Do you have Substance Abuse Policies in place?
The matter of Mthembu and 2 others v NCT Durban Wood Chips (September 2018), showed us that employers and the CCMA have zero tolerance when it comes to substance abuse, and that policies are required to be in place. The facts were laid out like this as to why the CCMA agreed that the 3 employees were fairly dismissed: The employers business has dangerous and large machinery moving in and around their premises on a daily basis, such as a clipper that rotates at 5000RPM, and as these employees jobs were directly related to these machines, there was the danger of them causing harm to themselves and others, never mind damage to the machinery Their jobs were of a log deck assistance, a knife sharpener and a weigh-bridge operator, which further impacted that their ability to perform these roles could be impacted by being under the influence of cannabis They had received the substance abuse policy and they had regular discussions around the matter within their groups, so there was no excuse for claiming to not understand the rules If you don’t have the correct policies, practices and procedures in place, you may be opening up your company to legal claims, and of course the possibility of health and safety issues. While the private cultivation and use of cannabis have been passed, it does not allow for use when it impacts on the health and safety of others, especially in a work environment. Download the Substance Abuse Policy should you not have this in place yet. West Coast Personnel are always finding ways to assist employers so that they stay on the straight on narrow. If you have any queries on what you need in place, please reach out today. To find staff – be sure to link through here or follow up on our social platforms.
Job Shadowing – Take our tips and do it like a boss
Job shadowing can be daunting. You are there to observe and learn, and most times you can feel like you are in the way. Job Shadowing like a boss UNDERSTAND THE JOB PARAMETERS BEFORE YOU ARRIVE Do some research beforehand. Sure, you are there to learn, but knowing a bit about the position will help you feel less nervous and also look more efficient and proactive. HAVE A SET OF QUESTIONS READY TO ASK What you don’t understand is best covered by asking. Don’t be too overzealous with the questions though – you don’t want to irritate – remember whomever you are shadowing has to actually do their job whilst you are there. Keep the questions to a minimum and make them count. ASK HOW YOU CAN MAKE THEIR DAY EASIER Job shadowing is also about assisting, as this is the best way to learn. So, ask them upfront, before you start, how you can help them make their day easier. They will appreciate your presence more if you are taking a load off their plate too. KEEP A NOTEPAD AND PEN HANDY You are not expected to remember everything you are shown, so be sure to write it down. It would be super irritating if you kept asking the same questions, and if you are there to eventually take over that position, you don’t want to be bugging others about what to do. BE INTERACTIVE WITH OTHERS Besides the person you are job shadowing, speak to the other employees. Ask them how they enjoy working there, how long have they been there, and what they do exactly. Remember, you will be working with these people going forward. Make nice now. PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY Sitting on your phone, taking calls, or scrolling through Facebook is not going to help you. And, it will look really bad to the boss and to the others who are actually working. Slip that phone into your bag or pocket and forget about it. When you are given a break, then you can walk away to a private area and do your thing. BE POSITIVE AND FRIENDLY Put a smile on your dial and make the most of your time there. You never know where a job shadow will lead you, so be the best you can be at the moment in time. And … good luck! Be sure to follow us on Facebook!
WHAT KIND OF LEADER ARE YOU?
A leader comes in many shapes and sizes. Knowing which one you are can help you lead better. There are commonly 8 leadership styles – we explore these: 8 LEADERSHIP STYLES 1. Transformational Leader Innovation and change is a big part of this leadership style. These leaders want to encourage growth and ideas within their followers. 2. Democratic Leader This leader wants to bring in their sheep to participate. They are open to “the more the merrier” and believe that strength and growth come in numbers. They are very team led. 3. Bureaucratic Leader ‘By the book’ is a phrase that resonates with this type of leader. They want to follow a set of rules and do it right. They are not very forgiving when the rules are bent or broken. They believe that everything and everyone belongs in a box and that this is what works best. 4. Transactional Leader With this leader, they will give but they do expect something in return. There will always be a transaction or trade taking place here. 5. Servant Leader Some may get confused whether this person is a leader at all, as they always seem to be doing things themselves. But, their belief is that if they serve, the rest will follow in likeness. 6. Autocratic Leader The opposite of the democratic leader – they want it all to go their way. The term, ‘my way or the highway’ comes to mind here. 7. Hands-off Leader With an attitude that people are more capable when they are left to do things their way, this leader is very much a hands-off type of person. They give their followers the tools and then oversee that all is going according to plan. 8. Charismatic Leader You know this type well and their qualities are often resident in most styles of leadership. But, this character leads by magnetism. People just want to do whatever they say because they are that charismatic. You will know where you fit in and for some styles, there is always some improvement needed. Get in touch at https://wcp.localinternetmarketing.co.za/find-staff/. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date.
