Blog

Why Low-Cost Staffing Can Become Your Most Expensive Mistake

I have been in the staffing industry for almost 30 years. In all that time, I have seen a lot of crazy things happen in our industry. However, over the past few years, one of the biggest issues I have seen facing businesses is staffing firms that have a pricing structure that is so low that they are losing money on every single hour they bill. So why are they doing it? And what does it mean to your business if you are working with these firms?

“Cut-rate staffing sounds like a wonderful thing, until it quietly becomes a liability that ends up costing your business far more than it ever saved.” If a staffing agency significantly undercuts the competition in terms of pricing, then it’s a sure bet that they are cutting corners in a way that can get them into serious trouble. And in Ontario, they are starting to get caught.

For example, in a recent case in Ontario, a temporary

2026-03-27T13:46:38-04:00March 27th, 2026|Employers|
Read More

Hiring & Inspiring: Finding The Right Candidate

Creating a healthy workplace setting takes intentional work from all parties involved. The role of the employer is crucial in contributing to this environment. How do you find the right person for the job?

Hire Slowly

  • Take your time in reviewing applications in order to fully understand your candidates. Do they have experience? How do they present themselves? Do their professional and/or personal profiles align with the company’s brand? All things to carefully consider.

Hire Intelligently

  • You don’t need to hire somebody to do a job that either you can do or that somebody else on the team can do. However, what you do need to do is evaluate what gaps there are in the company and find somebody that can fill them.

Create and Agree to Expectations

  • Be very up-front about what a position will demand from a new employee. The last thing that any workplace environment needs is confusion. Set pre-established expectations and agree upon them in writing in
2026-02-13T11:26:10-05:00February 12th, 2026|Employers|
Read More

Working to Worship or Worshiping Work?

In the hustle and bustle of our modern world, with its myriad challenges and economic uncertainties, it’s easy to feel lost, especially in our work. The value of what we produce, the stability of our job market, and the future of our global economy can often feel like an unpredictable storm. Yet, amidst this whirlwind, there’s a beacon of hope, a reminder that our work can be an act of worship and something beyond ourselves, not merely a means to an end or an identity to be slavishly upheld.

In our recent WTF Talks video, Pastor Josh poignantly questioned, “Why does work stress us out so much?” He suggested that the root of work-related stress lies in our propensity to find our identity in our jobs. When the value we perceive in our work does not align with our internal valuation, it can lead us to a deep-seated shame that fuels the perpetual stress cycle. Does this resonate with you at all? The issue stems from attaching our personal worth

2025-12-16T11:06:39-05:00April 30th, 2025|Employers, Job Seekers|
Read More

Essential Financial Wellness Tips for Office Workers

Navigating your finances these days can feel like trying to cross a tightrope in a hurricane—challenging, right? But no matter who you are, everyone has to deal with money at some point. Let us help you gear up to not just be any walker; you can be geared up, tethered, and ready to go. Whether the skies are clear or stormy, there’s always a way to maintain balance, especially when it comes to your wallet. This isn’t about cutting out your morning lattes (though, if we’re honest, making coffee at home could save a pretty penny); it’s about empowering you to tackle your financial future head-on with confidence.

Stretching Your Dollar Without Feeling Pinched

First up, let’s get real about budgeting. It’s not about scrimping so much you suck the joy out of life. It’s about knowing where your money’s going and taking control but not letting it control you. Start with tracking your spending. Every penny. You’d be surprised where it’s trickling away unnoticed. Use an app, use a spreadsheet, use a blank white piece

2024-07-19T07:34:17-04:00July 19th, 2024|Employers, Job Seekers|
Read More

Hammering Stereotypes With Gender Diversity in Skilled Trades

It’s no secret that the trades world has been a playground for the boys for, well, pretty much forever. But like an old building that’s due for a revamp, it’s time to tear down those outdated walls. You may have heard that we’re all about change, but really, we’re about opportunity—an opportunity that’s as real and solid as the tools of the trade. So, let’s talk shop about how you fit into the blueprint for progress.

When Trades Were a Boys-Only Club

Rewind a couple of decades, and you’d find a trades scene saturated with men. Women in the trades were as rare as a quiet construction site. From the get-go, girls weren’t encouraged to dream of hammers and hard hats. Career days at school were like peering into a “guys only” club—no girls allowed. But here’s the kicker: the world has been robbing itself of half the population’s potential, and thank goodness times have started to change.

