On November 6th, 2018, Michigan residents voted for the legalization of recreational marijuana use. This act allows adults 21 years and older to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana and grow up to 12 plants in their home for recreational use. While the use of recreational marijuana may be legal in many states, most of these state’s laws do not inhibit an employer’s ability to deny employment to applicants with THC in their system. This legalization forces companies to ask themselves: Does using recreational marijuana off company time impact job performance? Some of our clients say no. 

While the workplace remains a drug-free environment, many of our clients have loosened their pre-employment requirements by no longer screening for THC. “They’ve realized there is a difference between being impaired and having it in their system.,” said WSI Vice President, Steve Beebe, in a recent interview with WWMT. “We are seeing more and more companies that are allowing that and not looking at it as a pre-employment condition.”

Beebe goes on to say that whether or not you’re screened for THC is on a company-to-company basis. You may not be initially screened, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be asked to test for THC later on. Instances such as being up for a promotion in a higher risk job, like a forklift operator, may require a screen.

It seems there has been a shift in society and that the stigma associated with using recreational marijuana lessens the more we discover about the drug. In a July 2019 Gallup poll, 12% of U.S. adults said they smoke marijuana, a percentage that is essentially unchanged since 2015. 

For more information about the legalization of marijuana in Michigan, check out our blog: Let’s Be Blunt

A grand opening kicked off with a job fair? What could be better! Join us at our brand new Paw Paw Office on August 27th, 10 am – 2 pm for our grand opening hiring event! 

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Here are 4 reasons to attend the Paw Paw grand opening job fair:

1. Meet the team

Come meet Chelsea and Lindsey! They will be available throughout the event to answer questions, give advice, and chat about our available opportunities. 

2. Tees and Treats

Giveaways will be aplenty! We’ll have complimentary snacks and treats all day long. (A full belly makes for better job hunting) Plus, our office roommate, Cheeky Print Shop, will be giving out free t-shirts while supplies last. 

3. Safety Precautions

Just because we’ll be having fun doesn’t mean we’ll forget to be safe. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available for all who attend. 

4. Jobs!
Last, but certainly not least – jobs! Get first pick of your preferred job while it’s still available. Choose from more than 200 hundreds of immediate, full-time openings in industries ranging from auto manufacturing, light industrial, uniform services, marketing material/board game packaging, and more:

• Machine Operators
• General Laborers
• Material Handlers
• Warehouse Associates
• Order Processors
• Assembly & Production
• And more!

Can’t make it? No problem – learn more about us and apply online.

Thursday, August 27th

WSI Paw Paw

233 E. Michigan Ave, Paw Paw, MI 49079

10 am – 2 pm | (269) 488-5138

Earlier this summer, we launched our first-ever, Free Rent Referral Program. To participate, individuals referred friends and family to WSI in order to be entered into a drawing for a chance to have their monthly rent expenses covered. Our first drawing was completed and we have a winner…. Congratulations Yesenia Varela!

Yesenia is an employee at Roskam Baking Company in Grand Rapids, MI. Yesenia’s career with WSI began on July 27, 2020, as a General Labor Associate on 3rd shift. Not even two months into her role, she moved up to a Machine Operator position. Following outstanding performance as a Machine Operator, Roskam has offered Yesenia a permanent position with the company. 

“Yesenia was so excited and very thankful to be named our first winner of the Free Rent Referral program,” says Ana Post, WSI Grand Rapids Branch Manager. “The check was presented to her between a shift change so a lot of people were curious about the big check. Many stuck around to see who had won.” 

On a personal level, Ana was just as excited as Yesenia. “It was so rewarding to be able to give back to an outstanding associate,” she said. 

Once again, congratulations Yesenia on your current promotion and winning the 1st free rent giveaway! We are so excited for all the great things ahead for you and the Roskam Family!

The Free Rent Referral program is open to all; entrants do not need to be a current WSI associate. The next winner will be drawn on/around September 1st. 

Complete details and a referral form can be found at https://www.wsitalent.com/rent. 

Here’s your chance to work on Broadway! (Street…we mean Broadway Street.) WSI Workforce Strategies, Inc., is hosting a job fair onsite at Precision Wire Forms Inc. (1100 W Broadway St, Three Rivers, MI) on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020.

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Here are 4 reasons to attend the WSI & Precision Wire Forms job fair:

1. Meet Courtney

Come out and meet Courtney, WSI Account Manager for Precision Wire. She will be available throughout the event to answer questions, give advice, and chat about our available opportunities. 

2. Snacks and Swag

Giveaways will be aplenty! All-day long we’ll be giving out Precision Wire company swag and complimentary snacks. Plus, we hear a full belly makes for better job hunting.

3. Safety Precautions

Just because we’ll be having fun doesn’t mean we’ll forget to be safe. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available for all who attend. 

