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The state of women in the workforce in 2023 is complex and multifaceted, reflecting both progress and ongoing challenges. While significant gains have occurred in recent years, gender inequality remains a pervasive issue in many industries and occupations. One step forward, two steps back Women in leadership: One area of progress has been in the number of women in leadership roles. In 2023, more women than ever before are occupying high-level positions in a range of industries, from finance and technology to politics and entertainment. For example, the number of women serving as CEOs of Fortune 500 companies has increased steadily in recent years, with women currently holding more than 50 positions (finally hitting over 10%). Gender pay gap: However, women continue to face significant barriers to advancement in many fields. The gender pay gap, for example, remains a persistent issue, with women earning an average of only 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. This gap is even larger for women of color, who face additional barriers to advancement and are more likely to experience workplace discrimination. Work-life balance: Another challenge for women in the workforce is the ongoing struggle to balance work and family responsibilities. Despite the increased availability of paid parental leave and flexible work arrangements, women still bear the brunt of caregiving responsibilities and often face career penalties for taking time off to care for children or elderly relatives. Impact of the pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic has also significantly impacted women in the workforce, exacerbating existing inequalities and creating new challenges. Women have been disproportionately affected by job losses and reduced work hours, and have also faced increased demands for caregiving and homeschooling. Hope for the future Despite these challenges, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future of women in the workforce. The increased visibility of gender inequality has sparked important conversations and led to tangible policy changes in many industries. Additionally, more and more companies are recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion and are taking steps to ensure that women and other underrepresented groups are given equal opportunities for advancement. While there have been significant gains in recent years, gender inequality remains a pervasive issue, and there is still much work to be done to ensure that women have equal opportunities for advancement and are treated with the respect they deserve in the workplace.

We recently sponsored the “Let’s Kick Glass Together Table Talks” at the Dallas Regional Chamber’s 25th annual Women’s Business Conference. Our own Ebony Butler, VP of Diversity & Development, led our “Table Talks” experience, with the main theme being, “What sparks you to inspire HER?” We had (12) BGSF team members facilitate discussions and ‘spark’ conversations among the small groups, building connections and sharing ideas to spark these concepts along our personal and professional journeys. Ebony asked the following questions: How do you show up as your authentic self at work? How do you encourage others to be their authentic selves at work? What is one action you will take in the next 24 hours to ignite YOUR spark? It was empowering to listen to these ladies and allies step out of their comfort zones to share their wisdom, hopes, and authentic selves with our team members, sparking encouragement that our team members made a lasting #impact, facilitating genuine discussions with key takeaways to further ignite sparks throughout the Dallas community and beyond. “I come as one; but I stand as 10,000.”  Maya Angelou Ebony recited this quote as she leveraged the conversation on how we are intentional about lifting up other women.  This quote, by Maya Angelou resonates with Ebony whenever she needs support and when she is providing other women with mentor and sponsorship support.  This quote serves as reminder to live boldly and acknowledge your tribe and community of strong women who came before and to always remember to clear the path for courageous women to come. For twenty-five years, Dallas’s top professional women and business leaders have gathered at the Women’s Business Conference WBC to turn bold ideas into action, taking the spark from one day to drive professional and personal growth throughout the entire year — creating a stronger, more inclusive region. We are grateful to have been invited to sponsor the “Table Talks,” and leave you with one question, “If failure wasn’t an obstacle, what SPARK ✨would you ignite?” Interested in finding out more about BGSF and what sparks us to be a 2023 Best Staffing Firm award winner? Click HERE! You can also Search our jobs or contact us!

