Category Archives: buffalo

The Significance of Submitting Your Resignation Properly

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Welcome back to another edition of the ComputerPeople Staffing blog! In the professional world, transitions are inevitable. Whether it’s a new job opportunity, a career change, or personal reasons, leaving a job is a common experience. One of the most important steps in this process is giving your employer a two-week notice. This standard practice is crucial for several reasons, and deviating from it—either by giving more or less notice—can have significant implications.

Why Two Weeks?

The two-week notice period has become a widely accepted norm in many industries, especially in the IT industry. It provides a balance between giving your employer enough time to find a replacement or redistribute your responsibilities, and allowing you to transition smoothly to your next chapter. Here are a few key reasons why this period is so important:

  • Professional Courtesy: Giving two weeks’ notice shows respect for your employer and colleagues. It acknowledges that your departure will have an impact and provides them with time to adjust.
  • Maintaining Relationships: The professional world is surprisingly small, especially in cities like Buffalo. Future opportunities often arise through networks and references. Leaving on good terms can preserve positive relationships that might benefit you later.
  • Smoother Transition: Two weeks gives both you and your employer time to ensure a smooth handover of your responsibilities. This can include training your replacement, completing ongoing projects, or documenting your tasks.
  • Protecting Your Reputation: Your professional reputation is one of your most valuable assets. Leaving abruptly or giving too much notice can negatively affect how future employers perceive you.

The Pitfalls of Giving Less Than Two Weeks’ Notice

While it might be tempting to leave immediately or give only a few days’ notice, doing so can have several negative consequences:

  • Burning Bridges: Leaving with short notice can frustrate and inconvenience your employer and colleagues, potentially damaging your professional relationships.
  • Legal and Contractual Obligations: Some employment contracts stipulate a notice period. Failing to comply can result in legal issues or loss of benefits.
  • Negative References: Employers may view a hasty departure as unprofessional, which can lead to unfavorable references that impact your future job prospects.
  • Unfinished Business: Leaving too soon might leave important projects incomplete or colleagues unprepared to take over your duties, reflecting poorly on your work ethic.

The Drawbacks of Giving More Than Two Weeks’ Notice

While more notice might seem courteous, it can also present challenges:

  • Awkward Work Environment: Knowing you’re leaving can create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Colleagues might treat you differently, and you might feel disconnected from ongoing work.
  • Productivity Decline: Employers might not assign new tasks to you, anticipating your departure. This can lead to a decline in productivity and job satisfaction.
  • Potential for Resentment: If your employer is unable to find a replacement quickly, a longer notice period can lead to frustration and resentment on both sides.

How to Give Your Two-Week Notice

When the time comes to resign, it’s important to do so professionally. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Write a Formal Letter: Draft a concise, polite resignation letter stating your intention to leave and your last working day. Express gratitude for the opportunity and experiences gained.
  • Speak to Your Supervisor/Manager: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to deliver the news in person. This shows respect and allows for a direct conversation about the transition.
  • Be Prepared for Reactions: Your employer might try to persuade you to stay or express disappointment. Stay firm but respectful in your decision.
  • Offer Assistance: Show your commitment to a smooth transition by offering to help train your replacement or complete key projects before you leave.
  • Stay Professional: Continue to perform your duties to the best of your ability during the notice period. Leaving on a high note will reinforce your professional reputation.

In conclusion, giving a two-week notice is more than just a formality; it’s a crucial aspect of professional etiquette that benefits both you and your employer. By adhering to this practice, you demonstrate respect, protect your reputation, and ensure a smoother transition for everyone involved. Remember, the way you leave a job can be just as important as the way you start one. So, when the time comes, give your notice thoughtfully and professionally.

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Thanks for reading! If you are a business looking to fill your important IT roles, visit us at cpstaffing.com to learn more!

If you are a candidate and are looking for dream role, visit us at jobs.cpstaffing.com for our latest job postings!

And don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for new jobs, insights, blog posts and more! https://www.linkedin.com/company/computerpeoplestaffing

Written by Jeff Weiss

The Importance of Proactive Succession Planning in Future-Proofing Your Company

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Welcome back to another edition of the ComputerPeople Staffing blog! In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of your organization is more critical than ever. Succession planning is a key strategy to achieve this, providing a roadmap for the seamless transition of leadership and essential roles. It addresses fundamental questions such as who will be retiring, how to replace them, and the risks associated with not having a succession plan in place. Proactive succession planning is essential to future-proof your company against unforeseen challenges and maintain operational continuity.

