Published on: 14 February 2019
Last Updated on: 15 July 2024
As company culture is changing across US workplaces, potential employees are being more choosy about the things they’re looking for from an employer. Employees needs are different today, and so are the benefits people are looking for. To attract top talent, you’ll want to offer a strong benefits package with benefits employees are actually looking for. Recruiters are working harder to find top talent by helping companies create more attractive benefits offerings.
Benefits Offerings Should Change With the Times
In a recent survey by GlassDoor, approximately 60% of those asked said they strongly consider benefits and perks before accepting a job offer. A full 80% said they would prefer better benefits over a bump in pay and feel valued when employers offer good benefits. Job seekers are looking for a robust benefits package, that includes at least some of these.
Benefits that Employees Actually Look For:
Flexible Work Schedule:
This might mean the ability to work from home or adjust your work schedule on occasion. The goal is for employees to achieve a better work-life balance, especially those with children. Companies like Netflix are leading the industry in employee flexibility, giving workers autonomy to create a schedule that works for them, while still being productive. It may mean that parents of young children come in earlier than their co-workers and leave earlier to pick their kids up. This flexibility also allows for self-care and a sense of independence and helps companies attract and retain top talent.
Good Health Benefits:
Employees are not interested in bare-bones, fall down and break something insurance policies or those with high deductibles. More businesses are listening and offering more benefit-rich insurance, with the option for Flexible Spending Accounts or a wider variety of plans to choose from. Employers can also opt to cover a portion of employee’s coverage as a benefit. Health insurance may be the most expensive perk that you can offer employees, but it is one of the most important.
Better Vacation Time:
Employees want to be able to take time off as needed. Americans are notoriously bad at using vacation days and leave $224 billion dollars in vacation time behind annually. More companies are beginning to adopt open, or unlimited, vacation policies. This can be a win-win for both employers and workers, saving an average of $1,898 per employee annually. Companies save time and money by no longer having to track employee vacation or having to pay out unused vacation days. Employees benefit by taking days as they need them, delivering more flexibility and autonomy. It sends a message to employees that the company trusts them to make their own decisions, so long as their work is not affected.
Other Perks:
Things like paying for parking, offering tuition assistance or a free gym membership also rank high on the list for employees. Small gestures like free snacks go a long way with employees, making them feel valued. If you aren’t working hard to create meaningful personal connections with your employees, you are making a mistake. Showing genuine interest in them, and their families if applicable, goes a long way.
By offering meaningful benefits for your employees, you’ll boost morale, and retain a better workforce.
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Did you know that there has been a rise in the number of people who are working as excavation contractors? In case you didn’t, here is the wake-up call!
These are the people who are recruited to work on sites so that projects can be built and certain utilities can be installed. But is that all?
What are the skills that you need? What are the benefits that you will get? And most important, what about the salary?
If these are some of the questions that you are curious to find out, then I have you covered!
Therefore, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more…
Who are Excavation Contractors?
Excavation contractors are the experts who prepare the site for new construction. They ensure everything is level, clean, and ready for the builders to arrive and start working.
Not the most dangerous job in the world, they use sizable gear to move the dirt, regulate the flow of water, and excavate where needed. Additionally, they must always be concerned about the environment and everyone's safety.
Excavation contractors are like the first players in a construction game. They step onto an empty land and prepare it for something new to be built.
Imagine a piece of land with uneven ground, rocks, and maybe even old buildings. The excavation contractor's job is to clear all this away and make the ground flat and strong enough to hold new structures.
These contractors are experts at managing the earth. These contractors are proficient in earth management. To move, dig, and shape the land, they employ large machinery.
Consider them to be artists who, rather than using paintbrushes, work with bulldozers and excavators. They dig trenches for pipes, provide room for basements, and make sure rainwater runs off buildings rather than into them.
Safety is a big part of their work, too. They must know how to handle their machines without hurting anyone or damaging anything.
They also need to understand the different types of soil and rocks they work with. This knowledge helps them decide the best way to dig and move the earth without causing problems like landslides.
Understanding the Role and Responsibility of Excavation Contractors
In the construction sector, excavation contractors are crucial. They are the skilled professionals who prepare sites for new buildings, roads, or any other type of development requiring the completion of earthmoving and foundation work.
It should go without saying that these experts are always important for any construction. They perform the preparatory work required to turn an empty plot of land into a livable, productive, or recreational area. It's a big job with lots of obligations.
