In today’s ever-evolving global landscape, diversity and inclusion have taken center stage in the workplace. Companies across the world are recognizing the myriad benefits of creating a diverse workforce, as it brings a multitude of advantages to both the organization and its employees. This article explores the advantages of fostering a diverse workforce. Better Opportunities for Creativity and Problem-Solving When a team comprises individuals with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, it creates a fertile ground for innovative thinking. These varied perspectives can lead to a broader range of ideas and approaches, ultimately leading to more creative solutions. This diversity of thought can be a powerful catalyst for driving innovation and staying ahead in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. It can also help in understanding a diverse customer base, which can lead to more inclusive and effective product and service offerings. Greater Employee Retention Employees who feel valued and respected for their unique qualities and contributions are more likely to stay with the company long-term. This is because a diverse and inclusive workplace fosters a sense of belonging and engagement among employees. People are more likely to feel committed to an organization that recognizes and appreciates their differences. When employees see themselves reflected in the company culture and leadership, they are more likely to remain loyal to the organization. High retention rates not only reduce recruitment and training costs but also contribute to a more stable and productive workforce. Increased Boardroom Leverage Organizations with diverse leadership teams make better decisions primarily because of the diverse perspectives and experiences they bring to the table. A diverse board of directors can better represent the interests of a broad range of stakeholders, and this can lead to more balanced and well-informed decision-making. Moreover, diverse leadership teams are more adept at understanding and navigating diverse

The workforce continues to evolve. That means your approach to hiring practices needs to adapt to those changes. One of those changes should include expanding the age range of your hiring pool. If you are having a hard time filling your job vacancies, look at the older workforce. Older adults can bring a unique value to your company and provide numerous advantages for your business. Discover seven compelling reasons to add older adults to your workforce.  1. Leadership When you own a business, you need employees who can move into leadership positions. Older adults often bring the leadership skills you need for your business. They have often developed the ability to communicate, problem-solve, and delegate. As a result, when you hire older adults, they are likely ready to step right into those leadership positions you need. 2. Experience Older adults often have decades of experience in their respective fields. Their extensive knowledge and expertise can be invaluable to your organization. But, older adults also bring a wealth of practical skills and insights. The experience that older adults bring allows them to mentor younger employees. Mentoring helps encourage continued learning and professional growth.  3. Resilience It is not uncommon for the economy to go through unexpected changes. The US economy has seen a lot of upheaval over the years. Many older adults have dealt with various workplace challenges. These challenges provide resilience that lets them adapt to the changes that occur. This resilience helps older workers navigate the changes that happen in the workplace.  4. Reliability When staffing your company, you need to ensure dedication and reliability. That is where older workers become beneficial. Older adults have fewer outside obligations that can take them away from the workplace. Most older adults have already obtained their education. And, they have already raised

Is retail the right industry for you? Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time, returning to employment after years of caring for your children, or just want to switch career paths, take a look at what you need to know about finding a job in the retail field. Why Choose a Career in Retail? If you’re not sure which career is right for you, learning about the retail industry can help you to make an informed decision. Careers in retail come with plenty of benefits. These include: A flexible schedule. Does a Monday through Friday nine-to-five day sound ideal? Some retail jobs offer these hours. But if you would prefer to only work evenings, weekends, or partial days, retail jobs often have flexible schedule options. A variety of job positions. Don’t worry if sales isn’t your strong point. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), forty-four percent of retail employees don’t work in sales positions. Other retail jobs include technology, marketing, finance, and management. A social setting. Do you enjoy being around other people? Jobs in retail provide you with the chance to work as part of a team or directly with customers.  Along with these benefits, it’s also possible to work in some retail positions without spending years in school. While specialized retail careers (such as marketing or technology) will require a college degree or beyond, you won’t need this type of formal education to work in an entry-level sales position. This means you can start working in retail right away. How Can You Find a Job in Retail? There are a few different ways that job seekers can find work in a retail setting. The method you choose depends on your experience, the type of position you want, and your personal preferences or comfort level. While you can go

Does your small but growing business need to hire help? This stage in any small business’s life cycle is a delicate time. You need to keep up with demand and encourage growth, but you also likely still have a tight budget and are new to many aspects of being a business owner.  Before you rush out to hire your first employee, though, consider adopting another strategy instead: working with a temporary agency first. How can this help you and your business? Here are a few important ways. 1. It Saves Money and Time Many new employers aren’t aware that hiring employees is an expensive and time-consuming task. An employer can spend an average of 33 to 49 days looking at applications, conducting interviews, and vetting candidates. You could be spending that valuable time on their business operations. In addition, you may pay 25% to 40% over the salary offering once you add in things like taxes and benefits.  Temporary workers reduce these business costs by letting the staffing agency take on the work of being an employer. They screen candidates and only present those who fit your needs best, and then they foot the bill for payroll while you pay an agreed-upon amount for their services.  2. It Prevents New Red Tape A small business that has largely gone under the radar of government oversight will find itself subject to much more regulation when they become an employer. You’ll have to register with the IRS and state tax agencies, file new tax forms, and track remittances. You’ll now be subject to state labor boards and the federal employer rules. And you’ll need to keep abreast of employment law changes.  Rather than mire your small company in new layers of red tape, let a staffing agency handle this and concentrate on your business.  3. It

As you bring in new workers, you undoubtedly want the most qualified individuals without breaking your payroll budget. And one way to help ensure that you get that talented workforce and improve your company’s effectiveness is to hire a diverse mix of employees. Why does diversity in hiring matter? Here are some ways it benefits the company. 1. A Broader Range of Skills If you only look at one pool of candidates, you may get a much narrower range of skill sets and experience. The more you venture outward to reach other groups, including other age ranges and genders, the more you get different talents and skills. For instance, your company can benefit from an older worker who spent decades working in sales as well as from a young person who’s savvy in social media. By putting these divergent skill sets to work as a team, their potential is much greater than either has alone. 2. Introduction of Fresh Ideas When people look at the same problem in different ways, they are more likely to find different solutions. This helps an employer because employees can think outside pre-established boxes. One staff member may have always handled a particular task — such as the bookkeeping — the same way, but it may not be the most effective or efficient way to do so. When you hire someone who looks at the task differently, they may have a much better solution. You might find that the amount of time that project takes is reduced, the work is more accurate, or you understand it better. 3. A Better Company Reputation Clients value diverse companies and inclusive experiences. One reason is that customers appreciate working with people who both reflect their life experience and those who represent a different way of looking at things.

Does your company have a big project it wants to or needs to undertake? Perhaps you want to research a new product line, open a pop-up or seasonal location, or conduct a large-scale internal audit. Unfortunately, finding the time, resources, and willpower to complete a project of this size can be daunting when the business is already busy enough.

What should you look for when you hire temporary or seasonal workers? While you want many of the same attributes that make good permanent workers, there are some unique differences that any employer should seek when vetting candidates for a seasonal position. Here are seven of the most important.