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Employer Brand: 10 Spontaneous Ways to Engage Your Employees
Employee Engagement drives your business forward via a motivated and loyal workforce. But what does it really mean and how do companies do it? Swanstaff has won several awards including the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies, Great Place to Work and Kent Excellence in Business Awards for Best Employer of the Year and Leader of the Year. This infographic gives some insight into how we achieve successful Employee Engagement, it goes to show that sometimes it is the small things that count! We believe that creating a well-balanced company culture that celebrates success is key. Our MD Steve says “My workforce is key to the success of Swanstaff, I make sure that they are informed, motivated, included and rewarded. I aim to achieve a positive company culture where achievers can thrive, the sky is the limit for our employees. The growth we have seen in the past 5 years is the result of a happy workforce that shares in our vision” Are you looking to hire a staffing agency? Please fill the form given below and we will be in touch soon. Form ID:5382
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5 Essential Items to Keep as a Healthcare Assistant
Every job has a set of essential tools that you will use to do the job well. Healthcare assistant (HCA) work is no different. If you understand the role of a healthcare assistant and what it takes to be an HCA, then you must also be aware that their job involves caring for people with a variety of needs and challenges so the tools they carry need to be able to help them in a number of different situations. We asked real HCA’s what they carry with them to make the job easier and these are the most recommended items: 1- Notepad and Pens Healthcare assistants get through a number of pens during their work. They are constantly taking notes, writing updates or documenting things in care plans. It is important that they have pens available to do this. However, pens are one of those things that are always going missing so make sure to be carrying a few. 2- Penlight Torch Penlights are useful for a number of different things including as a diagnostic tool if your role requires it. They can also help on a night shift if you need to read instructions in care plans or write something but are unable to switch a light on. 3- Fob Watch Fob watches are useful in most healthcare job roles. They help you to track your shift, plan tasks and record observations correctly. 4- Hand Sanitizer Although many care homes will provide hand sanitizer pumps around the home (which are really handy!) it can help to carry a small one with you. You can get ones that clip onto belts on loops depending on the type of uniform you will be wearing. 5- Gloves It can help to grab a couple of spare sets of gloves at the start of your shift. You never know when you might urgently need them! Can you think of anything else we might have missed off here? If you are looking for work in the healthcare industry, then check out our current jobs here. Alternatively, fill the form given below and we will be in touch soon. Form ID:5353
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5 Benefits of Working for A Temporary Staffing Agency
You may be looking for options besides permanent employment. If you are looking for temporary work and wondering why work with a temporary employment agency then keep reading. There are several reasons people choose to start agency work. Many people begin their careers working as a temp within an employment agency. So, are temp agencies worth it? Let’s find out how temporary staffing work by looking into the five main benefits that it provides: 1 - Get Hired Quickly & At a Good Rate Are temporary staffing agencies helpful? Yes, because if you are actively hunting for a job and did not have any luck so far, sit back and relax and let the staffing agency do the legwork for you. They always have a ready-to-join list of temporary roles that need to be filled. So, you not only find work easily and relatively quickly than permanent roles but also get good pay depending upon the hours you work for. Full-time positions take a lot of time to find. If you want to save time, then become an agency worker. 2 - Choose Your Own Hours By working with an employment agency, you have the chance to be in control of your life. It may be that you already have other commitments outside of work so being able to work flexibly and choose hours that fit your lifestyle will enable you to build a career that suits your needs. 3 - Improve Your Skills Agency work allows you to work within different environments potentially for numerous companies that will help you build upon your skills and improve your resume. The best recruitment agency will provide valuable training so you can gain the skills you need to find better work and get paid at a higher rate. You may even discover that you like working in a particular type of setting more than others and would like to further your career within it in the future. 4 - Get Paid Weekly If you are still on the fence and thinking, “Should I choose a staffing agency to find a job?”, then look for a good staffing company like Swanstaff. We will offer you the benefit of weekly pay at an hourly rate. A payday every week, what could be better, right? Here are some other benefits we offer as a temp agency: Free Training Flexible Hours per week - Full time or Part-Time, Day Shifts and/or Night Shifts Variable work environments providing a great opportunity to expand your skills Fast DBS Checking and Compliance Clearance Refer a Friend Scheme – earn up to £250 per referral Ambassador Scheme – access to company Perks/discounts & immediate referral bonuses Temp of the Month Scheme Friendly office teams plus the support of dedicated payroll and compliance staff. Swanstaff App – easily send your availability and receive Jobs Alerts 5 - Explore Better Work Opportunities If what you are really looking for is a permanent role then don’t rule out temporary work. Temporary work gives you that foot in the door into many respected businesses. If a permanent role is what you are aiming for then an agency will be able to help you find your perfect role while you work as a temporary worker. Now you know some of the main benefits of agency working, you’re probably wondering if you’ve chosen the right agency for you. Swanstaff as an employment agency does more than just fill job openings; we go the extra mile for all of our candidates. If you are job searching then have a look at our vacancies page to see if we’ve got the open position which is a good fit for you. Would you like to become a Swanstaff temporary worker? Then, please fill the form given below and a member of our staff will be in touch soon. Form ID:5353