Key Responsibilities of Excavation Contractors
Excavation contractors prepare the stage for all the construction magic to happen. They make sure that the ground is ready and safe for the next steps in building our homes, offices, and roads.
Excavation contractors have a list of important jobs to do before any building can start. Here's what they focus on:
Site preparation and grading: These are similar to painting a blank canvas. Contractors clear the area of trees, rocks, and other obstructions. They then check to see if the ground is level. This process, known as grading, is essential because it prevents buildings from sinking or tilting.
Trenching: Digging large, narrow ditches for utilities or foundations is known as trenching. These are necessary for installing pipes or wires underground and for laying the foundations or bases of buildings.
Ensuring Drainage and Erosion Control: Contractors are also heavily involved in water management. They sculpt the terrain to direct precipitation where it belongs, avoiding flooding and soil erosion.
Operating Heavy Machinery: Excavation contractors are trained to use big machines like bulldozers, which push dirt and rocks, and backhoes, which dig and lift. They must be very skilled to operate these safely and efficiently.
Following Environmental and Safety Guidelines: Rules govern how to protect nature and keep people safe on a construction site. Excavation contractors must know these rules well and always follow them.
How to Become an Excavation Contractor in 2024?
Now that you are aware of what an excavation contractor is and what they are responsible for, it is time to understand how to become one. Ad if that is something that you have been searching for, then I have you covered!
So here are the steps that you would need to take:
1. Education:
While you do not require a college degree to begin a job as an excavation contractor, completing high school is something mandatory. Having a strong foundation in math and science is beneficial since it will enable you to measure and solve difficulties on the job.
Some people also take special classes to learn how to use big machines safely. These classes can give you a head start and show employers that you're serious about this work.
So, education for excavation contractors is about having a solid high school foundation and learning the skills for the job.
2. Training:
Similar to several blue-collar jobs for women and men, this one, too, requires training. After finishing school, the next step is to learn the job by doing it. Many start as helpers, watching and learning from experienced workers.
Some might drive smaller machines at first, getting the feel of the controls. Over time, they get to handle bigger equipment. It's like being an apprentice, where you learn by working on real projects.
This hands-on training is key because it teaches you the tricks of the trade, like how to dig just right without making mistakes. It's all about practice and getting better each day.
3. Certification:
Obtaining a certification is similar to receiving a badge of knowledge. It can make you stand out, but it's not always necessary.
For excavation contractors, certification denotes completion of further coursework and passing exams demonstrating proficiency with large machinery and a thorough understanding of workplace safety.
It's how you declare to the world, "I'm a pro." Furthermore, it can provide access to greater employment opportunities and career advancement pathways. Consequently, becoming certified is a wise decision, even though it's not necessary.
4. Licensing:
Think of licensing as your official ticket to the world of excavation. In many places, you need a license to show you're allowed to do the job.
It's like a driver's license but for digging and moving earth. To get this license, you usually have to pass a test that checks if you know how to handle heavy equipment and understand the rules of construction safely.
Once you have it, you can officially call yourself an excavation contractor. It's a big step because it means you're trusted to take on big projects and do them right.
5. Starting Your Business:
Establishing your own excavation company is the best course of action when you're ready to work for yourself. It's comparable to sowing a seed for the future.
A solid business plan that outlines your financial requirements and customer acquisition strategy is essential first. After that, you get the money to purchase equipment and cover other expenses like insurance.
The laws pertaining to operating a business are also covered. It's a major step, but it's thrilling because you can take full control and build a company that has the potential to last for many years.
Skills Required Proficiency in operating heavy machineryKnowledge of construction principles and safety standards Ability to read and interpret blueprints and site plansStrong problem-solving and decision-making skillsGood physical condition and stamina
The Market in 2024 for Excavation Contractors
I know that this is something everything gets worried about.
There will be a plethora of new prospects in the excavation contractor industry in 2024. The demand for knowledgeable contractors with the ability to prepare the property is rising as more individuals wish to construct homes and businesses.
Excavation now involves more than just digging and shifting soil. Satellites and computers are used by contractors to ensure that they are excavating in the proper location and manner.
They need to consider the planet as well. Since it is everyone's goal to develop without harming the environment, contractors must learn how to operate with minimal waste and mess.
This entails employing low-pollution machinery and devising methods for repurposing the soil and stones they remove.
Being an excavation contractor also means being a lifelong learner. Contractors must stay up to date with the latest innovations in machinery and construction techniques. They must be eager to try new things and quick learners.
