Common Red Flag Phrases Companies Should Never Use

One thing employers often forget when hiring is that it’s a two-way street. Candidates are evaluating your business just as much as you are screening them. When writing job postings and company descriptions, it’s essential to be aware of red flag phrases that can turn off potential candidates or create false expectations about the company culture. Certain phrases have become so popular with toxic workplaces that when job seekers see them in postings, they’re an immediate turn-off. Here are some red flag phrases that companies should never use.

 

“We’re a family” 

While it may seem like a positive way to describe a close-knit team, using this phrase can create unrealistic expectations and lead to a lack of boundaries between work and personal life. It can also be exclusionary to those who don’t feel like they fit into the “family” dynamic. This is one of the most triggering phrases for candidates, and it will send them running for the hills. 

 

“Fast-paced environment” 

This phrase can be a euphemism for a stressful work environment with long hours and little work-life balance. While some candidates may thrive in a fast-paced environment, it’s important to be honest about the expectations and potential challenges of the role. If you would accurately describe the industry or role as fast-paced, it’s better to qualify that than use this term. 

 

“Self-starter”

While hiring motivated and independent employees is important, this phrase can be a red flag for a company that lacks support or training for new hires. It can also signal that the company values individualism over teamwork. This phrase can also signal to candidates that they’re expected to take on a lot of work without adequate compensation. 

 

“Work hard, play hard” 

This phrase can be a red flag for a company that prioritizes long hours and high pressure over work-life balance. It can also create an expectation that employees must socialize outside of work to be successful in their roles. Some employees prefer to keep their work and personal life separate and may have valid reasons for not wanting to create close relationships with their co-workers.  

 

“Rockstar/ninja/guru” 

Using overly trendy or hyperbolic language to describe job titles or roles can be off-putting to potential candidates and signal that the company values style over substance. These terms were heavily used during the height of start-ups, and unfortunately, many people quickly realized that these were empty terms that hyped-up underappreciated positions. 

 

Companies should strive to be transparent and authentic in their job postings and descriptions. By avoiding red flag phrases and focusing on the specific skills and values required for the role, employers can attract qualified candidates who are a good fit for the company culture and job expectations. If you need help with the hiring process and finding the best candidates for the job, contact Nova Staffing today. 

 

5 Ways Employers Can Support Parents During Back to School

Schools are starting again soon, bringing on a whole new wave of anxiety for working parents. Back to school season is always stressful for parents and students, but COVID-19 brings on a whole new level of challenges. Parents now have to question if they should even send their kids back. If they do send them back, what happens if they get sick? And if they stick with remote learning, how can they manage their schooling on top of their jobs?

 

These are all issues employers should be aware of and sensitive to right now. These are stressful times for everyone, and working parents need to be feel supported. Here are a few ways employers can help the parents in their company during back to school.

 

Be Flexible on Scheduling

As an employer, it’s your job to ensure your employees are completing their work accurately and effectively. That doesn’t mean there can’t be room for flexibility, though. 75% of workers believe work-schedule flexibility is one-way employers can help with the upcoming school year. Try to be understanding if your employees have to take some time out of their day to tend to their kids. As long as their work is done well and on time, give them some flexibility in determining their schedule.

 

Allow Remote Working

Many businesses and workers found they enjoyed working from home during the pandemic, resulting in many companies to adopt remote working policies even after reopening. Remote working is especially beneficial to parents. If they opt for remote learning, it allows them to ensure their kids are staying productive, and if they send their kids back, they don’t have to stress about leaving work to quarantine if their kid gets sick.

 

Increase Cleaning

If your business has workers back in physical workspaces, you need to keep them safe and healthy. This includes physical distancing, wearing masks, and sanitizing regularly. You may want to increase cleaning once back to school starts. Once kids are back in school, they’ll be around hundreds of other people who could be sick, and then pass this onto their parents, who then bring it into the workplace. Make sure you have a frequent cleaning schedule and have a plan in place if an outbreak happens.

 

Communicate Regularly

One of the best ways you can support parents in your company is to check in with them and keep communication lines open. Encourage them to come to talk to you about their worries and ask for suggestions on how you can support them. Be open to their suggestions and try to work with them so that everyone is happy.

 

Be Understanding

The best way employers can support working parents is to be understanding of their anxieties. If you’re a parent too, chances are you’re experiencing the same worries. These parents want to do their job well, so help them do that while supporting them as parents. This is an unprecedented time for everyone. Parents used to be able to rely on schools, after school activities, and family to help them while working, but these days many of those options are unavailable. Try to be understanding that there may be times when their kids have to come before their work.

 

Need staffing solutions or HR advice to help you during the back to school season? Contact Nova Staffing today! We’re one of the top employment agencies in the GTA and have a team of HR experts ready to help your company.

 

Post-Pandemic Hiring Trends to Pay Attention To

Post-Pandemic Hiring Trends to Pay Attention To- NOVA STAFFING

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted almost every aspect of daily life across the world. Restrictions have begun to loosen up, but the pandemic is going to have a lasting impact on how everything is done, including hiring. Below are a few hiring trends that companies should pay attention to in a post-pandemic landscape.

 

Focus on Flexibility

Flexibility will be at the forefront of hiring for the next few years. The pandemic has shown that companies and employees who are adaptable are the most likely to survive. Increased flexibility in things such as remote working, work schedules, and contract types are growing in popularity already and benefit both parties. Businesses are able to find qualified candidates to meet their needs quicker, and candidates can find positions that are a good fit.

 

Digital Recruitment and Onboarding

The pandemic highlighted just how vital technology is to business these days. Even as businesses begin to move back into physical workspaces, technology is going to play a crucial role in how companies operate. With social distancing still being required, businesses are going to have to rely on digital recruitment and onboarding for the foreseeable future. This is a great reason to utilize the services of a recruitment agency such as Nova Staffing. We will take care of virtually finding qualified candidates, sending only the best your way so that you can simply focus on onboarding and running your company.

 

Industry Specific

The pandemic hit almost every industry, but not all of them felt the same impact. While some sectors are struggling and have all but stopped hiring, others are expanding rapidly. Industries such as healthcare, grocery stores, telecommunications, customer service, and delivery services are looking to hire qualified employees right now. These industries were essential during the pandemic and their importance is not going to diminish any time soon.

 

If you’re looking for HR solutions from experts, Nova Staffing is ready to meet your needs. Our employment agency is one of the best in Toronto and we are committed to helping employers find qualified staff during these tough times by staying ahead of all hiring trends. Contact us today to get started!