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The future of work is always changing, and it can be hard to predict what will happen next. But there are some trends that are shaping the way we work that we can look out for in the coming years. Here are the top five trends shaping the future of work in 2023: Remote work: More and more people are working from home or other remote locations, thanks to advances in technology. This trend is expected to continue, as it gives people more flexibility and allows them to work from anywhere in the world. Artificial intelligence: AI is being used more and more in the workplace, from automating simple tasks to helping make important decisions. In the future, we can expect to see AI playing an even bigger role in how we work. Flexibility: the trend towards remote work is giving people more flexibility in their schedules and allows them to work from anywhere. This can be especially helpful for people who need to balance work with other commitments, like caring for children or elderly family members. Employee wellness: Companies are starting to focus more on the well-being of their employees. This could include things like offering mental health resources, promoting physical activity, and providing healthy food options. Sustainability: With climate change becoming a bigger concern, companies are starting to focus on sustainability. This might include things like using renewable energy, reducing waste, and promoting eco-friendly practices in the workplace. Overall, the future of work is looking bright, with many exciting trends shaping the way we work. From remote work to sustainability, these trends are sure to have a big impact on the way we do our jobs in the coming years. Interested in finding out more about BGSF search our jobs or contact us!

According to the latest BLS jobs report, the US economy added 223,000 jobs in December, bringing the unemployment rate down from 3.6% to 3.5%. This marks the second-best year for job creation on record, with a total of 4.5 million jobs added in 2022, falling second only to 2021. Wages which had risen 7.3% for the last 12 months, cooled in December with average hourly earnings increasing by 0.3%, down from 0.4% the previous month. Thursday's  JOLTS report, which measures job openings and labor turnover, showed a quits rate of 2.7% in November, remaining relatively steady but still high above the average of 2% over the last 20 years. This is supported by the ADP National Employment Report, which showed a stronger-than-expected gain of 235,000 jobs in December. Despite widely publicized layoffs in the tech sector, the job market for information technology-specific jobs remained strong with open job numbers up slightly in the professional and technical services sector. In fact, the demand for skilled IT workers continues to outpace the supply, and many companies are willing to pay premium salaries in order to attract and retain the best candidates. Eric Peters, BGSF Professional Division President, said, "We have seen compensation continue to rise in many areas of IT consulting including ERP implementation, Cloud Migration, and Cybersecurity. Most of the organizations we serve not only continue to support IT initiatives and projects from 2022 into 2023 but have increased budgets this year on those initiatives. We feel that will drive higher demand for resources which will further increase compensation in 2023." The rental and leasing industry is another area of growth, with the number of job openings continuing to rise and adding more than 13,000 in December. The growing multifamily housing and apartment market continues to expand and grow, driving job growth in this sector. "We are thrilled to see the continued job growth in the markets that we serve. Our Multifamily team is focused on our 2023 upskilling initiative in partnership with Interplay Learning to increase the volume of skilled talent available to our clients as opportunities arise," said Kelly Brown, Real Estate Division President at BGSF,  "This initiative will increase the pay potential of the participants in the program, as well as drive more skilled talent into the Multifamily Housing industry." At BGSF, we specialize in consulting, managed services, and workforce solutions to a variety of industries through its various divisions in IT, Cyber, Finance & Accounting, and Real Estate (apartment communities and commercial buildings). Together we create a fit for the workforce sectors we specialize in, and with that, comes the progress which makes our team stronger, and opens our doors to exceptional talent, and positive change for communities. Search our Open Jobs or Request Talent today.

