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| A new dawn is breaking within the industry: the rise of the Green Collar Workforce
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 ‘We can let climate change continue to go unchecked, or we can help stop it’. Barack Obama, March 2009.
A new dawn is breaking within the industry. With it come sweeping changes to the way companies will operate. The transportation, manufacturing, recycling and agricultural industries face dramatic overhauls, among others. Every business will be affected by changes in consumer demand and legislation that strive for cleaner, more efficient processes.
No matter how you define a ‘green job’, one thing is certain – we are evolving to a new form of workplace and therefore work environment diversity. The last big change in workforce diversity was the rise of the IT worker. |
| WorkCover warns ‘Bullying Prevention must be a priority for employer’s OH&S plans’
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 At the recent WorkSafe week in Melbourne, the management of workplace bullying was a hot topic and some of the most popular sessions of the whole week. The huge costs to both employees and employers of this inappropriate workplace behaviour was highlighted including reduced efficiency, increased absenteeism, poor team morale, increased injury and workers compensation premiums, loss of reputation and public face, and increasingly civil and legal actions. |
| Things you should ask about when choosing a temporary staff agency
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 With the summer season fast approaching many companies will find that their staff levels are insufficient to cope with the workload. Whether it’s due to an increased seasonal demand or regular staff being away, the effects are the same – overworked and overstressed staff, which in a turn results in lower job satisfaction and lost productivity.
Many businesses will turn to temporary staff agencies for help. But how do you ensure that you receive value for money? How do you compare the service offerings? How do you know if the agency screens and tests their contractors?
Here are some tips that will assist you in determining the right agency when looking for Xmas casuals:
• Does the agency check on immigration status? It can result in large fines if the agency provides students into a 38 hour a week assignment. (Students are allowed to work no more than 20 hrs/week).
• What testing is conducted on the casuals prior to registering? Ensure that they have been correctly tested for the work they are about to commence.
• How the OH&S testing is conducted? Does the agency have a pass mark for the casuals to pass the test or do they just watch a video tutorial?
• What are the conditions of the award the agency is paying the staff under? It’s important to understand the legal obligation of the award the temp is covered under i.e. when does overtime start? Otherwise you may expose yourself to large unplanned costs.
• Does the agency verify that the licences casuals have are valid and current?
• What workers compensation rate is being charged to the client? Some agencies use an average, some agencies’ work cover charge is very high which indicates that they do not manage their claims properly or they have a lot of them. This also indicates that they do not screen there casuals very well. As a client you should ask what WIC rate you are being charged and if it’s high, seek an explanation to why or get a competitive quote to compare.
Summer can be a very busy time when organising casuals, it is essential to use an agency that have consultants that are experienced in delivering short notice casuals into the industry they are in. Small agencies tend to not have the infrastructure to deliver short notice staff and also to be able to manage the casuals onsite due to limited staffing resources.
Drake has years of experience in suppling large volume projects to clients over the holiday period. To find out more on flexible staffing solutions tailored to your needs call us on 1800 01 01 01 or email us.
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How do I build staff engagement? Podcast. |
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Identifying and understanding the various workplace elements that influence an employee’s decision to stay and commit to the organisation has to be a priority focus that has direct bottom-line impact.
In this month’s leadership podcast, Dr John Demartini offers advice on how to build a solid foundation for an employee engagement.
To listen to the podcast click here.
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| Jobs outlook still positive despite increase in rate
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“Optimism” is still the key word on the jobs front. Even with the increase in the unemployment rate to 5.8%, companies are increasingly positive in their outlook for 2010. Many are now at, or below, the minimum staffing level required to function effectively and recognise the need to start hiring if they are going to take advantage of the recovery.
Industries that are most active in the employment market for new staff, from a national perspective include finance, infrastructure and construction, procurement, and IT. | |
| New seminar! 'Train the Trainer'
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Workplace training and education are critical elements to the future success of any organisation. It contributes to employees’ professional development, improves their productivity and enhances their competencies.
A trainer has the responsibility to design content and tailor delivery to achieve the expected outcomes in a manner that engages the individual or group. | |
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