Hey! Thanks for visiting my blog.
For those of you who don't know me, I'm Tony PoGo. I work for The Plus Group, a full-service staffing agency. I'm sort of their secret weapon. Whenever there's a staffing emergency, there I am, ready to spring into action. (I've got great legs for jumping.) Check back here for the latest staffing news and tales of adventure from the staffing jungle.
And the winner is...This week marks the beginning of the ASA Annual media blitz! Part of
this campaign gives you and other employers the opportunity to vote
for the National Staffing Employee of the Year. This is the
industry’s highest staffing honor and is meant for an employee who
embodies one of the industries key messages: jobs, flexibility,
bridge, choice, and training.
Although every employee at The Plus Group demonstrates the skills of a
first-class employee, we are looking for you to nominate that one
person who you feel is exceptional, who goes above and beyond as a
temporary or contract employee.
Nominate your exceptional employee by visiting americanstaffing.net
And remember although I am a ribbeting employee, frogs are ineligible,
so don’t bother voting for me!
posted by TonyPogo at 6/24/2008 |
Go Tony Pogo! (That's ME!)OK, so now I'm being chased by little round critters with very sharp
teeth! In a maze! Help me escape them and gobble fruit snacks and
jewels along the way.
And since I'm busy running for my life, I don't have time to blog this
week. Instead, check out some of my archived blogs, a Greatest Hits,
if you will.
For my entry on greening your office check out this
one from October 2007. As the camapign season heats up this
summer, it will be important to remember
Campaign Season Savvy . And finally, for a
refresher on the importance of updating your resume and interviewing
skills check out
this Spring Cleaning entry.
Whoah, I better get a move on. If you have just a minute I could really use the heeeellllpppp!! posted by TonyPogo at 6/18/2008 |
Take time to clear your mindWhen you enjoy what you do, it’s hard to take time off. But with the
flexibility of The Plus Group’s staffing options, it’s easy. Whether
in-between contracts, or just trying to fight the winter blues, The
Plus Group offers holiday pay and a flexible schedule. Plus, when else
would you have the opportunity to drop by my ficus tree?
We appreciate our employees and recognize that time off can actually
increase productivity and performance. And not taking time off can
lead to some pretty serious health hazards including: higher stress,
burnout, sleeplessness, heart disease, and more!
Whether you desire temporary, temp-to-perm or direct placement
employment options, we’ve got the resources to help connect you with
employers who share the same values that we do!
posted by TonyPogo at 6/2/2008 |
Help me get to work! Please!Well, you know you've finally really made the big time when you're an
animated game! Check out my new game Job Hopper ! posted by TonyPogo at 5/16/2008 |
Be proactive - manage conflict before it arisesConflict in the workplace is something that everyone deals with.
Whether it is caused by differing opinions or a specific event, it
decreases productivity and success within organizations. posted by TonyPogo at 4/28/2008 |
Networking 101Working and learning go hand-in-hand. We are always learning new skills to help us do
our job better, more efficiently, learning how to utilize our existing skills, and more about
ourselves as employees. posted by TonyPogo at 4/16/2008 |
Job-hopping made easyJen worked as a customer service representative for some time. Eventually she decided that she needed a change. While Jen wanted to continue to work in a communication position, she desired a change of industry. By identifying her core skills, Jen was able to find a Human Resources (HR) position, which allowed her to gain additional skills and experience. Her responsibilities and environment changed, but she was still able to do what she was good at and loved! In all my years of being Green, I’ve seen a lot of success in switching industries. For old times sake, I’ll tell you the story of my not-so-green-friend, Jen. Current trends have shown that many employees are switching industries through different professional positions. And, working with a staffing industry provides a great opportunity to do this! In a recent study done by the American Staffing Association, “Diversity in jobs is a top reason staffing employees choose temporary or contract work.” Furthermore, employees that are able to switch industries provide additional skills and experience to employers and their position: “When a candidate has strong and relevant core skills, employers appreciate the fresh perspective.” So, take advantage of all of the opportunities that the staffing industry has to offer! Flexibility and diverse opportunities - what more could you ask for?!
