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June is Pride Month, a time dedicated to uplifting the voices, celebrating the culture, and supporting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is also a reminder to allies who play a role in LGBTQIA+ workplace advocacy throughout the year. An ally supports and educates themselves about and advocates for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for everyone. Listed below are ways allies can take action beyond Pride Month: 1. Educate Work to educate yourself about LGBTQIA+ issues, terminology, and experiences, including learning about challenges within the workplace and staying updated on relevant policies and legislation. 2. Foster Inclusive Policies Advocate for inclusive policies within your organization, including non-discrimination policies that explicitly protect LGBTQIA+ employees. 3. Speak Up Allies play a key role in amplifying the voices of LGBTQIA+ individuals and advocating for their concerns. When witnessing or hearing about discrimination or harassment, speak up and support those affected. This can involve reporting incidents, addressing biases, or confronting inappropriate language or behavior. 4. Use Correct Pronouns and Names Respecting an individual’s gender identity demonstrates respect and validates their identity. An additional step you can take is to add your pronouns to your email signature. That way you are also expressing how you would like to be addressed. 5. Support Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) If available, join an inclusion-focused ERG within your company and actively participate. *We are happy to announce that our Pride and Allies ERG launched this month, with one of our goals being to provide a safe space for employees to bring their authentic selves to work. 6. Be a Mentor Allies can mentor LGBTQIA+ employees, providing guidance, support, and advocacy within the organization. This includes helping with career navigation, overcoming challenges, and accessing opportunities for upskilling and advancement. 7. Advocate for Training and Awareness Allies can encourage their organizations to provide diversity and inclusion training to increase awareness, reduce bias, and promote a more inclusive working environment. 8. Use Your Privilege Allies should recognize and leverage their privilege to create positive change, using their influence to challenge discriminatory practices, advocate for LGBTQIA+ representation in leadership roles, and support policies that support diversity and inclusion. Taking action beyond Pride Month is essential for creating lasting change and fostering a truly inclusive workplace. Allies have the power to make a signification impact by actively supporting and advocating for LGBTQIA+ colleagues throughout the year.

Updated: June 13, 2023 Originally published: July 15, 2021 We are excited to announce our ongoing commitment to recognizing and honoring Juneteenth by closing all offices on Monday, June 19th to self-reflect, learn and act to deepen our understanding of racial injustices and work towards a more equitable society. Our African American and Allies employee resource group shared their insight on ways to spend your time off to honor Juneteenth: 1. Self-reflection: Take this opportunity to delve into your own knowledge and awareness of the experiences faced by Black/African Americans and the significance of Juneteenth in our country today. Reflect on your understanding of racial inequalities and how they continue to affect communities. 2. Learning: Expand your perspective, strengthen your relationships, and increase your empathy and compassion through knowledge. Consider how further education can contribute to personal growth and how you can engage your family and friends in learning about the history of Juneteenth and its relevance in our world today. Check out our recommended resources for learning below: Google’s course on Unbiasing Project READY training on implicit bias and microaggressions The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond Undoing Racism Conference 3. Act: We encourage you to utilize this time to make a difference. Embrace the discomfort and embark on actions to challenge your comfort zone while fostering personal growth. Remember, there are no strings attached or qualifications required. Use this time to contribute to the ongoing fight against racial injustice. Actions you can take: Volunteer at local organizations focused on racial equity and justice. Click here. Donate to charities and initiatives supporting communities affected by racial disparities. Engage in conversations with individuals from different backgrounds to promote understanding and empathy. Advocate for policy changes that address systemic racism and promote equality. As we celebrate Juneteenth, let us reaffirm our commitment to a society free from racial injustices and inequalities. Use this day to reflect, learn, and take meaningful action. Together, we can create a better future where equality and justice prevail.