We recently marked three years since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, which has undeniably had a profound impact on the workforce. The pandemic and subsequent shutdown completely transformed the way we worked, collaborated, and functioned within our organizations. But what have we learned from this universal experience? What trends and outlooks remain a permanent fixture within our organizations? Remote and flexible work is here to stay One of the most significant changes has been the widespread adoption of remote work. With offices closed and employees forced to work from home, organizations around the world had to rapidly transition to remote work arrangements. This shift has proven successful for many companies, with some even reporting increased productivity and employee satisfaction. However, remote work has also presented challenges, including the need for effective communication and collaboration tools and for organizations to support their employees in maintaining a work-life balance. Another lesson we have learned is the importance of workplace flexibility. The pandemic has highlighted the need for organizations to be adaptable and responsive to changing circumstances. This includes offering flexible working hours and accommodating employees with caregiving responsibilities or health concerns. By embracing workplace flexibility, companies can not only attract and retain top talent but also create a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture. The Digital Transformation continues to accelerate The pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of digital technologies in the workforce. From video conferencing to cloud-based collaboration tools, organizations have had to quickly adapt to new technologies in order to maintain productivity and communication. This shift has created opportunities for technology companies to innovate and develop new solutions and has also highlighted the importance of investing in digital literacy and upskilling programs for employees. Health and safety are a top priority The pandemic quickly highlighted the importance of prioritizing employee health and safety. At the onset, organizations had to implement new safety protocols, including social distancing, mask-wearing, and increased sanitation measures, in order to protect their employees. These concerns shined a light on a business’s responsibility to its employees’ well-being and underscored the need for organizations to also prioritize mental health, in addition to physical health. This includes providing easy access to mental health resources and support. These types of benefits are now seen as critical to many populations within the workforce, especially younger generations entering the market. Resilience and adaptability are key The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of resilience and adaptability in the workforce. Employees have had to navigate a rapidly changing work environment, with many facing job loss or furloughs. However, many have also demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, pivoting to new roles or industries and acquiring new skills in order to remain competitive in the job market. Moving Forward Three years into the pandemic, we have learned a great deal about the workforce and how it has adapted in response to the challenges that emerged. From the widespread adoption of remote work to the importance of workplace flexibility and digital literacy, these lessons will continue to shape the future of work for years to come. As we move forward, it is important for organizations to continue to prioritize employee health and safety, resilience, and adaptability, in order to create a more sustainable and equitable workforce.

U.S. Economy Continues to Show Strength with Impressive Job Growth The U.S. economy continues to show its resilience by adding 311,000 jobs last month, surpassing economists’ expectations of 225,000 new jobs. The unemployment rate experienced a slight increase to 3.6%, but this was due to an encouraging rise in labor force participation. These monthly job gains are well above pre-pandemic levels when roughly 180,000 jobs were added per month between 2010 and 2019, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This impressive job growth is a testament to the ongoing recovery efforts from the pandemic. Labor turnover data released earlier this week for January showed that there were 1.9 job openings for every person looking for one. This indicates that employers are still struggling to find workers despite the strong job growth. Bank of America data shows these missing workers are primarily older workers with traditionalists and baby boomers making 53% of the workers not returning to work, citing a variety of reasons including retirement, caregiving responsibilities, migration trends, and deteriorating health (both related and unrelated to COVID). Average hourly earnings grew by 0.2% month-on-month and were up by 4.6% over the year before. This metric is closely watched by the Federal Reserve as it evaluates the impact of rising wages on inflation. Employment in professional and business services continued to trend up in February (+45,000), with a gain of 12,000 in management, scientific, and technical consulting services. Employment in professional and business services had increased by an average of 35,000 per month over the prior 6 months. Eric Peters, Professional Division President for BGSF said, "Moving into February, organizations began funding for projects and initiatives in technical consulting such as software selection, implementation, and customization. Companies continue to look for ways to improve areas of efficiency and automate processes. With the recent acquisition of Horn Solutions, our firm is well-positioned to meet the demand for resources in areas of business process improvement and management consulting." The real estate and leasing sector showed signs of their annual seasonal growth adding more than 5,000 jobs and nearly reaching a YOY increase of 70,000 jobs when compared to Feb 2022. "Supporting our client partners by sharing data around wages is one way that we plan to continue on the path of attracting talent to the careers available in the Property Management segment." Said Kelly Brown, BGSF Real Estate Division President,  "This is a key component to remaining competitive as an employer of choice. Our maintenance training platform will empower individuals to secure stronger wages and bring new talent into the industry that may have otherwise chosen other career paths. " In other positive news, earlier this week the Labor Department reported that quits fell from over 4.1 million in December to 3.9 million in January 2023 with an overall quits rate of 2.5%. This indicates that workers are feeling more confident in their current positions. Overall, this latest jobs report is another positive sign for the U.S. economy as it continues its strong recovery from the pandemic. Visit our job section to view openings in your market today!

