How will remote work affect the employee experience long term?

Even as restrictions ease and businesses reopen, it seems almost certain that the workplace has been permanently altered. Although many people will physically return to their places of work, many may not do so or at least not every day. The work week for information-based jobs will likely evolve into a hybrid of work from home and work at the office; work is more than ever what you do - not where you go.

This transformation will have a profound effect on employee engagement and experience. Leaders must ensure that their companies are giving their employees everything they need to stay productive in a positive environment - regardless of their location. So what steps can your business take to give your people what they need in this transformed world of work?

Provide clear leadership. From the top down, an environment of respect, trust, transparency and mutually understood expectations is imperative to the success of remote work. Especially when times are difficult, straight talk from leadership about the reality of what’s happening and what it means to the individual and the business alleviates some of the stress of uncertainty.

Assess your digital preparedness. Leveraging digital technologies is critical to managing your remote workforce and requires careful planning, execution, and organizational agility. “All your business systems should be easily accessible, available across a spectrum of devices, and with sufficient levels of network security appropriate for an individual firm,” says Nancy Halverson, MRINetwork SVP, Global Operations. “Your people need a seamless digital platform that they can access from anywhere for functions ranging from onboarding to training to meeting with their teams.” She also recommends the use of video. “Video chat tools like Zoom, GoToMeeting and Google Hangouts are a great way to hold video meetings without losing nonverbal, visual cues. Our recruitment network has seen a significant uptick in remote interviewing via video for even senior-level white collar jobs indicating how far remote management skills have gained footing in the business world.”

Continue to develop your employees. This means not only measuring and assessing employee performance but also looking at whether they are getting sufficient training to perform well. Are they receiving adequate coaching and mentoring from their supervisors? Do they have the tools they need not only to do their work but also to grow and improve? “Encourage your team to take control of how and when they do their work so that they feel empowered,” advises Halverson. “Develop a culture that promotes the exchange of feedback between employees and managers.”

Communicate, communicate, communicate. Keeping remote employees informed and in the loop assures them not only that they are an integral part of a larger organization, but also that the organization has a vested interest in their well-being. Don’t assume that because you hear no complaints from them - or from your customers or clients - that no problems or concerns exist. Encourage their questions and concerns so that they raise issues they face quickly and proactively. You’ll be able to solve problems more efficiently and keep your people feeling satisfied and appreciated.

“The responsibility for good communication works both ways,” observes Halverson. “Good remote workers understand the importance of reaching out to their team members. So keep an eye on the interaction among them to be sure that they are sharing the context and relevant details their colleagues need from them.”

Promote well-being. Working remotely can be lonely, leading to feelings of disconnection among team members and difficulties in protecting your company’s culture. “Make helping your people maintain a healthy work-life balance a priority,” says Halverson. “Provide access to resources and discussions around topics like mental health, meditation, and exercise.”

Companies that look after their employees have engaged workforces. And that translates into workers who are committed and productive, even when they’re working remotely.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

Employment Summary for May 2020 (BLS Report)

The financial market rally in recent weeks proved to be prescient as the U.S. jobless rate fell to 13.3%, and payrolls rose by 2.5 million, suggesting jobs are rapidly returning the coronavirus-hobbled economy.

“Our Network managers, in almost 400 executive recruitment offices, anticipate upticks in sequential professional, technical, executive and managerial hiring demand in the second half 2020 that might indicate continued steps in a positive return towards recovery,” said Bert Miller, president and CEO of MRINetwork.

The mandated shutdown of a large segment of the U.S. economy, to reduce the spread of the coronavirus, had been expected to result in significantly higher unemployment levels. Economist forecasts had called for a decline of 7.5 million in May payrolls and a jump in the unemployment rate to 19%. Instead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shocked many experts. Over the next days and weeks analysts will be exploring impacts of initiatives like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) to help explain the unexpected improvement which wasn’t limited to the U.S. figures. North of the border, Canadian employment rose 290,000 in May, compared with forecasts of a 500,000 slump, its statistics office reported.