HAPPY YOU – HAPPY WORK – MAKE THE MOST OF WORK LIFE
No way around it – you have to work, and for a good part of your life, and mostly this will be for someone else. So, you may as well make the most of it, and be happy! Easier said than done, especially if you are not working in a job that you like, if what you’re doing is not your passion, and if the conditions are not good. But, it really does come down to attitude and perception. What do we mean? The way that you look at something and the way you perceive it can change your mind about it 100%. Finding the meaning and value in every task, every action and every moment, can release you from the chains of negativity and unhappiness. This doesn’t only apply to work but in life in general. But, let’s start with work, as you will be spending most of your adult life here. First, ask yourself why you are there. It could be a means to an end i.e. pay the bills, ensure your family doesn’t suffer, or you’re studying and need a job. Or maybe its a stepping stone in your career path. Those reasons, whatever they may be, should be a motivation for you to move through your workday with easier steps. Then look at each and every task you take on. What meaning can you find in the task itself? Sure, it may not add value to you directly, at that moment, but the task is a stepping stone in a bigger pond. The business you work for needs that task to be done and to be done well in order to complete a puzzle. Your input is part of that puzzle building, and in the end, fulfilling an integral need the business has. You are an important element in that project. Getting that will help you on your way to happy. You need to look at the job at hand, and even if someone else could do that job, you have to do it so well, that you know no one could have done it better. In that way, you have put yourself at the top of the food chain. You have become indispensable to the company when you offer value, even if it is through a mundane and boring task. Your input can also have positive repercussions that will affect other people in the business. Most activities are part of a team effort even if you never deal with the other people. There is rarely an activity that requires only one single input. Writing an order needs to then go to the person that will place the order, then to the one that will pick the order, check it and on to delivery. Mundane as it may be, you are all cogs in a working machine. Are you going to be the happy part of this process? Attending a meeting where you feel inadequate and useless could be because you are not adding value. Before the meeting, think about how you can add value. What can you bring to the table? How can you leave the room afterwards having them wonder where that came from and when will they see more? You can be your own worst enemy and making a difference is always up to you. There is always a bigger picture. Find that bigger picture and know that all the smaller paint swipes are just to build up to the finished artwork. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with news.
SLOW RECRUITMENT PROCESSES LOSE HOT PROSPECTS
I just had a client request a meeting with a star candidate I recommended to them four weeks ago and low and behold I had to let them know that the candidate had started work with an opposition company a week ago. WHY? Slow recruitment processes! This is not a once off. It occurs at least twice a week. I am sure that all HR and Recruitment Consultants who hunt top talent have experienced this. I understand that big companies often have more red tape and recruitment processes to follow. I also understand that it is difficult to get panels together and difficult to get signatures of authorisation for interviewing candidates, but at what price? There is a war for talent and if you don’t re-look your selection process you will not get the top 5% of candidates in your industry, but rather candidates who are available and definitely not the best for the business. Top talent has at least 3 offers or interviews in recruitment processes. They are being hunted daily and when they make the decision to move companies, they do have options. It is no longer a market where candidates are desperate and will wait 3-4 weeks for an interview. Skill shortages is not just a South African issue, it’s global and yes, we are losing the war. The root of unemployment is not only a lack of jobs, but a key underlying issue is also the inadequately educated workforce. Companies who understand that top talent do not stay looking for work for long, have a distinct advantage. Those companies who have tailored their recruitment processes to see top talent quickly, are those companies who are beating you to the candidates. Many firms now go the first step and track some variation of the “time-to-fill” metric. But despite that metric, not only are firms still almost universally guilty of painfully slow hiring but to compound the problem, few recruiting leaders truly understand the many negative recruitment processes that impact and result from slow hiring process timeline. I estimate that the impact at most corporations exceeds tens of millions of rand’s each year and the rand loss from this factor may be as much as 10 times higher than losses resulting from low recruiting efficiency related to the more popular “cost-per-hire” metric. It’s not enough to be conscious and aware of slow hiring. Identify and then quantify in rands each of the negative impacts of slow hiring, so that everyone from the CEO down will support the streamlining of the recruitment process. A big misconception that needs to be addressed is the old-fashioned way of thinking is that a slow recruitment process improves the quality of those you hire. You will lose most of the candidates who are in high demand during the late stages of your recruitment process. You also will lose significant revenue and productivity because vacant positions are open for too many days and essentially you end up paying new hires more in salary because they will be bid on by opposition. Your image of being slow decision-makers will cause you to lose many top prospects. Recruiting is a lot like acquiring a Grade 12 dance date. If you wait 40 days to make a selective decision, you must realize how relatively “ugly” your new hire is likely to be! Connect with us should you need help in moving swifter in your recruitment process.
