Author: Nicki Davies

INTRODUCING OUR COMPANY VALUES

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Labourpower is excited to introduce our new company values.  These core values  are important to our business success and help keep our whole team working towards shared goals and vision. 

Company values are the beliefs and guiding principles that help drive an organisation.

So, as Labourpower evolves as a business, we feel it’s important to have a set of values that reflect who we are today.

Developing our company values

One of our main priorities in developing new company values is to ensure they are representative of the Labourpower business as a whole.

Therefore, the first step was to create a list of 10 core values complete with definition and compile these into a survey.

After that, the survey was sent out to all internal employees to vote on their top five values.

As part of this process, our team was also able to describe how we demonstrate these values every day.

Finally, we picked the top four values as voted by our staff, including trustworthiness, family, customer success and innovation.

We also went through each of the values to finalise definitions using suggestions provided in the survey responses.

Introducing the Labourpower company values

Firstly, we have TRUSTWORTHINESS. Next there is FAMILY. Then CUSTOMER SUCCESS. And finally, INNOVATION.

As a result of everyone having an opportunity to have their say, we feel confident that the Labourpower values resonate with our entire team.

We’re also excited to build on our success and grow as a business with these values as our foundation.

TRUSTWORTHINESS

We demonstrate integrity and accountability to our clients and candidates through our determination for their success. We are genuine and seek to build trust in every relationship. We don’t make excuses and honour commitments we have made. We are dedicated, accountable, and consistent in standing up for what is right.

FAMILY

We are the Labourpower family. We are stronger together. We are a united team built on a foundation of respect, trust and care for each other. We are helpful and we listen. We work hard together, we laugh together and we celebrate the wins together.

CUSTOMER SUCCESS

We know that the success of our clients and candidates determines our success and we are committed to succeeding and growing with them. We know that our work is meaningful to our clients, our candidates, the business and ourselves. We are committed to using our power, expertise and resources to make a valuable impact.

INNOVATION

We are bold, adaptable, and take risks in the development and application of new ways of working. We reflect, we learn and we leave things better than we found them.

Bringing the Labourpower values to life

Finally, as a company we are passionate about the success of our employees and our clients. These new company values reflect our vision for the future, including:

  • Better job opportunities
  • A focus on continuous improvement and value-add, and
  • An ongoing commitment to state-of-the-art technology and innovation

Above all, we look forward to incorporating the Labourpower values into everything we do.

Connect with us on Facebook and LinkedIn and follow how we’re living and breathing the Labourpower values with our team, our clients and the wider community.

 

 

 

MEET SCARLETT: OUR NEWEST TEAM MEMBER

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Scarlett is the newest member of the Labourpower family working hard for you.

We are proud to introduce you to Scarlett and reveal that Labourpower is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to improve recruitment and selection processes, fast-track candidate onboarding and enhance overall customer experience.

And we’re also pleased to report that Scarlett is off to a flying start in her first six months:

  • Screening 14,000 candidates for 145 advertised jobs across Australia
  • Shortlisting close to 12,000 job seekers for new roles
  • Reconnecting with 4000+ candidates in our database looking for new work
SCARLETT IS THE LATEST IN A SERIES OF INNOVATIONS

Scarlett is the latest in a series of innovations with Labourpower adding leading artificial intelligence chatbot technology into our day-to-day operations, to help continually improve our:

  • Recruiting processes
  • Compliance, and
  • Quality

As a result, she is going from strength to strength:

  • Helping to match the right candidates to the right jobs
  • Working faster-around the clock 24/7 right across Australia

In addition, Scarlett has been busy:

  • Screening candidates for the equivalent of 17 hours a day, and
  • Reconnecting with candidates for another 13 hours a day over a 7-day working week
IMPROVING CANDIDATE ENGAGEMENT

Labourpower Managing Director Luke Webber says that AI technology is the obvious choice when it comes to improving how the company onboards its candidates, builds talent pools across the country and ensures that each client gets the right fit for their business.

“In a time of unique challenges, we are keen to develop new solutions that continue to enhance our ability to drive candidate engagement as well as ease some of the pressure on the Labourpower team,” he said.

“Labourpower’s Scarlett is an effective tool for candidate engagement with the ability to chat with each person colloquially. As a chatbot she will also continually evolve to make the onboarding  and screening process easier.”

24/7 SUPPORT AUSTRALIA-WIDE

Above all, Scarlett offers 24/7 support to candidates Australia-wide. Therefore, she is available to help job seekers find the right role any time of the day or night. So this is ideal for people who need to apply for jobs or require support outside of normal business hours.

