Category: Innovative Ideas

Career Guidance, CV Tips, Innovative Ideas, Workplace Wellness

4 Tips To Get Through Winter

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

4 Tips To Get Through Winter

At the start of a new year there is a lot pressure to get back into the usual daily routine after Christmas break. Winter can be an especially challenging time, but with a little effort it can be a successful month. Try these 4 tips to get through winter that will help reduce stress levels and encourage productivity. From learning a new skill to setting professional goals, these methods are simple yet highly effective approaches towards making sure you hit the ground running after the Christmas festivities.

1. Start a New Hobby

When it comes to life satisfaction, starting a new hobby can be incredibly rewarding. Not only does it open up the opportunity to gain knowledge, but it also sets you on the path to discovering and improving capabilities in other areas of life too.

Enroll in an art class or try a hand at knitting, these are two cosy skills for the cold, winter nights. Learn to play an instrument or join a sports club, these are rewarding hobbies that can impact your future in very positive ways, from meeting new friends to discovering talents you never knew you had.

4 Tips To Get You Through Winter

Did You Know?

Studies demonstrate that drawing is known to reduce anxiety and helps regulate sadness, when used as a way to distract from negative thoughts and feelings.

Starting an art class

2. Go for a Walk at Lunch

It’s important to find meaningful ways to spend lunch breaks while the sun is out and make the most of valuable time during the day. In January it’s dark in the mornings and dark by early evening so it’s difficult to get some sun rays. Some great options are taking a walk at lunch time or jogging around the neighbourhood or local park to soak in some vitamin D. Not only does this help you stay physically fit, but it can also be great for recharging mentally.

Vitamin D is known to play an important role in regulating mood and decreasing the risk of depression. Studies say the best time to get Vitamin D from the sun is between 10am and 3:30pm. Ideas and productivity will be flowing when returning back to work after that 3pm slump.

4 Tips To Get Through Winter

3. Eat Healthily

To stay healthy in the colder months, women are advised to aim for around 2,000 calories a day and 2,500 calories a day for men. This is the same as the recommended daily calorie intake, but it needs to increase slightly in order to keep warm during winter.

This time of year can be a difficult time to keep up with healthy eating habits, however, by learning some new skills in the kitchen, delicious and nourishing meals can make it easier to keep on top of this. Healthy eating helps the immune system to stay strong during winter and is great for both body and soul.

4 Tips To Get Through Winter

Winter Cooking Tips

Start your day with porridge which is filled with energy-boosting iron, and add sliced fruit to make it more flavoursome. Eat smaller but healthier meals by portioning them out by hand instead of emptying them out, which can leave you eating more than your body needs, making you feel lethargic. Cook and then freeze nourishing soups and stews to keep you warm and full during these dark days. Adding some ginger to can aid in warding off flues and colds.

Hand Portioning Guide:

– A portion of protein is 1 palm
– A portion of fat is 1 thumb
– A portion of vegetables is 1 fist
– A portion of carbohydrate is 1 cupped handful
– A snack portion, if needed, would be the complete size of 1 palm

5 Tips To Get You Through Winter

4. Apply for that Job/Course

Job hunting can be a great start to the new year. It could be that change needed and there is no better time to start than in those first few months of the year. With the right preparation and guidance, it’s possible to make strides towards achieving this goal. Whether applying for a new position or wanting to explore potential courses, there are many options available. From researching job openings to preparing CVs and cover letters, begin with baby steps and work upwards.

Recruit Island’s blog Unlocking Your Potential in 2024 highlights some ways to do this. It could be the boost needed to start that new career journey. LinkedIn Learning, provides video courses taught by industry experts in software, creative and business skills and is a subsidiary of LinkedIn. All the courses on LinkedIn fall into four categories: Business, Creative, Technology and Certifications. It can be a great way to learn while working, with plenty of options to choose from.

4 Tips To Get Through Winter

Winter can be a challenging season, but with these 4 tips in mind, it can be navigated with ease and it is possible to find moments of joy in the midst of the cold and darkness. Self-care, staying active, embracing winter activities, maintaining a healthy diet, and setting new goals can create a sense of accomplishment. It will make it easier to not only survive winter but also thrive during this unique and beautiful season. So bundle up, stay positive, and make the most the time available.

Recruit Island can guide you in the right direction in 2024 and beyond.

Recruit Island

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Career Guidance, Industry Sectors, Innovative Ideas

The Most Effective Networking Strategies for Job Seekers in Ireland

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

The Most Effective Networking Strategies for Job Seekers in Ireland

Networking is a crucial aspect of the job search process in Ireland, as it can help you uncover hidden job opportunities and gain insights into the job market. Having the right strategies can help you create meaningful relationships with industry professionals or even secure your dream job. We will give you an insight into the most effective networking strategies for job seekers in Ireland that will help you to stand out from the competition.