The Need for Succession Planning

The demographic shifts, particularly the impending retirement of baby boomers, make succession planning a pressing concern. As a significant portion of the workforce approaches retirement age, companies face the risk of losing experienced and knowledgeable employees. Without a plan, the unexpected departure of key personnel can lead to substantial knowledge loss, decreased morale, and significant disruptions in business operations. Succession planning mitigates these risks by preparing the organization for seamless transitions.

Benefits of Proactive Succession Planning

A well-thought-out succession plan offers numerous benefits. It ensures smoother transitions and reduces downtime, maintaining business continuity. Proactive planning also improves employee engagement by fostering a culture of talent development and retention. Employees are more likely to stay with an organization that invests in their growth and provides clear career advancement opportunities. Succession planning also helps in identifying and nurturing future leaders, ensuring the organization remains competitive and resilient.

7 Factors to Consider in Succession Planning

Identifying Key Positions

Determine which roles are critical to the organization’s success and require succession planning. These positions often include senior leadership roles and other key operational roles that are vital to business continuity.

Assessing Talent

Evaluate the skills, experiences, and potential for advancement of current employees. This assessment helps in identifying individuals who are well-suited to take on larger responsibilities in the future.

Training and Development

Provide ongoing training and development opportunities to prepare potential successors for future roles. Investing in employee development ensures that they are ready to step into critical positions when needed.

Knowledge Transfer

Implement strategies for transferring critical knowledge from outgoing leaders to successors. This can include mentorship programs, documentation of processes, and shadowing opportunities.

Internal vs. External Succession

Consider whether to promote from within or recruit externally. Internal promotions can boost morale and retain institutional knowledge, while external hires can bring fresh perspectives and skills. Weigh the pros and cons of each approach to determine the best fit for your organization.

Timeline and Contingency Planning

Establish a timeline for succession planning activities and develop contingency plans for unexpected events. A clear timeline ensures that succession planning is proactive rather than reactive, and contingency plans provide a safety net for unforeseen circumstances.

The Cost of Not Investing in Succession Planning

Neglecting succession planning can lead to increased recruitment costs, decreased productivity, and the loss of institutional knowledge. Companies that fail to plan for leadership transitions often face operational disruptions and a decline in employee morale. Real-world examples abound of organizations that have suffered due to inadequate succession planning, underscoring the importance of being proactive.

4 Steps to Build an Effective Succession Plan

Start Early

Begin succession planning well in advance to allow sufficient time for talent development and transition. Early planning ensures that potential successors are adequately prepared for their future roles.

Engage Leadership

Gain buy-in from senior leadership and involve them in the succession planning process. Leadership support is crucial for the successful implementation of succession plans.

Communicate Transparently

Keep employees informed about succession planning initiatives and their role in the process. Transparent communication fosters trust and ensures that employees understand the importance of succession planning.

Monitor and Adjust

Continuously monitor the effectiveness of the succession plan and make adjustments as needed to adapt to changing circumstances. Regular reviews and updates ensure that the plan remains relevant and effective.

Conclusion

Proactive succession planning is vital for ensuring business continuity and long-term success. By starting early, engaging leadership, and communicating transparently, organizations can mitigate risks and prepare for the future. Don’t wait until it’s too late—begin your succession planning today to secure the future of your company!

If you need assistance with developing your succession plan, our IT staffing agency is here to help. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can support you in creating an effective succession strategy tailored to your organization’s needs.

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Thanks for reading! If you are a business looking to fill your important IT roles, visit us at cpstaffing.com to learn more!

If you are a candidate and are looking for dream role, visit us at jobs.cpstaffing.com for our latest job postings!

And don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for new jobs, insights, blog posts and more! https://www.linkedin.com/company/computerpeoplestaffing

Written by Jeff Weiss

What Does Diversity in the Workplace Mean to You?

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Welcome back to another edition of the ComputerPeople Staffing blog! This month, we are taking the time to reflect on an important aspect of the work environment: diversity. Diversity is not a hard or soft skill you put on a resume, or something that should be taken lightly, but a unique attribute imbedded in every single person. Merriam-Webster defines diversity as “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements, especially, the inclusion of people of different races, cultures, etc. in a group or organization.”

