2 months ago

By Laura Hoy

Temporary worker stress

Alongside media and marketing, IT roles have seen an average 50% increase in the number of temporary workers in recent years, driven by the rise in demand for freelance and temporary professionals as part of the gig economy. Flexibility is one of the biggest drivers for someone entering the temporary sector. Not having a permanent contract enables workers to test whether this may be a full-time career they want to commit to. It can also provide greater control over working hours and additional hours for those looking to further increase their income. For some, taking a temporary contract is considered a way to get a ‘foot in the door’. This opportunity to learn new skills and network may explain why the majority of those employed in temporary work are under the age of 30. Whilst temporary work presents itself as an attractive option, a lack of statistics surrounding the emotional wellbeing of freelance employees suggests that the temporary market can be overlooked when it comes to mental health awareness. Speaking regularly with our extensive team of freelancers, we are very aware that they are not exempt from the many stresses permanent employee’s experience. Monetary concerns are frequently cited as a leading cause of stress and anxiety amongst temporary employees and this may manifest in a number of different ways: Though there is an argument that suggests the urgency to fill many temp positions means they can often be very lucrative, for those fortunate enough to be paid a higher than average wage, other pressures may still exist. Evidence suggests that those looking to get a mortgage or a small loan may face more difficulty in trying to get the appropriate paperwork filed with financial organisations. Despite the flexibility associated with temporary employment, some individuals may feel as though they are putting their lives ‘on hold’ in favour of a career that is less predictable and potentially more stressful than a permanent contract. This is where we can all help. How we can all help As recruiters in both the permanent and temporary sectors, we understand that communication is key. Whether temporary candidates are placed with our clients, actively looking for positions, or simply dipping their toe in the water, we have very regular conversations to identify any concerns early on. With 77% of workers reporting that the support of an effective manager helped their stress and mental wellbeing, having this brief chat about any issues they may be experiencing is highly valued and something we would encourage with any employee. As they may work remotely or on an individual basis, we also recognise that temporary workers may sometimes experience a sense of isolation. At Pitch, our summer freelance event is our way of saying thank you to our team of freelancers but of course it may not be feasible for all organisations. What is clear is that whatever the size of the event, teamwork and social occasions can have a huge impact on boosting staff moral and reducing stress levels. Finally, as with all members of staff (permanent or temporary), if you do notice changes in behaviour/ mood/ work output, or if a colleague appears anxious or withdrawn, we would refer you to the experts for guidance. The following guide from mind.org.uk offers some fantastic advice for every organisation.

7 months ago

By Laura Hoy

May Day, May Day!

With yet another Bank Holiday upon us; the market noticeably picking up and the summer holiday season quickly approaching (I swear it was Christmas last week!) the Temp team here at Pitch thought we would write a blog to see where we can support you in the upcoming months. As always, we are here to provide assistance with any freelance needs you may have across marketing, creative, digital and PR. Whether you need a few days of support in your studio; a couple of weeks to cover holidays in your clients services department; or a longer term booking for that big digital project you have just pitched for, just let us know. Our dedicated Temp team have a great database of the most talented freelancers, ready to connect to you! The last few months There seems to be varying opinions on the trends experienced in the last few months so we thought we would collate a few key trends that our network of clients and candidates have noticed over the last quarter. We are always keen to understand different view points, so if you agree or disagree with our points, we’d love to have a chat to understand your experiences! Skill sets in demand: As always, we have seen an increasing demand for developers across all stacks but have noticed in particular, the emergence of new technologies as well as more specialised projects such as salesforce developers. Length of Contracts: Whilst a day or two in a studio has always been in demand, we have seen an increase in clients keeping contractors past their end date or even extending permanent offers to candidates. Remote working: With remote and flexible working always a hot topic within permanent recruitment, we have found an increasing number of freelancers looking for a flexible working arrangement as part of their next bookings - this has been particularly prominent within more technical skills sets. What's new at Pitch? We are currently working behind the scenes towards integrating a new system which should mean you will have instant access to the availability of your favourite freelancers; be able to track the details of candidates you have received and your feedback; as well effortlessly managing any freelance resource you may need. We’re really keen to introduce this as we anticipate it will be an amazing tool for streamlining freelance recruitment. So, do let us know if this is something you would like to trial with us.

about 1 year ago

By Laura Hoy

How important is workplace culture?

Do your employees wake up and look forward to coming into work or do they just count down the days until the weekend? I’ve always said that enjoying your job is half the battle so it’s so important that your employees do. We spend on average more than 90,000 hours at work, that’s a 1/3 of our life spent at the office surrounded by your work colleagues (depending on your job of course). So based just on that fact alone, I think workplace culture is incredibly important. Positive vibes, positive people. Spending most of the week with your colleagues can be intense so it’s important that the environment that you provide for your employees is an enjoyable one. A happy environment leads to positive results. I feel like a good workplace culture is the backbone to any company and builds the foundations of a successful business. Happier staff will lead to increased productivity. Culture isn’t just defined by how many beers you go for after work with your employees. Culture is the business’ core values and attitudes. It's important to build an environment where the same values are shared, and this should be taken into account when hiring staff. You want a team that is passionate about what they do and that believe in what your company offers. You should all be pulling in the same direction and good performances should be rewarded. Communication is also key. In an open and collaborative environment, employees at any level should feel welcomed to be able to share their ideas and even voice concerns. A company will thrive if their staff feel valued. If you have a good, hard-working team, that regularly achieve what is asked of them, it must not go unnoticed. Reward your employees for their hard work. Employees shouldn’t have to force their bosses hand for their value to be known to them. You’ll soon find this will boost your staff retention rate overnight. Rewards don’t have to be monetary, early finishes, lunch on the company card, communal breakfast all boost employees morale. To conclude, your culture is everything. It’s the beating heart of your business so it’s paramount you keep it healthy. Pitch now offer an employability audit service, to find out more drop our marketing guy Matt an email.