As a result, there will be plenty of opportunities in the market in 2024 for astute contractors who value the environment and are eager to learn new things.
Needless to say, many people became excavation contractors after getting laid off from big tech companies! After all, being involved in laying the foundation for the future is an exciting time to be in business.
Challenges and Opportunities for Excavation Contractors
When it comes to excavation contractors, let me tell you one thing: it is not an easy path!
The weather is one of the main obstacles. The task must be done regardless of the weather, which occasionally requires navigating dust storms or mudslides.
Apart from that, there is stress that comes with it. Tight deadlines can often result in lengthy days and a great deal of stress in order to do the task on time. Safe to say, being an excavation contractor is not a low-stress job that pays well without a degree!
Safety is still another important concern. When operating huge machinery, contractors need to use considerable caution.
This is because using such machinery puts oneself or others at risk for injury. They must thus keep an eye on the environment to make sure that their work does not have a detrimental effect on it.
However, these difficulties also present excellent chances. Learning how to operate the newest, safer, and more environmentally friendly machinery is just one of the many things one can learn.
Contractors with these skills are highly sought after. Additionally, there's the opportunity to specialize in tasks like working in extremely difficult environments like mountains or deserts or underwater excavation.
In 2024, being an excavation contractor means building the foundations of the future. It's hard work, but it's also exciting because every day is different, and there's always a chance to grow and improve.
Wrapping It Up!
The foundation of each building project is the excavator contractor. Those who want to work in this industry should concentrate on obtaining the required training, experience, and certifications as we go toward 2024.
An excavation contractor's profession can be lucrative and fulfilling with commitment and hard work. There are a number of difficulties that come with the profession, including inclement weather, pressed deadlines, and safety hazards.
It does, however, also present chances for advancement, specialization, and the fulfillment of creating the foundation for future advancements.
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At one point or another, we have all complained about our bosses. It seems to go with the territory, the usual water cooler chit-chat. But there's a difference between getting upset over the overtime your boss made you work to actually working for a bad boss.
How can you tell the difference? Is there a way to know if you're just being picky or if your boss is crossing the line?
The answer is yes. There are several things you can watch out for to determine if you are indeed working for a bad boss.
Let's discuss 9 signs to be on the lookout for, to help you learn more about the behavior you shouldn't have to put up within the workplace.
1. They Don't Motivate You :
A good boss is a leader that loves to motivate their team. To see everyone succeed and enjoy what they do. And they'll show this by continually being there to give you feedback, support you, and motivate you to do your job well.
If this doesn't sound like your boss, you and your team may have a problem. Their priorities are elsewhere and not in providing good leadership.
2. They Are Unreliable :
A bad boss will tell you she'll get back to you on your report, but you never receive any feedback. She'll give her word that she'll attend a particular meeting but never shows up. She will promise to call you back, but your phone never rings.
If you can't rely on your boss for even the littlest things, how in the world can you rely on them for the bigger, important things?
You don't want to work for a boss who can't keep their word. Trust is so important, especially when it comes to leadership.
3. They Have Unrealistic Expectations :
It's one thing to set high goals for you and your co-workers to strive towards when it comes to working performance. It's quite another when those goals are far too out of reach and downright unrealistic to achieve.
When your boss sets unrealistic expectations, it shows they have their own agenda, and not what's best for the team at heart. This can bring the morale of the workplace way down and make you dread going to work.
And life's too short to work for someone like that.
4. They Avoid All Conflict :
Another sign of a bad boss is one who can't stand up and face a difficult situation.
Whether they avoid having to fire a lazy co-worker, unwilling to deal with an angry client, or refusing to confront another associate who is breaking company policy. It's a major weakness that can't be ignored.
A good boss will be able to stand up and deal with any situation that comes their way. They will lead by example. And that is who you want to work for.
5. They Get Defensive :
Have you ever seen your boss get defensive in a meeting when confronted about one of their ideas? Or lash out when they are questioned about something they did?
This is a bad sign that they can't take criticism.
You want a boss who is able to take the good with the bad. To be able to thoroughly listen to other ideas and be open-minded to other possibilities and ways of doing things.
And you want them to foster open communication throughout the workplace, instead of having people be scared of being honest.
6. The Rule by Fear :
If you've ever seen the movie The Devil Wears Prada, you're familiar with the mass panic that breaks out when the boss walks into the office. Everyone runs to hide or cleans up before they get yelled at, or are afraid to even be in the same elevator with her.