Tradeshow season is upon us. It’s time for the comfy walking shoes, company hats, and business cards to make their way out of the storage closet and into waiting bags and backpacks. Planning on attending at least ONE of your industry’s tradeshows this year? Keep reading for the top ways to get the MOST out of your tradeshow experience. Attend with your team. You get some great face-time with your colleagues, and you can make a true event out of it- wear company t-shirts, matching caps, or go all-out and dress in the tradeshow theme. As much as it’s about the people who are exhibiting, you can use the opportunity to brand yourself and your company to other attendees too! Be prepared to talk. Don’t just grab at the awesome-looking swag and run. Make a point to ask the exhibitor about themselves and their business. Even if it’s a service you can’t use right now, you might be able to pass the information on to a friend or file it away to use later. Also, be prepared to talk about your company and your role within the organization. Scope out the people you want to see. Whether swinging by a trade partners’ booth or searching for a new service for your company, look at the tradeshow floor map and plan your route to ensure you get to see everyone you need to see. Refresh and hydrate. If it’s your first rodeo, let us be the first to say that there’s a lot of walking involved here. Put on comfy shoes and don’t forget to bring a bottle of water. Most tradeshows offer snacks and drinks on the expo floor and there will probably be some exhibitors with food to give at their booths as well. Respond to follow-up emails. If you hand out your business card at a tradeshow, be warned that it will come back to you in the form of an email from the exhibitor after the show. Most exhibitors are expected to follow up with all potential clients – that’s you! Be cordial and respond, even if you cannot use the service or product now, thank the exhibitor for reaching out and for their time. Kindness doesn’t cost a thing. BGSF attends tradeshows all over the United States throughout the year. Be sure to swing by our booths and say hello! For more information on our services and workforce solutions, visit BGSF.com.

Remote or hybrid office situations have become the norm. According to EmploymentHero.com, 26% of US employees work remotely and 51% of businesses across the country have adopted a hybrid working environment. Employees say they have a better work-life balance when working from home at least two days a week and the launch of a hybrid work model has helped businesses increase performance by 22%. Whether embracing a new team with technology or just wanting to brush up on how to keep your team connected; here are five (5) ways to lead a virtual team. Encourage team bonding. A virtual team lunch or an after-work virtual happy hour dropped on the calendar is an awesome way to facilitate a little team bonding, even virtually. Even if the “meeting” is only 30 minutes, some time away to talk about something other than work is a great way for your team to connect on a more personal level; and let’s be honest, when we like who we work with, we’re more satisfied to work with them, right? Don’t criticize in front of others. We get it, people make mistakes. As a leader, it’s important to not criticize or get outwardly frustrated with an employee in front of their peers. Frustrations happen, of course, but it’s wise to ask for a private chat about how the situation could have been handled better in these moments. This allows your employee to respond, apologize and ask questions without their colleagues around. Conduct check-ins frequently. Having a monthly check-in outside of your regular meetings to discuss projects is a great way to be able to give praise, discuss career growth and next steps, ask how the employee is doing and talk about bigger things that just that every-growing to-do list Let go of control. When not in-office, it’s easy to wonder if your employees are doing work or just watching Netflix. A great quote to remember is “Hire the right people for the job, then trust them implicitly.” If you’ve found the right person for the job, let them do their thing; no micromanaging or pinging them every hour needed. Over-communicate, especially with change. Changes come. Of course they do. In these seasons, it’s important to share the “why”, “how” and “when” with your team and allow them to ask questions and feel their feelings. Asking them for feedback and for suggestions on change management is also a wonderful way for your employees to feel involved with the decision making process and trust that you have their best interests at heart. At BGSF, we are always working to learn and grow a better internal leadership culture and heart, which we always emulate to our clients and field talent. For more information on BGSF and our roles, please visit BGSF.com.