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The Role of a Multi Drop Driver
As promised, this blog will be digging deep into the ins and outs of a Multi Drop Driving career. If you read our last blog ‘The role of an HGV Driver’ and you’re still unsure as to what career you want to take in the Driving industry, then read on: As the term ‘multi’ suggests, a Multi Drop Van Driver delivers to more than one place per day. The driver can complete around 30 drops per day. The Responsibilities of a Multi Drop Driver Be aware of and plan in advance all routes To check loading items before setting off To carry out daily maintenance checks to avoid any delays on the routes Load and unload goods safely Ensure the vehicle is returned in good condition To adhere to all Driving and Logistics legislation Dealing with customers Ensure all customers receive their deliveries The Requirements of a Multi Drop Driver Similar to an HGV driver, there are not many requirements needed to become a Multi Drop Driver, however, there are a couple, so take a look… Full UK driving license Physically fit to be able to lift the goods you are transporting on and off the vehicle Good geographical knowledge Skills Needed to be a Multi Drop Driver You’ll need an array of skills to become a marvellous Multi Drop Driver, and here they are: Good customer service skills Ability to work on your own and as part of a team A keen eye for detail Good spoken and written English Good interpersonal skills Ability to be flexible with working hours Typical Interview Questions If you’re reading this and thinking “yes, this sounds like a career I would enjoy” and you are wanting to schedule an interview as soon as possible, please read the typical interview questions we have put together that could come up: How do you define great customer service? Do you have a clean driving record? Have you been in a car accident? How comfortable are you driving within a … the radius of this area? What would you do if you got lost whilst driving for us? How would you stay focused whilst driving for long periods of time? How comfortable are you driving in unfamiliar areas? How would you describe your sense of direction? Why are you interested in this position? Why do you want to be a Multi Drop Driver? How do you manage your time at work? How flexible is your schedule? Multi Drop Driver Interview Tips Have a copy of your CV with you so you can refer back to your skills and experiences Research the company you are interviewing for – this will show you care about the company as a whole and not just their jobs Ensure you greet everyone with a smile and a firm handshake Dress in smart/casual attire. Even though you are not expected to wear a suit on the job, making an effort for the first time you meet them will be appreciated. If you’ve now made up your mind about what path to take in the Driving industry, see what job vacancies we have available for drivers. Alternatively, fill the form given below and we will be in touch soon. Form ID:5353
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Myths About HGV Driver Training That Need to Be Put to Rest
There are a lot of false impressions about HGV driver training. So we thought we’d address some of the main myths and finally put them to rest. Take a look at these 4 most popular myths and we will set the story straight for you... Myth #1: It’s difficult to get on a training course You don’t actually need any specific qualifications to train to be an HGV driver other than to be over 18, hold a UK driving license and be eager to learn from the right trainers. There are many different training providers who will accommodate you; you just need to find the one that’s right for you. Myth #2: The medical test is scary The law states that all HGV drivers are required to be in a suitable state of health in order to control their vehicles on public roads. That is why every new driver must go through a medical exam and has to be re-examined every time their license needs to be renewed. Honestly, this is not as daunting as it may sound. There is no training or preparation that needs to take place prior. It is just a simple check-up that will give you and the DVLA the necessary reassurance that you are fit to drive without being a hazard to other road users. Myth #3: It’s a sexist field to be in While female HGV drivers are undeniably the minority in the industry, there are more and more women taking up a career behind the wheel. Of course, the small number of women drivers means that sometimes people find themselves double-taking every now and again but, in society in general, people are now far more accepting of women being behind the wheel of an HGV. Myth #4: There are next to no jobs at the end of the training This myth couldn’t be any further from the truth! Haulage companies are bending over backward and digging deep into their pockets to attract new drivers… As the economy continues to grow, there are more than enough driving jobs to go around and that is available for people working locally and nationally too. Some European nationals who are living and working in the UK are choosing to return to their original country after 2016’s Brexit vote. This means that there are even more vacancies for qualified drivers. Another reason that there are lots of HGV jobs is the rise in online shopping calls for more delivery drivers and their lorries! Enjoyed this blog? You might like: The Role of an HGV Driver The Daily Struggles of an HGV Driver How to be a Healthy HGV Driver The Top 6 HGV Driver Interview Questions 5 Top Tips for Your First Day as HGV Driver If you’re looking to become an HGV Driver, take a look at what jobs we could offer you. Alternatively, fill the form given below and we will match you with the perfect job. Form ID:5353
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9 Practical Tips to become the Best HGV Driver