The BLS reported total non-farm employment rose by 2.5 million in May, and the unemployment rate declined by 1.4% to 13.3%. The total number of unemployed persons fell by 2.1 million to 21.0 million workers. When viewed versus data in the pre-coronavirus period, the number of unemployed persons is up by 9.8 percentage points and 15.2 million, respectively since February.

“Barring a second surge of Covid-19, the overall U.S. economy may have turned a corner, as evidenced by the surprise job gains today, even though it still remains to be seen exactly what the new normal will look like," said Tony Bedikian, head of global markets at Citizens Bank, reported Fox Business.

“May was this transition month. The layoffs were very high, but in the latter part of the month, rehiring started. This employment report is probably the peak of the disaster in the labor market,” said Ethan Harris, head of global economics at Bank of America, reported CNBC.

According to the BLS, large employment increases occurred in May in leisure and hospitality, construction, education and health services, and retail trade. Government employment continued to decline sharply.

Employment in leisure and hospitality increased by 1.2 million, following losses of 7.5 million in April and 743,000 in March. Over the month, employment in food services and drinking places rose by 1.4 million, accounting for about half of the gain in total nonfarm employment. Construction employment increased by 464,000 in May, gaining back almost half of April's decline (-995,000).

Employment increased by 424,000 in education and health services in May, after a dramatic decrease of 2.6 million in April. Healthcare employment increased by 312,000 over the month, with gains in offices of dentists (+245,000), offices of other health practitioners (+73,000), and offices of physicians (+51,000). Elsewhere in healthcare, job losses continued in nursing and residential care facilities (-37,000) and hospitals (-27,000).

In May, employment in retail trade rose by 368,000, after a loss of 2.3 million in April. Over-the-month job gains occurred in clothing and clothing accessories stores (+95,000), automobile dealers (+85,000), and general merchandise stores (+84,000). By contrast, job losses continued in electronics and appliance stores (-95,000) and in auto parts, accessories, and tire stores (-36,000).

Professional and business services added 127,000 jobs in May, after shedding 2.2 million jobs in April. Over the month, employment rose in services to buildings and dwellings (+68,000) and temporary help services (+39,000), while employment declined in management of companies and enterprises (-22,000).

Financial activities added 33,000 jobs over the month, following a loss of 264,000 jobs in April. In May, employment gains occurred in real estate and rental and leasing (+24,000) and in credit intermediation and related activities (+7,000).

In May, employment continued to decline in government (-585,000), following a drop of 963,000 in April. Employment in local government was down by 487,000 in May. Local government education accounted for almost two-thirds of the decrease (-310,000), reflecting school closures.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

Rated one of the best for 4 years in a row

MRINetwork Recognized by Forbes as One of Nation's Top Talent Access Firms

Over 18,000 HR decision makers and candidates who utilized a search firm in the past year, as well as thousands of recruiters surveyed by Forbes, recognized MRINetwork as among the elite top 20 of the country’s 15,000 search firms.

We are proud to receive this designation for the fourth consecutive year, and are most grateful to our talented professionals, whose focus on meeting both candidate and client needs earned this prestigious recognition. Here is the list of top Executive Recruiters.

Forbes.com, a leading source of reliable business news and analysis, enlisted the services of research firm Statista to identify America's most well-respected recruiting firms. Statista compiled two lists of search firms: "Executive Recruiting," those firms focused on roles with at least $100,000 in annual pay; and "Professional Recruiting," firms specializing almost exclusively in positions of under $100,000 in annual salary. Firms with the most recommendations from the thousands of respondents were ranked in order of votes received.

The Trevi Group
“Executive Search for Technology Professionals”
www.TheTreviGroup.com

Using inbound marketing to boost recruiting efforts post-coronavirus

Although we’re still in the midst of coping with the pandemic, we’re beginning to see glimmers of hope for recovery. It may not be business as usual, but for many companies, it will mean ramping up their workforce again. Unemployment rates have soared to new highs after a period of extremely low rates that led to stiff competition for top job candidates, and while it may be some time before they are substantially lower, forward-thinking companies will be looking to replace critical talent and gear up for pent-up demand for goods and services. So this is a good time to consider how to attract the talent you need ahead of your competitors.

