Tips to Stay Focused at Work

Sometimes it’s tough to get your work done when there are so many things going on around the office — whether that’s because of coworker chit chat, that smartphone screaming your name begging to be checked (even though you checked it five minutes ago), or because your mind seems to be somewhere else.  It can be hard to keep your focus on your work throughout your day. But, don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Here are some ways to stay focused at work:

  1. Break it Up

Yes. It is absolutely okay to take little breaks. Go out for a walk around the building or do some stretches for five minutes.  Reward yourself for good chunks of work with a short, friendly chat with your cube mate or scrolling through your Facebook feed. But you also need to remind yourself that these distraction periods should last about five minutes, then it’s back to business. You control it!

  1. Turn it Off

If you’re one of those people who constantly checks their phone every five minutes (even though nothing is different), maybe it’s time to turn off your phone. We know, that’s easier said than done but, turning off your phone actually has some great benefits, such as, making sleeping and waking up easier, increasing efficiency, improving productivity, and boosting your memory.

  1. Headphones are Key

Let me guess. You sit close to a Chatty Kathy and a good chunk of your day is listening to them go on and on. Boy, do we have a solution for you! They’re called headphones! Wow! Amazing! But, seriously, if you put those bad boys in, Chatty Kathy will get the hint. Also, listening to music or podcasts provides inspiration and increases productivity. Especially, if you’re listening to jazz or classical music. Classical music is known for boosting your mood and your concentration. “Hey Siri, play Bach!”

  1. Water & Snacks

Water. What a marvelous thing. Water has so many benefits and it solves everyone’s problem (OK, not really, but almost). Drinking water helps clear skin, cure headaches, promote weight loss, increase brain energy and function, boosts performance in exercise, we could go on! So, make sure your cup of water is always within reach to avoid unnecessary breaks in the office kitchen or at the water fountain.

Just like water, make sure your snacks are within reach. The only thing that will cure that annoying, grumbling stomach that you’ve been thinking about for the past hour is food!

  1. Prioritize and List

Nothing will keep you more focused than writing all your tasks down. To-do lists help you prioritize what needs to get done and limits you to doing one thing at a time. Some people are great at multi-tasking but overall, multitasking lowers your work equality and efficiency. Keep your day organized with lists and cross those bad boys off when you finish a task, then reward yourself with a walk around the building.

Succumbing to those daydreams, phone alerts, or office chit chat can negatively impact you at work, so don’t let it happen! Put in those headphones, turn off that phone, or go to a quiet spot in the office for a little while – you’ll eventually notice you’re a lot more focused!

Seasonal Health Risks

It always seems like everyone gets sick right around and after the holidays, doesn’t it? This year, it’s even worse than normal since winter has been so mild throughout the country. Allergens have persisted since there hasn’t been a steady freeze in many regions. Couple this with the usual viruses and infections making their rounds, and it’s a recipe for a rough season of sickness. Here are some of the more common illnesses to watch out for this winter.

Winter Allergies

Normally, allergies are the worst when plants start to bloom again in the spring. But in places like Florida, people have been struggling with seasonal allergies through even December and January since it has been so warm. Symptoms include a runny or congested nose, sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, ear blockage, postnasal drip, and general sinus inflammation. Allergies are best treated with prescription steroid nasal spray, but over the counter medications can help as well.

Common Cold

The common cold gets its name because it is a year-round virus, but it is more easily spread in winter. That fact has nothing to do with the nature of the virus itself – it spreads faster because people spend more times indoors to avoid cold weather, so more germs collect inside. The symptoms of this virus are primarily upper respiratory issues, like allergies, but could carry with them, in addition, a sore throat or cough with a mild fever. There is no treatment for this illness, but over the counter medications can help you manage the symptoms.

Seasonal Influenza

In contrast to the common cold, influenza or the flu does spread more easily in cold conditions, which is why the winter is dubbed the “flu season.” Because of this, most healthcare professionals stress the importance of getting a flu shot to guard against catching the virus. More serious fevers, muscle aches, and fatigue accompany this virus, in addition to all the other symptoms of a common cold.

Norovirus

Perhaps the nastiest thing going around during the winter is the norovirus, commonly called the “stomach bug.” Contrary to popular opinion, diarrhea and vomiting symptoms aren’t due to the flu or influenza, but to the norovirus. It generally lasts 1-3 days, but an infected person is contagious for a few days after recovering.