You may have heard the saying “laughter is the best medicine”, but did you know that studies show it supplies both short-term and long-term health benefits? So, whether you’re giggling at something someone said or laughing out loud through events and activities, a good laugh is not only fun but healthy for you too! Health benefits of laughter include: Organ Stimulation: Laughter can increase the intake of oxygen while also stimulating the heart, lungs, and blood vessels Stress Relief: Laughter reduces stress hormones in the body by releasing endorphins in the brain Relief from Tension: Laughter stimulates rapid blood circulation, which can help in lowering your blood pressure A Boost to the Immune System: Laughter improves the immune system Pain Relief: Laughter can assist the body in producing natural painkillers Positivity: Laughter can help get you through tough situations and enable the body and mind to relax. It can also help to improve alertness, creativity, and memory Improving Mood: Laughter can lift your spirits by helping to reduce anxiety and depression, making you happier Laughter Helps You Connect with Others Along with all the health benefits of laughter, it can also help you connect with others, which can have an overwhelming effect on all aspects of mental health.  BGSF hosted our 3rd company-wide Virtual Trivia to improve our health with comradery and fun! When you connect with your teammates through humor, you are better able to provide solutions, inspire hope, and remain more focused and alert. Give Yourself a Daily Dose of Laughter Laughter stops distressing emotions – it’s more difficult to feel anxious, sad, or angry when you’re laughing. Find ways to incorporate healthy laughter into your day – Find a friend, read a funny book, laugh at your pet, listen to a comedy podcast, watch some TikToks and don’t take yourself too seriously! Remember, laughter is contagious! Other Ways to Prioritize Your Mental Health While laughter is an amazing way to enhance your mental health, it’s important to remember there are other ways to prioritize your mental health. Start by elevating your psychological resiliency, which refers your ability to be flexible and adapt to the inevitable challenges of life. Building resilience to inevitable changes and challenges in life doesn’t happen overnight, it can help you cope with and manage stressors. This is a particularly helpful skill in the workplace given ever-changing technology, staffing changes, and shifting of job responsibilities. Improve your psychological resiliency and overall mental health by: Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle: Begin making healthier lifestyle choices – prioritize sleep, eat health, stay hydrated, and stay physically active Practicing Self-Care: Start making choices that not only take care of YOU, but make you happy Maintaining an Optimistic Outlook: Don’t dwell on the negatives, look for the positives in each day and adopt a growth mindset Other ways to prioritize your mental health: Meditation: Maintaining your mental health during uncertain times, hello pandemic, can be challenging – take charge today by meditating Spring Cleaning: Don’t just clean out your closet this Spring, take time to refresh your mind and body What steps will you take to make your mental health a priority this month and beyond? Sources: Brown & Brown company newsletter and HelpGuide.org

A skills-based resume focuses on highlighting the skills and abilities of an individual, rather than just listing their work experience and education. This type of resume is becoming increasingly popular with job seekers, as it allows them to showcase their strengths and quickly differentiate themselves from other candidates. One of the main benefits of a skills-based resume is that it allows you to tailor your resume to the specific job you are applying for. Instead of just listing your previous job titles and responsibilities, a skills-based resume allows you to highlight the skills that are most relevant to the position you are seeking. A skills-based resume can also be extremely beneficial if you are a non-traditional candidate: Do you have long employment gaps in your resume? Does your work history include more temporary, short-term positions? Are you looking to change careers and don’t have much experience? Are you transitioning back into the workforce (e.g. stay at home parents, military transitioning to civilian life, etc)? Creating a Skills-Based Resume 1. List your skills and abilities: These can include technical skills, such as proficiency in certain software or programming languages, as well as soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and time management. 2. Categorize your skills: Sort your skills into categories based on their relevance to the job you are applying for. 3. Write your resume: Begin with a summary or objective statement that briefly outlines your skills and experience. Then, create a section for each of the skill categories you identified and list your skills within each section. It’s important to provide examples of how you have used your skills in the past, so be sure to include specific examples of projects or tasks where you demonstrated your abilities. You can also include any certifications or training you have received that are relevant to the job. 4. Additional content: In addition to your skills and experience, you should also include a traditional work experience section on your skills-based resume. This section should include your previous job titles, employers, and responsibilities, as well as any notable achievements or accomplishments. Overall, a skills-based resume is a great way to showcase your strengths and highlight the skills that make you a valuable candidate for the job you are seeking. By focusing on your abilities and providing specific examples of how you have used those skills in the past, you can create a resume that stands out and helps you get noticed by potential employers. Are you ready to submit your new resume? Check out our open roles and apply today!

