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How Will H1B Visa Changes Impact Your Team and Talent Acquisition?

How Will H1B Visa Changes Impact Your Team and Talent Acquisition?

How Will H1B Visa Changes Impact Your Team and Talent Acquisition?

In our line of business, geopolitics doesn’t usually factor into decisions. We find you the best possible candidate for the role, and ensure that they are a great fit for your company. No more, and no less.

However, given the recent news regarding our friends to the south, and their government’s recent decision to suspend several classes of visa, most notably, the H1B, our work becomes more relevant than ever.

With companies no longer able to access a global talent pool, competition for US talent in the United States is set to increase significantly, and competition for global talent will increasingly take place within Canada, due to Canada remaining open for skilled immigration.

Using high-level boutique recruiters dramatically increases your likelihood of hiring top talent. We know exactly who fits a given role, and we are the most qualified people to advise you on how to attract and keep your talent, as well as ensuring that they continue to perform.

When competition increases, experts become more and more important.

We know the people, and we know how to ensure that you are not getting “B-list” staff.

Staffing is one of the few truly zero-sum propositions out there. If you attract the best, your competitors, well, won’t. Your business wins, and your competitors won’t be competitors for very long.

We know both Canadian and US markets and talent, which means that we are extremely well positioned to deliver in both markets. If your company is based in the US, and has Canadian operations, we can ensure that you have a top American team as well as an excellent international team.

The USA restricting access to foreign workers doesn’t need to mean that your team will take a hit, but if you don’t consult with the experts, it likely will.

See our partner, The Rostie Group’s, response here. They’re your go to for all office space and corporate headquarters needs in Toronto.

For more information about making  Rostie & Associates your go-to recruiting agency, feel free to visit our website www.rostie.com or call toll-free 1-800-647-0780.

Working from Home

Working from Home – Blessing or Curse?

I have worked from home off and on. You know when you don’t feel well enough to go into work but well enough to actually do your work? That sort of thing. But for the last few weeks I’ve been working from home every day and I’ve got to say, it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be.

There are definite benefits – no commute, no distractions and actually eating dinner at dinner time! You can also throw a load of laundry in – I mean, it’s not like you’re sitting there watching it spin. You just toss it in, back to work then take it out. And, of course, being available to the cat for pets on demand!

I have found that I’m more focused and getting more done than ever, which is fantastic, but, aside from a very happy pussycat, there is a definite downside to rolling out of bed and rolling up to your desk.

My work day is infinitely longer. Normally it hits around 5:15 or 5:30 and it’s time to pack up and head home (though my boss would argue that point – “must be 5:00 as Pam’s heading out” which is SO not true!). And unless I’m working a special project or under a time crunch, I make dinner, watch Netflix and just keep an eye on my emails in case something urgent comes in. But, essentially, the work day is over. (And yes, obviously no children – I don’t know you folks do it but that’s a whole other blog right there!)

A clear transition from workday to home time doesn’t really seem to occur when you work from home. My workday never seems to end. As soon as I wake up I’m rushing to fire up the old laptop and thinking about what I need to get done. When I “leave” work, I’m still compulsively checking emails and doing “just one more little thing” before I settle in for the evening.

I’m sure if you work from home on a regular basis you create a routine and stick with it to separate work from home as much as possible. But, I think it takes a lot of discipline and some people are probably far more successful at this than others.

Then there’s the social aspect that cannot not be ignored. We’re social beings. Even those of us who are a bit more introverted still need some interaction with other people. I’m on the phone most of the day but it is not the same as being with people. I know we’re at work to work but there is social interaction between colleagues and peers. Whether you’re working with a team towards a shared goal or bouncing ideas off other people, it prevents you from feeling isolated and out of the loop.

Being honest, I think working from home a couple of days a week would be my ideal as it probably is for most people. So what can you do if you work from home but need to have some time around actual human beings? Well, now that you’ve asked, The Rostie Group definitely has the answer and, in my somewhat biased opinion, I think it’s a good one!

Coworking really could be the ideal solution for you. It allows you the opportunity to get dressed up in your big person clothes, meet people and perhaps even develop partnerships with other

Coworkers. I can tell you from experience that the Coworkers and tenants at The Rostie Group have built their own ecosystem, collaborating and working together to expand their businesses or learn new skills.

So, if you’re sitting at your desk in your home office – or the corner of the living room where you’ve squeezed in a desk and computer – and you haven’t spoken face to face with colleagues or peers in weeks, then why not take the time to discover the solutions that The Rostie Group can offer to get you out of the house and into a corporate environment?

The cat will miss you, but trust me, you’ll wish you’d done it sooner!

Generation Z Working

Working with the New Generation

Like many of you still in the workforce, I was born at the tail end of the Baby Boom. And, also like many of you, I have slowly come to the realization that a new generation is taking over!

It really started to sink in when we began hiring Millennials. To be fair, while I certainly noticed the differences between us they weren’t terribly drastic. The early Millennials – those that in their latter 20’s – weren’t really so very different from me.

Yes, there existed the usual 20 something angst and a slightly different approach to work but we still had a fair bit in common. They were eager and well on their way to becoming established in their careers.