Importantly, candidates will still be able to interact with Labourpower recruiters. Scarlett will simply manage some of the more time-consuming screening and administrative tasks.

Firstly, Scarlett’s focus in the initial phase of her roll-out was on candidate screening. Including, for example, collecting basic information and responding to general questions.

And now that Scarlett is in phase two of her development, she is also providing support that extends to the onboarding phase and helps the Labourpower team:

  • Prepare candidates to be placed into jobs as quickly as possible

Therefore, automating some of these recruitment processes will also provide the Labourpower team with more time in their day to focus on candidate and client-facing tasks such as:

  • Face-to-face interviews
  • Fitness for work screenings
  • Company inductions
  • Job orders
  • Compliance,  and more.
INVESTING IN LEADING RECRUITMENT TECHNOLOGY

Luke Webber says that as Labourpower continues to expand its capabilities and invest in leading recruitment technology, the company is excited to launch Scarlett.

“People continue to be our business and by leveraging this new AI powered technology, our team now has more time to focus on improving engagement strategies, building valuable relationships and enjoying greater job satisfaction,” he said.

“It’s all part of our commitment to finding new and innovative ways to ensure that people find the right jobs and that our clients have the edge when it comes to attracting and retaining quality candidates.”

Finally, to find out more about Scarlett and how she can work for you, connect with us today if you are a client looking for great people or a candidate looking for a great job.

I am a client looking for great candidates I am a candidate looking for a great job

EVERYONE BELONGS: THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Everyone belongs! Harmony Day is a day for people across the country to acknowledge and celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity.

Held each year on 21 March, it’s an important reminder of the need to promote a sense of inclusiveness, respect and belonging in our:

  • Schools
  • Workplaces, and
  • Broader community
HARMONY DAY AND THE WORKPLACE

Research indicates that businesses perform well when:

  • Employees feel included, and
  • Their workplace is strongly committed to supporting diversity

And with around 45 per cent of Australians born overseas or with at least one parent who was, Harmony Week has always been a popular way for workplaces to showcase and acknowledge their cultural diversity.*

5 WAYS TO CREATE A MORE INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE

When you offer a more inclusive workplace you gain access to different types of people which means:

  • A team of individuals each with a unique perspective
  • More creative ideas and innovation for your business

In addition, companies committing to diversity are also more likely to attract top talent. Here are five ways to help you build a more inclusive workplace culture.

  1. Have an inclusion strategy

Firstly, create a diversity and inclusion strategy with specific action points for upper management. It’s important to:

  • Identify the steps each person can take to improve the culture of your business
  • Make your strategy available to all staff at all levels

Having an official strategy in place helps to solidify your dedication to an inclusive workplace. It also helps show all minority staff members that there is real commitment.

  1. Educate staff on inclusion

Discrimination against minority groups is obviously unacceptable, but there are many people who still have little understanding of what is and isn’t appropriate behaviour. Training your staff is great, but you also need to:

  • Stamp out inappropriate behaviour – such as offensive jokes – to show that you take inclusion seriously
  1. Lead by example

Managers are the most important factor for workplace inclusion. By behaving professionally and standing up against discriminatory actions they:

  • Help pave the way for employees to do the same, as well as
  • Create a safe space for those with concerns to bring them up when issues arise
  1. Look at your language

Review your workplace manuals, contracts and on-boarding documentation to ensure that you are using inclusive language. Always use both male and female pronouns, even if your business is in a predominately male-dominated industry, and:

  • Remove heteronormative language – like husband and wife – changing it instead to spouse, or partner
  1. Respond effectively

No matter how inclusive your workplace becomes, it’s likely you’ll run into issues at some point. So when issues arise make sure you:

  • Deal with them swiftly
  • Always demonstrate zero tolerance for discrimination,
  • Escalate incidents to upper management if the behaviour persists

Finally, remember that even one person behaving inappropriately can have negative effects on the entire workplace.

Everyone belongs! At Labourpower we are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to build a sustainable future with a diverse and inclusive workforce that supports and fulfils the expectations of our valued clients and employees.

To find out more, speak to the experienced team at Labourpower today.

#everyonebelongs

 

*Source: https://www.harmony.gov.au/get-involved/workplaces

 

 

 

CHOOSE TO CHALLENGE – IWD 2021

Posted on by Nicki Davies

When we choose to challenge it really can result in change. We speak to Labourpower National HR Manager Brooke Horbury about this year’s International Women’s Day theme and also how we can all help create an inclusive world.

International Women’s Day (8th March) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. It’s also a day that Labourpower recognises and appreciates the amazing women within our workforce.

The 2021 campaign theme ‘Choose To Challenge‘ reminds us that we can all challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. In addition, we can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements.

