You have selected the best of employees as your company grows. But you have won the half battle. The other most important part is to on-board those qualified employees properly. According to a survey, the new hires have admitted that their decision on whether they will stay with an organization is made within their first six months of employment. That is why the first six months is called as the honeymoon period. All employers should take advantage of this period in turning new hires into long-term valuable employees. Follow these great test practices to make sure your new employees get started on the right foot-

Plan it up

Whether you have a plan or not, your employees will be getting some kind of on-boarding in their initial days. Make your they will experience how you want them to. It is crucial to make sure that same message is delivered to all the new employees.

A welcoming gesture

All the employees should feel welcomed from the very start. Tell them you are excited to meet all of them and expecting a great future of the company by employing all of them. This message can be delivered via emails or personalized welcome message on digital signage. The idea is to make the new employees happy and excited about work, company and its surroundings.

Arm them with right tools

Figure out what new employees may require and make sure the necessary things are available on time. It leaves a bad impression when employees find they don’t have phone numbers, computer is not working or desk has no paper to take notes. Setting up all the important things such as computers, phones, all software logins, email accounts etc.

Orientation

Inform employees about company’s mission, vision, goals, values, culture and other important process. It is just like introducing the company and its work processes. Mentoring and training the employees time to time also hold importance. Keeping a track of the new employees’ performances, collecting feedback’s and employing post-boarding activities are also some important factors need to be taken care of.

Importance of on-boarding

An effective on-boarding process reduces time to productivity and reduces stress. Time to productivity means how long a new hire takes to become a full-fledged contributing employee. A structured on-boarding process can reduce this time from months to weeks. Employees have four core needs -physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The employer should take care of all these needs in the best way possible. It is bound for the new employee to be stressed as they do not have to learn about the new job but they have to adapt to the new culture. It is not at all surprising why on-boarding is important. It saves company’s money, increases employee satisfaction, reduces stress and increases productivity.

Different companies have different on-boarding processes and requirements. But the aim is same. Making the new hires comfortable and accustomed to the new environment so that they can work freely and effectively.

What is your take on it? Do you have any other reason why on-boarding is important? Share with us in the comments below.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

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No HR professional loves to terminate or fire any employees. It is never an easy decision to let go any employee. But unfortunately, it is unavoidable under certain circumstances. If your employment is ended, you are either fired up or you are laid off. It is important to understand the difference between these two terms in order to explain someone why you are job hunting.

What is a layoff?

Being laid off and fired up are entirely different terminologies. A layoff means down-sizing or reduction in workforce. It usually happens in bulk. It is actually not considered to be the fault of employee but employer. A layoff may include-

• Sometimes layoff focusses on the employees in a specific location or job titles
• When a company acquires one more company, many of the employees in the acquired company are laid off because acquiring company already has employees doing the same jobs
• Sometimes lay offs are done due to financial crunch
• Sometimes everyone is laid off as the employer shuts down the operation or company permanently.

Why layoffs take place?

A change in the employer’s financial strength or a new direction for the corporate strategy can be the reasons behind the layoffs. There is nothing to do with employee, it is right-sizing by management. The biggest item in an employer’s budget is often the salaries and benefits of the employees. That’s is why whenever cut offs are made in expenses, they target to this particular budget item.

How selection of employees is made for layoffs?

Performance is never an issue while selecting employees for layoff. If it is not a big news across the local area, explanation is always required in a job interview or networking discussion. Though laying off the least productive employees may sound logical but it does not often contribute in the reduction of budget. So most-highly paid employees are generally on the layoff candidate list.

Don’t be hesitant to ask for severance package

Laid off employees are entitled to severance packages. It depends on employers, locations and situations. It may include continuation of standard pay for weeks or months, assistance in finding new job or other benefits that may important to the employees.

What is firing?

Being fired does not always related to performance of an employee. New manager wanted different staff, bad chemistry with management or there can be thousand reasons. It is must for the manager to pinpoint main reason for letting someone go and he has to ensure that the reason is not discriminatory in any way. The manager also has to plan a termination meeting wherein a short explanation is provided for the decision.