CAREER ISSUES – DON’T KNOW WHAT CAREER YOU WANT YET?
Don’t worry – most still don’t know what career they want. There has always been pressure on the youth to know and find that perfect career. Yes, some are lucky enough to step right into a job that they see through for their entire lives. Is it the job of their dreams? Maybe not, but they make a good run of it and it serves them well. Others just never find that one thing … ever! And, it can be painful to watch. But, what if some people were not meant to do one thing? What if there was benefit in having mini-careers? The Millennials seem to have hit the nail on the head there – moving around from one job to another, exploring options and seeing what works best for them. Is there merit in this sort of focus? Is it focus at all? Well, if you look at the billionaires of the world, they have mostly touched on various careers in their lives. Sure, there was one that was like gold and made them who they are today, but many of them will tell you they had no idea what they wanted to be for the longest time. If you’re there and you just can’t seem to pick one – don’t! We are not saying flitter around from one profession to another, but consider what different angles you can go to with what you love and enjoy doing. Some tips: Think about what you love to do – is there a gap to turn it into a career? Look at what others are doing which you aspire to – see whether you can ask them to be your mentor and become their apprentice Take a skills assessment – see what you are actually good at Research those areas where you feel an affinity to and see how you can better yourself within those avenues Find a mentor or life coach and explore opportunities and ideas – they are there to guide you and sometimes that is all that is needed
I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE – Interviews vs. Dating
While you may be thinking that sounds seriously odd, preparing and going on a date has many similarities with preparing and going for an interview. Besides the nerves and excitement, there are many other areas that marry up (excuse the pun). Let’s break it down … WHAT TO WEAR? Yip, making sure you are dressed appropriately is important for both scenarios. Where are you going? When relating to a date, is translated to Who are you seeing? and Who is the company? All these answers will get you to the correct attire. BE ON TIME It is never wise, no matter whether its a date or an interview, to be late. In fact, be early, at least by 10 minutes. Not only does this take the stress out of getting there on time, but you also have a chance to suss out the surroundings, the people, and to assume your position of power. And, by that we mean, get into a space where you feel comfortable and confident. WOULD I LIE TO YOU? Well, hopefully you won’t. Lying never got anyone anywhere – okay – so that isn’t so true, – but in the end, it can come back to bite you. So, opt for truth vs. lies – honesty really is the best policy on both accounts. WHO ARE YOU? And, what we mean her is, who are you seeing? Do a little research. Sure, with dating, this means a bit of stalking, but isn’t that what the wonderful world of social media is for? Duh! No, seriously, research the company and person who is interviewing you. LinkedIn is great to find out all the ins and outs. BE FRIENDLY Whilst in the throws of your date … um sorry, interview, be nice. Ask questions. Smile. Be engaging and of course, be friendly. HURRY UP AND WAIT With that period after the interview, you want to wait a little before haggling the interviewer as to what their decision has been. Likewise, with a date, you don’t want to be running after them too much. Okay, there is merit in making contact the next day, but sometimes, the 3 day wait is beneficial. Again, in both situations. KNOW WHEN TO SAY YES Often times, you may not be completely sold on the idea of someone or in the case of an interview, on the company. You may not feel that their company culture fits you and you are not sure of the future prospects within the role. Weighing up all the pros and cons is important and sometimes, you have to give a little. (sounding familiar? (clears throat) You know, relationship stuff 101) It may never be the perfect match, but if you’re not getting the nod, you may want to consider going for it. You can always negotiate. Feeling ready for that date … interview?