Skills-based hiring is on the rise and for good reason. This approach to hiring focuses on the specific skills and abilities a candidate possesses rather than just their education or work experience. It’s a way for companies to identify the best candidates for a job, regardless of their background or resume. A Shift in the Workforce One reason for the increase in skills-based hiring is the changing nature of the workforce. With advances in technology and the rise of the gig economy, many jobs that used to require a specific degree or background are now open to anyone with the right skills. This means that candidates who may have previously been overlooked due to a lack of traditional qualifications can now be considered for roles they are clearly qualified for based on their experience. The Benefits of Skills-Based Hiring Skills-based hiring helps companies fill specific skill gaps and build much more diverse teams. By focusing on particular skills, companies can target their hiring efforts to find the right candidates for the right roles, rather than just looking for candidates with a certain degree or work history. This allows managers to build teams with a wider range of skills and backgrounds, which can also lead to a more diverse, innovative workplace. There are also benefits for candidates when it comes to skills-based hiring. For those who may not have a traditional education or work history, this approach to hiring can open up so many new opportunities and allow them to showcase their skills and abilities. It also allows candidates to tailor their job search to their specific skills and interests, rather than just looking for jobs that match their education or experience. Overall, the rise in skills-based hiring is a positive trend for both companies and candidates. It allows companies to build diverse, proficient teams and opens candidates up to a wider range of opportunities, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds. As the nature of work continues to evolve, it’s likely that skills-based hiring will become even more prevalent in the hiring process. Are you looking for a new role that better suits your skillset? Check out our open roles and apply today!

It is so much easier for a recruiter to cut extra information on a resume than to add more. So starting with a more detailed resume can significantly benefit your job search. But what details should you include when you update your resume? Adding the Right Details Recruiters often do not understand the scope of a project or what you accomplished on it. Therefore, our technical recruiters recommend adding relevant project details when necessary. What exactly did YOU contribute to the project? Answer specific, technical questions, such as: What version of .Net/Java did you code? Did you focus on the backlogs? Did you mentor team members? How much money did you save the company? The more information and bullet points, the BETTER! Recruiters can omit irrelevant information if necessary. Add your phone number and email at the top of your resume to be contacted quickly. Some job boards, such as Indeed, generate random emails that candidates don’t have access to or even realize exist. Having your direct contact information readily available will help recruiters reach you much faster. If you’re ready to send out your updated resume, check out our open positions here and apply today – good luck!

It’s that time of year again – time to dust off your resume and give it a fresh update for the new year. Whether you’re actively job searching or just want to keep your resume current, it’s important to make sure it accurately reflects your skills and accomplishments. Here are a few tips for updating your resume for 2023: Keep it concise: Employers and recruiters are often flooded with resumes, so it’s important to make yours as easy to read and understand as possible. Aim for a single page, and use bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and responsibilities. Use keywords: Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter resumes based on specific keywords related to the job. Make sure to include industry-specific keywords and phrases in your resume to increase the chances of it being seen by the right person. Showcase your skills: In addition to listing your job responsibilities, highlight any relevant skills and accomplishments. This could include technical skills, software proficiency, or any special projects you worked on that showcase your abilities. Use action verbs: When describing your job duties, use active verbs to highlight your achievements and accomplishments. For example, instead of saying “assisted with marketing campaigns,” say “led marketing campaigns.” Include accomplishments: Don’t just list your responsibilities – quantify your achievements to show the impact you had on your previous employer. For example, instead of saying “managed social media accounts,” say “increased social media followers by 20% through targeted campaigns.” Update your contact information: Make sure to include your current phone number, email, and any other relevant contact information, such as your LinkedIn profile or online portfolio. Proofread: One of the biggest mistakes people make on their resumes is not proofreading. Make sure to carefully review your resume for any typos, grammatical errors, or formatting issues. By following these tips, you can create a resume that effectively showcases your skills and accomplishments, and helps you stand out in the job market. Start updating your resume now and you’ll be well-prepared for the new year ahead. Ready to look to make a career move? Check out the open positions we’re recruiting for today!