4. Jobs!

Last, but certainly not least – jobs! Get first pick of your preferred job while it’s still available. Choose from Machine Operator openings on 1st and 2nd shift. Employees enjoy medical benefits, vacation time, and a variety of growth opportunities upon hire-in.

Pay ranges begin at $12/hour.

Can’t make it? No problem – learn more about us and apply online.

Wednesday, September 2nd

Precision Wire Forms, Inc.

1100 W Broadway St, Three Rivers, MI

10 am – 3 pm | (269) 488-5100

It’s like a job fair, but better. Join us at our Grand Rapids Office on August 12, 2020
from 10 AM – 2 PM for our second Summer Palooza! 

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Here are 5 reasons why you should attend: 

1. Meet Waskar and Alex
   Our very own Waskar and Alex will be going live on Facebook to ask questions, give advice, and spread the word about our available opportunities. If you haven’t met them yet – be sure to come out and meet them and the rest of our GR team! 

2. Snacks
   We’ll be snackin’ and yakkin’ under the tent in our front yard! Grab a snack (some from your potential future employers!) and then head inside to learn all about our current openings. 

3. Safety Precautions
   Just because we’ll be having fun doesn’t mean we’ll forget to be safe. Masks and hand sanitizer will be available for all who attend.

4. Spanish Speaking Coordinators
   Si se siente mejor hablando español, no se preocupe! Estamos aqui para ayudarlo con lo que necesite!

5. Jobs!
   Last, but certainly not least – jobs! Get first pick of your preferred job while you can. Choose from hundreds of immediate, full-time openings in industries ranging from food manufacturing, light industrial, aerospace, facility services and more:

• General Laborers
• Material Handlers
• Rackers
• Packers
• Sanitation Technicians
• Blow Molders/Assemblers
• General Cleaners
• Entry-Level Machinists
• Machine Operators
• Wash Booth Attendants
• Warehouse Associates
• Shipping & Receiving Clerks
• Order Processors
• And more!

Pay rates range from $10 – $16/hr (weekly gross pay of $400 – $640).

Can’t make it? No problem – learn more about us and apply online at www.wsitalent.com/jobs.

Wednesday, August 12
WSI Grand Rapids
1960 28th Street SE, Grand Rapids MI 49508
10 AM – 2 PM | 616-957-8199

As traffic increases in our offices, WSI wants to assure you that we will continue to take proper precautions to keep you safe.

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With businesses starting to reopen, many Americans are receiving phone calls from their employers that it’s time to go back to work. For many, the decision seems easy (thanks to the CARES Act enhanced unemployment benefits).

“Why would I go back to work when I make more on unemployment?” 

It may not even be about the money – quite frankly, the fear of being exposed to COVID-19 or having a lack of child care are very real concerns as well. We understand. However, the decision might be a little more difficult than that. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind when you get that call to go back to work: 

Expanded Unemployment Benefits Only Last So Long

More than 33 million Americans have filed for unemployment since mid-march. These workers receive an additional $600 per week under the coronavirus stimulus bill for now, as the benefit will end July 31st. As of August 1st, benefits will return to the normal amount, which is around 40-45% of your previous income. 

According to Forbes, “Many experts predict the labor market to be tight through the end of the summer and potentially into the fall and winter quarters.” This makes it even more crucial to plan ahead and take advantage of employment opportunities before the expanded unemployment benefits run out. 

You May Disqualify Yourself From Unemployment

If your previous job is offered, you’re required to accept to avoid being disqualified from unemployment. The exceptions? If there are major changes to your previous job, or you decline because of a reason related to coronavirus. (For example, you need to care for a sick family member at home.) Beyond those reasons, declining a job offer could result in a loss of unemployment benefits. 

You May Lose Employer Benefits

Employees who are furloughed still have access to their healthcare and retirement benefits, however, if an employee declines their offer to go back – those benefits will end. Alternatively, employees would have to extend their health insurance through COBRA or purchase a plan on the healthcare marketplace under a special enrollment period.

Something to keep in mind: 

Employees who are working part-time are still eligible to receive the $600 federal benefit through July. To learn more, head here.

At the end of the day, it’s understandable to question whether or not you should return to work. As Catherine Brock from The Motley Fool says in her article, “While there’s no way to predict how the economy will respond in the next three or six months, it’s highly likely that the employment picture will be unpleasant for the rest of the year. If going back to work now insulates you from a dreary job market later, it may just be worth it — assuming you take the appropriate steps to stay safe and healthy.” 

With all this being said, we’re not here to scare or shame, as we understand every individual needs to make the best decision for themselves and their family. But, we do want you to know that we’re here for you through any decision you make. 