You see, it’s not just about fairness; it’s about excellence, diversity, and the kind of

2024-07-12T07:25:36-04:00July 12th, 2024|Employers, Job Seekers|
Read More

Why Temporary Employment is on the Rise

Are you noticing a rise in the popularity of temporary employment? You’re not alone! The world of work is constantly evolving, and traditional employment models are giving way to more flexible arrangements. This shift has led to the rise of temporary employment, where workers are hired for short-term projects or to support existing teams. So why is temporary employment on the rise? Let’s break it down.

The Shift in the Job Market

Understanding the Rise of Temporary Employment

The job market is undergoing a transformation, and it’s important to understand the factors driving the rise of temporary employment. One key factor is the changing expectations of both employees and employers. Nowadays, workers value flexibility and seek a better work-life balance. They want to pursue their passions, explore different industries, and have the freedom to work on their own terms.

Employers, on the other hand, are faced with fluctuating market demands. They need to adapt quickly and efficiently to changing business needs. This is where temporary employment becomes a valuable solution. By hiring temporary

2024-07-05T07:17:32-04:00July 5th, 2024|Employers|
Read More

The Three I’s of Hiring: A Guide to Spotting Top Talent

We all know that building a high-performing team is no easy feat. It requires a keen eye, an instinct for spotting potential, and a knack for uncovering those diamonds in the rough. That’s where the Three I’s of Hiring come into play: Integrity, Intensity, and Intentionality. These essential qualities can make all the difference in finding that perfect match for your company.

Understanding the Three I’s: Integrity, Intensity, and Intentionality

Integrity goes beyond the usual do’s and don’ts of ethical behavior. It’s about finding candidates who not only talk the talk but walk the walk. Look for individuals who have a track record of honesty, reliability, and strong moral principles. A person with integrity is like a compass, always pointing in the right direction.

Intensity is the fire in the belly that drives success. It’s that unwavering passion and drive to go above and beyond. Look for candidates who have a hunger for achievement, a relentless work ethic, and the ability to stay focused even when faced with challenges. These individuals bring

2024-06-28T07:11:01-04:00June 28th, 2024|Employers|
Read More

Labour Shortage Solutions: Turning Potential into Proficiency

So, you can’t seem to find enough skilled hands to do the quality work that’s piling up. This is a thorn in the side of any business that prides itself on craftsmanship and proficiency. But before you toss your hands up and surrender to the idea that “good help is too hard to find,” let us help you flip the script. There’s potential help out there, just waiting to be hired.

Rethinking Recruitment: Attracting the Right Raw Talent

First base—recruitment. If you’re fishing in the same old ponds with the same old bait, switch it up and don’t forget to be creative. Consider casting your line in waters teeming with folks eager for a career change, veterans re-entering civilian life, or the new generation of workers hungry for hands-on jobs (and yes, they exist). To hire them, talk about what your company does for its people—not just what you expect from them. Think of apprenticeships that sell not just a job but a career pathway.

Secondly, tap into the tech-savvy nature of the younger workforce. According to SHRM, one of the most used modern recruiting tactics

2024-06-26T07:39:26-04:00June 26th, 2024|Employers|
Read More

No Diploma? No Problem: Strategies for Job Seekers without a Degree

If you think landing a great job is impossible without a diploma, think again. Here, we’re going to shake up the traditional notions of success and explore strategies for finding employment based on skills, experience, and determination. Who needs a fancy piece of paper when you’ve got fierce determination and a strong work ethic?

Proving Your Worth Beyond a Degree

You’ve got skills, my friend, and it’s time to show them off! Take a moment to identify your transferable skills, those versatile abilities that can be applied across various industries and roles. Think about the times you’ve demonstrated problem-solving, communication, leadership, or organizational skills. Whether it was through a part-time job, a side hustle, or even organizing a community event, these experiences have equipped you with valuable soft skills that employers are looking for.

Getting a degree is like a badge of honor—it shouts to the world you’ve got the smarts and the stamina. It’s proof you can stick it out. But let’s face it, not everyone’s walking the traditional cap-and-gown route these

2024-06-21T07:04:08-04:00June 21st, 2024|Job Seekers|
Read More

Home Away From Home: Balancing the Truck Driver Lifestyle

Ever feel like your truck is more familiar than your own living room? I get it. The life of a truck driver isn’t your run-of-the-mill 9 to 5 gig—it’s a lifestyle. But hey, who says you can’t find a slice of home on those endless highways? Today, we’re diving into the art of balancing life on the road with the need for a touch of home. So, grab a drink, adjust your rearview mirror, and let’s hit the road toward that elusive work-life harmony.