No one should have to work in that kind of environment. That's a dictator, not a boss. And it makes for a toxic workplace.
That's a situation you need to run from. Immediately.
7. They Don't Communicate Clearly :
Having a boss who doesn't communicate clearly can make for a very frustrating work environment!
You'll think you're on the right path in a project, then be told by your boss that he actually wanted it done another way. Or they are so vague with instructions or feedback, you're not sure what you just listened to.
A good boss will effectively lead their team down a clear path with clear goals. A bad boss will leave everyone floundering around in the dark.
8. They Always Seem to Disappear :
Does your boss seem to disappear for hours at a time, without telling anyone where they're going?
When you need them, are you able to get ahold of them no matter where they might be?
While at first, it may seem like a fun idea to have a boss that's always gone, in reality, it can cause a lot of issues in the workplace. When something comes up that needs immediate attention and it's a situation that only your boss can handle, you need to be able to count on them to be there for your team.
9. Your Gut Instinct Tells You So :
That little voice inside your head is there for a reason. If it keeps warning you that something isn't right, you may want to pay attention.
Don't ignore that sense of dread you have every time you go into the office. Don't brush off the feeling that something is off. If you feel like you're working for a bad boss, you likely are... and it's time to get out.
Life Is Too Short To Work for a Bad Boss :
If any of these warning signs apply to your work situation, it may be time to look for a new job. You spend a majority of your time working, so don't waste another minute of it working for a bad boss. You deserve better than that.
Ready to kick that job search into high gear? Be sure to read our tips on how to get your resume noticed!
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Will a career in real estate work for you? It can be an exciting and challenging career change. Deciding on whether or not a real estate career will work for you depends on your personality. You will discover a new level of independence at work and there will always be new challenges.
Before you dive in, consider some of the pros and cons of a career in real estate.
Pros of Becoming a Real Estate Agent:
1) Money – Real estate agents work on a commission. Whenever you sell (or help your clients buy) property, you earn a percentage of that sale. Given that property is usually the most expensive purchase and investment the average family makes, that’s a large chunk of change. There’s no salary cap. If you can find a way to make a million dollars on commissions, there’s no one to put a cap on your earnings the way there would be in a salary job.
2) You’re Your Own Boss – Working as your own boss, you’ve got an unprecedented level of freedom to come and go as you please and vacation when you want.
3) Excitement – Real estate agents are constantly on the move. They’re always out there meeting new people and making new deals. If you’re the type to get bored at a desk job where every day feels the same, a real estate career will shake things up.
4) Knowledge & Experience Pay Off – The more you know, the more you sell. If you love to learn new things and experience more, it’s a career path that will pay off. You will have the chance to become an expert, not just on a neighborhood or types of property, but how to work with people and make sales.
Cons of a Real Estate Career:
1) Getting Started – The flipside of working in a commission-based industry is that it takes time to get started. If you’re working for yourself, there’s no one to pay your salary when you’re not making sales. It will take time before you can find clients and make sales, so be prepared financially to survive until you get the ball rolling. Many people start off part-time until their careers develop.
2) You Need Discipline – The downside to working as your own boss is that you need discipline. No one’s going to make sales and put money in your pocket if you’re spending all your time at the beach.
3) You Need to Know when to Take a Break – For others, the problem might be the exact opposite. If you’ve got a workaholic streak, you’ll need to discipline yourself to put the work away when it’s time to rest and recharge. Find a way to disconnect from your job and relax.
Real estate can be an incredibly rewarding career if you’ve got the personality to thrive in an environment where you’re independent and constantly meeting new challenges. Earning your real estate license is something you can do quickly and cheaply. With online real estate schools like RealEstateU, it doesn’t take long to start getting your real estate license.
Don’t worry if you’re not an expert in homes or home renovation. Your ability to tell whether a home has hard or soft water will not determine your success as an agent. The ability to work with people, work hard and go above and beyond for your clients will ultimately matter much more! However, the more knowledgeable you are in all facets of real estate, the better you will be at ensuring your clients make educated, long-term decisions.
Once you sign up for online real estate classes, you’re free to complete them at your own pace. They will prepare you for your state real estate license exam, and most states require you to complete the courses before you try writing the exam. With online real estate courses from real estate, you get all the resources you need to succeed at your exam, including video/audio lectures, a 200-page PDF textbook, and lessons from top real estate experts.
Get started on your career change today. Sign up for online real estate classes and be your own boss.
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