The multifamily real estate industry has been undergoing significant modernization, incorporating various technological advancements to improve efficiency and productivity. One technology that has played a crucial role in this transformation is artificial intelligence (AI). AI offers multifamily leasing professionals the ability to automate tasks, streamline processes, and provide faster response times to prospective residents. Automating Tasks and Improving Productivity: AI enables multifamily property managers to automate routine and time-consuming tasks, allowing leasing teams to focus on more critical activities such as converting leads. Chatbots powered by AI can handle initial inquiries, schedule appointments, and provide information to prospective residents. These AI agents can respond to inquiries even outside of leasing agents’ working hours, ensuring faster response times and improved customer satisfaction. By automating early responses, AI helps decrease response times, increasing the likelihood of lead conversion. Additionally, AI-powered lead warming solutions play a vital role in the leasing process. These solutions leverage AI algorithms to analyze and understand prospective residents’ preferences and behaviors, enabling leasing teams to personalize their interactions and provide tailored recommendations. By automating lead nurturing and providing relevant information, AI helps warm up leads and increases the chances of conversion. Faster Response Times: In the multifamily industry, response times are critical for lead conversion. Studies have shown that if a response from an agent comes within one to six hours of the initial inquiry, prospects are 32% less likely to convert. After six hours, the likelihood of conversion drops to less than 50%. AI-powered chatbots ensure round-the-clock availability and quick response times, allowing prospective residents to schedule appointments easily, regardless of the time of day. By providing immediate responses and prompt assistance, AI enhances the leasing experience and increases the chances of converting leads. CRM Platforms and Gamification: Customer relationship management (CRM) platforms integrated with AI technology further improve the leasing process. These platforms enable leasing agents to manage and track customer interactions, automate reminders, and provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making. AI-powered CRM systems also offer gamification features, turning daily tasks into engaging activities. This not only enhances the workflow and productivity of leasing agents but also boosts their motivation and job satisfaction. Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the multifamily leasing industry by enhancing efficiency, automating tasks, and providing faster response times. BGSF, as the nation’s only specialist in both Property Management Staffing and IT Solutions, is uniquely positioned to assist our multifamily clients with the planning, implementation, and management of their property and technology needs. Find out more about why we were selected as the National Apartment Association (NAA) Supplier of the Year for 2023!

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, we have the privilege of gaining valuable insights from Mrs. Megan Yount, LCSW-C, a highly experienced Clinical Psychotherapist at Baltimore Family Therapy. As we delve into the topic of burnout, it becomes crucial to recognize the symptoms and side effects associated with it, along with effective strategies to overcome this pervasive issue. Discover practical tips that you can implement in your life starting today, empowering yourself to combat burnout and promote mental well-being. If you have experienced any of the following, you might be struggling with burnout. Energy depletion and exhaustion Dreading Work Trouble Sleeping Easily angered/irritable/sad No time for non-work-related things Lack of motivation and reduced efficacy What can you do if you notice yourself experiencing one or more of these symptoms? 1. Talk with your supervisor 2. Seek support from co-workers, friends, or loved ones. Check with Human Resources to take advantage of any Employee Assistance Program that may be available. 3. Try a relaxing activity! Seriously. There are many apps that you can download to help relax in as little as 1 minute. It might also be a great idea to try yoga or meditation. 4. Move your body. Whether that is taking a walk during the lunch break that you have scheduled (because you set that boundary last week), planning a workout class with a friend, or running around the neighborhood with your children after school. Movement decreases stress and helps take your mind off work. 5. Get adequate sleep. This cannot be stressed enough. Put the phones away, turn off your work notifications (the Teams ringer will forever haunt my dreams…), and get some sleep. 6. Practice mindfulness. This means being aware of your breath, engaging your senses, and acknowledging your feelings at any given moment. It is recognizing the need to pause, regain control, and have compassion for yourself. Thank you to Mrs. Yount for providing these practical tips to recognize and overcome burnout. She can be reached via email at megan@baltimorefamilytherapy.com and online HERE, and you can connect with us at BGSF.com.