Truck Driver Life on the Open Road

Life on the road isn’t a cakewalk. From those long stretches of solitude to missing out on family moments, being a truck driver comes with its set of challenges. But here’s the thing: acknowledging these hurdles is the first pit stop toward finding your groove.

You’re not alone in feeling like the road can sometimes feel secluded. But trust me, recognizing the challenges is key. It’s like seeing those warning signs before you hit a rough patch. By acknowledging the unique

2024-06-21T07:00:15-04:00June 21st, 2024|Job Seekers|
Read More

From Wi-Fi to Work Boots: Gen Z’s Journey into the Trades

Hey, Gen Z! Let’s dive into something that may have been on your mind lately – why are some of you shrugging off the typical college route? Well, it turns out that Millennials have degrees coming out of their ears (thanks to those Baby Boomer parents with dreams of a better life), but many of you are embracing a sea of DIY knowledge, learning everything from YouTube. Sure, maybe you’re the generation with the fewest diplomas, but knowledge isn’t all about that piece of paper, right? Unfortunately, not having that “formal education” stamp of approval can make landing a good job harder than chewing on a lawbreaker. That’s where skilled trades come in.

The Monkey-See-Monkey-Do Generation

Let’s take a closer look at your generation, the “show me first, then I’ll show you” crew. From TikTok dances to DIY skincare, if it’s not on the screen, does it even exist? But what if you had toy tools instead of toy iPhones as kids? Maybe you’d be hammering and sawing your way into

2024-06-14T07:46:02-04:00June 14th, 2024|Employers, Job Seekers|
Read More

Integrity, Intensity, and Intentionality: Cornerstones of Exceptional Employees

In the modern workplace, where competition is fierce and the demand for high-quality performance is relentless, certain character traits stand out as essential for finding and nurturing employees who will contribute meaningfully. Among these traits, integrity, intensity, and intentionality emerge as three of the pivotal characteristics for the makeup of a good employee. Understanding and prioritizing these three traits can significantly enhance an organization’s ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent. Drawing on the insights of renowned authors like Steven Covey, Patrick Lencioni, and Gino Wickman, let’s dive into the definitions of these traits and explore their critical importance in the workplace.

 

Defining Integrity, Intensity, and Intentionality

 

Integrity is often considered the bedrock of personal and professional ethics. It refers to the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles. In his seminal work, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,” Steven Covey emphasizes integrity as a fundamental principle that underpins trustworthiness and reliability. Covey asserts that integrity involves aligning our actions with

2024-06-07T14:00:25-04:00June 7th, 2024|Employers|
Read More

Trading Job Flexibility for Stability During Tough Economic Times

Let’s dive into an important topic that impacts many of us: job stability in today’s economy. In a world that glorifies flexibility, it’s time to explore the often-overlooked advantages of good ol’ fashioned job stability.

The Importance of Job Stability

Listen, I know we live in an era where freedom and flexibility are held up on a pedestal. We’re bombarded with messages telling us to pursue our passions, work when and where we want, and embrace the gig economy like it’s the key to eternal happiness. But here’s the reality: job stability is the backbone of a thriving career in the modern world.

In a constantly fluctuating economy, having a stable job provides you with a solid foundation for growth and financial security. It’s like constructing a sturdy house on solid ground instead of building a treehouse in a turbulent forest. With job stability, you can plan for your future, confidently pay the bills, and even have a little wiggle room to indulge in life’s guilty pleasures.

Advantages of Choosing Job Stability over

2024-06-07T07:37:28-04:00June 7th, 2024|Employers, Job Seekers|
Read More

The Skilled Trades Renaissance

In this fast-paced world where traditional career paths are being flipped on their heads, it’s time we bring the spotlight to the skilled trades. These professions, long overlooked and undervalued, are now emerging as the gateways to a world of endless possibilities. From welding and carpentry to plumbing and electrical work, skilled trades professionals are the backbone of society, shaping the world we live in with their hands-on expertise. So, let’s dive into why embracing the skilled trades is not just a practical choice but an exhilarating one in today’s changing job market.

