Vanilla Recruitment (UK) Ltd – Quarterly Newsletter - Spring/Summer 2009

Welcome to the quarterly edition of Vanilla’s Newsletter where we aim to provide our clients with good news stories, best practice techniques for employing new staff, new legislation and exciting up and coming events.  To meet the Vanilla team please go to www.vanillarecruitment.co.uk/meet_the_team

Harborough Carnival…a fun day out!

What a great day! This years carnival was celebrated with 21 floats in the parade, and has been hailed as one of the best ever by organisers of the yearly event and the hundreds of spectators who turned up to watch. 

One of those 21 floats was the St Mary’s Road entry with the St George and the Dragon theme. It was co-ordinated by Vanilla Recruitment, and assisted by a consortium of businesses from St Mary’s Road who contributed their time, effort and support to make the float a success. As a result we had a wonderful result from the judges and came 3rd in the Adult category.

Everyone involved had an excellent time enjoying the reaction of the crowds and generally feeling like celebrities!
 
 

Temp of the Month Award

Temp of the Month is awarded for outstanding performance within the individual’s role, including excellent reliability, punctuality, standards of work and for going the extra mile within the temporary contract.  Nominations are taken from Line Managers and Consultants of the temporary workers. So, if you have a Vanilla temporary employee you would like to nominate contact srice@vanillarecruitment.co.uk

Nominated for the month of May was Sheanne Dutnall at FOCSA.  Debbie Fairlie commented “Sheanne has excellent timekeeping and customer service skills and works well on her own initiative.”  Photographed from left to right – Debbie Fairlie, Sheanne Dutnall & Sophie Rice (Vanilla)

  

 
 
 
 

How can I make my employees happier?

The happiness of your employees has a remarkable effect on the overall success of your business. As well as increased productivity, a happy workforce generally means lower staff turnover rates which is what any business wants.

However, in times of economic uncertainty the potential for an unhappy workforce is dramatically increased, as businesses are unable to provide pay increases and bonuses.  You'll often find that many staff work harder to ensure they remain employed and unless you recognise and appreciate these efforts during tough times, you may find yourself facing staff resignations once the economy and labour market improves.

You can make yours a happier workplace with little or no expense at all; a place your employees will want to be, in bad times and in good by following a few simple tips -

  • Show appreciation - Create recognition programmes such as ‘employee of the month’ and other ways to celebrate jobs well done. Take time to give personal praise whenever possible.
  • Provide opportunities - Nothing feels worse than working in a dead-end job. Give individuals a clear career advancement path and allow for cross-training.
  • Share perks - Make sure you share out any freebies or invitations you receive. Make it as easy for the new trainee to get perks as it is for the CEO. Use your company’s buying power to offer staff discounts.
  • Communicate - Meet with your staff on a regular basis to keep them updated and motivated. Encourage employees to come to you directly for advice or with problems or ideas and let them know what can and can't be done.
  • Lead by example - If you make a company policy, you need to follow it too. Make sure you show that you're as committed to the long term future of the company as you're asking your employees to be.
  • Stay positive - While it might be a relief to vent your frustrations publicly, nothing has a more negative effect on staff morale. If you have a problem with someone, or a mistake has been made, address it in private.
  • Let your hair down - Socialise with your staff. The best companies have a family feel to them and you can create a siege mentality when times are hard.
  • Avoid overwork - More hours spent at work do not always lead to more results. Time away from work increases people’s energy and creativity and is just as crucial. Employees have family and outside interests that help balance their lives.
  

 

The happiness you give your staff will rebound on you in positives too. Studies show that people who are happy at work significantly improve the bottom line as they are more productive, motivated and dedicated.

For more tips and practical advice on keeping staff happy, building stronger teams and how to get the best out of your staff book on to our next seminar with guest speaker Rosie Garwood from Reflection Consulting in September.
 
 
 

Vanilla Top Interview Tips for Businesses

  • Promoting a professional company and self-image is essential to attract the right quality of new recruits to your company.
  • Watch your body language whilst interviewing to ensure that you are open and approachable to put the interviewee at ease.
  • Preparation is key with regard to planning the questions you intend to ask potential new recruits, to ensure parity in the interview process.
 
 
 
 

Offer of the Quarter

10% off the final invoice price for all new permanent vacancies placed with Vanilla until the 31st July 2009.  To apply for the offer please quote NEWS004 when placing the vacancy details with a member of the Vanilla team.

Upcoming Events

  • Wednesday 16th September 2009 – Free Seminar – Managing for Results : How to get the Best out of your Team based at The Angel Hotel, 37 High Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire.  9.30am – 12.30pm the seminar will give you the skills and insights you need to predict and manage your team‘s behaviour successfully.  It will deliver simple, practical solutions and case studies to enable you to build stronger teams and manage difficult people.

Email admin@vanillarecruitment.co.uk to register your interest in any upcoming events in order to receive more information or to secure your place.

Staff News

On the 23rd October 2009 Charlene Bennett, Vanilla’s Administrator will be taking part in an eleven-day challenge, which is one of physical toughness, cultural fascination and historical intrigue. She hopes to trek 85km across the Great Wall of China in aid of the Great Ormond Street Hospital charity to raise much needed funds for a state-of-the-art cardiac theatre in the new Heart and Lung Centre for Children.   To raise awareness and funds for the charity Charlene is organising a Black & White Ball to be held on Friday 17th July at Harborough Rugby Club.  Tickets are £15.00 and are on sale from Vanilla Recruitment or Toni & Guy Hairdressers in Market Harborough.  Join us for an evening of music and dance, including a full buffet and raffle.

  
   
 
 
 
Content © Vanilla Recruitment (UK) Ltd 2009
  
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