For recent college graduates seeking to embark on a career in the field of Information Technology (IT), the job market offers a wide range of enticing opportunities. With the rapid advancements in technology and the growing reliance on digital infrastructure, the demand for IT professionals continues to soar. This blog post aims to highlight some of the best entry-level IT jobs available to recent college graduates, helping them kickstart their careers on a solid foundation. IT Roles for Recent Graduates Help Desk Technician: A Help Desk Technician is often the first point of contact for individuals seeking technical assistance. In this role, you’ll provide support via phone, email, or in person, troubleshooting issues and resolving them promptly. This job offers a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in problem-solving, and customer service, and a broad understanding of IT systems. Software Developer/Engineer: Entry-level software developer or software engineer roles are highly sought after in the IT industry. These positions involve designing, coding, and testing software applications or systems. Graduates can work on diverse projects, learn new programming languages, and collaborate with experienced professionals. This role offers excellent prospects for career advancement and specialization. Systems Analyst: Systems analysts play a crucial role in assessing and improving IT systems within organizations. They work closely with stakeholders to gather requirements, analyze existing systems, and propose solutions. This position allows recent graduates to enhance their problem-solving skills, comprehensively understand business processes, and contribute to system design and implementation. Network Administrator: Network administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining an organization’s network infrastructure. This role involves tasks such as configuring network devices, troubleshooting network issues, and ensuring network security. Graduates can gain valuable hands-on experience with network technologies, protocols, and troubleshooting methodologies. Database Administrator: Database administrators manage and organize an organization’s data. They ensure the efficient operation and security of databases, perform data backups and recovery, and optimize database performance. This role allows recent graduates to develop skills in database management systems, query optimization, and data security. Cybersecurity Analyst: In an increasingly digital world, the need for cybersecurity professionals is paramount. Cybersecurity analysts monitor and protect computer systems and networks from potential threats or breaches. Recent graduates can work on tasks such as vulnerability assessments, incident response, and implementing security controls. This role offers the opportunity to develop skills in cybersecurity frameworks, risk management, and ethical hacking. Web Developer: Web developers design and develop websites and web applications using programming languages and web technologies. Recent graduates can work on front-end or back-end development, creating user interfaces, implementing functionality, and optimizing website performance. This role offers opportunities for creativity, continuous learning, and keeping up with emerging web technologies. Quality Assurance Analyst: Quality assurance analysts are responsible for ensuring the quality and functionality of software applications. They develop and execute test plans, identify and report defects, and collaborate with development teams to improve software quality. Recent graduates can gain valuable experience in software testing methodologies, automated testing tools, and quality assurance best practices. The field of IT offers a wide range of entry-level job opportunities for recent college graduates. Whether in software development, systems analysis, network administration, cybersecurity, or other IT domains, graduates can find promising career paths with opportunities for growth and skill development. By leveraging their knowledge, adapting to emerging technologies, and continuously learning, recent graduates can build successful and fulfilling careers in the dynamic and ever-evolving IT industry. Ready to look for your next role in IT? Click here to check out our open positions and apply today!

Congratulations, recent college graduates! As you embark on the next phase of your journey, it’s time to delve into the world of finance and accounting. These fields offer a multitude of exciting opportunities for young professionals, combining analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a knack for numbers. To help you kickstart your career, we’ve compiled a list of the best entry-level finance and accounting jobs that provide a solid foundation for your future growth and success. Finance and Accounting Roles for Recent Graduates Financial Analyst: Entry-level financial analyst roles are highly sought after in the finance industry. These positions involve analyzing financial data, preparing reports, and providing insights to aid in decision-making. Graduates can gain exposure to financial modeling, forecasting, and valuation while working closely with experienced professionals. This role offers opportunities for career advancement and specialization in areas such as corporate finance, investment banking, or portfolio management. Accounting Assistant: Accounting assistants play a vital role in supporting the accounting department of an organization. These positions involve tasks such as bookkeeping, accounts payable and receivable, and assisting in financial statement preparation. Recent graduates can gain hands-on experience with accounting software, develop a strong understanding of financial processes, and lay the foundation for a career in accounting. Audit Associate: Entry-level audit associate positions are commonly found in public accounting firms. These roles involve examining financial statements, conducting internal audits, and assessing compliance with regulations. Graduates can gain exposure to various industries, develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and obtain valuable experience in auditing and risk assessment. Financial Planner: Financial planning roles offer an excellent opportunity for recent graduates interested in helping individuals or organizations manage their finances. As financial planners, graduates can assist clients in creating financial goals, developing investment strategies, and providing guidance on budgeting and savings. This role requires strong communication and interpersonal skills and offers the potential for growth in the financial advisory field. Treasury Analyst: Treasury analysts play a critical role in managing an organization’s cash flow, liquidity, and risk management. Recent graduates in this role will be involved in tasks such as cash forecasting, analyzing investment opportunities, and managing relationships with financial institutions. This position allows for a deep understanding of financial markets, banking operations, and corporate finance. Credit Analyst: Credit analyst roles are suitable for graduates interested in evaluating creditworthiness and managing credit risk. These positions involve assessing the creditworthiness of individuals or companies, analyzing financial statements, and making recommendations for lending or credit decisions. Graduates can develop strong analytical skills, gain an understanding of credit risk assessment, and potentially progress into roles in commercial or investment banking. Financial Reporting Analyst: Financial reporting analysts are responsible for preparing financial statements and reports for internal or external stakeholders. This role requires attention to detail, knowledge of accounting standards, and proficiency in financial reporting software. Graduates can gain valuable experience in financial reporting and analysis, develop a strong understanding of financial regulations, and contribute to the transparency and accuracy of financial information. Investment Operations Associate: Investment operations associate roles are found in investment management firms, banks, or brokerage houses. These positions involve tasks such as trade settlement, portfolio reconciliation, and performance reporting. Graduates can gain exposure to investment products, asset classes, and investment operations processes, laying the groundwork for a career in investment management. Entering the finance and accounting world as a recent college graduate opens up a plethora of opportunities for professional growth and development. Whether you choose to pursue a career as a financial analyst, staff accountant, credit analyst, financial planner, tax associate, or treasury analyst, each of these entry-level roles provides valuable experience and a strong foundation for future success. Ready to look for your next role in Finance and Accounting? Click here to check out our open positions and apply today!