All was good and we were bumping along quite nicely and then came the later Millennials and early Gen Z!

These folks are in their early 20’s and to say they’re a game-changer would be an understatement!

There have been a lot of articles written about Millennials and Generation Z vs Baby Boomers – the good the bad and the ugly- and it is fair to say that there are differences aplenty.

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While I will admit that some of these differences sometimes have me yearning for the good old days of “liquid lunches”, I believe that many of these same differences will bring some exciting changes to the workplace.

To simplify I’ll just use the term “Gen Z” for those employees in their early 20’s. (Apparently even the experts disagree on the dividing line between Generation Z and Millennials!).
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One of the most striking things I’ve noticed is that Gen Z do not seem to live to work as many of us were raised to do, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. I believe they’re just as driven, just in a different way. They seem to not only value, but expect, flexibility and are more goal-oriented as opposed to task-oriented, working towards successes and rewards throughout the workday.

My belief, and hope, is that Gen Z will spear-head a revolution of sorts where work will truly become more results focused and repetitive or mundane activities will become mor automated, or eliminated altogether. I know a lot of companies have, and do, work towards this but it is a struggle. And I think we can all agree that jumping through hoops to get something done, just because that’s how we do it, really needs to go the way of the dinosaur! Maybe they can finally make it happen.

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Aside from any changes that may come and aside from any differences we may have, what I appreciate most about working with Gen Z is their unique way of looking at getting things done. When I started in the workforce, you could have ideas but “they” really preferred you kept them to yourself! You had to earn your stripes. But not so for Gen Z, they’ve got opinions that they don’t hesitate to share them – and assume their opinions matter and will be heard.
I’m not going to go so far as to say that you should always act on the ideas and opinions of your Gen Z employees – there are still a few things we can teach them– but you really should listen because we just might learn something new.

If you’re ready to see what the future of work looks like, then browse our available jobs and start working with both younger and older generations that are the leaders in their fields.

What do I Want to Be when I Grow Up?

Crossroads of Work

NHL player, Movie Star, Actor, Fireman, Astronaut – all good choices and we’ve all probably wanted to be one or the other at some point in our lives. The little girl in me still thinks I could be aballerina!

Sadly though, we need to grow up (or at least get older) and have to make real-life decisions. As a recruiter, I meet and speak with a lot of people – I mean a lot – and over and over again I’ll have candidates applying for a position for which they have no educational background. The reason they’re applying, of course, is that they cannot find work in their chosen field.

A great (or bad) example of this is teachers. I have received so many calls from candidates with degrees/diplomas in education that are desperately looking for any kind of work – and according to an article in the Globe and Mail, June 2017, their odds are not going to improve for some time.

Not to say teaching isn’t a worthy goal, I still have some teacher heroes that I remember, but when you’re planning your courses in college or university, you need to do your homework (pun intended)…and find out if there are going to be jobs available.

You really need to spend your life working at something you love – or at least don’t hate! – so really give it some thought. Do you detest math and need a calculator to add 2 + 2? Well, perhaps accounting isn’t for you. Maybe you love to draw but don’t relish being a starving artist? Graphic design? Whatever your interests and strengths there are so many options out there but you may need to think outside the box.

Greater minds than mine have created a number of great articles sharing their insights on what the job market will look like over the coming years.

Here are a few to get you started:

10 Job Skills You’ll Need in 2020

7 Critical Skills for the Jobs of the Future

These Are the Skills of the Future, According to 39 Industry Experts

Elon Musk to the Young and Ambitious: Skills Matter More Than Degrees

Bill Gates: These Skills Will Be Most In-Demand In The Job Market Of The Future

Apple CEO Tim Cook visits Canada for the first time

Just make sure that when you ARE planning your future, do some research on the leaders in your chosen field. They have arrived at their position for a reason.

by: Pam Inglis

Brand New Team Room Available

Get inspired and get in action. Team Room 703 is ready to be the workspace where you will make your next big business move and become a game-changer in the industry.

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The Rostie Group provides more than just office space. When you become a part of our waterfront work community, your team is set up for support, growth and success. The Rostie Group is a community of professionals working together with a great team of staff who go the extra mile to personalise your work environment, making this workplace a place you want to be everyday.

20 bay stRBC WaterPark Place is the newest and hottest building in Toronto’s Financial South Core. Fully renovated and connected through Toronto’s PATH system, this prestigious 20 Bay Street address is home to more than a few big names in the industry. This summer will be humming with excitement right outside your new workspace. You can commute on your bike along the shore, have lunch in the gardens by the waterfront and catch a Blue Jays game after work; with the Rogers centre and Union station only a 5 minute walk away. The diverse and liveliest parts of the city are at your fingertips!

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Our Reception team will greet you every morning and provide all your clients with the best in customer care. Your mail and packages are delivered to your office everyday. If you have any questions or need a friendly familiar face to chat with – Reception is your go-to spot.

The Meetings Manager is here to handle all your meeting needs; from interviews to training sessions and evening events we have an array of meeting rooms that are available for your use. Every tenant receives an allotment of meeting room hours – no additional fee!

