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In honor of National Volunteer Month in April, we are highlighting our involvement with Junior Achievement USA, a nonprofit that inspires and prepares young people for success. Junior Achievement’s purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. We began our partnership with Junior Achievement and named them our charity of choice. So that we have the ability to transform lives by starting where it counts and help educate kids on life and career knowledge. LaKia Ross, Sales Director within our Real Estate Division, served as a mentor on April 17th,  for the Junior Achievement of Dallas, Inc. BOLD Girls Summit at Texas Woman’s University. BOLD stands for Business Oriented Leadership Development. Young ladies from Dallas/Fort Worth area high schools enjoyed a presentation on Breaking Barriers, toured the TWU campus, and then attended breakout sessions on the following topics: 1. Breaking barriers 2. Wellness 3. How to Start Building Wealth 4. Building a Business Empire They ended the day with an etiquette lunch and a discussion about present and future goals, topics that are relevant and helpful as youth gain the knowledge the skills needed to plan for their futures and consider how they will “lead boldly” in the future. BGSF team members have contributed more than $40,000 to Junior Achievement through participation in fundraisers such as the Junior Achievement Office Warriors competition in Central Maryland and Bowl-A-Thon in Dallas. Our team members have also participated in JA BizTown in Dallas, a simulated town providing students with the opportunity to discover careers, build financial skills, collaborate with classmates, exercise civic duties, invest in the community, and more! Our President and CEO, Beth Garvey, serves on the Executive Committee for Junior Achievement of Dallas and promotes participation in a variety of service events including BizTown and the BOLD Girls Leadership Summit. Junior Achievement is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and economic choices. Programs are free to all participants. Making a BiG difference in the communities we serve is one way we show how your future is our purpose. Thank you to Junior Achievement for providing our team members with opportunities to give back, all while making a positive impact within the lives of our youth! Connect with us and learn more at BGSF.com. Learn more about Junior Achievement by visiting jausa.ja.org.

The modern workplace can be a challenging environment, with high expectations, tight deadlines, and a competitive atmosphere. These factors, combined with personal and professional pressures, can lead to workplace anxiety. Workplace anxiety is a common issue that can affect anyone, regardless of their position or experience level. What is Workplace Anxiety? Workplace anxiety is a type of anxiety that occurs as a result of job-related stress. This anxiety is triggered by various work-related situations, such as deadlines, performance evaluations, meetings, and interactions with colleagues and superiors. It often leads to feelings of fear, unease, or apprehension and it can have a significant impact on an individual’s productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being. It manifests in various ways, including physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. Physical symptoms include sweating, increased heart rate, muscle tension, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and insomnia. Emotional symptoms may include feeling overwhelmed, irritable, or having trouble concentrating. Cognitive symptoms can also manifest, such as racing thoughts, excessive worrying, and difficulty making decisions. Combatting Workplace Anxiety Addressing workplace anxiety is essential to creating a healthy work environment and promoting employee mental health. Here are a few strategies that you can use to help manage and reduce your workplace anxiety: Practice self-care: Self-care is essential to managing workplace anxiety. It involves taking time to do things that make you feel good, such as exercising, practicing mindfulness or meditation, or engaging in a hobby. By taking care of yourself, you can better manage your stress levels and reduce anxiety. Set realistic goals: Setting realistic goals for yourself can help alleviate symptoms brought on by anxiety. By breaking down larger projects into smaller, achievable tasks, you can reduce overwhelm and feel a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task. Communicate with your supervisor: If you feel overwhelmed or anxious about your workload, it’s important to communicate with your supervisor. They may be able to offer additional support or resources to help you manage your workload and reduce your anxiety. Take breaks: Take breaks throughout the workday. Whether it’s a short walk outside, a few minutes of stretching, or simply stepping away from your desk for a few minutes, taking breaks can help reduce stress and increase focus. Seek support: If you find that your workplace anxiety is affecting your quality of life or your ability to perform your job, seek support from a mental health professional. They can help you develop strategies to manage your anxiety and improve your overall well-being. It’s important to remember that workplace anxiety is a common issue that affects many people. Also, neglecting the self-care you require can lead to a range of negative consequences, including burnout, stress, and even physical illness. By prioritizing your mental health, communicating with others, and seeking support when needed, you can work towards managing and reducing your workplace anxiety and improving your overall well-being!