Why Remote Options Can Boost Your Employee Morale

Remote work options may be one key to boosting your employee morale. Having more control over one’s work schedule and location increases work satisfaction, engagement and productivity. Engaged, productive employees are happy employees, which leads to greater morale.

Increased Job Satisfaction

Because employees avoid the commute, they experience lower stress levels and less work exhaustion. This results in a higher positive attitude, lower absenteeism and greater employee retention. Also, as baby boomers head into retirement, they want remote work options to complement their desired preretirement lifestyle. Generation X may be done raising their kids and want to be in the workforce but still want to spend time with their families. Millennials may be looking for life experiences that broaden their horizons and expand their networks. Plus, Generation Z may desire remote work options to refine their career growth.

Stronger Manager and Employee Relationships

Because management is even more critical when working remotely, managers need to be proactive leaders who are intentional in their style. They need to create standards and expectations for remote collaboration and model successful behaviors for remote work to be successful. With increased methods of communication and virtual connections, managers and employees can virtually connect face-to-face, through email or instant messaging, or over the phone when needed, resulting in greater connections.

Better Health

Since stress and burnout are lower, employees feel physically and emotionally healthy. Also, work flexibility stimulates the brain, leading to happier, more creative employees. It also builds relationships among different generations of workers, which increases feelings of happiness and well-being, improves communication and reduces conflicts. Additionally, remote work options allow for more sleep, so employees feel refreshed and productive the next day. Plus, employees who are ill may be able to complete their work without infecting co-workers.

Greater Work-Life Balance

Working from home allows employees to take care of personal responsibilities while still completing their tasks. They can tend to family needs, run errands, exercise and engage in other interests while fulfilling their professional responsibilities. Employees can also attend meetings through video conferencing and ask questions through instant messaging tools, ensuring they fulfill their duties while working remotely.

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Embracing AI in the Workforce

Artificial intelligence (AI) is taking over the workforce. The technology uses data to analyze patterns of behavior that are encouraged, discouraged, and tolerated by people and systems over time to determine which are most favorable. By performing repetitive, mindless busywork, AI frees up time for employees to engage in higher-level tasks. Increasing efficiency and productivity encourages new jobs to be created that increase engagement and fulfill potential. Therefore, AI should be embraced as a positive transformation in the workplace.

Faster Recruitment and Training

AI makes recruitment and training faster. For instance, an applicant tracking system screens resumes to narrow the candidate pool. Also, chatbots conduct basic background checks to identify specific qualifications and determine which candidates get offered interviews. Further, AI helps employees gain opportunities to learn new skills that aid in career growth, providing the business with a competitive advantage.

More Effective Management of Company Culture

AI more effectively manages company culture. For instance, AI analyzes behavioral data from onboarding processes, performance management, business processes, leadership forums, discussion threads, exit interviews, and other HR sources to develop real-time behavior patterns and create an ongoing picture of culture incorporated in the workplace. Also, AI identifies systemic issues and their consequences to avoid current risks, and facilitate the development of a culture plan. Additionally, AI facilitates culture audits of systems and processes to ensure they align with what boards and regulators expect of an organization.

Shorter Sales Cycle

AI shortens the sales cycle. For instance, the screening process becomes more precise and positively impacts the customer experience, improving the conversion rate. Also, AI takes on time-consuming, but necessary, tasks to increase productivity. For example, by using information from public domain and prefilling underwriting questions needed for an insurance quote, AI improves the ease of conducting insurance business for both prospects and the company, by closing more deals in less time.

Enhanced Customer Experience

AI enhances the customer experience. For instance, chatbots can predict customer needs and give the information customers desire at any time, reducing the burden on human customer service reps. Also, increased response time allows for instant communication and faster decision making. With the necessary information, customers are more inclined to conduct business and become loyal followers. Additionally, AI analyzes what customers want over time to provide deeper personalization and higher-quality products and services.

Increased Focus on Big Picture

AI increases focus on the big picture. For instance, AI can take over tedious work such as programming, and free up time for more enjoyable work. Programmers can play with, train, monitor, and provide feedback on AI so that running modules becomes more streamlined.

Your Next Finance or Accounting Job in Chicago

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The Job You Interviewed for Wasn’t What You Expected, But You Have No Other Leads. What Do You Do?

There are many reasons to consider taking a job that is different from what you expected. Perhaps your unemployment is almost gone or your family is relocating and you need a job. Whatever your circumstances, you need to decide whether to take the job or hold out for a different opportunity altogether.

Evaluate How to Proceed

To determine whether to take the role, ask yourself some questions. For instance, “What new information has caused my interest in this opportunity to decline? How much has my interest waned?” And, “Does the new information compromise my core wants and needs?” Also, “Is there information I do not know that may change my mind? What is it?” Plus, “Do any aspects of this opportunity still appeal to me? What are they?” If more information is needed, stay in the running and wait for another interview. Write down the questions you need answered to make a better decision.

Take the Job If the Pros Outweigh the Cons

If the pros outweigh the cons, then take the job. For instance, the hours may be long, but the company will look great on your resume. Or, you may not be interested in one duty, but there are five you do enjoy. Perhaps the role is not very exciting, but your potential colleagues are amazing and an advanced position could be your dream job.

Decline the Job If You Truly Are Not Interested

If you are less than inspired by the role, then let the hiring manager know as soon as possible. Chances are remote that you will change your mind. Contact the hiring manager by phone or email. Be specific about your reasons for withdrawal and emphasize your gratitude for the interview. For instance, “Sarah, I want to thank you for the opportunity to interview for the Auditor role at Firm A. As I learned more about the position and organization, it was clear that I am not a good fit with company culture. I appreciate getting to know you and hope you find the right candidate soon. Best regards, Rebekah Freiberg”.

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Strong Economy, Robust Hiring, and 8 Staffing Trends!

As recruiting for talented staff becomes more difficult, Casey Accounting & Finance Resources is experiencing record levels of placements for accounting and finance talent.  Our secret to success?  Dedicated recruiters with an average of over 10 years recruiting accounting & finance talent.

As the demand for increasing workforces continues, Staffing Industry Analyst has identified eight trends affecting staffing including the following:

  • The global economy is doing OK
  • Technology/automation
  • Skills shortages
  • Legislation
  • Gig economy
  • Public perception
  • Procurement sophistication
  • Rise of Asia

For additional information on these 8 trends, please click here: Read More