Attend Networking Events

Attending networking events can be a highly effective strategy for job seekers in Ireland. These events provide opportunities to meet professionals, potential employers, and industry peers in a face-to-face setting.

Attending industry-specific events, job fairs, conferences, and seminars provides excellent opportunities to connect with professionals in your field and potential employers.
This will give you an opportunity to join relevant professional associations and organisations related to your industry. These groups often host different events and offer resources to help you stay updated on industry trends.

Join Professional Associations

Identify professional associations relevant to your field. Research and choose the ones that align with your career goals. Many professional associations have online communities on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook or forums where members can connect and share insights.

Engage in these digital spaces to expand your network. Evaluate the benefits of membership, such as access to networking events, industry publications, job boards, and training opportunities. Ensure that the association provides value for your career.
You can also volunteer for association activities or events. This not only helps you give back to the community but also showcases your commitment to your profession.

Around 40% of people network more online than in person.

Our Top Tip

Keep up-to-date with the association’s publications, newsletters, and research. This knowledge can make you a more informed and valuable member.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a valuable strategy that can provide you with insights into your target companies or industries, help you learn about company culture, and even uncover potential job openings. Reach out to professionals working in your target companies or industries and request informational interviews.

Craft a well-written email or LinkedIn message introducing yourself. Explain your purpose for reaching out, which is to learn more about their experiences and the industry.
Be clear that you’re seeking information and advice, not a job. You want to build a genuine connection and gather insights.

By embracing the power of networking, job seekers can be sure to increase their chances for success and bolster their chance of landing the perfect career. Whether attending events, fostering online relationships or perfecting emails, focusing on networking can be a great asset for any job seeker. Start now by making important connections that will help you build your career effectively within Ireland.

View a full list of our job openings.

Recruit Island

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Career Guidance, Employer Advice, Industry Sectors, Innovative Ideas, Workplace Wellness

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider
Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

Diversity and inclusion in the workplace are becoming increasingly important considerations for employers, recruiters, and HR professionals. This is especially true of Irish workplaces, organisations must be proactive in their efforts to create diverse and inclusive teams. It is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for employers, fostering innovation, enhancing employee engagement, and improving overall business performance. As such, having a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively promote diversity and inclusivity should be at the forefront of every recruiter’s mind when sourcing potential candidates.

By carrying out best practices, recruiters and employers working within the Irish employment market create more equitable workplaces, become dynamically diverse and stay ahead when it comes to their future workforce makeup.

Inclusive teams are over 35% more productive and diverse teams make better decisions 87% of the time, according to D&I Global Market Report.

Our Top Tip

Honour workers’ cultural and religious practices through a simple activity such as sending an email in a celebratory fashion or by issuing paid time off. This demonstrates respect and interest towards their culture.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers

At Servisource we pride ourselves on creating an all inclusive work environment where everyone can feel welcomed. We take part in BeProud virtual cafes, training days around diversity, equity and inclusivity, as well as awareness days. Diversity Equity & Inclusion are at the heart of how we operate and as a certified “Great place to work”, this helps us to build trusted relationships with clients and staff.

Develop a Clear Inclusive Strategy

Developing an effective strategy is essential to ensuring that the workplace is a welcoming and accepting environment for everyone. There are several key best practices that can guide efforts in this area.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers
  • Define measurable goals and objectives for inclusivity within the organisation.
  • Integrate inclusivity into the company’s mission, values, and business strategies.
  • Employers can create an action plan that addresses barriers to diversity and provides solutions.
  • Building strong relationships with diverse communities is also crucial which can help to ensure that employees feel comfortable and supported at work.

Employers should continuously re-evaluate the strategy and measure its effectiveness to ensure it is achieving its intended outcomes.

Provide Diversity Training

Training should be about promoting understanding and acceptance of different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. Employers should also focus on offering a variety of resources to support diversity, not just training sessions.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers
  • Offer training programs for employees, hiring managers, and recruiters on unconscious bias, cultural awareness, and inclusive communication.
  • Ensure that all employees understand the importance of diversity and inclusion and how it contributes to the company’s success.
  • Everyone should feel comfortable and acknowledged in a training environment in order for it to be successful.
  • Resources like affinity groups, mentorship programs, and educational materials can help create a more inclusive and equitable workplace.

A commitment to ongoing diversity training can foster a positive and supportive environment for all employees.

Implement Inclusive Hiring Practices

As the push for inclusivity in the workplace continues to grow, recruiters and employers must implement inclusive hiring practices in order to attract and retain a diverse range of talent.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers
  • Review your current recruitment strategies and revise any exclusionary language or requirements.
  • Recruiters and employers must collaborate to create job descriptions that highlight the essential skills and competencies needed for the position without creating unnecessary barriers for applicants.
  • Partnerships with organisations should be established that serve underrepresented populations to increase the visibility of open positions and diversify the applicant pool.