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly infiltrating a variety of industries and sectors, including administration. Administrative professionals are responsible for handling various tasks within a business, such as data entry, scheduling appointments, managing emails, handling customer queries, and more. However, with the rapid integration of AI into the workplace, the role of administrative professionals is quickly changing, and it is essential to understand how AI will impact their roles. How Can AI Support Administrative Professionals? Automation of Repetitive Tasks: One of the significant impacts of AI on administrative jobs is the automation of repetitive tasks. With the use of AI, mundane and repetitive tasks such as data entry, report generation, and scheduling appointments can be automated, freeing up time for administrative professionals to focus on more complex tasks. Improved Efficiency: AI has the ability to process large amounts of data quickly and accurately. This helps to improve the efficiency of administrative tasks, reducing the amount of time required to complete things like analyzing data and generating reports. This allows administrative professionals to focus on more important tasks, such as improving business processes and critical decision-making. Reduced Error Rates: Human error is inevitable, but with the integration of AI, the chances of error are significantly reduced. AI can perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy, reducing the likelihood of errors such as data entry mistakes or missed deadlines. This can lead to a more efficient workplace and improved customer satisfaction. New Job Opportunities: While some administrative jobs may become obsolete due to the integration of AI, there will be new job opportunities created as well. As businesses adopt new technologies, there will be a need for professionals who can support the development, implementation, and maintenance of these technologies. Additionally, administrative professionals can shift their focus to more complex tasks that require a human touch, such as managing relationships with clients or strategic planning. New Opportunities With the right training and skill development, administrative professionals can adapt to the rapidly changing workplace and take advantage of new capabilities and job opportunities that are associated with AI. Integrating AI into administrative work should be seen as an opportunity for growth and development rather than a threat to job security. Looking for a new administrative role, check out our open positions and apply today!

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a significant shift in the way we live, work, and learn. In higher education, the pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation that was already underway, leading to a fundamental shift in the way that students and faculty interact with educational materials, each other, and the learning process as a whole. The Importance of Adaptability The pandemic highlighted the need for higher education to adapt to the new realities of remote and hybrid learning. Many universities and colleges had to quickly pivot to online instruction, and many students had to adjust to the challenges of virtual learning. However, while the transition to online learning was initially difficult for many, it has also presented a unique opportunity for higher education to reimagine the way it delivers educational content. One of the most significant changes brought about by the pandemic has been the move to asynchronous learning. This refers to a model of education in which students are able to access course materials on their own schedule. This allows students to learn at their own pace and review materials multiple times, which can be particularly helpful for students who struggle with traditional classroom learning. Another major change has been the widespread adoption of online tools and platforms to facilitate remote learning. Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet have become essential tools for facilitating virtual classrooms and meetings. Learning management systems (LMS) such as Blackboard, Canvas, and Moodle have also become more important than ever, providing a centralized hub for course materials, discussion boards, and assignment submissions. An Opportunity for Growth These digital tools have not only made it possible for students to continue their education during the pandemic, but they have also opened up new opportunities for collaboration and engagement. For example, online discussion forums and chat rooms have allowed students to connect with their peers and instructors in new ways, facilitating discussions that might not have happened otherwise. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of digital literacy in higher education. As students and faculty navigate the challenges of remote and hybrid learning, digital literacy has become essential for success. This includes not only technical skills but also the ability to navigate and evaluate information in a digital environment. While the pandemic has been a difficult time for many, it has also been a catalyst for change and opened up many opportunities in a variety of industries. As universities and colleges continue to adapt to the new realities of remote and hybrid learning, they are discovering new ways to leverage digital tools to enhance the learning experience. As we move forward, it is clear that the digital transformation of higher education will continue to evolve, leading to new and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. Click here to learn more about how we have supported several universities in their digital transformation!