HealthCare Support is a national recruiting firm which strives to link talented healthcare professionals with employers across the country. We don’t only serve clinical professionals – we help everyone in the medical industry find the right job. To learn more about our services for employers and individuals, give us a call at 407-478-0332.

The Ideal Candidate – What to Look For?

You have an open position in your company, you put out a detailed job description online and in comes numerous resumes. You pick your top prospects and you’re ready to interview them. Our question is, what do you look for in the ideal candidate? You obviously want someone with the background and experience, but there are other factors that come into play. So, what are some key qualities you look for in an interviewee? Funny you ask, they all start with P’s!

  1. Passion

The ideal candidate has the right experience for the job, but do they have the passion and enthusiasm? There’s a quote that says, “Choose a job you love, and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” You’ll want to hire someone who is excited about the opportunity and puts a little zest into everything they do.

  1. Personality

When you hire someone, that person should be someone who you think you can get along with. You’ll spend 40 hours a week with each other and it will drive you crazy when the person you’re talking to is spineless. It’s like talking to a wall! Find someone with a sense of humor and good character.

  1. Positivity

No Negative Nancies! It’s hard enough to succumb to the rumors and gossip around the office, but when your coworker bashes other employees, talks trash on other companies, or complains about everything they do, it gets frustrating. Positive employees make for peaceful and fun workplaces. Plus, positivity rubs off on other people!

  1. Player

Being a team player is a key quality to look for in an ideal candidate. There are many situations where people will have to work with others for group projects. Being a team player and teamwork motivates unity in the workplace and promotes workplace synergy.

  1. Potential

Look into the future. Where do you see these candidates in a couple months from now? A couple years? It’s important when hiring a candidate, you look for long term potential. Do you see them impacting the company positively in the next 6 months? You also must ask yourself if they are committed to the company and the position. Look into their past positions and see how long they stayed with their past companies.

When looking for the ideal candidate, there are a lot of things to consider. First impressions make final decisions. So, candidates, just be your best self. And clients, hire someone that brings a lot to the table. Don’t just hire someone for their experience.

Office Homies 101

You just started your first day at your new job! Congrats! How was it? Did you make lots of friends? What are the people like? Are they friendly or serious? Outgoing or shy? Sorry, I probably sound like your mother, but making new friends at a new company is serious business and it can be tough, especially if you’re a little shy! A simple “Hi, how are you doing?” could start the beginning of a life-long friend. Also, according to a study, making friends at work not only brings you happiness, but it makes you very successful in your career. You are seven times more likely to be engaged in your job when you have friends around the office. So, how do you do it? How do you make friends in a professional setting? There are many factors that come into play with making and maintaining work amigos and there are some serious ground rules to follow:

Do’s

  • Do say hello and ask how they are. In fact, by the end of your first work week, make it your goal to say hi to everyone around you and try to learn names. The more the merrier!
  • People love to talk about themselves. When trying to make new friends, ask about them – where they are from, if they have any siblings, etc. These are easy conversations to have and you might have some things in common.
  • Ask for help if you need it and learn from other people. Eventually, people will feel comfortable approaching you with their own questions, which means they trust you. Trust is a very important component in relationships.
  • Attend your work events. I know. You see your coworkers 40 hours a week and, by the end of the week, all you probably want to do is get away from them, but that won’t help you build relationships. Attend the happy hours or plan a work lunch. Socializing outside the office makes relationships stronger and you also don’t have to worry about anyone eavesdropping into your conversations. Not only are you meeting more people and making more friends, but you’re also widening your network.
  • Do be a positive person. No one wants to surround themselves around negative people who always bash the company, their job, their significant other, or their parents. Keep it fresh, practical, and professional. Besides, positive people want to be surrounded by other positive people and, soon enough, the others will flock to you.

Don’ts

  • The last thing you need while starting a new job is succumbing to all the gossip and rumors. We all have our rough days and need an outlet for all the pent-up frustration, but don’t do it in the office. Save it for when you get home. You never know how complaining or bad mouthing someone will affect your work life down the road.
  • Keep outside problems to yourself. Your coworkers don’t want to hear you go on and on about what your s.o. said to you the other night or how your parents are driving you crazy.
  • Let’s not be one of those people that talk too much and are a huge distraction. Of course, talking is what creates relationships but don’t overdo it to a point where no one is getting any work done. On the contrary, don’t be so quiet and closed off. You won’t be making any friends that way!
  • Don’t burn bridges with any coworker. You never know where they are going to be in the future or if they can be a reference for your dream job. Treat everyone you meet with respect.
  • Don’t feel pressured to accept friend requests or follow other coworkers. It’s okay to want to keep your private life private. Your social media pages are for your social friends, not professional ones.