The latest monthly employment report for May 2023 provided encouraging news for the US economy, as job growth exceeded expectations. The report, released today, revealed that the country added  339,000 jobs in May, marking the 14th consecutive month of job creation surpassing Wall Street economists’ forecasts. However, alongside the positive figures, the report also showed a slight increase in the unemployment rate, reflecting some underlying challenges. According to the report, nonfarm payrolls increased by a robust 339,000 jobs, surpassing the projected 195,000 jobs. This significant job gain, the largest monthly increase since January, demonstrates the continued strength of the US labor market. The solid growth was evident across various industries, suggesting a broad-based recovery. Several sectors played a crucial role in driving job creation in May. Professional and business services led the way with an impressive addition of 64,000 jobs, demonstrating the sector's resilience and adaptability. Government employment contributed 56,000 jobs. “The U.S. labor market continues to defy historical definitions, showcasing remarkable resilience amid the chaos of inflation and high-profile layoffs.” Said Eric Peters, Present of BGSF’s Professional division. “With an impressive 339,000 job openings in May, we are witnessing the labor market rewriting the rule book, demonstrating strength and determination." Other notable sectors that experienced noteworthy gains in May included construction, with 25,000 new jobs, and transportation and warehousing, which added 24,000 positions. These figures highlight the positive momentum across industries that support economic growth and infrastructure development. "While the real estate and rental industries showed slight growth, the rise in construction job gains of 25,000 jobs in May is a positive indicator for the property management industry. Construction employment serves as a key driver for the real estate sector, and these job gains lay the foundation for future growth and opportunities. “ Commented Kelly Brown, President of BGSF’s Property Management division, “We anticipate that the increase in construction jobs will lead to a surge in demand for property management services later in the year." However, despite the robust job growth, the unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.7% from the previous month's 3.5%. This increase suggests that more individuals entered or re-entered the labor force in search of employment opportunities. An uptick in the unemployment rate may initially raise concerns, it can also be interpreted as a positive sign of increased labor force participation. The May jobs report reflected the 29th consecutive month of strong job growth, which has become a defining characteristic of the post-pandemic recovery economy. Economists had predicted a more modest increase in jobs, around 180,000, making the actual figures a pleasant surprise. Further analysis of the report revealed that average hourly earnings for workers increased by 0.3% compared to the previous month, while the year-on-year growth stood at 4.3%. These figures indicate a steady upward trend in wages, which is good news for workers and may contribute to sustained consumer spending. It is important to note that the May jobs report showcased encouraging numbers, but there were indications of a potential moderation in job openings and hiring intentions. Research director, Nick Bunker, from Indeed Hiring Lab highlighted this trend, citing various measures, including the Indeed Job Postings Index. That suggests the labor market may be approaching a more stable and balanced phase, following the rapid recovery seen in previous months. Overall, the May jobs report provided a reason for optimism, as it underscored the resilience and strength of the US labor market. The substantial job gains across multiple sectors demonstrate the economy's ability to rebound from the pandemic's impact. Although the unemployment rate experienced a slight increase, it was accompanied by increased labor force participation, which can be viewed as a positive sign. As the recovery continues, it will be crucial to monitor economic indicators closely to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth for all.