Green jobs, also known as environmentally-friendly jobs, are occupations that help to reduce the negative impact of human activities on the environment. They involve the production of goods and services that are environmentally sustainable and have a lower carbon footprint. As awareness continues to grow around reducing our environmental impact, the emergence and demand for green jobs will grow exponentially. But, how will this green jobs boom impact the future of the job market? The Demand for Green Jobs Awareness around our environmental impact has been spreading in recent years, causing a dramatic rise in green jobs. This has led to the creation of new, unique job opportunities that did not exist in the market before. As the demand for environmentally-friendly products and services increases, there is a need for people to work in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and green transportation. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the green economy has the potential to create millions of new jobs worldwide. According to their latest report, with this recent boom in green jobs “worldwide employment in renewable energy could reach 38.2 million by 2030.” Transforming Industries and Job Training and Education Green jobs are helping support the transformation of traditional industries. Companies in manufacturing, construction, and transportation are now required to incorporate environmentally-friendly practices into their operations. This has led to the creation of many new roles such as green logistics managers, sustainable supply chain specialists, and eco-design engineers. As a result, these new positions are playing a major role in supporting traditional industries and helping them become more sustainable and efficient, leading to a reduction in carbon emissions and other negative environmental impacts. The emergence of green jobs has also led to an increase in training and education opportunities. As companies transition towards more environmentally-friendly practices, they require more employees with specific skills and knowledge of environmental processes. This has led to the creation of training programs and courses aimed at providing individuals with the necessary skills to work in green jobs. Additionally, universities and colleges are now offering courses in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmental science to support the training and education of future employees. Green Innovation and the Future of Green Jobs The increased focus on sustainability has also led to an increase in entrepreneurship and innovation. The high demand for sustainable goods and solutions inevitably creates a need for new businesses to emerge and answer the call. Therefore, the market is starting to see a rise in the number of start-ups and small businesses that are focusing on developing these products and services. As these businesses emerge, a host of new roles will need to be filled by passionate individuals who want to make a difference! The rise of green jobs has already made an impact on the job market, and will most likely continue to do so. As the world continues to prioritize environmental sustainability, the demand for green jobs is only going to increase. This presents a significant opportunity for individuals to develop new skills, pursue their passions, and make a positive impact on the environment!

In recent years, the issue of climate change has gained significant attention worldwide and companies have made important strides to reduce their carbon footprint. But did you know that one popular technology trend can help you reduce the costs of your operations and dramatically reduce your environmental impact? Migrating your systems to the cloud can not only assist you in scalability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness, but it can also reduce your carbon footprint! The Environmental Impact of Data Centers To avoid or limit the negative effect of climate change caused by global greenhouse gas emissions, our output must be cut in half by 2030. To do this, government entities and business leaders are committing to reaching net-zero emissions. However, utilizing a data center to house data, systems, etc. for a business can significantly impact the environment. First and foremost, the electricity required to run and maintain these locations is immense due to the hardware and climate control measures needed to keep the machines running at peak performance. If your organization is located in a warm climate, the energy and costs required to keep these machines cool will be significantly more than an organization in a milder climate. To add insult to injury, large plots of land are required for these facilities, and they often use dated, energy-inefficient hardware. With the domino effect in place, increased on-prem data centers can also be linked to natural disasters and the increased spread of zoonotic diseases as animals seek new habitats following the destruction of this land. The Benefits of Cloud Computing Recent research has shown that cloud computing can help alleviate an organization’s environmental impact in several ways. Cloud providers operate large data centers that are shared among many users, which means they can utilize resources more efficiently than if each user had their own data center. According to AWS, comparatively, “The average corporate data center has a dirtier power mix than the typical large-scale cloud provider.” Therefore, migrating to the cloud can reduce the number of data centers used across many organizations, in turn reducing our combined carbon footprint. One of the significant advantages of cloud computing is its energy efficiency. Cloud providers operate data centers that are designed to optimize power usage and reduce energy consumption. They use energy-efficient hardware and cooling systems, along with renewable energy sources like wind and solar power, to reduce their carbon footprint. A 2013 study funded by Google revealed that “by moving commonly used software applications to the cloud, energy usage would decrease by 87%. Further, cloud computing is a major enabler of both home and remote working, reducing the need for commuting and therefore decreasing emissions.” A Step in the Right Direction Moving your data and systems to the cloud is not a blanketed environmental cure, but it does require fewer machines and hardware, decreases electricity usage, and results in less travel and subsequent carbon emissions as well as slows the destruction of natural habitats. So, while it is not the answer to all our environmental needs, it is a step in the right direction towards net-zero emissions and a healthier planet.

