Author: UnitedHR

Being Well Ensures Being Successful: A Workplace Initiative

Maintaining a positive vibe and enthusiastic ambience at workplace is the key for successful business proceedings. Many times it is seen that the physical and mental illness of the staffs affects the growth of the company. The most common cause that damages a firm’s proceedings is non attendance. This is mainly caused by physical weakness, mood disorder, depression or some other illness resulting in drop in performance meter of the employee and degrading of moral at the workplace.

Now, what begs the question is how exactly well being of employee effect the company’s prosperity. It is statistically approved through different office surveys that the employees working under poor conditions and provisions are more susceptible to non attendance and lack of aspiration while in case of well-conditioned employees this disorder is quite low. The former situation likely to deteriorate the turnover of the company while the latter situation will no way degrade the turnover but may also improve the stakes for the firm.

With the business boom happening all over the globe, more and more offices are coming into play meaning more workforce environments are being formed. Under these situations, it is of utmost importance to keep the physical and mental condition of the employees afresh. If the employees are deprived in either of the conditions the drive for accomplishment for the company will slow down. For this very reason, today’s firms are always encouraging their work place employees to keep themselves fit and fine which will ultimately beneficial for creating positive vibe for the firm and in its path of progress. The organizations nowadays are providing their staffs with health check gadgets for their fitness regime, exercise and spa outings, recreational activities and other stuff for the employees’ well being.

employee-wellness

Some of the methods for employee well-being initiative are discussed below

  1. It is important to lookout for employee’s fitness regime

The company can keep track of employees’ fitness through mobile apps and also pass awareness messages and alerts to them during slack.

  1. Keep the employees busy in extracurricular activities

By arranging periodical recreational activities like sports and others in the veil of competition will ignite workplace rivalry and keep them tracked on fitness regime.

  1. 3. Encourage healthy living among the staff

Companies are aware today that the health care costs are increasing day by day and healthy employees will bring in higher efficiency and hence healthy production. It is imperative to take proper care in order to maintain wellness of the employees. The following steps could be taken to encourage good health among the staff:

  • Blood tests can be regularly organised by the companies for the employees.
  • A doctor can be called upon to talk on issues related to health care.
  • Yoga classes/camps can be conducted.

 

  1. It is important to give employees a vitality boost every now and then

The firm needs to do all to keep the moral high in the work place to spread the business further. Occasional remodelling of the work place will light up the employees’ moods and inspire them to work more efficiently; let’s face it everyone wants something new in the daily grind.

  1. The all purpose office will realise dream

The people nowadays are fitness aware but restrict themselves to equipment exercise like gymming, swimming, aerobics, cycling etc. The offices providing these facilities along with recreation centres and nutritional yet good meals as amenities will definitely get cent percent dedication and efforts from their employees, catapulting the firm to the next level.

 

How To Protect One’s Brand On The Social Media

The social media is the trending and the most liked mass communication platform of today’s world. Almost anybody and everybody linked to the internet is part of some of the social media sites. From people to companies and from institutes to governments everyone is on the social networking for either spreading awareness or promoting brand or any other purpose. But like everything, social media also has its own set of perils. Social media is also a platform for deliberate cyber crimes that could tarnish ones brand identity and set up fraud accounts for financial benefits.

But for this, one should not restrain from promoting one’s brand because that will harm the progress of the business. To avoid such predicament the firm should take steps to protect the welfare of its brand. Some such steps are discussed below.

protect-smo

  1. The firm should devise a sound social media policy

By implementing a social media policy the firm will have a clear method of operation on the social media platform that will ensure protection of brand form malicious attacks and campaigns. Social media policy is a set of rule and regulations of the firm that all the works must abide by. This can be defined as a summed up form of different notions like mission and vision of the firm, social responsibility of the firm, security and industrial protocols of the firm, brand practises and guidelines and lastly, the firm laws.

  1. The firm should educate its employees accordingly

The social media policy of a firm will be able to protect the brand only when the employees are knowledgeable about it. The taskforce must be made aware of the brand’s social media policy, its pros and cons and risk management schemes.