We’ve all heard the adage “Look for the helpers” during times of crisis. Now more than ever, community resources offer the help many of us need thanks to the aftershocks of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’ve experienced job and income loss, are behind on your rent or utilities, or have been otherwise adversely affected, there are several organizations that can help sustain you and your family in the weeks and months to come.

Large organizations like United Way and Salvation Army are great places to start, and partner with other organizations to help meet basic human needs. Here are other resources available in the communities we serve, and beyond.

MICHIGAN

Michigan 2-1-1 Find assistance with food, housing, rent and utility payments, mental health resources, and more.

Public School Meal Distribution Sites (if you don’t see your school listed, contact the school directly for more information):

• Kalamazoo Public Schools
• Portage Public Schools
• Grand Rapids Public Schools
• Battle Creek Public Schools
• Sturgis Public Schools

Feeding West Michigan Where to find food through Michigan when you need it.

WMU Invisible Needs Project Assists college students with food and other necessities.

MI Bridges State assistance for healthcare, food, child care, cash assistance, and more.

Michigan Unemployment All the information you need about filing for unemployment in Michigan.

OHIO (UNION & LOGAN COUNTIES)

Ohio 2-1-1 Find assistance with food, housing, rent and utility payments, mental health resources, and more.

United Way of Union County

United Way of Logan County

Public School Meal Distribution Sites (if you don’t see your school listed, contact the school directly for more information):

• Marysville Public Schools
• Bellefontaine Public Schools

Ohio.gov  State assistance for healthcare, food, child care, cash assistance, and more.

Ohio Unemployment All the information you need about filing for unemployment in Ohio.

INDIANA (TIPTON COUNTY)

Indiana 2-1-1 Find assistance with food, housing, rent and utility payments, mental health resources, and more.

United Way of Howard & Tipton Counties Housing and food assistance, services for veterans, and more.

Tipton Public Schools Meal Distribution Sites

Indiana Unemployment All the information you need about filing for unemployment in Indiana.

Family and Social Services Administration State assistance for healthcare, food, child care, cash assistance, and more.

We believe it is our role and responsibility during this time to prioritize two things: the health and well-being of our employees and client partners while also playing a constructive role in supporting local health officials and government leaders as they work to contain the virus. 

Through that lens, we will continue to make decisions based on the latest information provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

We wanted to personally reach out to you and provide an update on the actions that WSI is taking to help prevent the spread of the virus and support the health and well-being of our employees, our client partners, and our communities.

What WSI Is Doing:

1. Constant communication with client partners:  WSI teams are in regular and constant communication with our clients to ensure they are following the recommended strategies for employers in the guidance outlined by the CDC to help prevent workplace exposures to COVID-19. We are also asking clients to inform us immediately of any confirmed cases of COVID-19 at their work site locations so that we can effectively communicate to our employees.
2. Asking employees to stay home if sick: We are asking that all WSI employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever (100.4° F [37.8° C]), signs of fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Please see guidance outlined below as to what you should do if you cannot go to work.
3. Communicating cough and sneeze etiquette and providing access to hand sanitization: We are encouraging all WSI employees to follow the CDC- recommended cough and sneeze etiquette, hand hygiene, and asking clients to promote this via signage or other means in their workplace.   
4. Frequent environmental cleaning: WSI and its clients are frequently cleaning and sanitizing all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, countertops, and doorknobs. 

What Employees Can Do:

1. Communication: If you are well but have a sick family member at home with COVID-19, please notify your supervisor immediately.
2. If you are confirmed to have COVID-19: please notify WSI immediately. WSI will then inform fellow employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace but maintain confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 
3. Follow the CDC-recommended cough and sneeze etiquette and hand hygiene.

What to do if you can’t make it into work:

If you are sick or need to care for a family member at home with COVID-19, we ask that you contact both your WSI office (see contact info below), as well as your worksite supervisor. 

When calling WSI, please provide:

• Your name
• Worksite location and shift
• Worksite supervisor
• Reason why you cannot come to work
• The date you anticipate returning to work

Should you have any questions about our policies or practices, please feel free to contact WSI 24/7 via phone, text, or email.

Kalamazoo

• Call/Text: (269) 488-5100
• Email: kalamazoo_office@wsitalent.com

Battle Creek

• Call/Text:  (269) 968-1008
• Email: battle_creek_office@wsitalent.com

Grand Rapids

• Call/Text: (616) 957-8199
• Email: grand_rapids_office@wsitalent.com 

Sturgis

• Call/Text: (269) 488-5115
• Email: sturgis_office@wsitalent.com

Ohio

• Call/Text: (937) 240-4203
• Email: marysville_office@wsitalent.com

Tipton

• Call/Text: (317) 406-7644
• Email: indiana@wsitalent.com

Thank you for helping prevent the spread of the virus and supporting the health and well-being of our communities.