Managers should be well prepared for the possible questions employees may have. If an employee has been fired, there is no point to panic. the employee should also be prepared to explain it very carefully to the future employers.  If you think you have been fired illegally because of your race, age or any similar reasons, look for a lawyer who has expertise in employment law.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

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Parents are finding it difficult to strike a healthy balance between work and family-life. For most of us, Family is a biggest source of inspiration for going to work every day. It is crucial for employers to be considerate about the value of work-life balance. Creating family-friendly policies not only benefit the workforce but also result in tangible business benefits. It is rightly said that if you will take care take care of employees, they will take care of your business. Employers are contemplating to incorporate family-friendly workplace due to following benefits-

Full attendance

If we talk about family-friendly policies, one of the prime benefits is reduction in absenteeism. According to a survey work from home helps company to retain more employees. Also enable employees manage their absences. This way they can maintain better work-life balance as they feel less stressed and can spend more time around their families.

Increased productivity

Adopting family-friendly practices also result in increased productivity. Flexible working policies reduce the amount of pressure mounted on the employees as they can alter their work hours as needed. Flexitime often comprise teleworking and job sharing.

Retain your top talent

Flexible work arrangements are quite popular these days and with a good reason. All these policies adjusted to work-life balance pave way to increased motivation, career satisfaction and loyalty. A flexible career path and extended leave of absence are highly needed among women than man in order to meet their commitments to their families. Employees want flexibility. When they get it, they are happy, when they happy, they are less likely to leave. In order to keep its quality employees, a company has to incorporate some family-friendly policies.

Recruitment

Parents always look for family-friendly policies when it comes to choosing a job. Many people turn down a job as it conflicts with their family responsibilities. Rigid policies which are impossible to amend has no place in people’s lives. If a company allows people to shift their schedules, work from home occasionally, complete their tasks no matter where they are, its pool of potential candidates is bound to rise dramatically.

A better reputation

Company offering flexible working conditions will have good word of mouth in every possible way. Happy workers will always speak good things about company and its supervisors. News of flexible culture spreads like a fire and attract even more excellent candidates. And after all, who can say no to a company which allow employees to finish off their tasks from a coffee shop thousand miles away from corporate headquarter?

Reduced operating cost

With email configuration on your phone and skype on your iPad, working anywhere anytime has become possible and easier. Even studies show that those who worked from home had significantly higher performance than before and companies can save on premises and energy costs. Offering roles on part-time basis can decrease the organization’s wage bill. Employees are looking out for opportunities that do not support only their personal well-being but their families too.

Family friendly =business friendly

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers

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One of the questions that often pop-up in people’s mind is “are competencies and values are different concepts? If they are then how one can influence the other and vice-versa? In order to answer this question clearly, they are to be analyzed separately. One must keep in mind to clearly support the organizational culture, it’s imperative to have both in place.

Competencies

A competency comprises three dimensions-

The first and foremost dimension to understand is APTITUDE. It can also be called “ability.”, which consists in a person’s caliber to achieve a goal or group of goals, in a certain manner and at a certain level of quality. The presence of aptitude signifies person’s ability to successfully perform the assigned task or requirement. They are internal characteristics. People are born with it. The answer is simple either they have it or don’t have. Nobody can have any influence upon these features. An aptitude tends to grow from a minimal level to a higher one but one cannot develop in a situation where there is a complete incapacity to perform the task. It is must to identify the ability that can add to competency.

Secondly, KNOWLEDGE is one of the major considerations in order to build up competency. Knowledge is the only key which can unlock the solutions of problems and even employees understand the theoretical approaches possible to give the task practical meaning. First of all, knowledge is developed through formal studies and then can be developed on the spot by attending various training to reach a competency. Irrespective of previous knowledge levels, unlike aptitude knowledge can be built and developed. There are many ways to attain knowledge in organizational context such as workshops, training, studies and courses. The will to improve one’s self is the need of an hour.

The last dimension which completes a competency is SKILL Which means a person’s capability to perform an activity at a certain speed. Exercises and practices are the inevitable factors to develop skills.

Values

Values comprises three dimensions –

The first dimension consists person’s inner BELIEFS regarding the environment. Beliefs are not just mere opinions. It is much more than that. Existing culture and core values have great roles to play in building belief system. Employees having similar personal values find it easy to integrate themselves within the organization. They generally have a smooth transition through the company’s cultural system.

To develop a certain behavior, ATTITUDE is a crucial factor which represents the second dimension of values. Attitude is the way you take things. Attitude is about creating a positive aura even if the condition is full of negativity. Employees should have good emotional management that can help them maintain their attitudes so that they will always bring success to the task or company as a whole.

The third dimension comprises ACTION through which employees display their caliber based on beliefs and attitudes. Their actions and reactions to extreme conditions can make or mar the future of a project.

Competencies and values should always be considered separately and interpreted accordingly!