  1. The password should be a difficult one

The easiest way to compromise one’s social account is by protecting it by a very predictable run on the mill password. Password is the primary wall of defence for social media account and it must be made almost inexpendable, if not completely. The ways to secure a password are to make it complex by lengthening it while incorporating special characters and alphanumeric. Two factor login, where one has to pass through two gateways like password and Captcha/OTP, or centralized password managers can also be used to secure the social account.

  1. The firm must have a social activity monitoring system

The monitoring system will serve for both looking out for fraudulent activities and keeping track of promotion of brand and traffic inflow in the account. The monitoring system will also facilitate customer reporting and post approval systems in order to keep vigilance on brand defamation and impersonation.

  1. The firm must stop hashtag hijackers beforehand

Hashtags are campaigning part of a brand identity and hijackers use them to defame a brand’s name by circulating ill rumours. The firm could prevent such happenings by promoting all possible hashtags from the very start of any campaigning with a neutral yet positive vibe.

Well when all said and done, a social media contingency plan must be placed at heart’s space at all times, because it is better to prevent such happenings than to cure them. After all, a brand’s identity is its main asset.

The Hiring Graph To Go Up , Next Quarter- Good News For The Industry

After prolonged slump, hiring in India expected to bounce back next quarter.

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The net employment outlook for the October to December quarter stands at 19 percent. The outlook for the same quarter last year was 30 percent. Hiring prospects are 4 percentage points stronger as compared to the previous quarter.

The survey covered 5,005 employers across India.

Sector-wise, the services sector is expected to see the highest growth in employees with an outlook of 12 percent. Services are followed by the transportation and utilities sector at 20 percent.

The remaining sectors – mining & construction, public administration & education, wholesale & retail and insurance & real estate – will also see positive growth in hiring, the survey said.

Region-wise, all four regions expect to see an increase in employment with North topping the list with an outlook of 27 percent. Inthe south and west, the employment outlook is 20 percent and 15 percent respectively.

The East has the worst outlook at 7 percent.

WhatsApp Image 2017-09-13 at 12.27.35 PM

The survey further indicates that large and medium-sized employers report positive hiring plans with an employment outlook of 19 percent while for small businesses the outlook is 17 percent.

Globally, India’s hiring pace has fallen slightly as compared to other countries. The strongest hiring trend is visible in Japan with an outlook of 23 percent. Taiwan (22 percent), Costa Rica (19 percent), India follows Japan in the ranking.

“Fourth quarter forecasts are mostly positive with employers in 42 of 43 countries and territories expecting workforces to grow by varying margins over the next three months. Only employers in Switzerland forecast a flat fourth-quarter hiring pace,” the survey said.

In the July-September quarter, hiring in India was at a 12-year-low due to stress in the telecom and IT sector and the global scenario, a previous survey by the Manpower Group said.

Credit Source: http://www.moneycontrol.com

Workforce diversity — Still a long way to go!!

Diversity was never in more limelight than it is today. This is so because lagging behind in incorporating diversity is not considered just the unwillingness to spend money, but it denotes that the management doesn’t want to march to the tune.

Yes, the organization gets the image of “slow-to-change.” There is a direct impact of this on the company image and employee engagement.

In light of this, more and more companies are reviewing their diversity programs and making necessary changes to rebuild and revive the same. Those who have never taken it seriously in the past are also working on it seriously.

Experts say that diversity ROI is difficult to calculate if you look at it from the perspective of tangible benefit. However, there are innumerable intangible benefits in the long run.

All this ultimately helps in building the corporate image and establishing the company as a serious player in the field of workforce diversity.

The definition of diversity has changed

Workforce Diversity

Before we have a dip test of a few leading companies of global stature, let’s understand how diversity today is different from the past?

It is no longer restricted to creating a workspace inclusive of gender, race, and sexual orientation. Rather, it has extended up to including talents with different problem-solving skills as well.

Companies with a future-thinking perspective understand the dangers of ignoring diversity. Hence, they constantly review their retention and hiring practices.

Even the standard operating norms also get changed from time to time to include and accommodate the changing diversity scenario.

Does it mean ‘all is well’ everywhere? Well, looking at a few cases that hit the news headlines recently, it doesn’t seem so. There have been many cases where big companies were found ignoring the basic diversity norms.