Remember: they’re your work friends not your social friends. Different rules apply between these two friend groups. By following these easy Do’s and Don’ts, you ought to make some great work friends and, just like you, they do have their own personal life. So, keep it practical, professional, and genuine.

FAQs: W-2 Q’s

W-2 Information

I sent an email earlier today, but didn’t receive a response yet. How long do I have to wait, to send a follow up email?

Generally, all emails are answered within 24 hours of receipt. However, during high volume periods, the emails will be answered within 48-72 hours of receipt.

I am no longer employed with you, do I still have access to Paycor?

Yes, you still have access. As long as you registered within 1 year of your end date, you will have access to view and print any documents (including your W-2, when available).

When will W-2s be available?

W2s will be mailed out by January 31st.

How can I get an electronic copy of my W-2?

By January 31st, W-2s will be available online by going to www.paycor.com. If you are not registered with Paycor, you can do so by clicking the ‘Register Here’ link at the bottom of the sign in box. The access code is 82236 and follow the prompts.

Trouble registering? Send an email to support.

It’s after February 22nd, where is my W-2?

Send us an email. Include your full name (at the time of hire), date of birth, and last 4 of your Social Security number and the support team will be able to assist you further.

I don’t remember my username and/or password to Paycor, what do I do now?

Send us an email along with your full name (at the time of hire), date of birth, and last 4 of your Social Security number and the support team will be able to assist you further.

I need to change the address on my W-2, how do I do that?

Send us an email along with your full name (at the time of hire), date of birth, and last 4 of your Social Security number and the support team will be able to assist you further.

I contacted Paycor and they will not help me with my questions/issues, who do I contact? 

Send us an email. Include your full name (at the time of hire), date of birth, and last 4 of your Social Security number.

Tips for New Nurses

You’ve finally earned your nursing degree, passed the licensing test and landed your first nursing job. Congratulations! That’s no small achievement. However, as you are likely aware, the real working world can be somewhat different from the classroom. Below are just a few tips that will help you make that transition from student nurse to working nurse.

  1. Nurture your passion

    . Many nursing educators agree that having a passion for nursing is what sets the truly gifted nurses apart from the rest. As you develop your career never stop learning and seeking new ways to be your best. Be willing to put in the time and extra hours to excel.

  2. Learn critical thinking skills.

    No day is ever like another in nursing, and the best nurses are those who can adapt easily and “think outside the box.” Nurses need to be able to quickly evaluate a situation and see how it relates to the patient, his or her family and even to the community as a whole.

  3. Embrace new technology

    . Few industries have added more technology in the past decade as health care. Even as a brand new nurse, you’ll not likely be familiar with every way that new technology can make your job easier. From online training classes to apps that allow you to interact with patients, make sure to be open to these time-saving and beneficial new products as they are introduced.

  4. Develop mentoring relationships

    . The best way to learn about your new career is to tap into the hard-earned knowledge and experience of someone who has worked in your job for years. Look for more experienced nurses or nursing supervisors to take you under their wings. These people can be found at work as well as at networking events and within professional associations.

To learn more about succeeding in your new nursing position and to investigate other nursing employment opportunities, visit healthcaresupport.com.

How to Choose Between Two Qualified Candidates

You have seen tons of applications, you have done countless phone interviews, and have been through many face-to-face interviews, but now you are stuck. There are two very qualified candidates that you just can’t seem to choose between. These two candidates have been side by side throughout the entire recruitment process, so how are you going to choose between these two candidates? Here are a few things to keep in mind if this situation occurs:

  1. For the Long Haul

Which of these candidates do you see fitting well long-term? Look into the future. What candidate do you think will positively impact the company down the road? Look past all the requirements and look at how much potential they have to grow and move up in the company. Also, look at the skills they have that don’t apply to the position, but could still be very useful to the company, such as leadership skills, enthusiasm, or being able to work in a team. There’s also the factor that this process is a two-way street. You might pick one candidate and they may not end up accepting the position. So, go with your gut. It’s usually never wrong.

