In today’s job market, employee appreciation and recognition is becoming a huge part of a company’s employment strategy. The main reason being that with a shortage of qualified and available workers, companies want and need to retain employees for as long as possible. What better way to improve moral and overall company culture than including your entire office in some sort of holiday celebration. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean that you have to throw an elaborate and pricey holiday shin dig. There are small ways that can help everyone in your office enjoy this time of year and hopefully boost moral in the process.

• Bring food into the mix! Who doesn’t love food? Plan an office luncheon, potluck or even a cookie tasting. This is an inexpensive way to bring the whole office together to just eat and be merry.
• Ugly Sweater parties are fun for everyone. Whether you just open up a day to allow your staff to wear their best ugly holiday sweater or you turn it into a contest, this is a great way for co-workers to get to know each other better and have some great laughs in the meantime.
• A little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Plan an afternoon where you and your co-workers can get together and play some friendly, work appropriate games. Include some food and refreshments and you’ve got yourself a little party that everyone can enjoy. Cubicle decorating contests are also an excellent way for employees to get to know one another and keep the flame of competition alive and well.
• Charitable donations are a win-win. If your company is one that prides itself in giving back to the community, in lieu of an office party, your staff could get together and make a charitable donation to an organization of choice. This could be a monetary donation, possibly donating volunteer hours or donating food or other items.
• Secret Santa or White Elephant Gift Exchanges = FUN! The act of gift giving but with a little twist is enough to brighten anyone’s holiday. Whether your office chooses to go a more practical route or simply have some fun with random “good for a laugh” gifts, everyone goes home a winner.

Not all working environments are created equal where some of these may be appropriate, they may not make sense for all industries and settings. Keep in mind what your current company culture is like and be sure to cater to all of the varying beliefs and customs in your office/work setting. In sticking with the holiday spirit, we want to make sure everyone can and will feel included and above all else, have fun in the process!

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, Trillium Hospitality and Trillium Techs. With approximately 98 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

Here are some quick etiquette tips for the use of mobile devices in the workplace:

• Don’t allow interruptions. Do not interrupt a conversation with someone either on another line or in person to accept a call or respond to a message. Showing your colleagues and clients that they have your undivided attention is important to rapport and respect building in the workplace.

• Make sure your mobile device is appropriately represented in the workplace. Whether it is a personal device or a company issued mobile device, if it is making an appearance in the workplace it should be appropriate for the environment. Make sure that your device has a professional ring tone, neutral case or cover, and your background photo is appropriate for the workplace. Inappropriate covers, background photos, or ring tones may be offensive to those around you and could result in a poor professional image or discipline.

• Respect the no phone zones. Even a company issued phone should not be present in all situations. Meetings, lunch appointments, and restrooms are just a few places that your mobile device is likely not welcome. Silence your device and keep it in your bag, briefcase, or pocket.

• Be respectful of those around you. Those around you will quickly grow annoyed with the constant ringing or vibrating from your device, especially in a cubicle setting. Be sure to silence your device and step away to take personal calls.

• Don’t be an under the table reader. Let’s face it those around you are aware of what you’re doing. Responding to emails, texts, or surfing the internet below the table only draws more attention to you. If you feel the need respond to an urgent message, politely excuse yourself from the group.

Consider adding cell phone etiquette into your next staff training or meeting agenda to help eliminate distractions or disruptions in the workplace. Chances are there are several staff members who are losing productivity due to their cell phone usage and causing disruptions to those around them.

Are you a stand out professional, technical professional, driver, or skilled worker seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities?  Visit our job board  for more information!  Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

• Be attentive. Show that you are dedicated and focused to the organization by avoiding distractions such as a ringing cell phone, interrupting others while they speak, or handling personal matters on the clock. Show your co-workers and leaders that they have your undivided attention in meetings by asking questions, contributing to the conversation, and taking notes. Even if your company does not have a policy against social media, keep in mind that engaging in social media discussions that are not directly related to your work responsibilities that are conducted during work hours can quickly give the impression to those around you, including management that you are not engaged or dedicated to your role.

• Be professional. Casual attire, inappropriate attire, and personal conversations can lead to others not taking you seriously as a professional. Limiting your personal conversations can show your superiors that you are focused and dedicated to your role in the organization. Even off the clock keep conversations with co-workers including those that take place on social media professional and appropriate.

• Be orderly. Leaving the break room, your desk, or any other area of the office untidy is unacceptable. If your office is consistently untidy, others may get the impression that you are unorganized or unable to handle your workload. Leaving common areas of the office untidy can make those around you feel that you don’t respect them or their use of the common space.

• Be engaged. Take an active interest in others in the workplace, especially outside of your department. Having a better understanding of other departmental goals and initiatives may help you develop processes or services that could better service the organization as a whole. Be friendly, professional, and courteous to everyone in the office regardless of their position with the company. Treating and respecting every member of the team is a sign of a strong leader. Keep in mind you may work under or directly with anyone in the organization at some point and time and establishing a level of respect and a working relationship with them prior to, could certainly help you collaborate easier in the future.

• Acknowledge others. Everyone appreciates being recognized for their contributions in the workplace. Acknowledge others around you for their contributions to the organization by citing specific things they have done and accomplished while acknowledging how that helps the organization as a whole. When employees and team members feel appreciated they tend to be more motivated, loyal, and likely to assist other members of the team when they feel that their contributions will be recognized.

Regardless of the size of your company, common courtesy and respect are crucial to establishing a strong reputation as a professional and a team player. Those who are seen as a leader and respected professional by employees of all level are often those that are targeted for supervisory roles or roles including more responsibility.

Are you a stand out professional or technical professional seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities?  Visit our job seekers section for more information!  Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 5,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.