Case #1: Google and Facebook

Well, one of the biggest name today is “Google!” According to the annual diversity report published by the company, the tech giant is far behind as far as diversity is concerned.

The company is largely dominated by male employees (white).  Asians contribute almost 30 percent, and African Americans are about two percent.

Facebook also shares the similar trends.   The diversity report published last year revealed that the half of the workforce is white and hardly two percent are African American.

Though both giants officially assured that concrete steps will be taken to increase diversity, the real impact can be seen after looking at the subsequent reports.

Since there will be pressure to release the data publically, we can assume that something better will emerge in the coming years.

The trends have been similar for decades. Hence, it will take some time to change the situation.  It will be possible only if companies put sincere and honest efforts to correct the disparity.

SOME LOCAL FLAVOUR-

Case #2: Bajaj Allianz General Insurance and Pepsico India

Indian companies are realizing the importance of workforce diversity more today as compared to the old days. Bajaj Allianz runs all-women branch which focuses on female employees to make them insurance experts. However, there is still a long way to go as far as implementing diversity up to the fullest extent.

Pepsico India has almost one-fourth women employees and even at the higher management levels the company has sufficient representation of Women.

As far as other diversities are concerned, they are not much significant in India. For example, racial diversity doesn’t exist at all and diversity based on the sexual orientation is still a taboo in the Indian society.

Hence, the studies conducted in our country are predominantly focused on the gender diversity. In companies like Pepsico India, the corporate policy looks women with a unique perspective and approach. The HR feels that the significant representation of women helps in healthier, well-balanced teams and better decisions.

Research projects conducted by top-rated organizations such as McKinsey point out that companies that strive for gender diversity are more likely to have better returns than the national industry medians as compared to those who don’t bother about gender diversity at all.

Bajaj Allianz HR feels that gender diversity gives an opportunity to tap the vast talent pool of women. The company calls it a ‘win-win’ situation for all.

It is a fact that companies are looking for a change in their perspective and making sincere and honest efforts as well.

Conclusion

It is needless to say that in spite of so many claims and commitments by corporate houses about maintaining workforce diversity in their respective organizations, still there is a long way to go.

If we see such a pity situation in the biggest companies in the world, it is difficult to imagine the same in small and medium level companies.

With the focus on diversity worldwide, companies are altering their hiring and retention policies accordingly. Experts feel that it is more of an attitude issue than policy.

Even if you make stringent norms about it, the situation will not change unless there is a change in the mindset of the people.

Hopefully, the situation will change eventually, and we will see more dynamic and diverse workforce everywhere.

Working in Developing v/s Developed Countries

Imagine a situation when you have applied for a job in a whole list of countries and waiting desperately for a response. To your surprise, you receive an offer from a country that you have hardly heard anything about.

You even don’t remember when and where did you apply for it. However, the job offer is so lucrative that you can’t resist Googling about that country. What all you know that it is a developing country.

Working  Abroad (developing countries)

Whenever one gets an OFFER , or Thinks of a career abroad, it is mostly from the Developing nations.

As these are the countries whose masses/ general population do not have the required Technical skills, and hence Companies seek Expatriates Employees.

Going abroad is sometimes considered akin to going to Developed countries like the UK and USA only.

However more often than not small and developing nations are the one’s who beckon you for a career abroad.

You are puzzled about what it a developing country and whether you should go for it or not? Here is some valuable information for those who want to work there.

What is in a developing country?

Earlier known as ‘Third World Country’, a developing country has less developed industrial areas.

The Human Development Index is low, and the infrastructure is far below as compared to a developed nation.

Working In Developing Country

Some experts use a different criterion for differentiating. The Gross Development Product or GDP decides whether a country will be called developing  country or developed.

In the light of all this, broadly a country with low industrial development and low standard of living as compared to a developed country can be termed as developing country.

Several developing countries are rapidly progressing towards the status of developed countries, though. They show a remarkable growth rate and development.

Why should you choose a developing country?

Well, when it is about making a choice between working in a developed country versus a developing country, then the majority of the people preferred the latter one.