Jobs report: US economy adds 236,000 jobs in March, unemployment rate falls to 3.5% The U.S. labor market continued to show signs of cooling in March, as employers added 236,000 workers, lower than expected and the lowest monthly gain since December 2020. However, the unemployment rate fell to 3.5%, indicating that the labor market remains strong. The economy had added an average of 334,000 jobs each month over the last six months. The labor force participation rate also ticked higher in March, rising to 62.6% from 62.5% in February. Average weekly hours worked fell slightly to 34.4 from 34.5. A slowdown in wage growth — from 4.6% over the prior year in February to 4.2% in March — served as another sign in Friday’s report some labor market pressures are easing. Average hourly earnings rose 0.3% in March, pushing the 12-month increase to 4.2%, the lowest level since June 2021. This is also a sign that the labor market is cooling down. Employment in professional and business services continued to trend up in March, in line with the average monthly growth over the prior six months. Within the industry, employment in professional, scientific, and technical services continued its upward trend in March. However, jobs in the real estate rental and leasing sector stayed flat, but demand is expected to rise as warmer weather in late spring and the school year ends mean an uptick in moving and relocation. Overall, the March jobs report indicates that the U.S. labor market is still strong but cooling down. With the unemployment rate at 3.5%, now is the perfect time for companies to find and hire the best talent. So don’t hesitate reach out today to take advantage of the strong labor market and find the perfect candidates to help your company grow and succeed.

Tradeshow season is upon us and if you are in any major industry, chances are your company will exhibit at one (or more!) tradeshows per year. While these can cause distress for some, our tried-and-true tips make this year the easiest one yet. 1. Get the lay of the land. Exhibitor map, address of the conference center, tradeshow theme, booth size, carpet vs. non; they all matter. Start planning at least 60 days in advance of the tradeshow date and get as much information as possible. Speak with other people who will be exhibiting with you- what will you be wearing? Will you be giving away a prize? Swag (check out our Swag Guide!)? Make these plans early so you have plenty of time to purchase or gather everything you need, including banners and signage. 2. Be true to your brand voice. Is your company more buttoned up? A wild and fun start-up? Somewhere in-between? Plan out your theme accordingly, along with any designed banners, graphics, or flyers. Having one consistent brand look and feel ensures that even the people who are meeting you for the first time will understand what you’re about. 3. Get involved. Whether the tradeshow is centered around a conference, a legislative gathering, an educational event or even if it’s just the show, make a point to get involved. Attend different sessions when you’re not manning your booth, pop in to hear keynote speakers and visit different booths to meet other exhibitors. It’s a great way to meet others in the industry and even (ahem) scope out the competition. 4. Get comfortable. If you’ve never exhibited at a tradeshow before, let us be the first to spoil the surprise, there’s a LOT of standing. Unless you have a medical condition (i.e. recent surgery, pregnancy, etc), expect to be on your feet for the duration of the show. Wear comfortable shoes that will support shock absorption, stay hydrated and take breaks if you need to to grab something to eat. Most conference centers allow tradeshow exhibitors to rent or purchase carpet or other flooring for their booth; take them up on it! A little money on a flooring rental will go a long way in making sure your smile stays genuinely on. 5. Get social. And we don’t just mean by Facebook Live-ing your tradeshow booth. Tradeshows are all about meeting current and prospective clients in a space where you can show off your product or service in a fun and engaging way. Smile, greet people, hand out information and get their business card. Making those connections and asking them about their business is a great way to start building a sales relationship. BGSF attends AND exhibits at over 80 tradeshows per year. Catch us in YOUR city by checking our social channels for up to date event schedules!