As we continue to bounce back from the pandemic and increase our face-to-face interactions, marketing your skills in 2023 will likely involve a combination of both traditional and digital strategies. Here are a few tips to successfully promote your experience and land a new role in the coming year! Create a solid online presence: Expand your online presence by creating a professional website that showcases your skills and experience, in addition to an updated LinkedIn profile that highlights your accomplishments and details your unique professional background. Leverage interactive social media: Utilize social platforms to share your work and engage with others in your industry, especially those who may not reside in your market. Like, comment, and share relevant posts to get a dialogue going with other professionals and start building a more robust network. Solidify your network and build relationships: Start attending in-person, industry events and conferences to connect with others in your field offline. These are prime opportunities to strengthen current relationships and develop new ones with others in your industry. In addition, each new professional you meet will know approximately 100-200 people you could connect with in the future! Collaborate with others: Look for opportunities to work with other professionals or organizations on projects or initiatives that align with your skills and interests outside of your current role. One of the best ways to do this is by joining professional associations and organizations that promote networking and professional development in your field. Stay up to date: Learning and staying current in your field will help you remain competitive and extremely valuable to potential clients or employers. This can include attending relevant webinars, learning new skills and technologies, or even working towards a new certification to help you stand out to hiring managers. By following these tips and being proactive in promoting your skills, you can effectively market yourself and stand out in a crowded job market this year! If you are ready to start that job search today, check out our open roles here.

Whether you’ve been in the workforce for years, are trying to get back in, or are just starting out in your career, these few simple tips can help you overcome any nerves you may have and prepare you to nail that upcoming interview! Resources Many of the tips below rely on resources that not everyone has access to. Here are some helpful links to assist those who need support with internet access, copies, and interview attire: Internet access: How to get free internet Where to find free Wifi Printing services: UPS Staples FedEx Interview attire: Career Gear (for men) Dress for Success (for women) Are you ready to submit that resume and schedule your next interview? Check out our open positions and apply today!

As Gen Z enters the workforce, many will be looking for ways to gain experience, build skills and a network, as well as explore different career paths. GenZ should explore temp work as an efficient way to explore different options they have in the workforce. So, what is temporary work? You may know it as contingent work or temporary employment. It refers to the practice of hiring employees on a temporary basis to fill short-term needs or gaps in the workforce. Five reasons why Gen Z should consider a temporary job: Flexibility: Those who are just starting out in their careers may not want to commit to a full-time job, especially if they are unsure about their long-term career goals. Taking short-term assignments means they can try out different roles and industries without making a long-term commitment. Education: Temp positions, with their flexibility, offer custom fits for the college student and their school or study schedules. It’s also a fantastic way to develop skills and learn what work they do and do not want to do later in their career. Experience: This can be a great way to explore different career paths and build a diverse skill set that will be valuable in the long term. Permanent employment: Many employers use temporary jobs as a way to evaluate potential employees and determine if they are a good fit for a full-time position. Support and guidance: Gen Z workers will have access to support and guidance from the agency when working as a temporary employee. This can be especially valuable for workers who are just starting out in their careers and may need help navigating the job market and building their professional skills. As Gen Z begins to navigate the workforce, temporary jobs presents as a great option. Gen Z workers will have the opportunity to gain experience, build their skills, grow their network and references, and explore different career paths while keeping the flexibility needed at the beginning of a career. Looking to start your search? Click here and let’s begin!

