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3 Things to Know, 12/12/22

December 12, 2022

Colleen Dick

things to know (3)
1) Catawba Regional Forum: A Winning Workforce
January 5, 2023 at The Gateway Conference Center
3200 Commerce Dr. #C, Richburg
4:30-6:30pm

Registration is now open for The Catawba Regional Forum 2023! Over 250 attendees, including elected officials and business leaders from across our region are expected to attend the Forum, which will focus on building a winning workforce. This event will be moderated by Federal Reserve Senior Economist Dr. Laura Ullrich who will provide a ‘State of the State’ overview regarding workforce participation across South Carolina. A panel discussion will follow, featuring leaders of our region’s higher education institutions. This panel will feature:

  • Dr. Edward Serna, Winthrop University
  • Dr. Stacey Moore, York Technical College
  • Dr. Walter Collins, USC–Lancaster
  • Dr. Lester McCorn, Clinton College
  • Dr. Randy Lowell, USC–Union

Each panelist will have the opportunity to highlight current and unique achievements, as well as future plans, in the area of workforce development.

Following the program, all are encouraged to attend an exclusive networking reception. Heavy hors d'hoeuvres and beverages will be provided. There is no cost to attend.

RSVP is required at this link.

Agenda:
4:00-4:30 Check-In
4:30-5:30 Program
5:30-6:30 Reception


2) Jobs Portal Now Open
We've been working throughout the summer to build a new online module for you which includes the first phase of our Jobs Portal. As we build this feature, job listings will be free of charge to all chamber members through the first quarter of 2023.

Log in at this link to get started.

Once logged in you'll find links that will allow you to share:

  • News - your latest hiring updates, expansion announcements, employee promotions/recognitions, and more;
  • Job postings - submit your job openings and view others from various industries in the region;
  • Deals - offer coupons and special deals for the general public or for your fellow members (who may well be your best customers); and
  • Special events - if your event is free and open to the public, add it to our Community Calendar and then share the link with others

 

New to the Info Hub?
Simply go to our registration page at this link to create your login and start using these member benefits right away.

Forgot your login?
Enter your email address here and we'll send you a reset link.

Find out how to get started at this link and be among the first to share your company's job opportunities!!


3) 5 Steps to Creating a More Positive Workplace Culture
     

Resolve to Take Small Steps for a Big Change in the New Year
Building a positive workplace culture results in happier employees, which in turn, increases your productivity rates, decreases staff turnover, supports goal achievement, and ultimately impacts your bottom line. Basically, a happy workplace is good for everyone! The question is, how can you create a positive, supporting workplace culture quickly. Check out these tips to get started.

Design an Open Floor Plan (or open and casual meeting spaces)
Having a large, open floor plan or creative places where employees can gather. lets your staff communicate with each other more easily. This leads to stronger team bonds and work friendships — and that alone can make your employees happy.

While work shouldn't be all about socializing, it is an important part of making your employees happy, and happier employees get more work done.

Our chamber's Sr. VP, Colleen Dick, shared that "We weren't sure that our staff would use our unstructured work spaces but, once they were encouraged to step out from behind their desks something kind of fun happened. Random social conversations accidentally became impromptu planning meetings and brainstorming sessions and the energy around our work increased noticeably. The change was almost immediate."

Look for New Hires That Fit In
To create a positive work culture, your employees need to get along. So it's important for hiring managers to look for qualities in job applicants that would help them fit in at your company. For example, if most of your employees are the more casual, chatty type, you don't want to hire someone who seems tightly wound. If you did, he or she would have a hard time working with and building relationships with your current employees. It might take you a bit longer to find someone to fill a job that will be a good fit, but finding someone who "gets" your company's culture is worth the wait.

Be Approachable
You might tell your employees that you have an open-door policy, but do you really make them feel comfortable approaching you? Take a few minutes each day to interact with your employees. Listen to their ideas, and help them solve problems they're having. When you show genuine interest in your employees, they know that you care about them and appreciate the work they do — and they'll be a lot more comfortable entering your office to have a chat when needed. Also, say "hi" to people you pass in the hallways and smile frequently — it's important for the boss to lead the way and small gestures like this show your employees that you're happy and they should be too.

Have Some Fun
Don't be afraid to let loose once in awhile. It's good to have some fun with your employees. It shows them that you're just a regular person, not someone who's powerful and scary. Host company-wide events such as a family picnic or an office holiday party. You can also host team-building events for each team. Simply choose fun activities that require team members to work together such as a trip to the nearest escape room facility.

Recognize Accomplishments
Set reachable goals for your employees each month an give recognition awards to employees who meet or exceed their goals. Alternatively, start an Employee of the Month program and let your employees nominate their co-workers for the award. Also, when an employee reaches a small milestone, be sure to let them know that they did a great job.

Creating a positive work environment doesn't have to be difficult. The key to success is getting your employees to bond and interact with each other and ensure they feel valued and supported.


Dec 13 - Holiday Drop-In and Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
Dec 14 - Member Orientation
Jan 5 - Ribbon Cutting: Campo WEIGHTLESS Center, LLC
Jan 5 - Catawba Regional Forum

 

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