With a small amount of training and practice, the majority of people can drive a car; however, it takes a special kind of person to be able to drive an HGV. These people are more than just point A-B drivers. Think you’ve got what it takes to make it as an HGV driver? Check out these top tips on how you can be the best HGV driver: 1- Self-sufficient and the ability to work independently Having personal freedom is part of the attraction to HGV driving, especially long-distance driving. The chance to be alone for the majority of your day, being in complete control over your own driving and your vehicle is something some other workers envy. If you’re the type of person that needs flowing conversation and a busy workplace in order to get through the day, you may struggle with this kind of career. HGV drivers often spend long stretches of time driving alone and therefore must be able to handle being by themselves and having complete responsibility for the truck and the goods it transports. 2- Spatially aware If you are naturally in tune with the world around you, maneuvering an HGV in tight spaces will be no problem for you. Whether it be finding your way along narrow streets or anticipating hazards such as street furniture or pedestrians, it helps to be spatially aware. Most drivers soon get the hang of knowing what’s going on around their vehicle. 3- Technically literate You don’t need to be a mechanic, but when the unexpected happens, it helps to have a reasonable understanding of your vehicle. Even more importantly, these skills can help you recognise problems before they occur, so you can take tactical action and save the time of a lengthy delay while repairs take place. 4- Cool-headed If your blood pressure shoots to the sky every time another driver does something daft, a career on the road probably isn’t the best move for you. As well as not being good for your health, an HGV driver needs to be able to manage their anger. Expecting poor driving from others and giving them plenty of time and space, (especially learner, new and elderly drivers) has to be second nature. 5- Sense of responsibility An HGV driver should have a good sense of responsibility. If goods were to be damaged due to the way the driver was driving and that was clear to anyone then you should take responsibility as this would look better than blatantly lying to someone’s face (especially an employer). 6- Alertness An HGV driver must be alert at all times and able to be quick to respond to the road and driving conditions they are faced with. They must ensure they are well-rested and able to handle the task at hand. This is a huge potential hazard if not carried out due to the fact that if a driver is half asleep at the wheel then they can be causing danger to themselves and other road users. 7- Customer service skills HGV drivers must have excellent customer service skills when dealing with clients who are either shipping or receiving goods carried in the vehicle. You are the face of the company so, therefore, you have to be on top of your game. 8- Stamina As an HGV Driver, you should have good stamina for the loading and unloading of goods, some can be very heavy and therefore needs someone strong to be able to unload with no issues. Also, drivers need stamina for the long drives a trip involves, this means that they ideally should not have any back issues that could suddenly cause pain whilst driving and distract them. 9- Good time management Drivers should always ensure they’re consistently making all pick-ups and deliveries on-time. This is essential because if they are late or don’t show then it can reflect badly on the company you are working for and therefore result in losing business and money. Enjoyed this blog? You might like: The Role of an HGV Driver The Daily Struggles of an HGV Driver How to be a Healthy HGV Driver The Top 6 HGV Driver Interview Questions 5 Top Tips for Your First Day as HGV Driver If you’re looking to become an HGV Driver, take a look at what jobs we could offer you. Alternatively, fill the form given below and we will match you with the perfect job. Form ID:5353
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Work experience : Why is it important?
There is a negative stigma around work experience that needs to be broken, and that’s what this blog is here to do. Let’s be honest, when we finish secondary education most of us just don’t know what we want to spend the rest of our working lives doing, do we? Not being completely sure on what you want to do as a career is one of the top reasons why work experience is so important and beneficial. Trying out different industries and job roles without going through the dreaded interview/hiring process sounds like a dream, right? Right! Doing work experience also helps you understand the expectations of an employer and how you conduct yourself in the workplace. If you do know what you want to do as a career (or are pretty sure you do) then work experience is a great way to really get a feel for the industry and the specific role before you completely jump into the world of work! Completing voluntary work experience will also show employers that you are actually interested and passionate about the chosen industry/role. This can boost your confidence and put you at the front of their minds when they are hiring, or they may even take you on! Work experience is everything it says on the tin – it gives you experience in the working world. Which is believed to be what most employers favour over grades. Charles Kilfoy, EdD and Vice President of Learner Success at North-eastern Universtity said: “Employers today expect recent college graduates to demonstrate the equivalent of two years’ worth of work experience in their domain before they’ll consider hiring them,” he reveals. “That’s why it’s important to build experiential opportunity right into our academic programs, so learners apply classroom skills to solve real-world problems for real workplace sponsors.” There can be 100+ candidates all going for the same job, but already having experience in the role (or just the working world in general) can set you aside from the competition. Resulting in you being more successful in finding your perfect job! Networking is also a huge part of why work experience is beneficial. Meeting and speaking with new people from all different industries can broaden your job prospects and open your mind to new job roles (and skills of your own) that you may not have known existed. My name is Ellie, and before I started as a Marketing Apprentice at Swanstaff Recruitment, I knew nothing about Marketing - but I did know that it was something that may suit my personality and meet my interests. So I completed voluntary work experience with the company. I enjoyed my time so much and it resulted with me being offered an interview for a full time role that also offered me the opportunity to gain a further qualification, so in my experience my work placement has been a catalyst for my career.