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

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For the success of any business or the organization, employers are seeking experience, key skills and other educational qualifications. Even though these hard skills are the indispensable part of any job, there are certain “soft skills” which are extremely important to indicate a person’s job performance. Soft skills are the personal skills that set you apart from many applicants that have very similar resumes. There is a never-ending list of soft skills but here are few that employers most appreciate-

Positive attitude can make big difference

A positive attitude can do wonders in finding out the solution of even biggest problem. Positive attitude tends to be contagious. Employers are always looking for positive vibes to take the department or company at the zenith. It is true that handful of negative people are enough to bring down the organization as a whole.

Strong work ethic -the most important component of being successful

This one you might not have learned in school because no one can teach you this. It is in-built or your parents worked on you for it. Strong work ethics are nothing but seemingly simple things such as understanding the value of time, keeping promise, getting things on time and knowing that job is more than punching in and punching out. These innate attributes are totally out of control of an employers. Even you get best of training, hands on experience or reading material, this skill people have it or they don’t.

Impressive Communication skill-key to success

Your excellent communication skills helped you to crack your dream job and the same skills will get you success in the workforce. To be a great employee, you need know how to communicate well with your clients, supervisors and co-workers. Good listening skills are equally important. Be it any industry, good communication skills are the need of an hour.

Time management-Your time is now

The task will hold no importance if it not completed on time. We understand there is so much on your work plate but you should know how to prioritize tasks. It is more than completing a task successfully. It means getting the most important things done first. You should know which task to be delegated when required. Managing time leads to maximum efficiency and in turn results to money saver for the company.

Problem solving -A chance to show your best

Problems are inevitable, the employers want to see how you think logically and come up with ways to work around problems. If you incorporate your creativity in this aspect, innovations take birth. It is recommended to mention such problem-solving scenarios in your resume where you faced tough situations and created solutions to ease things.

Teamwork -It takes both sides to build a bridge

Teamwork implies the ability to work amicably with others in a professional environment. Easy said than done but it is crucial to have faith on others that they know how to do their job. Trusting others, accepting ideas, giving your viewpoints, working together can be a difficult task but if you know it well, you are going to rock it.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

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Be it any position, crafting a compelling job description is vital to invite the most qualified candidates for the job. This critical document performs functions such as describing required skills and competencies, defining the job position, serving the basis for the employment contract and acts as a valuable performance management tool. For writing a clear, concise and effective job description, you just need to follow these amazing tips-

Specific job titles

Make sure you use targeted job titles instead of generic ones. A perfect job title should possess following qualities-

• It should perfectly define the nature and duties
• It should include a key phrase that accurately describe the role
• Avoid internal lingo that may confuse the candidate
• It should reflect the ranking order
• It should be free from age and gender implications

Example- Parking inspector- a good job title while Council Enforcement officer- a bad job title.

An apt Job summary

A strong and attention-grabbing summary has every potential to captivate the job seeker. It is must to provide an overview of the company and expectations for the position. Inform readers why your company is unique – a insight about company culture will sum up why a candidate would love to work for you. Include an exact job location so that the job seeker will have a much-needed clarity on this. Mention the salary range that is competitive with similar positions in other organizations rather than assigning a particular salary to the position. Make sure the salary section is updated from time to time to match the changing pay scale.

A good job description should also include reporting lines and working relationships. Reporting lines gives a clear view by showing who the candidate reports to. It is not only important to know the compliance issues but also to have a better understanding of the hierarchical structure of the organization.

Working relationship implies the people and departments, the candidate will work closely with. There is no better way than an organizational chart to throw light on this aspect.

Responsibilities and duties

A list of duties and responsibilities associated with the role is highly recommended in order to get the right candidate. Though this list will vary in length but it should be concise and short. If you will bombard the Job description with numerous duties, the document will become operational manual rather than a job description. Roles in smaller companies generally have all-rounder nature but you need to make it as short as possible. Highlight the day-to-day activities of the position which will help candidate understand the daily tasks. It is also required to specify previous job experience, educational qualifications, certifications and other skills. If the job demands, you should also include required personal traits such as soft skills, problem solving and great communication skills. You might be tempted to list out all the skills required but follow the rule- short and concise.

A well-written job description gives the reader a sense of priorities involved. Accuracy of job description will provide more success in future.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

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Training and development is an indispensable function in a fast-paced corporate world but many companies cut down on training opportunities due to their expensive nature. Employees attending training sessions can delay the completion of projects due to miss out on work time. However proper training and development holds enormous value in order to acquire new skills, sharpen existing ones, accelerate productivity and perform better. Despite of few potential drawbacks, here are few reasons that clearly state the importance of training and development.