Supporting trailing military spouses in their job search is crucial for companies to foster a diverse and inclusive work environment. Here are several ways that companies can provide assistance: Partner with military spouse organizations: Collaborate with local or national organizations that specialize in supporting military spouses. These organizations can provide resources, networking opportunities, and job placement services tailored to the unique challenges faced by military spouses. Flexible work arrangements: Offer flexible work arrangements such as remote work options, flexible hours, or compressed workweeks. This flexibility allows military spouses to adapt to the demands of their spouse’s military service while still maintaining meaningful employment. Job transfer assistance: If your company has multiple locations, consider offering job transfer assistance to military spouses when their partners are relocated. This can involve facilitating connections with colleagues at the new location, providing information on local job markets, or offering relocation support. Career counseling and coaching: Provide career counseling and coaching services to military spouses. This can help them identify their skills, explore new career paths, and develop strategies for navigating the job market. Mentoring programs: Implement mentoring programs within your organization that pair military spouses with experienced employees who can provide guidance, support, and professional development opportunities. Education and training opportunities: Offer education and training programs to help military spouses enhance their skills and qualifications. This could include professional development workshops, online courses, or tuition reimbursement for further education. Military-friendly hiring practices: Develop hiring practices that consider the unique circumstances of military spouses, such as understanding gaps in employment due to relocations or deployments. Ensure job postings and interview processes are inclusive and accommodate remote or virtual interviews when necessary. Networking events: Organize networking events or job fairs specifically for military spouses, where they can connect with employers, explore job opportunities, and expand their professional networks. Employee resource groups: Establish employee resource groups (ERGs) or affinity groups within your organization that focus on supporting military spouses. These groups can provide a platform for networking, sharing experiences, and advocating for the needs of military spouses within the company. By implementing these measures, companies can demonstrate their commitment to supporting military spouses and create an inclusive work environment that values the unique skills and experiences they bring. Are you currently looking for your next role? Check out our open positions and apply today!

Translating a military resume to a civilian resume can be challenging, as the terminology, skills, and experiences in the military may not directly correspond to the civilian job market. However, with careful consideration and a strategic approach, you can effectively highlight your transferable skills and experiences to create a compelling civilian resume. 10 Tips to Translate Your Resume Here are ten tips to help you with this process: Understand the civilian job market: Before translating your military resume, research and familiarize yourself with the specific industry or job you are targeting. Understand the skills, qualifications, and terminology commonly used in that field. Identify transferable skills: Many skills acquired in the military can be applicable in civilian roles. Review your military experience and identify skills such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, organization, communication, adaptability, and technical expertise relevant to your civilian job. Translate military jargon: Avoid using military jargon or acronyms that may not be easily understood by civilian employers. Instead, describe your roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments using civilian-friendly language. Explain the meaning behind any military-specific terms you include. Focus on achievements and results: In your civilian resume, emphasize the accomplishments and results you achieved during your military service. Quantify your achievements whenever possible by including metrics, numbers, or percentages. This helps potential employers understand the impact you made in your previous roles. Customize your resume for each job application: Tailor your resume to match the requirements of each civilian job you apply for. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the specific position. Use the job description and keywords as a guide to ensure your resume aligns with the employer’s needs. Highlight professional development and certifications: Include any relevant professional development courses, certifications, or specialized training you completed during your military service. This demonstrates your commitment to learning and your willingness to acquire new skills. Showcase leadership experience: If you held leadership roles in the military, emphasize those experiences on your resume. Highlight your ability to manage teams, make decisions under pressure, and take responsibility for outcomes. Leadership skills are highly valued in many civilian professions. Seek assistance from veterans’ support organizations: There are various organizations and resources available to help veterans transition to civilian careers. Take advantage of career counseling services, workshops, and resume writing assistance provided by these organizations. Proofread and edit your resume: Ensure your resume is error-free and well-formatted. Proofread it thoroughly for grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes. Consider having someone else review it as well to provide objective feedback. Network with civilian professionals: Engage in networking activities to connect with individuals working in your desired industry. Attend job fairs and industry events, or join professional associations to gain insights and build relationships. Networking can provide valuable guidance and potentially lead to job opportunities. Remember, the goal of translating your military resume to a civilian resume is to effectively communicate your skills, experiences, and accomplishments in a way that resonates with civilian employers. By highlighting your transferable skills and focusing on your achievements, you can create a compelling resume that positions you as a strong candidate for civilian employment. Ready to look for your next role? Check out our open positions and apply today!