Brooke Horbury explains how her job as National HR Manager at Labourpower helps her play an active role in challenging gender stereotypes and bias.

Helping to forge a gender equal world

Labourpower is a company with a lot of diversity across the organisation Australia-wide. The result is a great team spirit and an environment that sees women succeed.

Brooke says that female representation at Labourpower is consistent with the gender split for Australians working in recruitment and human resources.*

“We are incredibly proud that internally our workforce is 71% female and our management team is 50% female,” says Brooke.

“I am also really proud that our Senior Management team collectively have a gender-balanced mindset and understand how important women are to the success of the business.”

Celebrating women’s achievements

Labourpower believes that it’s important to take time on International Women’s Day to celebrate and reflect on the achievements of women everywhere.

Brooke says that with such a high proportion of female staff, the company appreciates the important role women play in its success.

“Labourpower also recognises that women exhibit a whole range of character traits that are a great fit for the recruitment industry.”

These include for example the ability to:

  • Be great listeners
  • Show empathy
  • Multi-task
  • Problem solve
  • Keep a cool head in a crisis

“These attributes come naturally to the female members of our team. And definitely contribute to Labourpower achieving such high client and candidate retention.”

Raising awareness against bias

Brooke says that everyone has a role to play when it comes to building gender equality across the business and that education is key.

“We must be prepared to have difficult conversations. We need both men and women to raise awareness against bias and ensure gender equity becomes the norm,” she said.

“I feel fortunate that my role allows me to nominate women for opportunities. I can also question any lack of female participation and identify alternatives that are more inclusive.”

Taking action for equality

Finally, Brooke says that Labourpower commits to playing its part in building a gender equal world.

“Our organisation believes that a challenged world is an alert world. In keeping with the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, we agree that from challenge comes change.”

So, let’s all #ChooseToChallenge.

Visit our website to find out more about Labourpower or connect with us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

 

REFERENCES

 

 

LOVE YOUR WORK THIS VALENTINE’S DAY!

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Love your work! With most of us spending around a third of each day at work, we all deserve a job we love.

So, in the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together some tips on how to get the most out of your time at work. We’re also providing some insight about what our staff love about being part of the Labourpower team.

5 TIPS TO HELP YOU LOVE YOUR JOB

 

  1.  Be clear about your role

You need to know exactly what’s expected of you in your job. Make sure that you clarify anything that you’re not sure about so that you can meet all expectations.  Set yourself up for success by creating a to-do list to help you plan your day and always remember to focus on the task at hand.

  1. Work smart

Workplace rules are there for a reason and not only keep you safe and fairly treated in your job but also help maintain a positive work environment. Familiarise yourself with all necessary HR policies and procedures, follow your company code of conduct and make sure you adhere to safe work practices at all times.

  1. Keep a positive attitude

Work can be demanding and there’s nothing more uplifting than being around people who ooze positivity. Look for ways to play your part in creating a positive environment within your team. Contribute ideas, trust your colleagues, leverage your personal strengths, avoid gossip and stay optimistic in your conversations with others.

  1. Make the most of opportunities

It’s important to make the most of all the opportunities that come your way. Sign-up for any training programs, keep up-to-date with latest news and policies, take part in company events and check out your company’s staff incentive schemes.

  1. Build a supportive network

Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can help you stay inspired even when the going gets tough. Find a mentor, build a support network of people you can trust to give you the right advice (inside and outside the workplace).  Value the groups you’re a part of including social and community groups, sporting teams, business associations and online networks via social channels such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

 

LOVE YOUR WORK AT LABOURPOWER

At Labourpower, we’re always keen to get clear and honest feedback from our workforce to help us continually improve as an employer. We conduct regular surveys where people also have the opportunity to provide comments about their day-to-day experiences.

In our most recent survey, close to 90% of the team say they are either satisfied or very satisfied with role they’re performing. In addition, we were able to gain further insight into the reasons people enjoy working at Labourpower.

Top 5 reasons people love to work for Labourpower
  1. 98% feel safe at work
  2. 98% of staff believe they have been inducted into their workplace correctly
  3. 97% think Labourpower is doing enough to protect them against COVID-19
  4. 96% would recommend Labourpower as an employer
  5. 95% are proud to work for Labourpower

In other great results, our survey results show that:

  • 94% of staff find their local Labourpower Branch/Representative available and responsive
  • 93% are confident and satisfied when contacting Labourpower’s ‘after-hours’ team, and
  • 92% are satisfied with their Labourpower branch

Here at Labourpower, we love matching the right candidate to the right job. Get in touch with our experienced recruiters today!