posted by TonyPogo at 4/2/2008 |
Campaign Season SavvyWhile it used to be considered taboo to talk politics in the office, times are changing! According to a recent Workplace Insights survey by Adecco USA, many employees and employers are talking about the 2008 presidential election in the office. Rather than pretending the election isn't happening, which is virtually impossible, take care to be tactful and practice good politics in the office. Here are 10 ways to be politically active, yet politically correct in the workplace: 10. Keep heated debates outside of the office setting – know when to hold your tongue or walk away. 9. Encourage balanced discussions – it’s not fair to gang up on the lone green party supporter (It’s not easy being green like myself!) 8. Don’t give your work e-mail address out to political parties. 7. Never, ever, ever bring up politics in a new business setting. Period. 6. A campaign donation under your boss’ name is not an appropriate birthday present. 5. Don’t pass petitions around the office or post lawn signs – they ARE meant for lawns. 4. Selling fundraising candy bars for your kids’ activities is ok – fundraising for your chosen political candidate or party is not. 3. After the election is over, practice good sportsmanship – resist the temptation to gloat in your co-workers faces. 2. Never assume you know what someone’s political orientation is, you might be surprised, or even embarrass yourself. 1. Leave apparel baring candidate’s faces and slogans at home – that “Obama for your Mama” shirt might be more appropriate for the weekend. As Adecco’s Bernadette Kenny notes, “We need to be aware that our opinions on key political issues and the candidates can affect how we’re viewed at the office by our managers and peers.” posted by TonyPogo at 3/19/2008 |
Spring ahead!It’s me again – your trustworthy green friend! I’ve got spring fever, and with spring fever, comes spring cleaning! As an employee, or potential employee, it’s important to keep your documents and skills up-to-par and up-to-date! Taking a few minutes to update your resume, practice your interview skills with friends, and create a portfolio of your work will make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers. And if you procrastinate like me, you won’t have to worry about scrambling to do these things at the last minute! The National Association of Colleges and Employers has posted really helpful information on their JobWeb site – you should check it out and see how it can help you achieve your goals! posted by TonyPogo at 2/28/2008 |
Take time to clear your mind!When you enjoy what you do, it’s hard to take time off. But with the flexibility temporary staffing and contract work, it’s easy. Whether in-between contracts, or just trying to fight the winter blues, many staffing companies – like The Plus Group – offer holiday pay and a flexible schedule. Plus, when else would you have the opportunity to drop by my ficus tree? At The Plus Group we appreciate our employees and recognize that time off can actually increase productivity and performance. And not taking time off can lead to some pretty serious health hazards including: higher stress, burnout, sleeplessness, heart disease, and more. So even if you do love your job, remember to take time for yourself. And with the weather we've been having, a trip home to Costa Rica is starting to look pretty good. posted by TonyPogo at 2/22/2008 |
Me and My Big Mouth!Why I speak out for the industry I love—and you should
too.
I'm always talking up the benefits of being a part of the Staffing
Industry. Because it's exciting, and because I believe in it, and as
the local Amphibious Spokesperson at The Plus
Group it's my job. But there are many reasons that you can and
should become a local spokesperson for the staffing industry, or
whatever industry is your stock and trade.
Fact is, advertising of the old sort just isn't enough. Too hard
to break through the noise. You have to be a cute, British gecko to
get any attention these days. Becoming a vocal and knowledgeable
representative for your business is one way you can garner additional
exposure and credibility.
SI Review
published a great article about the benefits of becoming a
spokesperson for the staffing industry, but it could apply to any
savvy businessperson or individual with a cause to promote. The idea
is to position yourself, through concerted efforts, as a local expert
and go-to source for the media. It's Public Relations 101, and it
takes time and energy – but the results can mean added exposure for
your business, and that top-of-mind name recognition that is so hard
to come by. So first read Mark Hersberger's full and fascinating article, then go ahead and open your big mouth. posted by TonyPogo at 1/31/2008 |
The University of OpportunityHappy 2008! Really, the future looks bright, or at least a little brighter, for college grads in the class of 2008. According to Lindsay Estes, reporting for Staffing Today, '08 college grads can expect an increase in employment opportunities, according to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). NACE reports that over 57% of the approximately 1,000 employers surveyed reported plans to increase their college hiring. And data also showed that service-sector in particular plan to increase that hiring from last year by a whopping18%! What does this mean for staffing firms? According to Estes, staffing firm clients may be especially interested in recent grads with financial and technical degrees. The 10 degrees in greatest demand at the bachelor's degree level are: -Accounting -Mechanical engineering -Electrical engineering -Computer science -Business administration and management -Economics and finance (including banking) -Information sciences and systems -Marketing and marketing management -Computer engineering -Management information systems and business data processing posted by TonyPogo at 1/17/2008 |
Season's Greetings!