“Companies need to stop selling and start generating demand. Begin by creating and distributing quality content that gets the attention of your desired audience. To build trust among relevant individuals, provide information that enhances your reputation as a thought leader in your space. Illustrate your values and highlight your company culture to enhance your employer brand. Inbound marketing is all about creating interest, warming up relationships, and getting people to come to you and your organization,” says Patrick Convery, MRINetwork Sr. Marketing Manager.

What exactly is inbound marketing? According to Hubspot, a marketing software firm, “Inbound marketing is a business methodology that attracts customers by creating valuable content and experiences tailored to them. While outbound marketing interrupts your audience with content they don’t want, inbound marketing forms connections they’re looking for and solves problems they already have.”

With this in mind, here’s how your organization can use inbound marketing to attract top talent.

“First,” says Convery, “it’s essential that you have a well-defined idea of the type of person you aim to hire for your company so that you can market to them effectively.” To do this, the publication Social Media Today recommends that you create “candidate personas” to form a clear picture of the audience you want to target.

“What education is needed, what essential skills are required, what other factors are pertinent to the specific position? Probe these areas with your team so you can target the people who fit your needs,” advises Convery. ”This process helps you to refine your inbound marketing efforts and streamline your campaigns on social media platforms such as LinkedIn.”

Second, you should think strategically about the content on your website. “Not every person that comes across your content or website is ready to apply for a position,” as noted by Social Media Today. “Some people are curious, passively seeing what opportunities are out there or simply researching, and this is precisely why it's important for you to create and publish as many useful content types as possible to support them.”

This type of content can take the form of white papers, eBooks, webinars and articles. “Keep giving, keep educating, and don’t ask for anything in return. Eventually, these people will come to you,” says Convery. “If you’re searching for a pipeline of potential applicants, take a look at those who opt-in for more content via email and YouTube subscriptions - and reach out to those who engage with your social posts.”

Remember that inbound marketing revolves around providing outstanding content. This means that even after you have caught the attention of your target audience, you must continue to engage them with dynamic content that keeps them coming back and instills the idea that your company is a good place to work.

“Of course as an employer, you can research and implement an effective inbound program on your own. But in today’s fast changing social media environment, you may want to consult with a professional recruitment firm that’s well versed in emerging media platforms, proficient in developing ongoing thought leadership content, and experts in managing the pipeline of applicants to ensure the true game changing talent rises to the top,” noted Convery.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

Summary of BLS Employment Report for April 2020

As expected, the decision to mandate the shutdown of a large segment of the U.S. economy in efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus delivered record acceleration in the rate of unemployment. Just two months ago, payrolls increased by 230,000 jobs and unemployment fell back to a half century low of 3.5%.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported the unemployment rate increased by 10.3 percentage points to 14.7%. That is the highest rate and the largest month-over-month increase in the history of the series dating back to 1948. Total number of unemployed persons increased by an astonishing 15.9 million to 23.9 million in April.

“The job losses and high unemployment mark a sharp pivot from just a few months ago, when the economy was pumping out hundreds of thousands of new jobs, and joblessness was hovering near 50-year lows. The jobs bust has been widespread,” noted the Wall Street Journal in an article issued shortly before April results were announced. Economists, meanwhile, had forecast an unemployment rate of 16% from 4.4% in March.

The stock market reaction at today’s opening, indicate that investors have already baked these numbers into their forecasts and have weighed anticipated steps in lifting restrictions.

“The jobs report marks a sobering moment in our history, while it also likely marks the bottom of the economic contraction with hope for a better remainder of the year,” said Bryce Doty, senior portfolio manager at Sit Fixed income Advisors, in a Bloomberg report.