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems are essential tools that help businesses manage their operations, processes, and data. As businesses continue to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape, ERP systems are also evolving to meet the needs and demands of modern enterprises. Here are some of the key ERP trends that businesses should keep an eye on in 2023. ERP Trends in 2023 Increased Focus on Cloud-Based ERP: Cloud-based ERP systems have been gaining popularity over the past few years, and this trend is set to continue in 2023. With more businesses moving to the cloud, ERP vendors will continue to invest in cloud-based solutions that offer scalability, flexibility, and cost savings. Integration with Other Technologies: ERP systems are no longer stand-alone solutions, but rather integral parts of a larger technology ecosystem. In 2023, we can expect ERP systems to be more tightly integrated with other technologies such as customer relationship management (CRM), business intelligence (BI), and supply chain management (SCM). Rise of Intelligent ERP: Intelligent ERP systems, which incorporate artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and predictive analytics, are becoming increasingly important in the business world. In 2023, we can expect ERP vendors to introduce new intelligent ERP solutions that help businesses automate routine tasks and make more informed decisions. Emphasis on Mobility and Accessibility: With more employees working remotely, ERP systems will need to be accessible from anywhere, anytime, and on any device. In 2023, we can expect ERP vendors to focus on delivering solutions that are mobile-friendly, intuitive, and easy to use. Greater Focus on Security and Privacy: As businesses get deeper into the digital transformation, the risk of cyberattacks and data breaches will continue to rise year after year. In 2023, we can expect ERP vendors to introduce new security and privacy features that help businesses protect their systems and data. Learn how our experts are embracing trends like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and incorporating them into their cybersecurity strategies to protect their enterprises here. In 2023, ERP systems will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of modern businesses. With a focus on cloud-based solutions, technology integration, intelligent ERP, mobility and accessibility, and security and privacy, ERP vendors will deliver new and innovative solutions that help businesses grow and succeed. Learn more about our ERP expertise here!

Appreciation makes an impact in the workplace, fueling camaraderie, improving morale, creating a culture of belonging, and increasing employee engagement. Employees who feel appreciated reduce their chances of burnout by 84% according to a 2022 Global Culture Study by O.C. Tanner Institute. Even more alarming is the finding that 79% of employees are not engaged at work according to Gallup. You can start the ripple to increase this number by taking today to show appreciation to your employees and increase connections with your teammates. Here are five ways that you can show appreciation: Acknowledge: Send a text, email, or handwritten note to a candidate, client, or coworker to let them know you appreciate them. Collaborate: Ask if you can support teammates with a project, learn a new skill, or assist with their workload. Recommend: Endorse someone on LinkedIn, give positive feedback, or provide a recommendation to a coworker. Recognize: Give a shout-out to a teammate on an internal platform like Workhuman, a tool designed to inspire team members to recognize and celebrate each other’s successes! Listen: Ask your team members how you can be a better coworker and do it! Act: Consider your words and tone in all communications, especially as you communicate via online messaging platforms or email. Ensure your messages are clear and pick up the phone to avoid miscommunication. The goal is to create a kinder, more positive working environment that people enjoy being a part of. According to Achievers, 63% of employees who feel recognized and heard at work are unlikely to look for a new job. Encouraging and modeling a culture of kindness and appreciation benefits everyone, increasing job satisfaction and employee retention. Interested in finding out more about BGSF and what we value? Click HERE! You can also Search our jobs or contact us!

In today’s workplace, your online image is often the first interaction potential clients and candidates have with you or your business. According to Forbes magazine, you have seven (7) seconds to make a first impression. Surprisingly, it may take only a tenth of a second to form an impression of a stranger from their face alone according to Princeton psychologists Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov. Increase the likelihood of a positive impression with a headshot that accurately represents you and your business. Benefits of a professional headshot: Conveys your brand: A professionally taken headshot displays your identity, approachability, integrity, and competence according to PreferredHeadshots.com. Makes an instant impression: First impressions often occur online before meeting face-to-face. How many times have you searched the LinkedIn profile of a candidate or potential client before reaching out? Builds trust: A professional headshot conveys a message that you are trustworthy and will represent yourself and your business with integrity according to Gorn Photo. Makes you more relatable: Your online image allows others to “meet” you virtually before you meet in person. A focused image with a warm smile shows you care about yourself and your brand. This conveys approachability, warmth, and professionalism, making you more relatable. Demonstrates that your career is important to you: This is especially important if you are seeking a new job, clients, or leads. A professional headshot can help open doors to new opportunities! We live in a digital world where social media is vital in promoting brands, including our own.  A good headshot is an effective way to give people an idea of what you’re made of before they meet you physically. Often the first impression made in the virtual space will determine if an in-person meeting will ever happen! Put your best impression forward and start making new connections today! Interested in finding out more about BGSF and what we value? Click HERE! You can also Search our jobs or contact us!

