4 Tips for Post-Pandemic Workplace Etiquette

4 Tips for Post-Pandemic Workplace Etiquette

As many offices begin to re-open, workers can expect to be met with new safety protocols, open concept workspaces, and varying levels of comfortability in our world of the “new normal”.   As we adjust to these fresh starts, it is more important than ever to draw on our ability to empathize with others and maneuver workspaces with thoughtfulness.

Tip 1: Review Covid-19 Safety Protocols 

Policies and rules vary from business to business, so be sure to take note of all safety protocols provided by your employer prior to returning to the office.  Pack an extra mask so that you’re prepared for situations such as offsite client meetings that may fall under different protocols than your workplace.

Tip 2:  Avoid the “V” Topic

Returning to the office provides an opportunity to become reacquainted with colleagues and catch-up on life events.  Conversations can quickly turn to vaccination status and it should be avoided.  This is private medical information and intrusive inquiries are inappropriate.  Likewise the oversharing of vaccination information can also make people uncomfortable.

Tip 3: Leave Your Tchotchkes at Home

Many companies are moving to open concept workspaces with unassigned seating.  This can be a big adjustment for people who enjoy having all their creature comforts nearby.  Also, refrain from encroaching on temporarily unoccupied desks with your overflow. 

Tip 4: Embrace Meeting New Neighbors

These new open concept workspaces create a fluid community.  While some may prefer the routine of seeing the same faces everyday, open concept seating allows for new connections and communities to grow so it is likely you will have rotating workplace neighbors. 

Observing these general tips should help with the transition from remote work.  Be sensitive to the fact that everyone’s level of comfort will vary (respect one another’s boundaries).  Extend a bit of grace as we all continue to shift and pivot. 

We’d love to hear from you.  Please share your tips for transitioning from remote work in the comments below!

Make it a great day.

5 Transforming Workplace Facts About Generation Z

5 Transforming Workplace Facts About Generation Z

Show me a company that is not interested in hiring and retaining the best talent and I’ll show you a company that is about to go under.

Concerns over a lack of talent remain top of mind for companies that want an edge over its competition.  According to  a Gartner survey, CEOs around the world consider talent shortage to be the top emerging risk for their companies.  That, coupled with Generation Z’s (Gen Z) increasing demands for a short time-to-hire, more face-to-face communication, and a high-tech hiring process, the competition for top talent continues to grow.

With that said, here are five things to know about this amazing demographic:

  1. They are ultra-focused and work efficiently. They’re not looking for a 30-year career with a company.
  2. They’re known as the “digital generation”— they are proficient and sophisticated in navigating through any kind of social media.  
  3. They openly speak their truth to offer balance and goodwill to society and the workplace.
  4. Education is one of their core values.  While it may not always take place in a traditional classroom setting, they seek innovative ways to learn and evolve.  
  5. They believe in authenticity.  If they perceive your brand is focused on only making money and not giving back to the community, they will call you out and offer suggestions on how to make the world a better place.

Focus on unconventional strategies to recruit Generation Z.  They will be a valuable asset to your workforce.

Engage. Encourage. Educate.  And, make it a great day !

3 Ideas to Attract Gen Z to Your Company

3 Ideas to Attract Gen Z to Your Company

How to Attract Generation Z Talent

Generation Z is bombarded with online information at all times so companies need be sure that job postings capture and keep their attention.  Job postings should be short, engaging, and mobile friendly.  Adding short video on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook that tells them about life at your company will grab their attention and prompt them to look closer at your company.

Here are three more ideas on how to attract qualified Gen Z prospects:

1) Provide growth opportunities.  Dog-friendly offices and daily free lunches are not the magnet for Gen Z as it is with Millennials.  Financial incentives and career advancements are the ticket that will draw them.  In fact, according to LinkedIn, almost 60% of Gen Zers want to learn professional skills in order to make more money.  They cite Entelo, a recruitment software company, as awarding all of its employee $1,000 each year to spend on continuing education and professional development

2) Gen Z expects workplace technology to be state-of-the-art and operate with optimal speed.  According to Dell Technologies, 80% of Gen Z students aspire to work with cutting edge technology and 91% say technology would influence their job choice.

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to invade our daily lives, workplaces need to determine how to keep up and make use the skills that young digital natives (Gen Z) possess.

3) Champion their independence and entrepreneurial spirit.  According to ServiceNow, Gen Zers want:

Professional growth/learning opportunities: 37%

  • Interesting and relevant work: 29%
  • Remote work location/flexible work schedule: 25%
  • Job security: 25%
  • Worklife balance: 23%
  • Reputation of the company as a great place to work: 23%

Keep in mind that Gen Z embraces, authenticity, truthfulness, and empathy…all the more reason that the foundation of your corporate culture and core values should be based on inclusion and belonging.

Make it a great day. 

Employees Are a Company’s Most Important Asset

Employees Are a Company’s Most Important Asset

Photo Provided by Pixaby

During one of my recent training sessions, several participants were surprised to hear me say that employees, not customers, are a company’s most valued asset.  Customers are second.

When employees understand and champion the corporate mission, vision, and core values, their work will reflect what they believe in.  They will be engaged and motivated…in fact, they’ll give such incredible experiences that customers will want to keep coming back to buy more goods and services.  Employees are the key to creating loyal customers and an endless referral source.

Bright Ideas to Satisfy Your Customer 

Bright Ideas to Satisfy Your Customer 

Photo Provided by Pixaby

Customer service is the lifeblood of every organization.  Maintaining a feasible pre- and post-sale customer experience strategy will help launch team sales into first place in your company’s overall goals.  While there is no secret code on how to acquire quality customers, we know that investing time and effort to develop a plan surely helps.  Today, we’ll talk about ideas on how to attract new customers and retain existing ones.

Consider this:

> Target a specific customer base who would appreciate you sending personalized video emails which, by the way, is an excellent way to give specific and detailed responses to questions and problems.

> You should know what social media outlets your clients use.  Make sure you are present on them and offering tips, suggestions, remedies, and foresight…be the thought leader in your industry.  Remember, over the last few years, channels other than the telephone has risen:  Chat – 43%, Online communities – 39% and Web self-service – 18%.