Unemployment increases were widespread throughout the industries reported by the BLS. Roles in leisure and hospitality plummeted by 7.7 million, or 47 percent with almost three-quarters of the decrease in food services and drinking places (-5.5 million).

As the healthcare industry shifted to coronavirus mitigation the BLS data indicated that the remaining sectors in healthcare saw a decline by 1.4 million led by losses in offices of dentists (-503,000), offices of physicians (-243,000) and in offices of other healthcare practitioners (-205,000). There were declines too in professional and business services, construction, manufacturing, transportation and warehousing and in the financial sector among a broad range of industry declines.

In April, employment in retail trade declined by 2.1 million. Job losses occurred in clothing and accessories stores (-704,000), motor vehicle sales (-382,000) and furniture and home furnishing stores (-209,000). By contrast, the component of general merchandise stores that include warehouse clubs and superstores, that were largely unaffected by mandated closure gained 93,000 jobs.

Total government employment dropped by 980,000 in April with employment in local government down by 801,000 in part reflecting school closures according to the BLS.

Reported by CNBC, “The bleak numbers paint a pretty dismal picture, but April may be it for job losses going forward with the country starting to reopen,” said Chris Rupkey, chief financial economist at MUFG Union Bank. “If there is a silver-lining in today’s dismal jobs report, it is in the realization that the economy cannot possibly get any worse than it is right now.”

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

Coronavirus and managing remote work

With the global spread of the coronavirus pandemic, workers across industries have been forced to work from home where possible. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and many others around the world have all initiated mandatory work-from-home policies. While many other companies are unable to allow for remote work, which has led to mass layoffs, remote work can be both a blessing and a curse for those who can do it.

Meanwhile the World Health Organization has indicted that we should expect this work situation to become the “new normal” for the foreseeable future. But working from home can be a major transition for people who have always worked in an office and it may require an adjustment period. “Some employees are working from home for the first time,” observes Nancy Halverson, SVP, Global Operations. “They have to figure out how to work effectively in an environment that may be distracting, isolating and disruptive to productivity.”

Communication is key, believes Halverson. “That means leveraging technology like Skype and Zoom to establish day-to-day communication and keep people feeling connected and focused on their jobs,” she says. “Your employees are bound to have many concerns about the impact not only to their workday, but also about the longer-term implications for the economy and their jobs. Communicate with them often about the impacts of the pandemic to your business and encourage employees to express their concerns and questions.”

Halverson suggests offering clear guidelines for people who are new to working from home. “Your team needs to know exactly what is expected of them,” she says. “Not being crystal clear about expectations can lead to problems that can cause major disruptions in your team’s workflow and performance. Clarify what tools your team will use, how you will communicate, what hours everyone is expected to work and when projects will be completed. Put the plan in writing so that everyone understands it and knows what is expected of them.”

“It’s also important to remind them to treat remote work the same way as if they were working from their office,” she says. “They should be making the effort to create a dedicated workspace - and resisting the temptation to lounge around in pajamas all day.”

Keep in mind, too, that when working remotely, employees don’t always receive the same level of feedback on their work as they would in the office. “Make sure to provide consistent feedback,” says Halverson, “even something as simple as an email that shows you’re aware of what they’re accomplishing. Ask how they are adjusting, how they are feeling and if they are having struggling with anything.”

The coronavirus has dramatically changed the way many people in the U.S. and abroad are working. It’s critically important that during these uncertain times your employees feel valued and that their well-being matters. That’s powerful motivation for them to perform well and do their part to keep your business on track.

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

COVID-19: What's changing in the IT industry?

The COVID-19 crisis has created global economic upheaval, and as a result, a huge overnight impact on the IT industry. With that in mind, I wanted to take a minute and give you some perspective and insight into what we are seeing and hearing from clients and candidates across the industry.

What trends are you seeing? What are you most afraid of? How can we help you?

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

How to Ace your Video Interview

Dress for Success

• Dress professionally - top to bottom. Not just top torso & head - don't forget about pants/shoes. You never know if you may have to get up and grab a phone to call your interviewer back on a land line!