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Our Marketing and Communications Coordinator plans in-house events for every occasion – Social Fridays, Chili Cook-offs, Holiday Festivities – and is there to keep the energy up. The Rostie Group lounge encourages positive interaction between all tenants, creating new friendships and business colleagues. Engaging and informative free Breakfast and Lunch workshops are held at The Rostie Group on a regular basis. We bring in leading industry names to provide guidance on the latest technology trends, how to grow your business, client-focused relationships and more!

SOCIAL FRIDAY
instagramWhen you are ready to hit the gym with your new found friends, TriFit has outfitted 20 Bay St, with an up-scale gym experience right in the building! Exclusive to WaterPark Place tenants only for $35/month – this brand new amenity includes group fitness classes, spinning, state of the art weight training machines with lockers and showers. TriFit gym ensures your team can take a well needed workout break without leaving the work community!

Need your computer hooked up? Looking for some troubleshooting help? We have an onsite IT team here to ensure all your technical needs are taken care of immediately. Because lets get serious – the Internet is everything these days! The Rostie Group prides itself on being a flexible and customizable work community. Configure your new team space to reflect your company’s values, there is room for up to 20 people!

The Rostie Group is looking forward to meeting with you, getting to know your business and team members and welcoming you into our waterfront work community. Come and see for yourself what Toronto’s thriving South Core has to offer. We promise you won’t be disappointed!

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The Scoop is out for June!

Summer is always bustling down by Toronto’s Waterfront! The Rostie Group has opened The Sales Hub – coworking for sales professionals! The first of its kind, this open workspace caters to high-energy deal closers looking for a place to be productive.  Come and check it out today!

Mark your calendar for the Rise & Shine Executive Breakfast on June 15th: Video Presenting for Business Professionals and Executives with film director Kunle Bristow! Video is the best way to build your brand and connect across a wide variety of platforms. Learn more about how you and your brand can utilise video on June 15th!

Canada Day is also around the corner, which means the Redpath Waterfront Festival is gearing up and putting their sails up! Tour international tall ships, visit the Royal Canadian Navy Cook Off, and celebrate with the Parade of Sail. Free and running July 1-3, this is the summer event you don’t want to miss.

Millennials – Challenges in the Workforce

 

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Everyone knows that the millennial workforce thrives on coworking, coffee and flexibility in their chosen career path(s). There is even a study called NextGen to support this! “Where Generation X values control over work, development opportunities and pay satisfaction, Millennials are driven by the more social needs of flexibility, appreciation and team collaboration” (PwC, 2014). Many millennials identify their work habits as multifaceted; calling themselves entrepreneurs, tech-pros, freelancers and bartenders all at once. A one track career path is seen as boring or lacking in opportunity these days. Life-work is connected now more than ever, and everyone wants a personal experience, and to work for a brand that represents them (think Coca-Cola’s name bottles).

The challenge is this:

How can I merge my personal goals with my career and income generating goals?

You could take the advice ‘follow your passion and the money will come’. Well what if your passion is watching full seasons of ‘Friends’ on Netflix, with no breaks, all week long?

Or follow the trend right now and become an insta-famous tech startup! Maybe move to Silicon Valley, wear awesome Chive t-shirts and have a man-bun.

It works for these guys —-> https://www.pinterest.com/explore/man-bun/

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Ultimately you should start by envisioning and outlining what you expect in a job – any job! Salary, type of coworkers and boss (if any), environment (office, home, coworking space, the jungle or the beach) and specifics of what you will actually be doing!!

Just saying “I want to start a business” won’t start the business. Usually taking action and getting out into the world is better than spending hours planning and talking about what you are going to do.

Millennials are not ‘lazy’ or too ‘entitled’. Most millennials, like any other generation, want to work hard; they just want to work hard at something that they believe in. Young people have tons of great ideas, sometimes it is just hard to know where to start.

A good place to start is with a virtual office and coworking membership.

You get the best of every world with these packages.

A professional business address will give you an edge in any field – especially when writing to potential investors/donors/funding opportunities.

Also it will save time and money – all your mail and packages are collected for you and arranged nicely for pick up or delivery! No more waiting around for deliveries or worrying about cheques being lost in the mail. You won’t need to hire a receptionist or assistant either!

Coworking and coworking spaces are in generous supply around the world today. Providing an alternative to busy coffee shops; like-minded individuals and teams can bounce ideas off of one another or work quietly without the restrictions of a coffee shop or distractions of home.

Before signing up to any ol’ space on the block, explore your options! Be sure to make a list of what you envision your coworking experience to be.

Is free coffee important?

Can you have a dedicated, personalized space with a locked filing cabinet?

Is there 24/7 access?

You may have a day job and want to work on your other ventures by night!

What about when you have guests, coworkers or potential investors stopping by…is there meeting room space available on the fly?

tech_news2Does the technology and digital tools available meet your needs?

There are a variety of workspace cultures available. Be sure the one you choose aligns with your goals and expectations in your career and personal life.

Coworking and Virtual Office Memberships – http://www.torontomeetings.com/cowork.htm

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