The Role of Temporary Workers in a Flexible Workforce

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Temporary workers are pivotal in fostering a flexible workforce that adapts to the fast-paced business environment and fluctuating workload demands. They enable companies to address short-term needs efficiently and cost-effectively while accessing specialized skills without long-term commitments.

Temporary workers often cover short-term absences, such as maternity or sick leave, bridging staffing gaps until permanent roles are filled. Additionally, they are essential for managing seasonal fluctuations, ensuring continuity, and preventing disruptions in productivity.

A fantastic example of how temporary workers have successfully been incorporated into a business model is Spirit Halloween, a leading retailer for seasonal costumes and decorations. It maintains a year-round e-commerce team for planning and online sales, however, during the Halloween season it expands operations to include temporary pop-up stores across North America. In 2024, the company opened more than 1,500 locations and hired over 50,000 seasonal sales associates and store managers to support this effort, demonstrating the critical role of temporary workers in scaling operations during peak periods.

Temporary roles also address project-specific needs, such as hiring a data analyst for a tech rollout or a marketing specialist for a product launch. These short-term hires allow businesses to complete key initiatives effectively while avoiding costs associated with benefits, severance, and lengthy hiring processes. This approach supports lean, agile operations by aligning workforce expenses with demand.

For both employers and workers, temporary assignments can also serve as a valuable trial period. Employers can assess candidates’ skills and cultural fit, while workers gain firsthand experience of the company’s environment and potential for long-term opportunities. This mutual evaluation often leads to stronger matches when temporary roles transition to permanent positions.

In summary, temporary workers empower businesses to remain competitive, adaptable, and efficient. They provide a versatile solution to talent management, enabling companies to thrive in an ever-evolving job market. 

Amazon’s Bold Move: Bringing Workers Back to the Office Full-Time

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In the evolving business landscape, many companies are still struggling with the question: Should employees continue working remotely, return to the office, or embrace a hybrid model? Amazon, the tech giant that revolutionized online shopping and cloud computing, recently made waves by announcing that they are bringing workers back into the office full-time. This decision has stirred discussions across industries, given the global shift towards remote work over the past few years.

At STRIVE Recruitment we’ve observed that while job seekers still overwhelmingly prefer hybrid or remote work, we’ve seen a trend where many are accepting roles without these options. This is especially true for in-demand roles where the need to secure employment outweighs the desire for flexibility. On the employer side, we’ve seen an alignment with Amazon and a growing shift back to full time in-office policies as the norm. 

So, what drove Amazon to make this bold decision, and what are the implications for both employees and the future of work? 

The Rationale Behind Amazon’s Decision

Amazon’s choice to revert to an in-office work model comes after a prolonged period of remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. While other tech companies, like Google and Microsoft, have embraced hybrid work models, Amazon’s leadership believes that full-time office presence fosters better collaboration, innovation, and long-term success.

The Employee Reaction 

Despite Amazon‘s reasoning, it’s important to consider how employee preferences play a role. Research from Statistics Canada shows that nearly 25% of Canadian employees who were working from home in 2023 would have preferred to increase their time working remotely. This discrepancy between employer goals and employee desires may affect long-term talent retention, as workers increasingly seek flexibility as a core benefit. 

Additionally, PwC’s 2024 Trust in Business Survey reveals that 71% of employees believe flexibility around when work gets done builds trust, yet only 43% of executives offer such flexibility. This growing gap between employee expectations and executive policies, like that of Amazon’s, could challenge efforts to maintain a trusting and motivated workforce. 

There are also concerns around the impact on talent retention. In an industry where skilled workers have plenty of options, Amazon risks alienating employees who prefer remote work or those who relocated to different areas during the pandemic, relying on the flexibility of virtual offices. The shift could lead some employees to seek opportunities at companies with more lenient remote policies. 

However, not all reactions have been negative. Some employees welcome the change, seeing it as an opportunity to regain the social aspect of work that remote setups lack. For younger professionals or those earlier in their careers, working in an office can offer better mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources that are harder to replicate in a remote environment. 

The Impact on Industry Trends 

This return-to-office decision could have ripple effects across the tech industry and beyond. As a major employer [Amazon], their move may set a precedent for other companies contemplating the same shift. Some industries may follow Amazon’s lead, betting on the importance of in-person collaboration to drive business results. As stated in an Entrepreneur article, Google, will not be following suit and will continue to uphold a hybrid model as long as employees continue to uphold productivity during their remote workdays. 