ARE SA MILLENNIALS RUINING THEIR CHANCES OF FINDING WORK?
While millennials are still looked at as the now generation and we expect great things from them, they are, most of them at least, finding it tough to find jobs.
HURRY UP AND WAIT – JOB APPLICATION ETIQUETTE
The best way to follow up on a job application. The interview went well. You are feeling confident and excited. This job is yours! But, a week has gone by and you havnt heard from anyone. What do you do? Do you email, call? Is it too soon? Will they be irritated by you? Will they be happy that you followed up? It is always a difficult time – that period between interview and the call that will tell you that you succeeded or you failed. So, what is the proper protocol when following up on a job application? And, should you follow up at all? The consensus is that, yes, you most definitely should follow up. Its in the when and how that makes all the difference. As for when, it appears, according to a study with various HR Managers, that the best time to follow up is around 1,5 to 2 weeks after the interview. Ok, cool, so its been almost 2 weeks, now what is the best way to follow up? 1. Insider Info Check with anyone you know inside the company as to what the talk has been. This will give you a better understanding of how to approach the powers that be. 2. Go to the top If at all possible, get the decision makers details. That may be the HR Manager, the recruitment agency head, or the boss himself. They will be the best people to advise you on the job application. 3. Craft the perfect email You may not be a writer or linguist but a well crafted email can make a great impression. Ensure you include the following: – make your subject line clear i.e. Position of Sales Consultant – Follow up – address the person by their name – express that you hope they are well (its just nicer to start off that way than to jump straight in) – thank them for their time in the interview – ask politely if they have made a decision on the position – express in a short sentence why you still feel you are the perfect fit for the job – end it off with a thanks and that you hope to hear from them soon – don’t do the Yours faithfully bit – its old school – simply, all the best, and your name, will do 4. Follow up Call So, no response after another week after your email on the job application, what now? Now, you call. Ask to speak to the person you emailed and if its a good time. If not, phone back when it is. Asking them to call you back can lead to you not taking the call, missing the call for whatever reason, and that will just frustrate the caller. You call back. Once you have them on the line, pretty much follow a similar format to your email. Ask whether they received the email first, then let them tell you like it is. If they say there are still busy and to follow up in another week, well, then do that. And, ask whether you must email or call. Whether you get this job or not, you have followed a polite and non-invasive process. While you may not have succeeded here, keep pushing on and keep following up in this same way. Good Luck in your job hunting!
HOW TO REBOOT YOUR BAD DAY
We all have them – bad days – and they can take over so much so that we cannot focus on anything. A bad day can turn into a bad week and then a bad month – snowballing to the point that there seems like no return. Reboot your bad day now! Knowing how to reboot your day so that you can literally start over is a great trick to learn. Your bad day needn’t ruin your life. Here is how you can reboot your bad day and start afresh: 1. DELEGATE For some this is easy, but for others they feel that doing it themselves is far easier than outsourcing. But, in hindsight, which is where we generally realise we should have asked for help, seeking to share our tasks is the only way to go. Speak to colleagues who can help, look to outsourcing parts of our work, and free up your time. A nice start to reboot your bad day. 2. STOP DOING WHATEVER IT IS THAT STARTED THE BAD DAY Walk away from the issue, even if just for a moment. Go do anything else that brings you joy. Even a few minutes is good enough to right your mood, set your mind in a clearer mode, and help you to deal with the issue at hand. 3. DEAL WITH PERSONAL ISSUES QUICKLY Any personal problem can plague your mind to the point that you won’t be able to do a good job on anything else. Rather deal with it – although we understand that it may not be a quick fix, but addressing it, acknowledging it, and putting a pin in it, can help you to carry on with your day in a more positive light. 4. SPEAK TO SOMEONE Often just having a chat with a close friend or family member can help you to overcome a dull and troublesome day. Reach out to someone and see if they can help you get over the issues and reboot your bad day. 5. STICK TO YOURSELF Contrary perhaps, given our previous point, but most times all you need is to be alone with your thoughts. Take a minute or two to meditate, or even just sit in silence, and try to remove all the negative thoughts from your mind. Whatever the issue is, it will still be there afterwards, but with a clear mind you may be able to deal with it better.