• Don't have bare shoulders - especially if you are only viewed shoulders up on screen - it will look like you have nothing on!

• Stay away from patterns - solids work best.

Environment

• Noise Levels – turn off radio/TV/cell phone – even white noise like fans, Zen-like waterfalls, loud air conditioners, space heaters, dehumidifiers, etc.

• Put pets away, close the door, and make sure roommates and family members are aware of the importance of quiet!

• Consider putting a note on the door to keep delivery people, sales people, etc. from ringing the doorbell that may trigger pet noise or background chaos.

• If you have the option, set up your computer in a room in which you’re least likely to hear outdoor noise – from trucks, kids, etc.

• Think about what is in the background – a neutral wall with minimal background elements is best. Keep pictures / equipment to a minimum. Move toy bins, adjust angle so your unfinished ceiling insulation isn’t showing.

• Check yourself out on screen – you should be the focus of the video capture – not your stereo equipment.

• Create optimal lighting. Turn on lights in the room so you don’t have a floating head or shut blinds to avoid harsh glare and shadows on your face.

• No eating or chewing gum – and if possible, try to avoid drinking.  If you must take a sip – apologize and sip, then put the drink aside.

Technology

•  Test your microphone sound level and video well in advance of the actual meeting. And again 15 minutes before!

•  Adjust the focus of the camera. Most cameras have the capability to fine tune the crispness of the video.  It's best to have a friend “connect” with you via webcam to tell you how you appear as you adjust the settings.

• Close ALL other programs not necessary for the call – email, instant messaging, office products such as Word, Excel, and close internet browser windows. Not only are these potentially a distraction, but it could also affect your connection quality.

• If possible, hard wire your computer vs. using wireless. If you do use wireless, try to be as close to your router as possible for the strongest connectivity.

• Sometimes firewalls can impact your connection / speed. It may be helpful to temporarily disconnect from VPN or firewalls.   

• Look at the camera, not at the screen when YOU are talking. Its tempting to look at yourself on your computer screen but this not only will appear as though you are looking away to the interviewer, but will also likely cause you to fidget with your hair and lose focus. You would never look at yourself in a mirror if you were interviewing in person – so think of the camera as the interviewer’s eyes and look into it / them!

• Adjust your chair so the camera is at eye level – don’t look down at the camera. Not only does it appear poorly on the other end but that angle is very unflattering for most people!

• If you wear glasses, make sure you don’t have glare on them from the camera; lose the glasses or wear contacts if either are options.

• If your camera has the option of using effects (bunny nose & ears, cowboy hat, pink hair, etc.), don’t use them.

Movement & Pace

• Careful with TOO much movement. If you do experience delays or any choppiness during the connection - heavy movement further accentuates it.   If you are a heavy gesture person – be careful!  Clasp hands in lap – hold on to the sides of your computer – SOMETHING to keep it under control.

• Reactions translate differently when onscreen so it's important to compensate with extra enthusiasm and concise answers.

• Speak succinctly – and pause for a few moments before talking after being asked a question to compensate for the slight time lag.

• Watch body language – it’s easy to forget they can see you!  Don’t look bored (chin resting on your hand), slouchy, don’t look away from the camera when answering questions (remember – think of it as the interviewer's eyes), careful with stretching & scratching.

• If you have a high desktop and rest your arms on it, it’s extra-important not to slouch, so that your shoulders aren’t at your ears.

General

• Login 10-15 minutes before the call in case you have technical problems and / or to ensure you are ready when the interviewer is!

• PRACTICE!  Find someone that will practice with you using ideally the same video technology you will be using during the interview if possible. That person should point out background & environmental distractions, give you honest feedback on how you appear (including where you are positioned in the screen, annoying movements, sound levels, etc.). You may also consider recording yourself on a site such as YouTube so you can see YOURSELF and make adjustments. You should be prepared for the types of questions you are likely to get, so practice the answers so you can judge for yourself how you will appear!

• At the conclusion of a call, be sure the call is fully disconnected before you ‘relax.’ You’re still on camera until the session truly ends.