However, the broader trend appears to be moving toward hybrid work models, which offer a compromise between remote flexibility and in-person collaboration. Amazon’s decision to go against the grain might work for them due to their size and scale, but other companies, especially smaller ones, may struggle to make a full-time return feasible without alienating their workforce. 

Conclusion 

Amazon’s decision is a bold experiment, and its outcome will likely be watched closely by leaders in all industries. It poses a fundamental question: How important is in-office work for driving innovation and maintaining productivity?

In our experience at STRIVE Recruitment, while the demand for remote and hybrid work options remains strong, job seekers are increasingly accepting in-office roles when necessary, in this competitive job market. Flexibility is still a top preference, but it’s no longer a dealbreaker for many candidates. Despite Statistics Canada data showing a substantial rise in hybrid and remote work since 2022, we’re seeing more candidates adjust to market realities, accepting roles that prioritize in-office collaboration.

The future of work remains up for debate, and as companies continue to adapt and evolve, the balance between in-person and virtual work environments will shape the workplace for years to come. Amazon’s bold decision to bring workers back to the office will be an interesting case study, but the larger trend of hybrid work is here to stay. 

5 Trending Skills That Will Get You Hired in 2024

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Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned leader, everyone can benefit from a skills upgrade. But which skills will help you get where you want to go? If you’re ready to earn that promotion, find a new role, or just level up your skills, there are a few trending areas to focus on that could help take your career to the next level.

While all skills stand to benefit you in some way, others are just more valuable in 2024. As certain employees near retirement age and artificial intelligence looks like it’s here to stay, some skills are rising to the top in the eyes of employers. There are a variety of economic factors at play, but it also comes down to what employers are looking for.

In this article, we’re going to break down five of the trending skills that will help get your hired in 2024:

Communication

communicating at a meeting

Communication has been a valuable skill since the beginning of time, and it remains so today. But in 2024, being a good communicator isn’t about just writing well and speaking clearly. These skills are still important undoubtedly, but the communication experts of today are able to do what many cannot – inspire others to act, fully engage, touch real emotions, and develop a deep understanding.

It’s communicators with these abilities that are most valuable on a team. Not only do they work more effectively as a part of teams, but they’re also more likely to find success with customers.

Communication is a soft skill, or a common skill, which means it is a skill highly valuable across any role in any organization. Everyone can use a good communicator, whether you’re brokering multi million-dollar deals, building houses, or selling gadgets.

Coding

lines of code

Coding might just be the most valuable hard skill of the 21st century. If you look at some of world’s largest and most successful companies that have risen to power in the past 20 years, many of them have gotten to where they are thanks to very skilled people who know how to code. Google, Amazon, Meta, Netflix, and others rely on a small army of programmers and developers to carry out day-to-day tasks and achieve long term visions.

Also known as computer programming, coding is no easy skill to pick up. The skill is broken down into numerous different languages, each designed for a specific platform, operating system, coding style, or intended use.

Used for web development, data science, artificial intelligence, and more, the coding language ‘Python’ is one of the most valuable to learn. ‘JavaScript’ is another necessity that’s vital for building interfaces (front-end development).

Adaptability

aerial view of team working

If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that things are bound to change so we better be ready to move quickly. As the ultimate bringer of “unprecedented times”, the pandemic taught us that things can change in an instant. Massive changes like this have the ability to upend entire industries, empower new ones, and re-think how we work. Knowing this, it pays to have adaptable people on your teams, and to become one yourself in case things go sideways.

Technology is a great example when it comes to adaptability. Adaptable people are able to master new technologies or demonstrate a general aptitude with things that just aren’t clicking with others. They embrace change, rather than run from it. Today, that might look like leveraging artificial intelligence efficiently and skillfully, while others haven’t really looked into it yet.

Customer Service

man talking on the phone

In 2024, many of the organizations that are thriving have a customer-centric mindset, meaning they put the customer first and at the core of everything they do. This approach is a great way to build long-lasting relationships for customers that are profitable and beneficial for all. Customer service is a big part of developing that customer-centricity.

Customer service is a collection of skills that are valuable in any work environment. In order to provide quality customer service, you must be able to listen and be empathetic while being quick on your feet with a knack for problem solving.

With top notch customer service skills, you’ll be a highly employable individual. Large organizations, especially in tech, have entire departments dedicated to customer service. Even smaller companies could benefit from customer service skills, whether for their own support staff, account management, outreach, training, and more.

Project Management

project management on a whiteboard

Project managements is another skill that can be used in just about any sector and work environment. Some organizations require designated project management professionals to handle accounts and see projects through as their sole job. Other organizations may not need these roles, but they do need team members with project management skills.