BGSF acquired Horn Solutions in December 2022, opening up our workforce solutions services to include Strategic Finance & Accounting, Transactional Accounting & Business Administration. Horn also has very strong experience in Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) Software, which helps sellers quote complex and highly configurable products as well as maximize revenue with accurate quotes and real-time pricing. Learn more about CPQ software from an interview with René Aguiluz, a lead CPQ expert at Horn Solutions. — René, what is your official position at Horn Solutions? I serve as the Director of IT Professional Services. Essentially, I work with clients who need a highly configurable CPQ solution. I ensure their data readiness, oversee the implementation and then help them establish a support team for ongoing support. How did your experience and background lead you to CPQ? During my 20+ year career, I have led multiple software selections and implementations for the Big 4 as well as boutique firms. That experience led me to be the steward of the PROS/Horn partnership for the last three years. What do you see as the biggest CPQ-related challenge for companies? And what is Horn’s advantage in that area? I would say the biggest challenge is the post-implementation support for a heavily customized solution. The larger and more complex a product offering is, the more configurable the CPQ solution needs to be, and it can be challenging to find support for that. For example, the PROS Platform is a unified SaaS solution that drives selling experiences and is the leading provider of CPQ software. Horn Solutions is a PROS Partner which allows us to provide insights into PROS that other firms just don’t have. What type of advantages does the partnership with PROS provide Horn Solutions? I think the most valuable aspect of our partnership is PROS’ willingness to do deep dives with us into complex client issues to help us better understand a particular client’s configuration or maybe a product limitation. Our partnership is centered around ensuring our mutual client has as much success as possible. Horn Solutions is one of just a few firms that has this type of partnership with PROS, which allows us to successfully transition CPQ software support to an internal function. So, I hear you saying that you move support from PROS to an internal function. That has to speed up issue resolution and create more efficiency in general, yes? Yes, definitely. Software vendors typically shift their focus to licensing once implementation is complete. They support their products on an out-of-the-box level, but the only way to support a highly customized solution is to create a team that is fully engaged with that particular client. That’s part of what I do – help create those support teams so CPQ-related issues can be resolved as efficiently as possible. Are there any other Horn advantages? I would say the data readiness team is another one of our benefits. We worked with PROS to develop a tool that gauges a client’s data readiness and provides an estimate of the amount of time and effort that will be needed to get their data ready for implementation. What do you see on the horizon for Horn CPQ Solution? Initially, CPQ was only an option for enterprise-level companies, approximately 80 percent of whom are now using CPQ software. As more firms like Horn Solutions take on implementation and support functions at a lower price point than the software providers, the barriers to entry are lowered, making accurate quoting and real-time pricing a possibility for more companies. — Click here to learn more about Horn Solutions!

