Hobson Associates

Blog

Why Teamwork? Why Now?

What is the actual definition of “teamwork”? The French language has a beautiful expression to describe it: “esprit de corps”. This means a sense of common spirit existing in the members of a group and inspiring enthusiasm, devotion, and a strong regard for the honor of the group.

Teamwork has always been in my DNA, as my mother has always said to me: “Diana, there is no “I” in team!” I believe in the importance and benefits of connecting with others more than ever- as life has become so uncertain, shifting, and ever-changing.

Here are some reasons why a teamwork mindset is more important than ever:

READ MORE

Keep Calm and Quarantine On!

Stay home, they say. We need to reduce the curve and stop this COVID-19 virus from spreading. Use this time home with your family and loved ones to recharge, reconnect, and tackle new projects…

We are all doing our part to fight this current battle, yet there are so many unknowns and questions:

Face masks or no masks?...Gloves, no gloves?... Bring your own grocery bags? Don't bring your own bags! …Take Ibuprofen? …Should I gargle with salt water? …Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer instead? …Don't touch your face!... When will this end!?

The data and information are overwhelming, to the point that you just want to throw up your gloved hands in the air and completely shut down. But we need to continue living and thriving. This may be our current reality and “new normal”, at least for the next few months, but life cannot stand still. We need to keep going on as a society and adapt (and trust the government and medical professionals to do their part!)

So, what can we do in the meantime?  A LOT! In my daily work as a recruiter, I’ve had to quickly adapt and learn to work smarter. So here are some words of wisdom from a professional who is working at home and trying to make things happen-more than ever:

READ MORE

How to Work from Home, the RIGHT Way

If you’re like most people in the world right now, you have had to make the transition from an office setting to your home office/kitchen/bedroom/closet -- like it or not (if you are not, please do so IMMEDIATELY. Let’s flatten that curve!)

As an Insurance Recruiter based in Dallas with my company headquartered in the Northeast, I have been 100% working from home for the last several years-and as a result have become quite efficient at working in a home office setting. But, it wasn’t always that way When I first started working remotely, I thought “this going to be great!” Well guess what? It WASN'T completely great. In fact, working remotely can be quite isolating, as and you are either working non-stop, or are constantly fighting the urge to binge-watch the entire series of “The Office”.

Either way, I’d like to share some words of wisdom on how to make the transition easier:

READ MORE

How to Keep the Hiring Process Going During Challenging Times

United Airlines recently announced that it will be implementing a hiring freeze through June in light of the recent outbreak of Covid-19 in the United States. Part of its decision stems from the fact that many travelers have suspended their plans, resulting in less air traffic, and therefore, there isn’t as high of a demand for new employees when business is down. (Source: HR Daily Advisor)

YET- did you know Google has just INCREASED hiring?! In the middle of a California lockdown... in the middle of a Pandemic!

Why!? They know two things:

READ MORE

Hobson Associates' Jennifer Millea talks about ‘Women in Business Navigating Changing Times’

Hobson Associates Senior Staffing Associate Jennifer Millea recently participated in the Cheshire Chamber of Commerce's ‘Women In Business Alliance’ lunch in Cheshire, CT.  The Alliance is comprised of women business leaders and professionals in the local community who gather to share their professional experiences and collaborate on local opportunities. This month's theme was "The Changing Workplace" and Jennifer, along with other local business professionals, did presentations for the group. Jennifer's topic was focused on staffing and hiring trends in the workplace.

READ MORE

Advantages of a Dog-friendly Workplace

For most people, having dogs in the workplace seems like something out of a dream. These days, however, more and more offices are going to the dogs. While it’s not always feasible due to allergies or regulatory concerns, companies have come to realize the many benefits of adopting a dog-friendly workplace.

Not to miss out on the fun and benefits-Hobson Associates has recently instituted  "Dog in the Office Fridays" with a rotating schedule of one puppy guest at Hobson's headquarters office each Friday 

 According to animal health services company LifeLearn, here are 8 advantages of a dog-friendly workplace.

READ MORE

Working with Gen Zers

The media has focused a lot on millennials in recent years, but now it’s time to give some attention to the millennials’ future co-workers: Gen Zers.  

According to Forbes.com, Generation Z is made up of “those born between 1995 and 2010, which means that the oldest are about 22 and are just entering the workforce”

As a recruiter, I have placed several recent graduates in their first “real” job, and I can honestly tell you it has been refreshing to work with these young candidates!

READ MORE

Growing Fast AND Smart: Hiring Tips for Your Small Business or Startup

70% of CEOs say that “Talent” is their “highest priority”. 90% say Talent is their #1 asset, but almost no one LIVES it. We react when we have someone quit or behave badly, but do we really know what it takes to build and KEEP a good team?

It’s a no-brainer that the best way to grow your small business is to hire quality employees. While doing this will be one of your biggest keys to success, it is also the most difficult to achieve. One good employee can propel your company forward, while a bad hire can set back productivity, damage morale, and cost an employer both time and money.

READ MORE