Refresh Leadership sat down with a seasoned professional recruiter who specializes in skilled trades from all industries. Melissa Speaker of Express Employment Professionals in Pensacola, FL, has been in the industry for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about this hot job market. We spoke with Melissa about industry insights and what it takes to be successful in her field. What is your secret to successfully recruiting skilled trades workers?   I started out with a focus on CDL drivers nearly 17 years ago, and through word of mouth, became known as the only local CDL rec ..read more

It’s not uncommon to fall into unhealthy patterns when your job involves sitting at a desk with minimal activity requirements for eight or more hours a day. Add to that the seemingly endless temptation of donuts and other sweet treats supplied by the kindness of coworkers, and you’re bound to see an impact on your overall health. Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do.” If you’ve found that you’ve picked up an unhealthy habit or two, here are few quick tips for staying active in the office. Remember to move Sitting all day is damaging to your body. Some studies have shown a relationshi ..read more

With origins dating back to the end of the Civil War, Memorial Day is a day set aside to honor and remember the brave members of our American military who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. We owe a tremendous debt to the heroes who gave their lives to protect and preserve our way of life. The value of their sacrifice deserves to be recognized and appreciated. This Memorial Day, we take a moment to honor  those who have given their lives in service to our country. Together, we can ensure that their legacy lives on and that their service will never be forgotten. The po ..read more

Stubbornly persistent labour shortages in Canada have left companies over-reliant on a workforce already burdened from recently going through the COVID-19 pandemic, and it’s causing many employees to burn out, according to a new survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. More than three-quarters of Canadian employees say they felt burnt out in their careers at some point (78%), with more than 1 in 3 responding that they are currently burnt out at work (35%). Nearly all employees (96%) who have felt burnt out believe their company could take actions to help p ..read more

Gaps caused by high turnover at U.S. companies are straining the workforce as 79% of employed Americans say they have felt burnt out in their careers, including 35% who say they are currently experiencing this mental and physical exhaustion. And these workers aren’t alone. Nearly 9 in 10 jobseekers say the same with 45% reporting they are currently burnt out. This is according to a recent survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. Nearly all full- or part-time employed Americans who have ever felt burnt out at work say there is something their company could ..read more

The latest episode of the On the Job podcast is now available! The On the Job podcast series shares inspiring stories about the pursuit of work. Jobs give us a connection to our communities and the ability to provide for ourselves and our families—On the Job presents interesting stories about the way people work and what it means to be employed. Season 7, Episode 4: If You Build A Pizza Oven, They Will Come Jake Wright is a self-described food carnie; a rambling pizza rover. After a failed attempt at a career in music production, Jake decided to combine the two things in life that most excite ..read more

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and despite a hot jobs market, mass layoffs in certain industries, resignations, burnout, and inflation are causing employees to examine their personal mental health. The way we think can determine the way we function. Advocating for your mental health and wellness at work is important. When you’re stressed at work, it can be hard to concentrate on the task at hand. So, help relax your mind with these tips: Get enough sleep. How much sleep you get can determine how your body and mind perform throughout the day. So, get enough rest to help you function at ..read more

The latest episode of the On the Job podcast is now available! The On the Job podcast series shares inspiring stories about the pursuit of work. Jobs give us a connection to our communities and the ability to provide for ourselves and our families—On the Job presents interesting stories about the way people work and what it means to be employed. Season 7, Episode 3: Four Decades and Counting Meet Terri Weldon, who has been working for Express Employment Professionals for over 40 years. She shares her secrets to long term professional happiness that can apply to any workplace. Express te ..read more

Canadian companies are increasingly using social media to find new employees, according to a new survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals. More than 1 in 3 companies (36%) say social media is one of the best ways to find job seekers, as social media has become an important way for employers and job seekers to find one another and connect. Finding candidates isn’t the only way companies are using social media. Two-thirds of Canadian companies (65%) say they use social media to screen job applicants and say it’s an effective screening method (64%). Of those e ..read more

As you advance in your career, it’s very likely the next step up the corporate ladder won’t come through an online application, but rather through your professional networks. Motivated professionals who actively seek to build relationships within their professional organizations and local business communities put themselves be a step ahead when it comes to competing for top-level positions. Unfortunately, networking isn’t an exact science and the types of conversations you engage in will vary depending on what you hope to gain from each situation. However, it’s always good to have a few of th ..read more