Celebrating Black History Month in the workplace is an important way to recognize the contributions of African Americans in our society while also promoting diversity and inclusivity within your organization. We developed our DE&I Council, VIIBE (Voices Inspiring Inclusion, Belonging, & Equity), in 2020 and introduced two Employee Resource Groups in 2023. Our African American and Allies ERG led the efforts to create awareness within our teams during February. Listed below are ways our teams recognized and celebrated Black History: Video: Ebony Butler, our VP of Diversity & Development, announced Black History month with Awareness Initiatives throughout February. Highlighting Black Leaders: We recognized African American inventors, authors, and pioneers and their contributions. Knowledge Breaks: We shared ways we are exposing our families to African American culture as well as our favorite Black authors. Panel Discussion: We held a company-wide virtual Empower Hour featuring BGSF employees as panelists. They shared their experiences attending HBCUS, with a focus on highlighting their importance and dismissing biases. Our goal was to amplify Black voices and drive awareness by engaging in conversation and learning opportunities. In doing so, we dismissed assumptions, promoted inclusivity, and walked away with increased knowledge. The sharing of experiences, perspectives, and stories from our colleagues helped build stronger connections by creating a workplace culture that values and respects all employees. Interested in finding out more about BGSF and what we value? Click HERE! You can also Search our jobs or contact us!

Many factors affect your feelings about your career, with the degree of importance varying on individual preferences and circumstances. With February celebrating the month of love, we believe finding attributes you love about your career is also important. One clear sign of job dissatisfaction is a lack of engagement. According to Gallup, 79% of employees are not engaged at work! Reasons for the lack of engagement included high stress, an unmanageable workload, unclear communication, lack of support, and unreasonable time constraints. In contrast, Gallup reported that 21% of employees are engaged at work. Common factors considered important in a career include personal fulfillment, financial stability, growth opportunities, work-life harmony, security, and the environment. This prompted us to ask our 27K+ followers on LinkedIn the question, “In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we want to hear from you. What do you LOVE most about your career?” Poll options included the following: Aligns with my values Fosters my career development Supports my skills/talents Gives me purpose Supports my skills/talents received the most votes at 31%, which is not a surprise considering a career that utilizes your strengths will often allow additional opportunities for growth and advancement. Gives me purpose came in second with 29% of votes. A career that gives you purpose speaks to your passions, ignites your motivation, and provides a sense of fulfillment. Aligns with my values came in third with 23% of votes. Alignment with your values – including your interests, strengths, passions, and lifestyle can make a huge difference in your level of satisfaction. Fosters my career development came in last with 17% of votes. Although this option came in last, it’s important to recognize that employees value opportunities for professional development, including learning new skills, advancement, and increased earning potential. Ultimately, what you love about your career depends on your individual goals, priorities, and values. Consider what is most valuable to you and find a career that aligns with those needs and aspirations. In doing so, you will increase your engagement, renew your excitement, be a more supportive teammate, and ultimately positively impact yourself and your company. Seeking a more rewarding work environment or talent solutions? Let BGSF help you find career satisfaction and assist with your talent search.  Search our jobs or contact us!

Working women often face unique challenges in balancing their professional and personal lives, and employers can play a critical role in helping employees manage these challenges. Let’s explore some of the ways that employers can support the needs of working women. Supporting Working Women Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible work arrangements such as flexible hours, remote and/or hybrid work options, and job sharing can be incredibly beneficial for working women. This type of flexibility allows employees to better manage their work and personal responsibilities, and it can have a positive impact on employee morale and productivity. Paid Parental Leave: Providing paid parental leave for new mothers and fathers can help new parents adjust to their new roles and can improve employee retention. This can also help to address the gender pay gap, as women are often more likely to take time off after the birth of a child, which can negatively impact their career advancement. Health Benefits: Comprehensive health benefits that cover the needs of employees and their families can help working women manage their health and wellness. This includes covering preventive care, mental health services, and treatments for chronic conditions. Workplace Culture: Creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture can help working women feel valued and supported. This includes promoting diversity and inclusivity, as well as creating a safe and respectful workplace where employees feel comfortable speaking up and seeking support when needed. Career Development Opportunities: Providing women with opportunities for professional development, training, and advancement can help to address the gender gap in leadership positions. Encouraging women to take on leadership roles and providing mentorship opportunities can also help to promote the advancement of women in the workplace. By exploring the options above, employers can help employees manage their work and personal responsibilities and achieve a better work-life balance. Investing in the needs of working women can be beneficial for both the employees and the organization, leading to increased productivity, improved morale, and lower turnover.