Employees perform better when they have a mentor or career coach who is cheering them on from the sidelines. That’s what BGSF does for its property management field talent employees! With national coverage in the US and coverage in Toronto, Canada, BGSF has the insight needed to get ahead in your property management career. Here are five ways we work with our property managers for the best results: 1. Consulting candidates for their career goals. Whenever a potential employee calls BGSF for an initial assessment, our team takes care to ask pointed questions about their long and short-term career goals. In doing so, we can place our field employees perfectly in roles that align with their core values and future goals. 2. Offering field employees training at no cost to them. We know the value of education. We also know that the best employees are the ones that continue to learn within their field. We offer classes at no cost to our employees. Our Tomorrow’s Talent class gives future property managers the tools they need to start leasing apartments from day one, along with how to build effective rapport, dressing for success and what to expect in a day at the leasing office. Our maintenance training program gives maintenance technicians and managers the resources they need to advance to the next career level; all while working and earning money. 3. Continuing the conversation, even after a permanent hire. Our team is here for our field employees, even if they become FORMER field employees. One of the best parts of our job is when we find the best position for our BGSF field talent and that employee, in turn, becomes a client. Regardless of tenure, position, or skill level, our BGSF team wants to continue to be YOUR market experts even after our employees are placed in permanent roles. 4. Offering more. From thought leadership webinars, curated articles, blog posts about interviewing and hiring, salary guides and more, BGSF offers more than just staffing solutions. We aim to be your industry experts in everything from current trends to the latest ongoing market data. Follow us on social media to stay up to date on all the information we offer directly to our clients and field talent! 5. Easy transitions, no matter where you are. We’re is nation-wide. We also provide staffing solutions for cyber security, financial and accounting firms, marketing and creative agencies and, yes, property management. Interested in another field or maybe thinking about moving to another city? Talk to BGSF. With our extensive coverage, we’re everywhere you want to be. Connect with BGSF on social media, on our website at BGSF.com or by reaching out to us via a contact form. Whatever you need, we got you!

At BGSF, field employees, or field talent, is the priority. Whether they are looking for a short-term role, a long-term contract, or a permanent placement with our Direct Hire program, we aim to treat them exactly the same as our internal employees. Consistently communicating with our field talent, supporting them in their careers, and making sure they feel connected to the larger BGSF community leads to better career turnout. We love making your future our purpose. Here are five ways we make sure our field employees can meet their goals: 1. We explore ways to offer continued training and education. Looking to join the property management industry? Take a half-day ‘Tomorrow’s Talent’ class with BGSF and learn about how to build customer rapport, close an apartment lease and conduct a property tour. Interested in growing your skilled labor career? Join BGSF’s maintenance training program and get upskilled with HVAC certifications, plumbing and electrical knowledge and even maintenance supervisor training in order to jumpstart your maintenance career in as little as 8 weeks. 2. We offer market-specific support and career coaching. BGSF has national coverage throughout the United States and Toronto, Canada. Our Directors are well-versed in our clients’ needs and our in-market Staffing Coordinators are ready to place our talent in the best position that aligns with their career goals. Whether it’s entry-level or something more senior, BGSF makes sure we’re up to date on the latest openings in property management and equips our field talent to fill those roles. 3. We celebrate BiG wins. Hired on permanently? Achieved a certification with our BGSF maintenance training program? Whatever the win, the BGSF team will be present to shout and cheer! We love being able to support our field talent in their personal and professional goals and that means openly encouraging them to be proud of themselves and their accomplishments. 4. We offer compensation that aligns with state and federal expectations. BGSF now pays at least $15.00 per hour to our field talent. BGSF understands that continue to be competitive in the property management staffing industry, compensation needs to meet or exceed minimum wage and we will always strive to support our field talent through pay. 5. We offer referral rewards. We always aim to go above and beyond for each of our field talent employees. And we hope by doing so, our field talent refers their own friends and family members to BGSF! Once a referral works 50 paid hours for BGSF, we reward the referrer with $50 on a gift card of their choice through our rewards program! Whether you’re looking to hire one of our field talent employees or looking to make a move into property management, let BGSF be your support.