By incorporating these best practices, recruiters and employers can create an inclusive hiring process that benefits both the organisation and its employees.

Expand Recruitment Channels

As the world becomes more and more digitised, traditional ways of recruiting candidates are no longer enough. Employers and recruiters need to expand their recruitment channels in order to reach the most qualified candidates.

Diversity and Inclusion in the Irish Workplace: Best Practices for Recruiters and Employers
  • Utilising social media channels like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook can greatly increase the reach of job postings and even help with employer branding.
  • Encouraging current employees to refer qualified candidates can not only save time and money, but can also lead to hiring individuals who are a good culture fit with the company.
  • Creating partnerships with educational institutions, community organisations, and local job boards can help tap into talent pools that may have been overlooked.

In order to effectively expand recruitment channels, employers and recruiters need to be proactive and adaptable in their approaches.

Embracing diversity and inclusion in the workplace is an increasingly important element for employers and recruiters in Ireland. By using the above effective strategies, they can play an invaluable role in fostering equitable working environments. Having a diverse and inclusive workforce helps make sure that everyone has a seat at the table and feels valued. This increased sense of belonging leads to greater morale across the board and higher productivity rates.

Ultimately, it is up to recruiters and employers to ensure that all workers feel welcome and respected through intentional recruiting methods that support diversity and inclusion-related initiatives.

Contact Recruit Island for all your inclusive recruitment needs.

Recruit Island

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Employer Advice, Industry Sectors, Innovative Ideas

How to Attract Top Talent: Employer Branding Strategies for Irish Companies

5 tips on finding the right homecare provider

How to Attract Top Talent: Employer Branding Strategies for Irish Companies

No matter what industry your Irish company is in, it is essential to step up your employer brand in order to attract and retain the best employees. There are some straightforward strategies that can help even the smallest organisations win over potential candidates and convince them that they are the right choice for their next career move. Recruit Island is on hand to give helpful advice on how to attract top talent and what employer branding strategies for Irish companies can be used.

Define your company culture

Your company culture represents who you are as an organisation, and it can attract or repel potential employees and customers. With many successful businesses in Ireland, it is no surprise that corporate culture has become a vital aspect of doing business. It is important to consider what values, beliefs, and traditions you want to uphold within your team, as this will shape the overall atmosphere of the workplace. It can be done in the following ways:

  • Outlining your mission and values.
  • Highlighting your company’s unique traits.
  • Demonstrating the benefits available for employees.

Before developing your company culture, ask yourself what kind of environment you want your employees to thrive in, and how you can foster a sense of community and collaboration. This will help to attract candidates who share the same values as your business, who share your vision, and who are more likely to excel within the organisation. It is beneficial to outline why your existing employees enjoy working for you and what makes you stand out from the rest.

How to Attract Top Talent: Employer Branding Strategies for Irish Companies

Enhance your online presence

It is crucial for Irish companies to have a strong online presence. Pay close attention to this aspect of business in order to stand out among the competition and attract quality candidates. Company reputation is a key factor in attracting the right candidates and a strong online presence can bolster this reputation. It can include the following strategies:

  • A well-designed website that showcases the company’s message.
  • Active social media accounts such as LinkedIn and Facebook with business updates and news.
  • Engaging marketing content such as flyers, online advertisements, and press releases.

Having a strong online presence can attract high-quality candidates with valuable skills and experience. The company website should highlight the culture, job opportunities, and employee benefits. Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter can also be leveraged to showcase the company’s values and connect with potential candidates. Engaging marketing content can boost the company’s popularity within that particular industry as it is vital to stand out in today’s competitive hiring market.

Did You Know?

72% of recruiting leaders worldwide agreed that employer brand has a significant impact on hiring.

How to Attract Top Talent: Employer Branding Strategies for Irish Companies

Create a positive candidate experience

This starts from the moment a candidate applies for a job. It ends when a candidate accepts or declines the job offer. In an increasingly competitive job market, employers need to up their game when it comes to attracting potential employees. The first interaction with a potential employee should convey a message that they are a great place to work and that they value their employees. Employers should focus on creating a positive candidate experience in the following ways:

  • Providing timely feedback with interview results.
  • Keeping candidates informed about the hiring process.
  • Providing a smooth onboarding experience.

By showcasing their company’s unique culture, offering attractive benefits packages, and providing opportunities for professional development and growth, they can establish themselves as top employers in their respective industries. In doing so, they are more likely to attract and retain the best and brightest talent for their teams.

Teamwork

Attracting and retaining employees is essential to the success of any business. Employers need to consider their employer branding strategies in order to stay competitive. Developing an effective employer brand requires a thoughtful approach that includes highlighting the company’s benefits and values, creating a positive candidate experience, and enhancing an online presence.

