Staffing Industry Experts Focus on Dynamic Pay & Workplace Communication
We work with staffing agencies so it was a treat to network and gain insight into their work-a-day life at the Minnesota Recruiting and Staffing Association (MNRSA) spring conference. We also learned about workforce trends and got tips for leading a multi-generational workplace.
David Lewis, Express Employment Professionals, presented on the topic "Where have all the Workers Gone?" His answers to the question included a discussion on "The cobra effect."
Lewis identified three trends he's watching:
- Dynamic pay and scheduling driven by business conditions: "Uber is already doing it," he noted, of the app-based service that connects drivers with people looking for rides. When demand for rides increases, so do rates.
- Fewer large, central headquarters buildings: Companies are decentralizing their workforces and setting up smaller, flex work sites. The increased use of mobile devices allows people to work almost anywhere, he said. Flex sites provide more work/life balance since workers can choose a location closer to a given day's family activities.
- Always-on video chat that encourages workers in different locations (see above) to collaborate: Whether across town or across the country, always-on video connects people in a way that facilitates "walk-up" video conversations at work. (Perch is an example of an always-on video app.)
Multi-Generational Workplace
Kit Welchin was the presenter for another topic we were interested in: "Leading a Multi-Generational Workplace." At SBS, our team is comprised of representatives from each generation: Traditionals, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millenials / Generation Y.
Each generation has a unique perspective, so making sure that colleagues, managers, department heads and company leaders take into account the communication needs of each is critical to running a successful business, Welchin explained.
One point that I though perfectly illustrated the differences was how each group views authority:
- Traditionals: Chain of Command
- Boomers: Change of Command
- Gen Xers: Self-Command
- Millenials: Don't Command – Collaborate
Attending events like this is a great way to stretch your perspective. Or pique your curiosity about things you may not have even been aware - like Perch!