  1. Coffee Break

Take them out for coffee. Get to know them a little outside the office.  Keep in mind that you’re going to be spending most of your time with them, so which candidate can you see yourself hanging out with or getting along with the rest of the team? While hanging out once may not uncover everything there is to know about the person, it will almost certainly leave you with a clear picture of if you mesh well. If possible, bring some of your coworkers with you and see what they think. Different people catch different things.

  1. Use References

Contact their previous employer for a reference. All it takes is one negative review, or even a sentence, from their previous employer for you to choose one over the other.

  1. Cover All Your Bases… Again

Make sure you have asked their thoughts on salary, the role, growth, etc. one last time. They should have no questions about the expectations for the position. During this final comparison you may uncover that one candidate has a bigger salary in mind or cannot say for certain if they’d accept the position immediately because they are interviewing for others simultaneously.

There are worst things than being torn between two great candidates. Even though the final decision is harder than you expected, the good thing about this situation is you’re going to end up with a good candidate no matter what. If you’re in the opposite position and struggling to find even 1 great candidate for your opening, consider working with a staffing and recruiting firm like ours. We specialize in the placement of healthcare professionals in both clinical and non-clinical roles and have a proprietary database with over 1 million vetted candidates. To start the process with us, submit a job request form here.

How to Stand out During an Interview

As of September, 2018, there were more than six million Americans look for a job. And while there are at least that many job openings, many are in lower paying job sectors. To say that the competition is fierce for permanent, well-paying, career positions is no understatement. With so many applicants, it’s more important than ever to make yourself memorable (in a good way) after you’ve been chosen among the sea of job seekers to have an interview with the company you’re looking to join.

  1. Be polite and respectful

    While we agree that this should be expected of all applicants, the reality of today’s society is that not all people take the time to be polite and kind. Your demeanor counts and that note thanking the interviewer for his or her time could just be the small thing that sets you apart.

  2. Look professional

    Dress as if you already held the position you’re seeking (and not on a casual day). Your look will help the interviewer to envision you in the open position.

  3. Do your homework

    Again, every applicant should learn a little bit about the company they are looking to join, but many don’t take the time. Ask a few thoughtful questions that show you are interested enough to learn whether the company will be a good fit for you.

  4. Answer questions with examples

    When an interviewer asks you about what skills you’ll bring to the open position, answer with an example of what you’ve done in the past rather than a generic (an unsubstantiated) trait.

Job interviews are undeniably stressful, and the competition for most jobs is considerable. Make your time in front of the person doing the hiring count by being polite and respectful, dressing for the position, taking time to do your homework and trying to answer questions with examples rather than platitudes.

How to Write a Thank You Email Following an Interview

Congratulations! You nailed that interview for your dream job. Rather than simply wait around to hear from your prospective employer, there are a number of proactive steps you can take post-interview to reinforce your interest in the position. One of the simplest and most effective ways is to say thank-you.

Why Say Thanks?

Most importantly, it’s common courtesy to thank someone for taking the time to meet with you. But it’s also an additional opportunity to put yourself out there and possibly impress your next employer. In a competitive job market, small things can make the difference between two equally qualified candidates.

Tips for Crafting an Effective Thank You Email

  • Don’t delay; send your thank you within 24 hours of your interview. HR decisions are often made quickly, and you’ll want to cement a good first impression as quickly as possible.
  • Send it to everyone who met with you, not just the lead interviewer. They all took the time; they should all be thanked. And you never know who will be in your corner should the hiring decision be made by committee. That said, avoid a group email and take the time to craft individualized messages.
  • Don’t be overly casual, but try to be friendly and positive rather than formal. If it’s appropriate, remind them who you are by touching briefly on a laugh or point of interest that came up during your interview.
  • If you promised to send additional information about yourself (social media profiles, an online portfolio, work samples) or some point of conversation shared during your interview, include links.
  • Gracefully, reiterate why you are the best person for the job.
  • Check for grammar or spelling – there should be no mistakes in your thank you note.
  • Be sincere. You are grateful for the opportunity to interview so express that clearly.

Writing thank you notes may be a dying art form, but real courtesy never gets old. Keep your post-interview thank you email brief, relevant and warm. That way, even if you don’t get the job, you’ll be leaving those who interviewed you with a great impression that may yield future opportunities.