By optimising these elements, Irish companies will be perfectly positioned to attract and retain top talent. With dedication, consistency, and creativity, it will pave the way for a dynamic professional team that can take the organisation to greater heights of success.

Contact Recruit Island for all your recruitment needs.

Recruit Island

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Innovative Ideas, Workplace Wellness

5 Ways to Manage Your Workload in the Run-Up to Christmas

5 Ways to Manage Your Workload in the Run-Up to Christmas

Christmas time always creeps around faster than expected, the month of December seems to come and go in the blink of an eye. You decide to check over that list of things to do before the end of the year and instead of ticking off your workload, you realise you have far more left to do than you expected right before your Christmas break! Don’t worry, in order to keep you stress-free this year, here are 5 ways to manage your workload in the run-up to Christmas.

1. Focus on what’s urgent

Work list at Christmas to manage your workload

Make a list of duties you can realistically get done before Christmas. Focus on the urgent tasks and do them one at a time so you can tick them off with satisfaction as soon as they are done. There is no point in keeping items on your list that will take far too long and that are not even urgent in the first place. Can they wait until the new year? Only list the most urgent items and focus on them.

2. Decorate your workspace

Decorate that desk to get in the festive spirit! This will bring your mood up and make your desk look super pretty too. Everyone in the office will be jealous of your decorative display. Why not pop on some Christmas tunes too to create a cheerful atmosphere? You’ll be dancing and ticking off that work list in no time at all.

3. Time off work scheme

It is always good to avail of any time off work schemes with your employer during the run-up to Christmas and over the Christmas period. At Recruit Island, everyone is looked after and has the support they need. To ease the stress of life over Christmas, Balance Time was created which is a flexible time currency for everyone in Recruit Island to cater to important non-work commitments as and when they arise. It will help you balance your time over the Christmas period, one of the busiest times of the year. This means if you have an appointment, Christmas shopping, or a favour that you need to fulfill during the working day, Balance Time can be used. You essentially take the time needed but you make back that time within 1 week (or as specified by your manager). Balance Time is intended for sporadic work/life conflicts that occur.

4. Call on helpers

If you are taking on too much, call on helpers. It is not just Santa who needs helpers. Spread the load and if there is something someone else can help with, then why not ask them, I am sure they would be happy to help. It is Christmas after all!

5. Take a break

Work Christmas coffee to manage your workload

Without regular breaks it is difficult to stay focused as our brains get tired and we tend to lose concentration. It is important to take regular breaks to refresh. Why not eat that mince pie that is staring at you and make a nice cup of tea to gather your thoughts before your next item is ticked off.

So be sure to follow our above steps and you’ll soon be singing out the door with that list ticked off, ready for those Christmas ho ho ho holidays!

From all of us here at Recruit Island, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Find out more about what Recruit Island can do for you

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Innovative Ideas

Innovative Ideas – Have Your Say

So what is innovation………..

‘Executing an idea which addresses a specific challenge and achieves value for both the company and customer’

An innovative idea does not have to be new/inventive or technology related, it can be something that simply improves a work process, takes out steps that are not required or adds to a positive company culture.

How to get involved:

The quarterly meetings are one way to get involved in innovation – an opportunity to discuss ideas, offer suggestions and brainstorm ideas with like minded colleagues. We appreciate that getting cover, being out of the office, working in the evenings/ weekends etc can be an issue for some staff so in addition to the meetings we also have other ways for you to be involved :

  • Log into The Dock with your username and password (If you do not have a username please contact Davey on dcaldwell@servisource.ie)
  • Click on the tile for Innovative Ideas
  • You will see our post titled Innovative Ideas – Have Your Say
  • Click on the Read More button to open the post
  • Scroll down to the bottom of this post to the comments section
  • Here you can submit your innovative idea by simply leaving a comment
  • Staff visitors to the post can then Up-Vote or Down-Vote the different innovative ideas submitted by colleagues by clicking the black Up or Down arrows at the top of each comment/idea
  • Once per quarter the Innovation team will meet and discuss with the management team the feasibility of all ideas
  • Amy and Eimear will be touring the offices with the GPTW promoting innnovation and gathering ideas from around the country
  • Innovation Champions – looking for staff within teams or regions to bring ideas forward on behalf of others
  • Alternatively If you have an idea but would like to submit it anonymously or an area that you think we can develop, remove/replace, come up with a better process you can send it to innovation@servisource.ie
  • There is no commitment to meetings or follow through, you are experts in your own areas and we need your ideas and suggestions to improve your work processes. You are valved as team members and want your input into how we can make this an even better GPTW.

Next Innovation meeting on Tuesday 16th April 2019.

Any questions, give Ciara or Sammy a shout.

Comment below any innovative ideas you may have to make our workplace a better place. Each quarter the innovation team will discuss all ideas and comments with the management team.