New hire orientation

New employees benefit the most through training programs. To give insight about the company, speed up the processes of the company and address any skill gaps, training is an excellent opportunity to make the money and time spent worthwhile. A proper orientation session encourages employee confidence and improves employee retention.

Address shortcomings

Nobody is perfect. Everybody has some weaknesses and training and development helps them to overcome. If all weaknesses are addressed properly, it will help employees to be more all-rounded and better skilled at every factor of their job. Specialized training should also be organized depending upon what employees are tasked with doing on a daily basis. This endeavor will reduce the weak links within the company who are dependent on others to complete their tasks.

Improvement in performance

If you compare the employees who have access to the necessary training related to their jobs than those who don’t have, you will certainly find the difference in their performance. Training does not only help employees to deliver better performance but also increase their overall confidence. Amplify strengths, acquire new skills and improve performance by organizing a training session.

Increased consistency

If you wish to ensure consistency, a structured training and development program is a definite way to do so. Regular training will make sure that all employees have a consistent experience and consistent knowledge of procedures and tasks. And when you get surety about the same, employers can have a sense of relief that tasks are completed on time and without any issues.                Discrimination, safety and administrative tasks are some of the crucial aspects which require training.

Satisfaction of employees

Investment in training and development never go waste as it generally leads to satisfied employees. A training should impart useful knowledge. Company should ensure that the training should not be tedious and dull, otherwise employees will attend it just for the sake of it. If the employees are satisfied, they will definitely reach to their assigned goals faster.

Self-driven

Lesser supervision and guidance is needed to those who have attended the right trainings. To make the employees up to date with the new technology, training is an investment that a company can’t afford to make. Company should be transformed into a learning environment where a culture of continual learning should prevail throughout.

In order to produce targeted and tangible results for the business, training and development programs can have huge impact on the company’s success. Consider it a capital investment and make it results-driven.

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While leading a team, you need to wear different hats. Sometimes you have to change many hats in a single day. Here hats imply roles you are accountable for in order to successfully run a team. While there are likely more, but we will talk about ten hats in leadership.

Wear Facilitator hat

As a leader you need to make sure that team members have good working conditions and you have a role to facilitate for others. It is not just about meeting or group situation, there are times when you might wear a hat of facilitator for smooth flow of business and greater productivity.

Wear Coach hat

The role of a coach is not just coaching but developing full potential of team members. Analyzing performances, instructing in relevant skills and providing time-to-time encouragement – all are important aspects of a coach hat. As a leader, it is your prime responsibility to help others to succeed in roles and prepare for future roles.

Wear Visionary hat

Keeping in mind the strategy, leaders should have a clear picture of where we are and where we want to go. He should know how to bridge the gap by heading the team in the right direction. He should know and capable of articulating the objectives and why these goals matter to the organization, their team and themselves.

Wear Decision maker hat

A great team is made when inputs of all team members pour in. As a leader, you should be decisive in nature. Procrastinating things will lead to lack of energy, motivation and participation in a team. Whether it a petty decision or a policy changing decision, a leader has to come forward and take necessary action.

Wear Strategist hat

While it is believed that this hat is worn by leaders at higher levels in the organization but the truth is that all leaders must think strategically. Think about the big picture. And a leader must know what directions and approaches must be used to achieve the desired result.

Wear Change agent hat

With strategy and vision- need for change is inevitable. If the leader is open to changes, his team will follow.

Wear Influencer hat

“Be the change you want to see in others” – this hat perfectly matches the quote. A leader should continuously influence his team members to keep things going.

Wear Team member hat

As a leader, you are not always leading. You are also one of the members in the team. A successful leader knows how to put this hat on and when to take it off.

Delegator

A leader should know how to get the things done from others. You cannot do it all.  You should know how to efficiently delegate work.