People with excellent project management skills possess a wide range of other skills that make them great team players and highly effective at getting things done. They are highly organized people, with great problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate. They also have critical thinking skills, along with the ability to budget, negotiate, and motivate.

If you’re looking for your next job opportunity, browse our job board or get in contact with us. We’d be happy to work together to find your next opportunity.

How to Successfully Navigate Networking in Business

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We always hear that in business “it’s all about who you know”, and although it might not be everything, it plays a major role. Having a solid and diverse network of professionals can open doors throughout your career, so it’s important to continuously build and maintain those professional relationships.

Networking events can be intimidating, but they are a great starting place to build your connections. Here are some ways to successfully navigate networking and greater your chance of creating lasting business relationships.

Attend a Variety of Events

Ensure you are attending a wide range of events including your alumni and other job fairs, association events (ex. BCLMA, CPA, CPHR, Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters), and business related or other volunteering opportunities. The more exposure you have across a wide variety of events, the more you will cultivate a diverse network.

Show Up Prepared

When going to a networking event, it’s important to prepare so you feel calm and confident. This could include bringing a friend, if you feel more comfortable in a group, creating a goals checklist to keep you on track during the event, dressing the part and presenting yourself in a professional manner, and bringing business cards or resumes to hand out.

One of the most important steps that can set you apart is sending a follow-up message after, whether it is via email or LinkedIn, to the people you had conversations with or exchanged contact information with. The message could be as simple as thanking them for their time or following up about a discussed opportunity.

Leverage Social Media 

Social media is recognized as a highly effective business tool, one that you should be leveraging to connect with other business professionals, decision makers and Hiring Managers. LinkedIn is the leading business social media platform, so you’ll want to ensure that your profile is polished and up to date for the best chance at finding /being considered for opportunities.

You will also want to keep an eye on Indeed for additional opportunities (especially in Manufacturing & Operations). Like LinkedIn, your Indeed profile should be polished and up to date for a better chance at getting your foot in the door.

Whether you are currently looking for new opportunities or just setting yourself up for success, networking is all about taking initiative and advocating for yourself, in order to build a professional community and open doors. Be sure to follow STRIVE on LinkedIn and check out our open jobs page so you don’t miss out. 

How to Know if a Job is Right for You – Permanent Recruitment

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Finding a new job opportunity is one of the biggest decisions you can make – a decision that can impact your well-being, happiness, and financial security for years to come. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a role where you’re either bored, not fulfilled, aren’t paid enough, or are over-qualified.

Ideally, your new job should fit your lifestyle, and align with your goals, interests, and ambition. To find that perfect fit, you’ll probably have to look further than just the paycheque and daily responsibilities. It will help to have a specialist recruiting agency on your side to help you find a job opportunity that clicks with who you are.

In this article, we’re going to highlight some of the factors you should consider to determine if a job is right for you or not:

 

The work environment

team meeting

If you plan on spending a good amount of time in the office, or if in-person work is required, you’re going to want to consider the physical work environment. You want to make sure it’s an environment that you can work from – ideally comfortable and conducive to productivity – among other factors. After all, you could be spending a lot of time here.

If you require quiet for your work that’s mostly solitary, an office with an open floor plan and plenty of conversation among colleagues might not be the best fit. On the other hand, if you rely on the input of your coworkers and appreciate open spaces for generating creativity, closed doors and cubicles probably won’t work for you.

If the office has an espresso machine, extra-comfy chairs, nice computers, and equipment or free lunches, that may also be worth something to you.

 

Your new boss & team members

female colleagues together

It’s extra important to do the best you can to gauge your new potential boss and team members. It goes without saying that these people will have a big impact on your experience with the organization. If your new boss is supportive, shows strong leadership skills, listens and motivates your team, that’s a great boss to have. Those types of bosses can change your outlook on work and help you reach your full potential. But having a bad boss can be anywhere from deflating to a downright nightmare.

Your coworkers – the people you spend time with every day are also worth considering. You’ll likely spend the most time with them, so you’d hope they’re good people to be around. The last thing you want are colleagues that are unhappy or disinterested, or seek to undermine you and will do whatever it takes to climb the ladder above you.

Your new boss and coworkers can be difficult to get a feel for without actually spending prolonged time with them. Think back on your interactions with them during the recruiting and interviewing process, and don’t be afraid to go with your gut.

 

Your new role

leading a meeting with sticky notes

With the work environment and people aside, it’s time to consider your actual role at this new organization. This factor could have the most significant impact on your enjoyment and fulfillment in the new position and company. After all, this is what you’ll be doing day in and day out.

