Category Archives: summer

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!

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Written by Jeff Weiss

Things You May Or Not Know About Labor Day

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The kids are going back to school and the end of summer is quickly approaching. But, before we start packing lunches and closing the pool, we get one more holiday to enjoy the end of summer; Labor Day! Many people associate Labor Day with BBQ, picnics, and family/friend gatherings, but this hasn’t always been the case. I thought it would be fun to do a little research on the history of Labor Day. Here are some interesting facts that I didn’t know!

  1. Labor Day began in Toronto, Canada in 1872, but quickly made its way to the States.
  2. The first Labor Day occurred on September 5, 1882 in New York City.
  3. Oregon was the first state to make Labor Day an official holiday in 1887.
  4. The holiday’s origins stems back to the 1880s when the average American worked 12 hour days 7 days a week. Children ages 5-6 worked in factories and mines.
  5. People avoided wearing white clothing after Labor Day as it officially marked the end of summer.
  6. Labor Day began as a demonstration for workers’ rights but is modernly seen as an opportunity to celebrate the end of summer.
  7. Labor Day is called the “unofficial end of summer” because it marks the end of the cultural summer season.
  8. In other countries, May 1st (May Day) is the day working people are honored. The majority of Europe celebrates May Day.

I hope everyone has a great holiday weekend! Enjoy the “unofficial end of summer”!

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

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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?

Wellness In the Workplace

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The end of summer is quickly approaching, kids are getting ready to go back to school, and you may be starting to evaluate your summer fitness progress (or lack there of). Eight hours at a desk five days a week can really take a toll, but at least over the summer, many people have highly active nights and weekends. As we all start to get ready to spend more time indoors, you may be wondering how you can make your workplace a healthy space to aid in your health goals. Read on to learn about our top three tips on how to have a guilt free workday.

Avoid the candy jar. We all know where the candy jar is located at work, and after a long morning, it can be difficult to avoid. A couple M&Ms may seem like no big deal, but they can add hundreds of unnecessary calories to your diet every day if you are not careful. If you are hungry or absolutely cannot go without that 3pm pick me up, try keeping natural sweets on your desk. Grapes, Cherries, or Apples work wonderfully!

Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is good for pretty much everything. It provides energy, promotes weight loss, helps your skin, prevents headaches, and boosts your immune system, just to name a few benefits. Bring a water bottle to work, and make it your goal to fill it up three, four, or even five times throughout the day. You can also set an alarm if you need that extra reminder.

Walk and Stretch. Walking throughout the day is a great way to promote health and fitness in the workplace. Take a walk during breaks, long conference calls (if you have a headset), or even just every couple hours to reward yourself for finishing a task. It may seem like no big deal, but getting up and moving around can make a huge difference in staying energized. If you are unable to get up regularly, try stretching at your desk multiple times per day to get moving and get a mental break from work.

How have you had success staying healthy at work? Comment below!

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen

4 Tips For a Productive Weekend

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That feeling of walking out of the office on Friday afternoon is something that everyone looks forward to.  Though the weekend is most often a time to relax it may be who of you to consider different activities that could promote higher productivity and overall more success in the upcoming work week.  These activities may include:

1. Make time for your family and friends.

Having meaningful interactions with those we care about increases our overall outlook as well as positivity.   This in return results in more productivity in the work place.  So call a friend who you haven’t talked to in a while or make time to go to lunch with your mom.  These little things will make you feel good as a person and at work.

2. Exercise.

Let’s face it working out during the week always seems to be a challenge.  Either you have to wake up even earlier and hit the gym or try and motivate yourself to go after work when you are really just thinking about the commute home and what you are planning to have for dinner.  Regardless, for many exercising during the week always seems to be pushed to back burner.  Using the free time that the weekend often provides to exercise can increase your endorphins making your brain and your body feel good, allows you to focus on one activity to help clear your head and often increases your likelihood of a better night’s sleep.

3. Get Creative.

Using the creative side of your brain doesn’t have to just be a part of your weekly work day.  In fact when using creativity to do simple tasks such as organizing your closet can make you feel good as well as boost your creativity for the upcoming work week.

4. Sleep.

We all know that it is recommended that we get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.  But often times due to a busy schedule, stress etc. during the week this does not always occur.  Use the weekend to catch up on the lost hours and give your body a chance to recharge for the busy week ahead.

These four activities will make you feel good after a stressful week but also prepare you for the one ahead, happy weekend!

Staying Focused In The Summer

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Whether you are busy starting a new job, immersed in a career search, or just trying to keep up with your usual workload, summer can be a difficult time to achieve your goals. Vacations, beautiful weather, and kids home for the summer all make it harder to stay focused.

If you are having trouble staying focused, have no fear. Follow these tips to make your summer as productive as it can be.

Shift your schedule with the season. During the hot summer months, you may want to start work earlier so that you can leave at a time that allows you to still enjoy the summer day. If that schedule is not for you, consider going in later than usual to enjoy the peaceful and cool morning hours of summertime.

Increase your offline work. Who says vacations can’t be productive? Use your time at the pool to brainstorm your next big idea, read a book that will improve your management skills, or listen to a podcast that sparks your creativity.

Work on your biggest priorities in the morning. This is a good strategy year round, but especially when you are facing distraction. Tackle your biggest job first, and use the rest of the day to take on your small tasks.

Take time to relax. If everyone else in your office is going on vacation, you are sure to get vacation-envy. Carve out some time for yourself to get away and come back refreshed and ready to go!

Have a great summer and make sure to stay focused!