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4 reasons to recruit staff in January
Well, the festive period is well and truly over for another year. This can only mean that it is time to kick start 2020 with some new goals and aspirations, right? So what better chance to brush up on your recruiting skills and start recruiting for your dream team! Check out the reasons why you need to be recruiting in January… New Year’s resolutions Lots of people will be making a New Year’s resolution to enter 2020 with. It is thought that over 30% of UK workers consider a career change as the New Year Gets underway as they re-evaluate their lives, finances and aspirations. Data shows that January see’s a huge surge (33%) in Job searches on the top job boards compared to December, therefore there will be an influx of potential candidates to choose from, who are just waiting for your call – don’t miss out! More optimism Each year, January 1st is known to bring a wave of optimism over people. This can be in their personal or professional lives. A person who feels optimistic will go after what they want – so here’s your chance to show them that working for you and your company is the right move. Hopefully your colleagues and employees will be full of positivity and optimism too – a great time to be introducing new team members and ensuring there is a great company culture to make them stay! New Year, new business goals It’s not only job seekers who take time to reflect as the New Year begins, business leaders and Senior team members also take time out to set their professional and business goals and they draw up the strategy, resources and budgets that they need to achieve these. Chances are that if you are looking to grow your business (and you should be!) that you’ll be looking for talented people to help you achieve this. This is your chance to really capture your idea of who you want to employ and take the time to scout them out! Fresh mind Having the Christmas/New Year period off to chill out and recharge – you will be going back to work with a clear mind and can really focus on your recruitment plan and getting it done, instead of being distracted by other things. If you’re taking our advice and want to start recruiting now – why not click here to check out our services for both Permanent and Temporary Recruiting in the UK.
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12 ways we celebrated Christmas
Our favourite festive period may be over for another year but we want to reflect on what made Christmas great at Swanstaff in 2019! We have shared our 12 different ways we celebrated this year and inspiration for you and your team to “step into Christmas” in 2020. Take a look… STEP 1 Put up the office Christmas tree! Finding a spot in the office that’s best to showcase your amazing tree can be the most difficult part of this activity – the rest is just you and your team bonding and having fun! STEP 2 Nothing gets us in the Christmas spirit more than decorating our desks with Christmas lights and Christmassy decorations! STEP 3 Not only can playing music througout the workplace boost morale, playing Christmas music can be a way of getting your employees engaged and in the Christmas mood! You’re missing out if you haven’t heard Swanstaff’s rendition of “All I want for Christmas is you”! STEP 4 Introducing Christmas Jumper Fridays throughout December can be a great way to get your team engaging with work and also with eachother. Showing off funny Christmas jumpers can be a good bonding excerise. Check out our teams Christmas jumper pictures… STEP 5 Buying your team their own advent calanders doesn’t have to break the bank and it can be a great way to show your appreciation to them for their hard work and dedication to the company. STEP 6 Dressing up for National Elf Day is such a fun day that everyone can participate in. It is also a good way to do your bit for charity by raising money for Alzhiemers on the 6th December each year. STEP 7 Holding a Christmas Hat Day is another day that everyone can participate in – however ensure that they are appropriate! STEP 8 I think this one is everyone’s favourite – hold a company Christmas party! This is a bigger way to show how appreciative you are of your staff and a chance to let their hair down! STEP 9 Collecting Christmas charity donations can be a great team building excerise. This year Swanstaff’s internal teams have chosen different charities to send a crate of goodies too. Each team buy, decorate and deliver the goods to the charities in Christmas crates around the Christmas period. STEP 10 The same as decorating your desks – you and your team could decorate the kitchen area together! STEP 11 Back in October for our Wellbeing Week – Swanstaff hosted a Potluck Picnic and it was voted a favourite by our staff – so we have decided to host a Potluck Christmas Lunch for the teams! STEP 12 We took part in secret santa and found that it was a great way to boost engagement and morale within the teams! We also had a surprise visit from Santa himself! Saying goodbye to the festive season has been hard but 2020 is a year to look forward to and achieve great things! If you're looking to base your new years resolutions on your job search, click here!