Spring cleaning is a common tradition of deep cleaning and decluttering your home as the weather gets warmer and the season changes. However, it’s not just our physical spaces that can benefit from a thorough cleaning; our mental health can also benefit from a spring cleaning. Just as we accumulate physical clutter over time, we also accumulate mental clutter and stressors that can weigh us down and impact our overall well-being. BGSF hosts “Snacks & Facts,” every quarter as a way to connect our teams and provide a safe space for topics surrounding mental well-being. Our speaker,  Joshua Ellison with WTW. Josh has over 20 years of consulting, benefits, and healthcare industry expertise and dedicates his life to bringing hope to others. Josh shared his journey of how he was able to “SPRING” up from the ashes after being diagnosed with a chronic health condition. He shared how he has created new habits to improve his mental and emotional health. Spring-Cleaning Tips to Promote Growth: Clean out the cobwebs in your mind to create space for new, healthy habits. Form new habits to become the best version of yourself in 2023. Consider an action you can take today to start. Josh’s action is REST, to physically take time and mentally make space for healing. R – Remember Daily: Determine the “Why” of your work. E – Engage Personally: Connect with others personally and listen. S – Strategize Simply: Say “no” to something every day that doesn’t align with your purpose T – Tell Passionately: Be authentic with your story and leverage it for growth. Take the time to plant new habits and make room for growth. “True growth is birthed in some of the hardest times.” -Joshua Ellison, M.B.A, M.H.A. In this day and age, with the ongoing stress and uncertainty of the world, it’s especially important to take time to prioritize our mental health and give it the care and attention it deserves. Spring cleaning your mental health is all about taking intentional steps to declutter your mind, reduce stress, and promote emotional well-being. Interested in finding out more about BGSF and what we value? Click HERE! You can also Search our jobs or contact us!

More and more businesses are recognizing the importance of environmental sustainability. As a result, many are quickly adopting new practices and innovative technologies to reduce their environmental impact. Here are the latest trends and innovations in sustainable workplaces that will help shape the future of our organizations. Sustainable Workplace Trends Renewable Energy: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are becoming increasingly popular in the workplace. By installing solar panels and wind turbines, businesses can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, many governments are offering incentives for businesses that switch to renewable energy. Smart Buildings: Smart buildings are designed to optimize energy efficiency and reduce waste. They use technologies such as smart lighting and HVAC systems to conserve energy and reduce operating costs. Smart buildings can also monitor and adjust energy usage in real time, ensuring that energy is used efficiently. Sustainable Transportation: As transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, many businesses are implementing sustainable transportation policies. This includes encouraging employees to bike, walk, or take public transit to work. Some businesses are also providing electric car charging stations and offering carpooling incentives to reduce their carbon footprint. Circular Economy: The circular economy is a sustainable economic model that emphasizes the reuse and recycling of resources. In a circular economy, products are designed to be easily repaired, refurbished, and reused. Businesses are adopting circular economy principles by implementing product take-back programs and creating closed-loop supply chains. Green Certification: Green certification programs such as LEED and BREEAM are becoming more popular in the workplace. These programs provide a framework for sustainable building design and operations. They also provide businesses with a recognized certification that demonstrates their commitment to sustainability. Sustainable Supply Chain: Sustainability in the workplace extends beyond the four walls of the office. Many businesses are looking at their supply chains and working with suppliers to reduce their environmental impact. This includes using sustainable materials, reducing packaging waste, and improving transportation efficiency. As more businesses become more environmentally conscious, the use of these sustainable solutions will dramatically increase. As will the push to design even more technologies to support an environmentally-friendly market. Therefore, this movement has the potential to open a whole new sector of “green jobs” to support these technologies and drive innovation in this area. The future is bright in sustainability, and the opportunities could be too!