posted by TonyPogo at 12/18/2007 |
Hoppy Holidays!The Holidays are a great time for temporary and contract work. On the one hand, many industries, like retail and delivery services, have the need for seasonal help. For many temporary workers this can be a great opportunity to try out a new company, earn a little extra money, or add a new skill set to their resume. On the other hand, temporary workers often have more flexible schedules–which can mean more time to travel home for the holidays. However you look at it, it's a great time to enjoy the benefits of our industry. As for me I'm headed back to Costa Rica for some much needed R&R. I can't wait to be surrounded by the lush green of the forest canopy, and the bright green faces of my family. So from my family to yours, Hoppy Holidays! posted by TonyPogo at 12/18/2007 |
an average 3.05 million people daily can’t be wrongHow much is three million? It's the number of iPhones Apple made ready for sale at launch. Or the number of the final Harry Potter volumes sold in the UK the weekend it was released. And it's about the same as the population of Chicago, actually. But most importantly -– it's the average number of jobs that are filled by temporary and contract workers daily. With an average of 3.05 million jobs per day in the third quarter, the industry broke the three million mark for only the third time on record, according to data released today by the American Staffing Association. That figure represents an increase of over 2.3% over the same period last year. The third-quarter rate of job growth was the highest in five quarters—staffing employment had been flat to down slightly in the previous four quarters. posted by TonyPogo at 12/11/2007 |
Yoga, meditation and temporary workMeditating in full lotus for thirty minutes a day is one way to reduce stress. Another way might surprise you: Sign-on with a contract or temporary employment company. Reem El-Khatib (Staffing Today, November) reports that a recent study shows that "permanent and temporary workers have similar quality of life—but temporary employees report lower levels of job-related stress." Zogby Inernational that conducted the study, found that most lifestyle habits were fairly similar throughout the 3000 participants. But the level of job-related stress was actually lower for temporary workers. According to Zogby this is due to "greater flexibility and more control over their employment decisions." One difference, however, was in the level of job-related stress each group reported. Temporary employees have less work-related stress because they have "greater flexibility and more control over their employment decisions," the study said. This might seem surprising to people who haven't worked with a staffing company. But for many people the flexibility, options and greater control over your daily life are one of the main reasons they've chosen contract or temporary work. Are you a blissed-out, stress-less staffing employees? Post your comments and tell us why you enjoy temporary work. posted by TonyPogo at 11/16/2007 |
Everyone Loves Going Green!When I saw this article, I just about jumped out of my ficus tree! I mean I know it's great to be green, but it's great to see that other people care about it too. Lindsay Estes reports that in two separate surveys it's been shown that employees "care about companies that care about the world around them".
posted by TonyPogo at 10/31/2007 |
Tony Gets RealWow, am I ever wiped out, I just returned from the ASA Staffing World convention in San Antonio. Now that's a climate fit for a tree frog! It was a great time, and left everyone with a lot to think about. As the world changes, so does the world of staffing.
posted by TonyPogo at 10/19/2007 |
Judith Zacha a Beacon for the Staffing IndustryI am getting totally psyched for the upcoming Staffing World 2007 convention in San Antonio.
First of all, I love to
travel and
secondly, I'm finally going to meet Judith Zacha, CSP, founder and CEO of Beacon Services.
posted by TonyPogo at 10/3/2007 |
Move over Kermit...I've got a new Hero: Agapito Soto!The American Staffing Association announced its National Staffing Employee of the Year , Agapito Soto. Agapito is an information technology consultant at the Orange County Sheriff's Department in California. He works with a department whose ultimate mission is the safety and security of residents, coordinating technology and communications between various agencies – ensuring optimal operation in the event of a disaster or crisis. Agapito is a retired Marine who looked to contract work to help transition to his civilain career. He is known for his hard work and "willingness to go the extra mile". I think he's a great example of the type of truly important work that temporary and contract employees do every day. Work that strenghtens our communities and improves our lives. Mr. Soto will be honored at Staffing World® 2007 in San Antonio. But Tony Pogo salutes him today! posted by TonyPogo at 9/18/2007 |
Hop to Your Feet!Get yourself ready it's National Staffing Employee Week! September 17-23 is the week we show employees how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication. At The Plus Group we're giving out t-shirts with a picture of your humble servant in green, Tony Pogo! Yeah, me! It's important to recognize employees throughout the year, but it's also important to take time annually to focus our attention on the temporary and contract empoyees that enable our industry to thrive. For more information and ideas check out the American Staffing Association website. posted by Author at 9/4/2007 |