Listener

This hat needs to be tightly fit. Even if you are not leading a team, great listening skill take you a long way. As a leader, this hat needs to be underneath all the other hats all the time. The best leaders talk less and listen, ask and observe more.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Different Hats In A Team appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Even for a seasoned professional, hosting a meeting can be a daunting task. Leading a meeting effectively is an important skill in the corporate world. A boring PowerPoint deck is enough to send everyone to sleep or to seek solace in tea breaks and lunch. Most meetings fail due to poor preparation, bad management and limited participation. Every meeting should bring you closer to your desired results. So, for achieving the goal, you need to do things differently. Here are some awesome tips to effectively host a meeting-

Set the objective

Starting at the middle and reaching to a result – it is not possible. Firstly, you need to determine the objective of the meeting. Is it really necessary or an email will solve the purpose? Don’t plan a meeting just for the sake of meeting. What would be the nature of the meeting? Defining the purpose will also help set the tone for the meeting and deciding the benchmarks for success. Share the meeting’s goals beforehand in order to allow participants to come prepared with ideas, suggestions and discussion points.

Respect the time frame

It is advisable to set a specific start and finish time. If the colleagues will know the duration of the meeting in advance, they can schedule rest of their day accordingly. If the meeting will respect the stipulated time frame, you will gain the reputation of being considerate towards your coworkers’ schedules. Sometimes it may happen that the meeting runs long, inform politely the set ending time and release those who have other commitments.

Stay on track

Even the best planned meetings can be derailed due to numerous reasons. As a host, it is your prime responsibility to keep everyone focused. Be adhere to the set agenda and take every possible effort to stick on the planned path. Be equipped with some transitional phrases to redirect the participants such as we can explore further this aspect at another time, but for now let’s focus on finding ways to solve the customer grievances.

It’s all about location

Chose a space which is large enough to accommodate all the members. There is nothing worse than being awkwardly stuffed around a table meant for 5 when 8 people have turned up. Figure out what props you might need and are all in working condition? Test the technology in the room by arriving early on the day or doing a test-run beforehand.

Keep the things going

Conversations and ideas are dying out? Re-energize the team with some proactive ideas. Open-ended questions can be the best ways to keep up the flow. Stay flexible and be open to possibilities.

Assign someone for note-taking

Instead of simultaneously taking notes while hosting a meeting, designate a note-taker who will be responsible for jotting down important details of the meeting on their laptop with the approval of the speaker.

Follow up

Before you call it a day, give a brief recap of what needs to happen next. Clearly outline the action plans and respective responsibilities of everyone in order to make the meeting successful.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post Effectively Hosting a Meeting appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..

Is Position described looking fantastic but the experience required is a little out of reach? There are times when you spot a perfect job but you feel a little light on experience. But don’t give up on it just yet! We understand that job market is flooded with candidates, you just need to give your little experience resume a little boost. Here are some impressive tips to nail it-

Get started with your skills

Thoroughly read the job description. For any qualification you think you do not meet, try to think of a time where you did something relevant or similar. Be prepared with your response in advance with some additional strengths as why you would be a perfect candidate for that particular task. No company want random experience so if you will present something related to the requirements, you tend to have better chances to get selected.

Learn the new skill- fast

There is no worry if you are not pro at every skill company is asking for, you can learn about it before time. Go for the tutorial online to gain some knowledge and understand the basics about that particular skill. This step will boost your confidence and you can easily impress the interviewer. In some cases, just telling them that you are learning that skill is enough to be in the good books of the interviewer.

Show them obstacles are the stepping stones

Another way to overcome a skill gap during an interview is to show them you know how to rise to a challenge. Talk about a time that you have achieved a milestone or your efforts were appreciated in a role where previously had zero experience. Make them realize that you are willing to do whatever is needed in order to learn new skills.

Let your resume speak for you

If you really wish to position yourself for the job you are not experienced for, tailor your resume accordingly. Make sure your resume highlights the strengths and transferable skills to the job you are interested in. There are many free services that can evaluate your resume on the basis of its appearance and content. Make a smart move ad get hired for your dream job!

Be confident and give your best shot

It’s normal when you have little experience, you tend to feel under confident. Without confidence, it is difficult to make good impression in the professional world. For some, it’s a piece of a cake but for most, it is harder to achieve. The goal is to look confident, even if you really aren’t.  There are several tricks to accomplish this. Standing tall, making eye contact, speaking slowly and clearly, keeping your hands visible, sitting with right posture and taking big steps are some of the amazing ways to determine confidence level of a person.

The idea is to make a strong and smart impression to get the message across that you are worth taking a chance on.

Reshali Balasubramaniam

Head of HR, HR Counselor and adviser at https://jobpal.lk and EFutureTech Systems. Submit your resume online and be contacted by prospective employers.

The post How to look qualified when little light on experience ? appeared first on Jobpal.lk - Find Jobs in Sri Lanka. Post Jobs for Free..