April 2023 Jobs Report Reflects Strong Employment Growth and Optimistic Economic Outlook The April 2023 jobs report has delivered encouraging news, showcasing robust job gains and positive trends in the labor market. With employers adding 253,000 jobs, it marks the highest increase since January. Economists were pleasantly surprised by the exceeding expectations, further solidifying the labor market’s resilience. Additionally, the unemployment rate dropped to an impressive 3.4%, matching its lowest reading since 1969. In this blog post, we will delve into the report’s key highlights, shedding light on the industries experiencing growth, the labor force participation rate, job openings, and wage growth. Strong Job Growth Across Industries: April’s jobs report exhibited broad-based job gains across various sectors, highlighting the economy’s overall strength. Notably, professional and business services experienced an increase of 43,000 jobs, followed closely by the healthcare sector, which added 40,000 jobs. The leisure and hospitality industry, which was severely impacted by the pandemic, also saw significant growth, with 31,000 new jobs created. Even industries typically sensitive to interest rate increases, such as construction and manufacturing, demonstrated positive employment figures. “While the real estate and rental industries may have experienced a relatively flat period, I find great encouragement in the notable rise of construction jobs by 15,000 in April,” said Kelly Brown, President of BGSF’s Real Estate Division, “This increase in construction employment sets the stage for positive developments in the property management industry later in the year. As new construction projects take shape, we can anticipate a surge in demand for property management services, creating opportunities for growth and expansion in our sector. The construction sector serves as a critical driver for the real estate industry, and these job gains signify a promising future for both construction and property management professionals alike.” Prime-Aged Women Boosting Labor Force Participation: An encouraging aspect of the report is the surge in labor force participation among prime-aged individuals (25 to 54 years old), which reached 83.3%—a level not seen since 2008. Particularly noteworthy is the significant participation rate of prime-aged women, reaching an unprecedented 77.5%. This development reflects the continued progress towards gender equality in the workforce, as more women actively pursue professional opportunities. Job Openings and Improved Wages: Despite the substantial job gains, there are still 1.6 job openings for every unemployed American searching for work. While this ratio is higher than the pre-pandemic average, it remains lower than the previous year's figure, indicating a gradual recovery in job availability. It is worth noting that last year, at the height of the pandemic, there were two job openings per worker, with 2.6 million more job openings than at present, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Furthermore, the average hourly earnings have shown steady growth, with a 4.4% increase in the year leading up to April. This surpassed both the previous month's rate of 4.3% and the 4.2% that economists had anticipated. Rising wages reflect a positive shift, suggesting that workers benefit from a tight labor market and increased competition for talent. "I am pleased to see the continued upward trend in employment within the professional and business services sector. The addition of 43,000 jobs in April surpasses the average monthly gain of 25,000 over the past six months, highlighting the industry's resilience and growth potential," commented Eric Peters, President of BGSF Professional division, "As the economy recovers, businesses are increasingly recognizing the value of specialized expertise and support, driving the demand for professionals in various fields. This positive trajectory benefits job seekers and signifies a thriving economy where businesses are investing in expansion and innovation." The April 2023 jobs report indicates a strong rebound in the labor market, with robust job gains, a drop in unemployment, and an increased labor force participation rate. The report's findings demonstrate the economy's resilience and ability to recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic. The broad-based job growth across industries, including sectors sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, further solidifies the positive trajectory. Additionally, the rising labor force participation rate among prime-aged individuals, particularly prime-aged women, showcases the progress toward achieving greater gender equality in the workforce. While the job opening-to-worker ratio has improved compared to the pandemic peak, there is still room for further recovery in job availability. Overall, the April 2023 jobs report provides hope and optimism for the future of the labor market, indicating a solid foundation for sustained economic growth and prosperity.

Achieving a work-life balance is essential for maintaining good mental health. With today’s fast-paced work culture, many individuals struggle to balance their personal and professional lives, which can lead to burnout, stress, and other mental health problems. Also, with the rise of remote and hybrid work, the line between work and home life can become easily blurred. Why is work-life balance important for mental health? Achieving a work-life balance helps to reduce stress levels. When you have a healthy balance between work and personal life, you can better manage stress and prevent burnout. This can lead to increased productivity and a better quality of life. Having a balance between work and personal life promotes self-care. Taking time for yourself to engage in activities that you enjoy can help to reduce stress levels and promote positive mental health. Achieving a work-life balance also improves your relationships with others. When you are less stressed, you can better communicate and connect with those around you, as well as build on those positive relationships. A healthy work-life balance increases job satisfaction. When you achieve that balance, you are more likely to enjoy your job. This can lead to better performance and greater success in your career. Tips for achieving work-life balance Set boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and personal life. Turn off your work phone and email notifications when you are not working, and avoid checking work emails during your personal time. This can be more difficult if you work from home, so physically establishing those boundaries with an office or dedicated workspace can help you achieve this. Prioritize self-care: It’s important to make time for activities that bring you joy and that help you relax. This can include exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Learn to say no: It’s important to learn to say no to work demands that conflict with your personal time. Don’t be afraid to set limits, but it’s also very important to communicate these needs to your employer. Practice time management: Practice your time management skills to ensure you complete your work tasks efficiently and effectively. This can help you to reduce stress and avoid overworking. Take breaks: Take regular breaks throughout the workday to rest and recharge. This can help to improve productivity and reduce stress levels overall. Achieving a work-life balance is essential for maintaining good mental health. By setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and practicing good time management, you can achieve a healthy balance between work and personal life, leading to improved mental health and greater success in your career.