May 2021 – The West Egg Group

The top 7 secrets of successful workforce managers

May 24, 2021

High-performing workforce managers have a few things in common — key habits that make them successful. These behaviours, done daily, contribute greatly to the successful oversight and management of teams across all industries.

We’ve summarized the top 7 attributes and behaviours of top workforce managers:

#7: Checking and rechecking the data

Every project starts with data. A workforce manager’s role is to ensure that they understand the project requirements, obligations to clients and customers, their workforce metrics, business forecasts, and more. And since these things are always in flux, keeping a close eye on the numbers makes all the difference.

#6: Incorporating agility into planning
A one-size-fits-all plan just won’t work. A great manager will have multiple plan options based on varied forecasts of workforce demands. Being flexible and able to respond quickly to changing client and project needs is a must.

#5: Calculating the downtime

Every workforce has unproductive hours, whether they be sick days, breaks, training, scheduled or unscheduled time off. Factoring these unproductive activities into the overall plan is important for accurate projections and planning.

#4 Aligning with other departments
Acting in a silo is never good for business. Great managers are aware of the activities and plans within other departments and their impact on workforce management. They have open lines of communication with other managers and seek to understand the bigger picture beyond their immediate responsibilities.

#3: Acting fast
When obstacles arise or there’s a change in the plan, it’s important for workforce managers to assess the situation and respond quickly with a clear action plan. They also know when to seek the advice and support of other senior leadership team members.

#2: Communication with their teams

Communication truly is king. Team members value open and honest feedback, insight, and direction. The best workforce managers are able to communicate to their team the impact that they have on the organization’s mission and success. Communication is a two-way street. Great managers solicit frequent feedback from their teams to better understand the employee experience and how they can improve it.

#1: Continued education

Leveling-up one’s skills is always a bonus. Managers who are serious about their personal and professional development will continue to look for opportunities to learn new things to better their performance and understanding of their craft.

Workforce managers at The West Egg Group are encouraged to set the bar high for themselves and to continue to hone their specialized skill set using many of the behaviours above.

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May 5, 2021

Workplace wellness is another set of buzzwords being used a lot these days. And with all of today’s pandemic-related stress and uncertainty, it’s no wonder that it is top-of-mind among both employees and organizations.

What is workplace wellness?

Workplace wellness is any workplace activity or organizational policy designed to support healthy behaviours and practices in the workplace with the goal of improving health outcomes.

Wellness, or well-being, as promoted within the workplace often includes activities such as:

Physical and mental health education
Campaigns promoting an active lifestyle
Nutritional programs
On-site fitness programs or facilities
Access to information and physical resources
…and more

Why do workplaces focus on wellness?

A happy, healthy workforce is proven to be a more effective one. Employees who have a strong sense of well-being are often:

More productive
More likely to stay in their jobs
More likely to recommend their organization as a good place to work
More engaged in their work/organization
Healthier, with improved disease management and prevention

All of these reasons contribute to lower healthcare costs for the employer as well. While all of the above is good for business, more and more organizations today are invested in wellness because they care about the well-being of their people.

Plus, a greater focus on having a top-notch employer brand has also made organizations keen to develop employee benefits outside of the usual earnings and time off to help attract and retain top talent. Organizations want to be

perceived as modern, adaptive, and attractive. To employees and potential employees, an investment in employee wellness is a contributing factor and often influences their decision to join — or stay with — an organization.

Tips for incorporating wellness initiatives in your organization:

On-site fitness center or classes
If you have space, consider investing in an on-site gym. If space is limited, think about how best you can use and transform areas like meeting rooms into a space for lunchtime yoga or meditation classes.
Tip: Outsource your fitness initiatives to a professional who can run your programs, manage sign-ups, ensure that your people are exercising safely, etc.
Create just-for-fun fitness challenges
Generate some friendly competition among staff with a step-challenge or similar initiative that gets people moving (both at work and at home).
Tip: Offer a prize to the top performers so that people have something to strive to achieve and to keep them motivated.
Offer on-site paramedical services
Many offices have monthly on-site services such as massage which allows employees to take advantage of their benefits without having to take time off of work.
Tip: Survey your staff to see what they’re most interested in, then remember to promote the service and encourage employees to sign-up.
Offer healthy snacks
Stock the kitchen or cafeteria with healthy snack options. Not only does this help to keep your team healthier and boost energy levels, it also means that they won’t have to leave the building in search of snacks mid-day.
Tip: If possible, offer access to free snacks like fresh fruit, granola bars, healthy cereals, and other low-cost but high-impact healthy treats.
Offer employee assistance programs
Wellness is about mind, body, and soul. Offering support and practical resources for things like stress management, depression and anxiety, family support services, financial planning services, etc. can go a long way to supporting your employees’ overall well-being.
Tip: Research EAP providers to find the fit that’s right for your employee base and organization.

At The West Egg Group, we encourage workplace wellness and support organizations that strive for a better employee experience.

The top 7 secrets of successful workforce managers

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