The reason is simple; the lifestyle is quite exciting, and the facilities are pretty good there. The standard of living is superior, and the facilities are good.

Also, a developed country offers several growth opportunities. Hence, you can climb new heights of success pretty fast.

You get more legitimate jobs on Work- Permits and even Resident Visas if you have long-term plans of residing in a developing country

Yes, you have to be absolutely clear about your stay in a developing country. Are you planning to stay there longer? If yes, then there are bright chances of getting legitimate and authentic jobs.

It goes without saying  that when you stay longer, you save more money. If the stint is short (typically one or two years), then you will hardly be able to reap any benefits.

When you show readiness to stay for five years or so, the employers establish faith in you. They offer better and more responsible profiles, and obviously more money.

When a company hires you for a job in a developing country or your existing employer sends you there on deputation, there are expectations from you. And the expectations are quite high.

Therefore, you should try your level best to meet the expectations. Your readiness to roll up your sleeves and hit the Shop floor “Hands On” becomes your cutting edge and is greatly appreciated.

Ask a few questions to the employer before you sign the agreement paper

Working in a different country is a unique proposition indeed, but you have to be cautious about is. Whether it is a developed country or developing one, there are several moving parts. Hence, to make sure that each line of the work contract is clear to you.

Discuss the same with your employer or recruitment agency. Don’t hesitate in asking the following questions:

  • What are the benefits beyond the salary package given in the appointment letter? Will you get travel expense reimbursement, accommodation allowance, relocation benefits, etc?
  • Are there any specific travel conditions, immigration rules or re-entry concerns that you should know about? You should get all pertinent information beforehand.
  • Are there any perks? If yes, then what is the method of reimbursement?
  • What is the office culture? How is it in line with or different to the culture in the respective country? What efforts are required to align with the socio-cultural environment in the country you are going to?
  • Are there any health concerns? Do you need to take some precautions there?
  • What will be the method of payment remittance?

 

Manage your money when you are there

Well, developing countries are certainly cheaper than the developed ones, but at the same time, the salary levels are also quite low.

Experts say that you need to be a perfect money manager when you are in a different country. Not only should you spend sensibly but also keep reserves for contingencies. If you get money in the bank account, then make a habit of not withdrawing all the money.

Control the money flow and beware of your expenses. Thus, you will do not find in an economic crunch while you are in a developing country.

Choose a job after proper research

Do not choose any job hastily just because the salary is being offered more than the average levels. It could be risky. Experts say that one has to be skeptical and keen about it.

You must understand that work opportunities that bring excellent professional experience are always there. The only thing is you have to be watchful and alert. Check your flexibility, resourcefulness, work experience and patience first.

If you search job opportunities by making connections with people, then you may get something remarkable that won’t have been possible otherwise.

Typically in the developing countries, smaller firms always have high employment growth. However, it doesn’t get accompanied by the similar growth in productivity or sales.

Large firms, on the other hand, have higher productivity growth but they have fewer jobs to offer.

Small and Medium enterprises are good at these two fronts, but you are not sure about the growth prospect of the company.

Ask a few questions to the employer before you sign the agreement paper

Working in a different country is a unique proposition indeed, but you have to be cautious about is. Whether it is a developed country or developing one, there are several moving parts. Hence, to make sure that each line of the work contract is clear to you.

Discuss the same with your employer or recruitment agency. Don’t hesitate in asking the following questions:

  • What are the benefits beyond the salary package given in the appointment letter? Will you get travel expense reimbursement, accommodation allowance, relocation benefits, etc?
  • Are there any specific travel conditions, immigration rules or re-entry concerns that you should know about? You should get all pertinent information beforehand.
  • Are there any perks? If yes, then what is the method of reimbursement?
  • What is the office culture? How is it in line with or different to the culture in the respective country? What efforts are required to align with the socio-cultural environment in the country you are going to?
  • Are there any health concerns? Do you need to take some precautions there?
  • What will be the method of payment remittance?

 

Hence, it is very much important that you do your homework before diving into the stream. Get the right job in a developing country, pack your bags and Get Set GO!!.

Indeed, it will be an exciting and learning experience. ALL THE BEST!!