There are several key examples of diversity. Age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, education, marital status, and disability are a few examples of diversity. You may be able to see diversity, but you are also able to hear it through other peoples experiences, and feel it through other peoples emotions.

In past years, diversity was not considered a highly important aspect in the workplace, resulting in groups of people being marginalized, while others got to climb the ladder and succeed. People of color, women, and LGBTQIA+ frequently face the more counts of discrimination, compared to people of Caucasian descent, men and straight/cisgender people. As time moved on, the United States began ushering in new federal laws to protect people against workplace discrimination. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, protects employees and job applicants from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. The Equal Pay Act of 1963 protects men and women from sex-based wage discrimination in the payment of wages or benefits, who perform substantially equal work in the same establishment. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), as amended, protects persons 40 years of age or older from age-based employment discrimination. These are a few examples of the progress made in our country to continue to protect individuals from discrimination in the workplace.

In today’s age, the United States and businesses have made great strides to protect people from the evils of workplace discrimination. Marginalized groups are now earning their rightfully deserved seat at the table, and moving up the ladder. While there is still more work to do, we can confidently say that there is unity in diversity, and that every person deserves to have a voice, a story, a goal, a vision, and a place in such company.

Before we wrap up, I leave you with some examples of what diversity means to a wide variety of bright minds and professionals!

“For me, diversity promotes the expression of individuality and encourages collaboration with people who have differernt backgrounds and perspectives and also provides a safe space for people to be themselves and bring their best version of themselves to work.” – Joshua Vantino, Leasing Professional

“To me, diversity in the workplace means the freedom to be my truest self. I think having a diverse workplace is important , because it fosters new ideas from many different viewpoints and perspectives. I believe this is necessary to help an organization stay modern and function smoothly.” – Connor Lloyd, Staffing Manager

“Diversity to me means not having any apprehension to people joining the team based on any bias. Our character and our skills should be prioritized over anything and I feel this is something that still needs reminding of to this day sadly.” – Dario Surphlis, Payment Admin

“I am thankful that my company embraces age diversity.  As one of the more senior employees, I often bring a different perspective than my younger colleagues and conversely, I learn a lot from my co-workers who were raised in a completely different generation.  Age diversity encourages fresh thinking and differing perspectives, which fosters positive collaboration in a team setting.” – Beth Courtney, Sr. Technical Sourcing Specialist

“Workplace diversity means showing black employees that they exist and belong; that they don’t have to overcompensate to achieve.” – Anthony Peoples II, Data Annotation Lead

“To me, diversity means the inclusion of people with different skin colors, genders, sexual orientations, and ethnic backgrounds. Ultimately, it’s bringing a group together with overall different qualities that make then who they are.” – Renee Hersperger, Associate Marketing Analyst

“To me, diversity in the workplace means that there is an environment where different backgrounds are embraced and new ideas are encouraged.” – Abigail Giambra, Senior IT Auditor

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Thanks for reading! If you are a business in the Western New York Area and are looking to fill your important IT roles, visit us at cpstaffing.com to learn more!

If you are a candidate and are looking for dream role, visit us at jobs.cpstaffing.com for our latest job postings!

And don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for new jobs, insights, blog posts and more! https://www.linkedin.com/company/computerpeoplestaffing

Written by Jeff Weiss

Why December Is The Best Month To Look For A New Job

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December is a crazy month for most people. You have your normal day to day responsibilities but then add in the holidays and shopping and getting ready for hosting and attending parties, the list goes on and on and on… But what many people don’t realize is that December is the perfect time to look for a new job.

It’s no secret that the job market slows down during the holidays. People are planning family vacations and trips home and are just not looking to start a new job until after the New Year. This is the perfect opportunity to get a head of the competition. Here are some ways to stay active:

Holiday Parties

All of those parties (dreaded or not!) that you get invited to are a great way to network! Use them to connect with friends or family members who work at companies that you’re interested in.

Seasonal Work

Don’t let the words “temp” or “seasonal” scare you. There is the possibility for a temporary job to turn permanent. A manager might see your great work ethic and have a permanent job in mind for you once the holidays are over.