 

 

 

HEALTHY SOCIAL MEDIA HABITS

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Social media has a key role to play in today’s modern world. So let’s take a closer look at the importance of developing healthy social media habits.

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation.

POST WITH CARE AND THINK BEFORE YOU SHARE

Social media has a key role to play in today’s modern world. It lets us connect with each other any time and anywhere. On the flip side social media can have a negative effect on our health and wellbeing. Therefore, it’s important to develop some healthy habits around our social media use such as setting daily limits, and:

  • Not checking your social media accounts as soon as you wake up, or
  • Measuring your success by the number of new likes or followers

TIP: Get the most out of social media by following people that have a positive effect on you. Also finding content that informs, inspires and makes you smile.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND LOOKING FOR WORK

Social media is a great way for job seekers to stay up-to-date with the latest opportunities. But while it’s a popular way for recruiters to engage with their talent pool, social media can trip you up if you don’t follow some basic protocols including (but not limited to):

  • CENSOR YOURSELF: Make sure your posts portray you in a positive light, just in case a potential employer searches your name.
  • UNDERSTAND SETTINGS: Be savvy with your privacy settings and know exactly what information people can see about you online.
  • BE SECURE: Keep your passwords secret and accounts secure and avoid your account being hacked by a prankster friend.

REMEMBER: The internet has a long memory, so if you’re applying for work it’s always a good idea to Google yourself and see what pops up.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND YOUR JOB SEARCH

When used properly, social media can be a great tool to help in your job search and stay up-to-date with everything your recruitment agency has to offer. Keep great opportunities coming your way by checking out Labourpower’s social pages, including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn!

MORE TIPS FOR HEALTHY SOCIAL MEDIA HABITS
  • ENGAGE WITH PURPOSE: Know exactly what you want to achieve before you login e.g. connecting with friends and loved ones, looking for a job, or staying up-to-date with events happening in your local area.
  • REMEMBER – REAL LIFE ISN’T PERFECT: Try not to follow accounts that make you feel envious or inadequate. Keep a sense of reality and avoid comparing your normal life to other people’s holidays.

FINALLY: Organisations such as Beyond Blue have valuable tips on how to manage social media in a positive way. Visit their website for more information www.beyondblue.org.au

 

WELLNESS GOES 24/7

If you or someone you know needs help, it’s important to speak to your Supervisor, Labourpower Representative or Labourpower HR.

Labourpower values your health and wellbeing and is committed to wellness in the workplace. We are proud to partner with Workactive to bring you safety and wellbeing programs throughout the year.

Look out for our regular Toolbox Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday posts on Facebook, LinkedIn and the Labourpower website.

 

 

COPING DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON

Posted on by Nicki Davies

It’s the festive season which can be a fun time for some but a stressful and challenging time of year for others.

Shift workers often find themselves working around the clock and missing out on time with loved ones.  While COVID-19 has added another level of chaos with many missing out on those catch-ups planned with family and friends to celebrate.

This year it’s more important than ever to make sure that you’re looking after your health and wellbeing.

SELF-CARE
  • Make sure that you prioritise your wellness by eating healthily, drinking lots of water, exercising regularly and getting enough sleep
STAY-CONNECTED
  • If you can’t spend time with friends and family in person, make sure you find other ways to stay connected such as a phone message or a video call (Facetime, Zoom etc)
CHANGE YOUR EXPECATIONS
  • Avoid putting pressure on yourself to create the perfect celebration and instead change your expectations. It’s okay to say no to events or to arrange a special catch-up on another day.
SPEND TIME OUTDOORS
  • Studies show that spending time outdoors can have a positive impact on mental health. Go for a walk, have a picnic in a park, spend time at the beach (and don’t forget your sun protection)
GET SUPPORT
  • If you’re feeling alone or lonely, it’s important to reach out and talk to someone.

The mental health professionals at Beyond Blue’s Support Service are available over the holiday period 24/7 on 1300 22 4636. Also, they are available via online chat (3pm-12am AEDT) or email responses (within 24 hours). There are also other services to contact for support over this time if you need someone to talk to.

Sources:

 

WELLNESS GOES 24/7

If you or someone you know needs help, it’s important to speak to your Supervisor, Labourpower Representative or Labourpower HR.

Labourpower values your health and wellbeing and is committed to wellness in the workplace. We are proud to partner with Workactive to bring you safety and wellbeing programs throughout the year.

Look out for our regular Toolbox Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday posts on Facebook, LinkedIn and the Labourpower website.

 

 

SURVIVING THE 2020 SILLY SEASON

Posted on by Nicki Davies

Tips for surviving the 2020 silly season in what has already been a challenging year. 

