range of incentives, dependent on the job, such as competitive benefits, vacation time, THC-friendly options, and the ability to be hired-in with good attendance. Pay rates for these positions range up to $17.75/hour.
Highlights:
- WSI Battle Creek Hiring Event Cookout
- 201 Fritz Keiper Blvd. Battle Creek, MI
- Wednesday, August 11th
- 11 am – 2 pm
- Please contact the Battle Creek Office with any questions
The “You Don’t Have to Work Here to Get Paid” Event!
The “You Don’t Have to Work Here to Get Paid” Event!
WSI -Workforce Strategies, Inc., an award-winning staffing and recruitment firm, has just announced their “You Don’t Have to Work Here to Get Paid” referral program has been extended through August 31st. Participants can refer jobseekers to WSI for the chance to win up to $1,500! (No WSI affiliation required.)
How it Works
Extended through August 31st, earn a referral payout for anyone we put to work by the end of the month as follows:
Ready to get started?
The “You Don’t Have to Work Here to Get Paid” Referral program is open to all; entrants do not need to be a current WSI associate. Complete details and a referral form can be found at www.www.wsitalent.com/referrals/
WSI Battle Creek Super Summer Hiring Event
[Battle Creek, MI:] WSI (Workforce Strategies, Inc.), an award-winning recruitment and staffing agency, will be hosting their Super Summer Hiring Event at JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill on Saturday, June 12th from 11 am – 5 pm.
WSI is bringing this one-of-a-kind community event to the patio of JB’s, known for their famous Mac-n-Cheese, outdoor concerts, and events. Attendees will enjoy a variety of games, music, tasty (and free) tacos, as well as the opportunity to engage with potential area employers and promote their unique skill set.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to win a summer supply of Jarritos® – all natural, fruit-flavored sodas. WSI will be giving away four cases to one lucky winner!
Three Ways To Enter:
- Attend the hiring event and talk to one of our staffing professionals
- Sign-up as an Ambassador for WSI’s Referral Program to share with job seekers in your network
- Fill out a contact form at the event
In addition to all the fun, Battle Creek area employers will be onsite throughout the event to chat with job seekers about career opportunities. Learn about compensation, benefits, workplace conditions, and company culture in a relaxed and fun-filled environment.
Attending Employers:
The Super Summer event is open to everyone, not just job seekers. If you know someone looking for work, join our referral program! Earn $200 for every referral you make. Once your referral completes 80 hours of work, you collect the bonus! By becoming a Referral Ambassador at our event, you will be automatically entered into our Jarritos Grand Prize Giveaway.
“This is a great opportunity to bring your friends and family to our community event at JB’s Whiskey to learn about our job openings,” says Aliya Fadel, WSI Branch Manager. “We will have 9 different employers available to answer questions along with music, tacos, games, and plenty of jobs!”
Highlights:
- WSI Battle Creek Super Summer Hiring Event
- JB’s Whiskey Old Style Grill: 3905 W Dickman Rd, Springfield, MI 49037
- Saturday, June 12th
- 11 am – 5 pm
- Please contact the Battle Creek Office with any questions
- https://www.wsitalent.com/supersummer/
Onsite Hiring Event at Best Metal Products
[Grand Rapids, MI:] WSI (Workforce Strategies, Inc.), an award-winning recruitment and staffing agency, will be hosting an onsite hiring event at Best Metal Products on Tuesday, June 15th from 10 am – 2 pm.
WSI is teaming up with Best Metal Products to fill CNC/Lathe Operator and Material Handler positions on 1st & 2nd shift. Best Metal Products is a leader in the design, prototyping, and manufacturing of hydraulic cylinders for OEMs in the industrial and mobile hydraulic cylinder markets. Associates of Best Metal Products enjoy a team-oriented environment, the opportunity to be hired in with good attendance and productivity, and a pay rate of $14-$18/hour.
“We can’t wait to speak with job seekers about all of the career opportunities we have at Best Metal Products, ” says Ally Skrzypczak, WSI Account Manager. “Applicants can stop by our hiring event and start working right away!”
Due to COVID-19, all applicants will have their temperature taken with a temporal scanner prior to entering the building. Face masks are required inside – if you don’t have one, WSI will provide one for you. Interior areas will be marked with 6-foot distances and there are hand sanitizer stations throughout the building.
Highlights:
- WSI & Best Metal Products
- 3570 Raleigh Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512
- Tuesday, June 15th
- 10 am – 2 pm
- Job seekers should bring 2 forms of identification
- Please contact the Grand Rapids Office with any questions
Business is Blooming: WSI Recruitment & Staffing Opens Office in Holland
[Holland, MI]: WSI (Workforce Strategies, Inc.), an award-winning staffing and recruiting firm, expands operations by planting its roots in Holland, MI. The new office is now open and located at 12972 James Street, Suite 40.
WSI is now hiring for temp to hire and direct hire positions that pay $15-$20/hour. “We have a variety of jobs available for people who are self-motivated and have an eye for detail,” says WSI Account Manager, Alex Warner. Job seekers are welcome to stop by the office Monday through Friday, 8 am – 5 pm. Candidates are needed for full time positions in production, warehouse, assembly, and more. Jobs are available for people with all types of experience, education, and skill levels.
The WSI Holland office will be managed by Ana Post, a west Michigan local and WSI native. “I am thrilled to be serving as the Branch Manager,” Post says. “I recently celebrated my seventh anniversary with WSI and am proud to be part of our company’s steady growth from Kent County to the lakeshore. Holland is a beautiful community and I’m excited to meet everyone.”
Headquartered in Kalamazoo, WSI works with various companies throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio in industries ranging from manufacturing, light industrial, warehouse, facility services, and more. WSI’s Holland office marks its ninth recruitment and staffing location.
Additionally, WSI offers a chance to receive $200 per referral – and you don’t have to be a WSI employee to refer someone.
Highlights:
- WSI Recruitment & Staffing (Workforce Strategies, Inc.)
- New office in Holland, Michigan
- 12972 James St., Suite 40
For more information about WSI, visit www.www.wsitalent.com and/or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