Be Persistent

If you do reach out and submit your resume and receive an “out of the office” reply, don’t assume that you did all you could. You need to follow up to make sure someone did receive your resume and that it was reviewed.

January is definitely the most popular month to look for a new job (you know the “new beginning” outlook everyone has once that ball drops!) but that doesn’t mean it’s the best month! So even if there is no room left on your plate to look for a new job in December, at least update your resume and Linkedin profile to give yourself a head start.

Happy holidays and happy job hunting!

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

WNY Destination Spotlight: Niagara Falls

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WNY Destination Spotlight: Niagara Falls

This month we are highlighting Niagara Falls, courtesy of Vicki Leavens!

One of the many breathtaking sites in WNY is definitely Niagara Falls. It is only about 30 minutes away from the Buffalo area and it’s something everyone should experience. The waterfalls, referred to by us locals as “The Falls”, straddle the Canadian and United States border. There are 3 waterfalls that make up The Falls; the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls.

Besides standing with the crowd and looking down at the Falls, you can also take tours that bring you much closer. One of the many activities offered is the Maid of the Mist boat tour which takes you up close. But don’t forget your poncho! There’s also the Cave of the Winds, which is a tour that takes you beneath the Falls.

Summertime isn’t the only time that the Falls are a WNY hotspot. During the winter months there is a Winter Festival of Lights where everything is decorated for the holidays, including the Falls!

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If relaxing is more your cup of tea, Niagara Falls is a fantastic place to people watch and take in the scenery. You can take a stroll in one of the nearby parks and grab a snack from one of the street vendors. The possibilities are endless in Niagara Falls!

Vicki said her favorite thing to do is watch the Falls fall and gush over the top.

Thank you, Vicki, for sharing this awesome WNY destination!

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

 

“Would you rather…?” Thanksgiving Edition

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With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought it would be fun to play a little game with my co-workers. I asked them a couple “would you rather…?” questions and got some interesting answers. Read on to find out the results!

Would you rather cook Thanksgiving dinner or clean it up?

9 people said they would rather cook and only 1 would rather clean up.

“I’d rather cook Thanksgiving dinner (as I will be this year).  I like to cook, especially with food as yummy as those in a Thanksgiving feast—rich and wonderful.  There are always a lot of recipe ideas to inspire you, but also many can be made ahead to lessen the day-of stressors.  Unfortunately you still end up contributing to clean-up when you host because no one knows where anything goes, LOL.  And no one wants to function on a full belly, nonetheless for clean-up.  I’m considering paper and plastic this year to remedy part of that process!” -Liz

Would you rather eat only turkey or only mashed potatoes and gravy for an entire month?

This was a tie.

“I would choose mashed potatoes because there is way more you can do with them to switch them up so you don’t get bored. You can flatten them and sauté them on the stove to make potato pancakes, you can also deep fry little balls of them to make potato bites or just eat them as they are.” -Sam

Would you rather be someone who sings on a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade float or be someone who helps to hold onto one of the giant character balloons?

Only 4 people said they would rather sing, while 6 would rather hold a giant character balloon.

“Singing would stress me out and I have a terrible voice.  Holding the balloons, seems like it would bring nothing but joy.” -Kara

Would you rather not be allowed to talk during Thanksgiving dinner or not be allowed to have dessert on Thanksgiving?

This was another tie!

“I do like pie, but I love talking with my family more and I enjoy the actual Thanksgiving dinner way more than dessert anyway – and I am full by dessert time too!” -Faith

Would you rather take a bath in gravy or wash your hair with mashed potatoes?

4 people would rather take a bath in gravy while the rest would rather wash their hair with mashed potatoes.

“Gross, take a bath in gravy.  Maybe it would be a good moisturizer.” -Stephanie

I hope everyone has a fantastic Thanksgiving with their families and friends! Thank you to my fun co-workers for playing along! I’m thankful that I don’t really have to take a bath in gravy! What are you thankful for?

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

 

A Word From Lindsay

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Hi! My name is Lindsay and I am the new Administrative Assistant/Social Media Assistant at CP Staffing. I started working here two months ago and I feel so lucky to be a part of this team. On my first day everyone was very nice and welcoming, which is to be expected for a first day experience. As the days went on, though, the nice, friendly attitudes and interactions didn’t go away! Every single person that works here is genuinely kind. Every. Single. Person.

