Will you be "Work Ready" For the Post-Recession
Economy?
With predictions of economic recovery
on the horizon, employers have begun to consider their next moves. For
many with a lean staff, this may include hiring a few helping hands.
But the thought of sifting through a potential stream of applicants
raises a concern for many employers - how to identify those
candidates who will make the best investments for their company. While
it may be the opportune time to secure good employees, it's not the
time to upset efficiencies with fits and starts.
AWB Institute's Workforce Readiness Initiative can help
companies become proficient in adding new hires, resulting in increased
employee retention and reduced employment costs.
An Employer-Driven Workforce Readiness
Initiative
Research shows that so-called "soft
skills" are often harder to identify during an interview than academic
or technical skills. But these attributes, which can lead to
streamlined operations and cost containment, are also frequently at the
top of an employer's wish list. They include:
- Self-initiated problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- Positive and productive work habits and attitudes
- Effective communication skills that promote
teamwork
- An ability to smoothly transition into
different responsibilities or processes
- Demonstrating respect by using good listening
skills
- Effective internal and external customer
service
To help identify potential employees with soft skills,
Learning Resources, Inc. (LRI) has developed a new skill assessment
system. The tool, which has been honed by Washington-based companies,
can provide employers with pre-qualified candidates who meet or exceed
soft-skill standards.
The Workforce Readiness Promise
For Employers
Many factors play
into a company's bottom line, but there is no doubt that a company's
workforce helps determine its performance. Employees who possess soft
skills can produce results including:
- Time spent working toward company goals, rather than simply
stabilizing the workforce. This provides a competitive advantage.
- Improved morale, which leads to a boost in
productivity and aids management operations.
- Aid
in defining a standard for quality outcomes that can lead to increased
customer satisfaction
- A team-approach environment
that's receptive to direction and on-the-job training
- Ability to adapt quickly and efficiently to
changes in market conditions or business objectives, and can enhance
the workflow more readily
- Reduced employment costs
through increased retention
For Employees
AWB Institute, LRI,
and its partners will provide workers with an accredited soft-skills
assessment that will guarantee they receive interviews with
participating companies. For those who do not initially qualify, AWB
Institute and partnering organizations will work with them to create a
development plan and provide training so they may re-apply.
For more details on the LRI soft skills assessment tool and
system, please contact Mike Hudson at
360-943-1600.
*This workforce solution was funded by a
grant awarded under Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic
Development (WIRED) as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s
Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the
grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the
U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees,
warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect
to such information, including any information on linked sites and
including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its
completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability,
or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that
created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an
individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses
require the prior authorization of the copyright
owner.