Don’t Allow This To Happen

Oh well… now you have to see this….

Good Luck!

The Trevi Group | “Executive Search for Technology Professionals” | www.TheTreviGroup.com

COVID-19: We can help....

While The Trevi Group is well known for finding great talent and top performers for our clients, I wanted you to know that we also handle Outplacement and creative staffing alternatives that could significantly reduce your company’s costs and maximize your team’s morale and performance during this crisis.

1. For example, if you are looking to reduce hours for some of the staff, or need to layoff some staff, we have an option that can reduce costs. As an example, we have a couple of clients that are laying off staff, but need 2-3 of these individuals are needed to work part time hours for get critical things done. What we are doing is moving these individuals to our payroll system, and then having them work for the company on a part time basis -- thereby substantially reducing payroll costs and the heavier burden relationship associated with direct employees. 

2. Additionally, for the talented individuals that you need to lay off, we are providing outplacement services. We are helping these individuals transition their careers, and allowing you to provide compassionate support as they exit. When these individual are treated well, the result is higher morale and productivity for those that are retained in the organization.

The bottom line is that we are here to help and support you in every way we can. Let us know if either of these options make sense for you in today’s uncertain economy and unrest?

Contact us at Info@TheTreviGroup.com to discuss how we can help you.

The Trevi Group | Executive Search for Technology Professionals | www.TheTreviGroup.com



Three tips on effective remote interviewing to make that critical hiring decision

Because the health and safety of the U.S. workforces and their families are at the forefront of everyone's mind during the current Coronavirus outbreak, many companies have implemented strict no travel policies. One of the outcomes of this is an increase in virtual job interviews via phone and video conferencing.

Some hiring managers and recruiters are actually seeing an upside to the restrictions. “They are able to get in touch with clients and candidates more easily because they’re at home and may welcome the chance to speak with you,” observes Suzanne Rice, Sr. Director, Business Services. “They’re not traveling, which is often a big challenge for recruiters trying to meet potential candidates.”

Although the practice of remote interviewing is not uncommon, now’s a good time to review how to effectively identify the best candidates without a face-to-face meeting.

Keep the technology simple

You’ll require a web camera with high resolution; Zoom or Skype (or any other video chat software; we use RingCentral in our office) already installed; a neat and clean background; and a well-lit space. Your candidates might need some time to get these requirements together so tell them the specifics as soon as you can.

“Do a trial run a day or two before you conduct the interview,” advises Rice. “Set up and test the camera and sound you will use for the actual interview. You want to eliminate technical difficulties as much as possible since they can be a distraction.”

Put the candidate at ease

Focus on eye contact with the candidate. Look at the camera, using lean-forward body language to engage with them. ”Maintain a friendly demeanor throughout the interview,” says Rice. “This will help the candidate relax and encourage them to talk more naturally.”

Rice also recommends that you spend more time listening attentively. You can provide insight about the business, the job and the team, but limit your own time for talking. “Be sure to give the candidate the opportunity to ask you questions at the end of the interview,” she says. “If you’re new to remote interviewing, you might even ask for suggestions on what might have been helpful to them.”

Remember that it’s a lot like a face-face-interview

Just as you would if you were meeting with the candidate in your office, have a clearly defined profile of the responsibilities and duties of the job the candidate is applying for, as well as the abilities, skills and knowledge needed to perform them. Prepare objective, behavior-based questions that assess their suitability for the work and their potential to succeed in your culture.

If the position will report to a manager under you, you may want to include that person in the interview. “This gives them a chance to ask more job-specific questions and determine if the candidate will fit into their team,” says Rice.

Although some companies are delaying the hiring process because of the virus, businesses that elect to use video conferencing to stay on track with hiring will be better positioned following the upheaval, especially in today’s candidate-tight environment. Amidst health concerns and disruptions, they are demonstrating their ability to keep their businesses on a steady course.

The Trevi Group | Executive Search for Technology Professionals | www.TheTreviGroup.com