With a little digging, you should be able to validate the job description on your own. To start, you can use LinkedIn or the company website to look up current employees who have a similar role as yours, evaluating their role and skill level.

It will also help to come armed with questions about the job description for your interview. If there’s any vague language about the position around day-to-day tasks, seniority, and overall goals, the interview is your chance to clarify things.

 

The company culture

team meeting

The company culture can be difficult to get a read on if you’re only relying on the job application process and interview, but it should not be forgotten. The company culture is how people act and behave around each other, along with the shared beliefs and values that are evident throughout the organization.

For example, is it normal to communicate directly with your supervisor for help, or do people normally figure things out with colleagues instead? Is it normal to take long lunches, or leave early if you have personal things to attend to? Are team building or social events planned on a regular basis? The flexibility of the role itself should give you an indication of what the culture is like and you can also ask questions about the company and team culture during the interview process.

 

Your future

two men shaking hands

Ideally, your new job will be in line with your career goals and future plans. Before the job interview, take some time to ask yourself some important questions, and really consider where you’d like to be in 2, 5 or 10 years from today. Do you want a leadership position, lots of money, more free time, or something else?

If you’re looking for room to grow that leads to promotions, a bigger role, and increased compensation, you’ll want to figure out if that’s actually possible at this new organization. This can be a tough conversation, but try questioning the hiring manager about this possibility. It may turn out that the role isn’t expected to grow for the foreseeable future, or there’s no room at the top.

Your compensation will also have a big impact on the future you want. If the salary range or benefits available are not evident in the job description, don’t be afraid to ask. This can also be a touchy subject, but certainly one worth inquiring about – and a good employer will understand.

 

If you’re looking for a new job opportunity that aligns with your goals, skills, experience, and values, STRIVE Recruitment can help you. Since 2008, we’ve been helping job seekers find the opportunity of their dreams in Accounting & Finance, Manufacturing & Operations, and Corporate Administration, among other areas. Contact us today to get started and work with a recruiter:

Proven Strategies for Securing that Promotion 

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In today’s competitive job market, landing a promotion requires more than just showing up and completing tasks. It requires a strategic approach, a dedicated mindset, and a commitment to personal and professional growth. Advancing in your career is a common aspiration, and getting promoted is a significant milestone on your career journey. While the path to promotion can vary depending on your industry and organization, there are certain strategies that have proven effective across the board.  

In this blog, we’ll explore a number of methods that can help you stand out, demonstrate your value, and increase your chances of landing that promotion. 

Regularly Ask for More Responsibilities

Demonstrating your willingness to take on additional responsibilities showcases your dedication and ambition. Regularly check in with your manager to discuss your workload and express your interest in contributing to new projects. This highlights your proactive attitude and shows that you’re ready to tackle challenges beyond your current role. 

Embrace a Curious and Positive Mindset

A curious mind is an asset in any workplace. Strive to understand the bigger picture, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to expand your knowledge. When you approach tasks and problems with a curious mindset, you’re more likely to explore unconventional solutions and think outside the box. This can lead to breakthrough ideas and creative problem-solving, which are highly valued in today’s dynamic and rapidly evolving work environments. This not only improves your skillset but also positions you as someone who adds value through continuous growth. 

 Direct Your Focus Towards the Company Priorities

Align your efforts with the company’s objectives and priorities. Keep track of your organization’s goals and initiatives, and make sure your work contributes to their achievement. When your contributions are closely tied to the company’s success, you become an indispensable asset, making it more likely for you to be considered for advancement. It’s about being an active participant in the organization’s journey, recognizing how your efforts fit into the bigger picture, and striving to make a positive impact. 

Become More Resilient and Take Initiative

In a rapidly evolving professional landscape, resilience is key. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities and demonstrate your ability to adapt in the face of adversity. Teams that collectively exhibit resilience are better equipped to navigate uncertainty and unexpected disruptions. Additionally, taking initiative to propose solutions, rather than waiting for instructions, showcases your leadership potential and highlights your dedication to the company’s growth. 

 Be the Go-To Person

Develop a reputation as someone who can be relied upon for expertise and support. Be willing to assist colleagues, share your knowledge, and collaborate across departments. Being the go-to person in your company demonstrates your expertise and also positions you as an integral part of the team. 

 Solve Critical Issues Others Avoid

Stepping up to address critical issues that others avoid can set you apart. Identifying and solving complex problems demonstrates your resourcefulness and commitment to the organization’s success. Tackling challenges that others shy away from showcases your leadership qualities and willingness to go the extra mile. 