The U.S. economy added 263,000 jobs in November, beating economists’ expectations for 200,000 payrolls and keeping unemployment steady at 3.7%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reported that average hourly earnings rose 0.6% from the previous month, better than Wall Street’s expectation of a 0.3% increase. The average hourly earnings for all employees on private nonfarm payrolls increased by 0.6% over the month, higher than the prior month and Wall Street expectations. On an annual basis, wages climbed at a higher-than-expected 5.1%. Job growth was much better than expected in November with construction adding 20,000 positions and information up 19,000. Job gains in real estate and rental and leasing (+13,000) Something our Real Estate Division President, Kelly Brown, affirmed stating “The Real Estate Division’s efforts in implementing upskilling training specific to the trades will align well strategically with the continuing increase in demand for these roles among our client base. We anticipate demand to continue on upward trend as the pipeline of new construction in the multifamily industry continues to build due to continuing increase in rental demand across the nation.” Employment in information rose by 19,000. Employment in the industry has increased by an average of 14,000 per month thus far this year, in line with the average of 16,000 per month in 2021. Employment in professional and business services changed little in November (+6,000). Within the industry, professional and technical services added 28,000 jobs, while business support services lost 11,000 jobs. “We continue to see strong demand to assist organizations in projects supporting ERP implementations, cloud migration and financial transformation,” emphasized Eric Peters, BGSF’s President of Professional Division. “The demand for talent to perform these services both on a project and full-time basis remains extremely high, thus driving up the wages to employee these individuals.” The report also showed that wages rose at a faster-than-expected pace in November, with average hourly earnings increasing 0.6% from the month before and 5.1% year over year. Economists had been looking for those rates to slow from October, where they increased by a revised 0.5% month-on-month and 4.9% year-over-year. The jobs report also contained significant revisions: September was revised down by 46,000 to 269,000 jobs, and October was revised up by 23,000 jobs to 284,000. On Wednesday the latest Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that job openings remain at high levels, even as the number of open positions fell during the month. Considering those updates, November’s monthly gain — which remains considerably above pre-pandemic monthly averages — is now the lowest total jobs added since April 2021.

A group of our BGSF team members went back to school this week, serving with Junior Achievement of Dallas at JA BizTown, 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! Junior Achievement USA is a nonprofit that inspires and prepares young people for success. We began our partnership with Junior Achievement in 2021, selecting the organization as our charity of choice, closely aligning with their purpose: Junior Achievement’s purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. Through our partnership with Junior Achievement, our team members have the opportunity to live our vision of “connecting people to opportunities and transforming lives,” which includes empowering our youth with learning experiences they can draw upon for the rest of their lives. Beth Garvey, our Chair, President and CEO serves on the Executive Committee for Junior Achievement of Dallas, and shared, “Programs like BizTown help connect the dots between life inside and outside the classroom, preparing students for a successful future. BGSF is proud to support Junior Achievement as our charity of choice. JA works hard every day to empower young people and strengthen their career readiness, which so closely aligns with our own mission to transform lives by connecting people to opportunities.” 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, including JA BizTown, which launched in 2001. Our team of volunteers collaborated with elementary school students at the JA BizTown in Dallas, located in the Gilbreath-Reed Career & Technical Center. While JA staff led the simulation, our volunteers guided students throughout the day, providing firsthand knowledge and expertise to enhance their experience. The goal of BizTown is to connect the dots between the classroom and the real world, building work readiness, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Listed below are experiential activities the students participated in: Managing a business Taking out a loan Using a debit card Earning a paycheck Opening a savings account Paying taxes Buying goods, services, and health insurance Voting Recycling Philanthropy/charity support or corporate social responsibility Utilizing STEM skills Working as a team Goal setting Completing a career assessment Problem-solving Following visits through BizTown, students often participate in a debriefing lesson to reflect on their experience and further identify the relevance of classroom learning to their future goals. BGSF had over ten volunteers representing each of our divisions serving within JA BizTown, mentoring, guiding, and helping to inspire and prepare these young students for success! We know they have bright futures ahead, and we are grateful to play a small role in helping them along the way. 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 of Dallas for providing this opportunity for us to engage with these future leaders! Connect with us and learn more at BGSF.com. Learn more about Junior Achievement by visiting jausa.ja.org.