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation

GOOD HEALTH AND GOOD CHEER AT THE END OF THE YEAR

It’s been a year like no other, with plenty of people keen to see the back of 2020. But before we look forward to a new year, we need to survive the silly season, and that means taking time to look after our health and wellbeing:

  • The number one rule for the festive season has to be everything in moderation
  • Keep this top of mind and it will help you maintain a healthy balance.

IMPORTANT: If you do get to enjoy an end of year function with work colleagues remember that on-site company rules and policies also apply to events held off-site too.

NEW ALCOHOL GUIDELINES

New national guidelines recommend that to reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury, healthy men and women should drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day. So it’s important to know your standard drinks:

  • 285 ml of full strength beer – 4.9% alc/vol
  • 425 ml of light beer – 2.7% alc/vol
  • 100 ml of wine -13% alc/vol
  • 30ml of spirits (e.g. vodka, gin, whisky) – 40% alc/vol

IMPORTANT: The less you drink, the lower your risk of harm from alcohol. For more information about the new Australian guidelines visit https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-advice/alcohol

TIPS TO MAINTAIN GOOD HABITS

Firstly, start the day with a healthy breakfast (check out our Breakfast Benefits  post for tips of what to eat).

Also, go easy on the alcohol (try alternating each alcoholic drink with water).

In addition, try to stick to an exercise routine throughout the silly season.

If you do get to enjoy a party or two, always be careful with your social media posts. Tagging people in photos or videos that they don’t know about or posting drunken antics online may not seem like such a good idea the next day

Finally, remember to manage the silly season at a pace that works for you. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to look after your own physical and mental health and wellness.

SURVIVING THE 2020 SILLY SEASON AND COVID-19

If you are able to enjoy some end of year festivities with friends or colleagues, don’t forget to follow COVID-19 safety protocols, including:

  • Good hygiene practices
  • Social distancing, and
  • Wearing a face mask when required.
WELLNESS GOES 24/7

Labourpower values your health and wellbeing and is committed to wellness in the workplace. We are proud to partner with Workactive to bring you safety and wellbeing programs throughout the year.

Look out for our regular Toolbox Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday posts on Facebook, LinkedIn and the Labourpower website.

 

 

WORKING IN HEAT: HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

Posted on by Nicki Davies

 

Working in heat can be challenging, so it’s important to know what steps to take to protect yourself. 

Disclaimer: The following information is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation

WORK SAFELY THIS SUMMER AND BEAT THE HEAT

During extreme heat it is easy for your body to become dehydrated or for your body to overheat, so you need to know how to work safely in hot weather to help:

  • Protect your health, safety and wellbeing
  • Prevent heat stroke, heat illnesses and heat stress injuries in the workplace
SIP, SLOP, SLAP

Heat stress and illness as a result of working in hot conditions can increase your chance of injury. This is because it can reduce your ability to concentrate and recognise risks. Therefore, it’s important to understand sun safety and take steps to protect yourself from fatigue and heat stress, particularly during the summer months.

  • SIP on a drink
  • SLOP on some sunscreen
  • SLAP on a hat

IMPORTANT:

  • Remember that all skin types can be damaged by exposure to UV radiation. So make sure that you are sun-safe everyday even when it’s cool or cloudy.
  • Also, use SPF 30 (or higher), broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. And remember to reapply it every two hours and even more frequently if sweating.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HEAT STRESS
  • Firstly, stay well hydrated during your shifts by drinking plenty of water (don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more).
  • Also, try to avoid  alcohol, coffee, tea, and high-level caffeine / energy type drinks. This can increase dehydration and may affect your quality of work.

    IMPORTANT: Consuming alcohol prior or during your shift is in breach of Labourpower and client policies and also impairs your ability placing others at risk.

  • In addition, eat regularly, reduce your intake of heavy food  and follow a well-balanced diet.
  • Wear protective clothing (PPE) including lightweight clothing that helps protect you from the heat. Change your uniform if your clothes become saturated and use sunscreen when working outside.
  • Finally, pace yourself throughout the day. Build up to heavy work, understand your limits, take scheduled breaks and rest if fatigued.

For more information, visit the SunSmart website. 

SAFETY GOES 24/7

Labourpower values your health and wellbeing and has an ongoing commitment to safety in the workplace.

We are also proud to partner with Workactive to bring you safety and wellbeing programs throughout the year.

We look forward to bringing you more safety tips as part of our Toolbox Tuesdays.

Look out for our regular Toolbox Tuesday and Wellness Wednesday posts on Facebook, LinkedIn and the Labourpower website.