Why am I telling you this? Why am I gushing over my amazing job and co-workers (the recruiters) and making people jealous?! I’m telling you this because the way they treat me and each other here is the exact same way they treat their candidates and clients. Everyone respects everyone, it’s amazing!  The recruiters truly care and want to help find the best possible job for you.

Looking for a job can be a very stressful thing to do, especially if you’re doing it alone. The recruiters are here to help you and they pride themselves in placing the right person in the right job. Here at CP Staffing our focus is Computer, Medical and Financial jobs and the recruiters are VERY knowledgeable in their specific areas.

So check out our website or give us a call if your background is in one of our specific areas of expertise. I know our recruiters would love to meet you!

***Disclaimer***

I am not saying this just because I work here! I actually feel this way and think everyone should take advantage of this amazing opportunity! What do you have to lose?!

 

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

 

 

How to Celebrate Halloween at Work

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Halloween has the potential to be a a wonderful workplace tradition. Costumes, treats, and other traditions have a way of helping to build a team oriented culture and a motivational work environment. Read on to see some of are advice on how to have a great halloween in the workplace.

Plan ahead. Most fun celebrations require some thought ahead of time, and not the morning of. Work with your team to establish whether or not costumes are okay and to what extent, what to bring, and other logistics. If you are going to have a costume contest, best practice is to outline the rules/dress code of the contest ahead of time in order to prevent any HR issues. Those types of mishaps can be a lot scarier than the ghosts and witches of Halloween!

Get creative. Not everyone likes dressing up, but most people love getting the chance to hangout with the team. Consider a Halloween breakfast, pumpkin carving contest, or other outside the box ideas for the workplace.

Consider Volunteering. Although Halloween is mostly considered a secular holiday, we should never force anyone to participate if they are not comfortable. If this is a concern  in your organization, one way to spend the day together would be to consider the needs of your community and volunteer! Employees can visit senior care centers, pediatric care department at a local hospital or homeless shelters. Clothing and food collection drives for local churches, charities, and food banks are more good options.

We hope this helps you have a safe and fun Halloween!

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

WNY Destination Spotlight: Evangola State Park

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This month we are highlighting Evangola State Park in Irving, courtesy of Beth Courtney.

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Evangola is one of Beth’s absolute favorite WNY destinations, especially in the summertime. It is only 45 minutes away from downtown buffalo and it features a beautiful state park on Lake Erie with a beautiful arc- shaped  sandy beach surrounded by trees and cliffs.   There’s also a large grassy area with pavilions for picnicking and  camping sites.

It’s the perfect getaway for swimming and relaxing and if you want to stay overnight, campgrounds rents out “yurts”  which are little framed structures with cots for sleeping and a fridge/microwave.  For kids (and big kids) there are baseball and soccer fields plus a Nature Center to explore and learn about the surrounding wildlife, etc.  It’s the perfect overnight getaway!

According to Beth, you should visit this destination if you need to “get away from it all” and spend some time just soaking up nature.  She always feels revived and renewed after spending a day at Evangola. If you visit, be sure to stick around for the sunset on the beach which is simply gorgeous!

Thanks for the tip, Beth!

What is your favorite WNY destination?

Welcome Lindsay!

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ComputerPeople would like give a warm welcome to our newest team member, Lindsay Olewniczak!
Lindsay will be joining the ComputerPeople team officially as an Administrative Assistant, but she will also be providing support with our blog, social media, and other digital marketing efforts. Lindsay has many years of experience working in the fast paced automotive industry. She is a very quick learner with high attention to detail and a heart for helping others. We know she will be a great addition and we cannot wait to watch her succeed in her new role. We got together with Lindsay before her first day to get to know her a little bit better. Read on to see what she had to say.
What drew you to ComputerPeople Staffing?
I heard about ComputerPeople from a friend and decided to check it out. Once I met some of the amazing employees, I knew I would be lucky to be a part of the team.
Other than your work related duties, what skills or knowledge do you bring to the team?
I enjoy baking and trying new recipes. I also have three young kids, so I am pretty up to speed on all things Disney.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
I think it would be cool to be able to fly. I could go visit Florida and be back in time for dinner.
We are so excited to have you on our team, Lindsay!