 Create Value Wherever You Can

Look for opportunities to create value in every aspect of your role. Whether it’s streamlining processes, improving efficiency, or identifying cost-saving measures, your ability to make a positive impact won’t go unnoticed. Tangible contributions that improve the bottom line are often key considerations in the promotion process. 

 Observe and Learn From Successful Promotions

Study the career paths of those who have successfully climbed the corporate ladder within your organization. While every journey is unique, observing common traits and strategies can provide valuable insights into what the company values in its leaders. Adapt these lessons to your own situation and use them to guide your career decisions. 

Utilize Online Resources for Continuous Growth

Stay updated on industry trends, best practices, and networking opportunities by leveraging online resources. Attend webinars, read industry blogs, and engage in relevant online communities. Being well-informed and connected can help you contribute meaningfully to discussions and demonstrate your commitment to your field. 

   

The path to promotion is not a sprint but a carefully navigated marathon. Securing a promotion requires a combination of strategic thinking, dedication, and a proactive approach. By incorporating these strategies into your professional journey, you transform yourself into a candidate who’s not just deserving of advancement, but one who’s in a position to excel in higher roles.  

Turning a Job Rejection into an Opportunity

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Job rejections can be disheartening, but they aren’t the end of the road. In fact, they can be turned into valuable opportunities for growth and future success. It’s true. Instead of allowing rejection to shatter your confidence and dampen your spirit, why not use it as a catalyst for growth and self-improvement? 

In this blog post, we will explore how you can turn a job rejection into an opportunity to refine your skills, expand your network, and ultimately find a path that aligns better with your career goals.   Read more

6 Big Hiring Trends to Watch for in 2023 & Beyond

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For businesses looking to hire talent in 2022, it was a rocky year. In the aftermath of the pandemic, employees began jumping ship in numbers, remote work took over, and several industries experienced labour shortages. That combined with hints of a coming recession made 2022 difficult to recruit new talent.

If 2022 was any indication of what’s coming for 2023 and beyond, there’s a lot of change on the horizon. In this article, we’ll seek to uncover and explain some of the most significant hiring trends facing employers in 2023, so you can aim your recruitment strategy in the right direction.

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Best Practices to Avoid Recruitment Fraud

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REVISED: May 15, 2024

Recruitment Fraud Notice 

We have become aware of multiple reports of individuals claiming to represent our company, and we want to ensure that our clients and candidates are well-informed on how to identify and respond to any incidents that may compromise their safety or privacy. By making you aware of this, we hope to avoid and ultimately stop victims from falling for this fraudulent activity.

*We will never request a fee or payment from candidates. Please do not provide any personal or financial information to anyone you suspect of recruitment fraud. 

How to Identify Recruitment Fraud:

  • You receive a message on WhatsApp or another online messaging platform.
  • You are asked to provide a fee or payment (we will NEVER request payment from candidates).
  • Our email communication will only ever come from a @striverecruitment.ca domain. We will never contact you through Gmail, Outlook or any other free online mail service.
  • The job is not posted on our official Jobs page on the STRIVE website: https://striverecruitment.ca/jobs/
  • Always research the company before applying for a job. Check its website and search for reviews (ex. Google, Glassdoor, Indeed).
  • Cross reference the recruiter’s name and contact information with the employees on our official website under the Meet Our Team page. If you are still unsure you can reach out to that employee directly through the contact information in their bio.
  • We do not offer or promote freelancing roles or “side jobs”.

Fraudulent Message Examples:

For Canadians who are a victim of recruitment fraud:

  1. Reach out to your bank or financial institution for assistance.
  2. Report it to your local police.
  3. Report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), even if you haven’t suffered any financial loss. Your report will aid law enforcement in investigating cybercrime.

Find out more:

Below are additional resources that offer information regarding employment fraud. They can help you learn how to identify fraud and provide guidance on what steps to take if you or someone you know becomes a victim:

To report any suspected recruitment fraud, please email mackenzie@striverecruitment.ca.

How to Quit Your Job (the Right Way)

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Quitting your job is a major turning point in your life. Rightfully so, it’s a stressful and exciting time. If you’ve found a new job opportunity that will better help you advance your career, support your family and promote your personal growth, it’s time to resign from your current position. But how can you quit in a polite and graceful way?

When it comes time to resign from your current job, the last thing you want to do is rush, burn bridges, or do it in an unprofessional manner. After all, the people you work with today may very well be the people you work with (or for) tomorrow.

Everyone’s time to leave comes eventually, and there’s certainly a right way to go. In this article, we’ll break down some important tips for quitting your job politely and professionally.

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