The Foundation for a Brighter Future

When it comes to trades, we’re not just talking about jobs that pay the bills (even though they do that just fine). No, we’re talking about building a solid foundation for a brighter future. The skilled trades offer something that no textbook or lecture hall can provide: tangible skills, real-world experience, and the satisfaction of knowing that your work makes a genuine difference in the lives of others.

Think about it. While others

2024-05-31T13:34:52-04:00May 31st, 2024|Employers, Job Seekers|
Read More

Perspective

When you were a little kid and the butterfly flew away, your ice cream fell off the cone or let’s be honest the wind blew the wrong way … what would you do? You would cry. You would cry because as a baby or a toddler or even a young kid if the slightest inconvenience comes up it feels like the end of the world.

As a teen when your first love breaks your heart, you get a bad grade or a rumour about you is spreading through school … again, end of the world.

Now, are these things actually the end of the world as we know it? No, absolutely not, but for that person that is how it feels at that time. Their emotions are valid but the reality of how they are seeing the situation is completely clouded.

As we grow, we learn and mature. We go through different situations in life that really help us grasp a greater perspective as to some of the things we

2022-06-07T01:59:12-04:00June 7th, 2022|Job Seekers|
Read More

The Waves

“No, I am not looking for help with staffing right now, we are laying everyone off because of Covid.”

“No I am not looking for help with staffing right now, we are in a skeleton crew at the moment.”

“No, I am not looking for help with staffing right now, we are still trying to bring back staff from before our layoffs.”
“No, I am not looking for help with staffing right now, we are trying to stay on budget to compensate for some Covid losses.”


THE GREAT RESIGNATION

All Employees are MIA…


“YES! I am looking for help with staffing right now! I am trying to hire an XYZ and I can’t find one anywhere. “

With the rate at which technology has continually increased creating opportunity for virtual hires, and then with the need for virtual recruitment and hiring that came from Covid not to mention the job shortage at the beginning of Covid… we have basically given our work force the training module on how to apply fast, ghost quick and

2022-05-28T22:52:40-04:00May 28th, 2022|Employers|
Read More

The Keychain to not Getting Ghosted

Everyone has been ghosted before and you are no exception. From the girl next door to “the best interview ever” we have all experienced getting ghosted at one point or another. Unfortunately for the hiring market today the process of getting ghosted continues to be a hot topic running through zoom meetings and emailed memo’s.
“The interview seemed like it went really well, however after leaving two voicemails, sending three emails, and calling four times it appears that the candidate has ghosted us.”

-Written Every Single HR Manager/ Recruiter/ Sourcer at least once since 2019 when Covid began.

Getting ghosted by a candidate is no fun because after getting your hopes up that you have had a good interview or located a good candidate for the role there is still a high potential that the interviewee will be uninterested in moving forward.

A Few Things to Keep In Mind If You Are Getting Ghosted Regularly:

The Multistep Candidate Killer:

There are some jobs that it is perfectly fine to have 101 steps from

2022-05-03T23:29:37-04:00May 3rd, 2022|Employers|
Read More

Never Stop Training

This past year on a Sunday night not that long ago after hours of training, game after game and what I would imagine to be more than just a few play drafts the Los Angeles Rams faced the Cincinnati Bengals. With a hyper crowd sitting at the edge of their seats the Rams took the W with a 23-20 final score in 2022’s Super Bowl.

Now when you think about football players, what do you think about? Big, bulky, strong perhaps, maybe, but even more than that, football players are: professionals, athletes, they make meal plans, they take time in the gym, and practice, practice … practice. Athletes are amazing at what they do and yes perhaps some of that is a natural given talent but so much of that is blood, sweat and tears, but why? Athletes train the way they do because they want to invest in their careers and be better every single day. They put work into their craft and fine tune it the best

2022-05-03T02:03:25-04:00May 3rd, 2022|Job Seekers|
Read More

Price – Speed of Delivery – Quality

My mom always told me that you can’t have everything but my customers don’t seem to believe her. Literally, I am not lying. My customers seem to believe that you can have quality, speed of delivery and low price all wrapped up together but I am here to tell you, it is just a myth. Who hasn’t in the past 24 months ordered some shiny, new, cool gadget off their Instagram or FaceBook feed only to learn this lesson one more time? You can’t have high quality, low cost, and immediate delivery. In the current environment of a broken supply chain this runs particularly true.

Quality – when you are looking for quality you are looking for something that will do what it is supposed to do, when it is supposed to do it every single time. It is a combination of reliability and consistency. It does what it is supposed to do and it ALWAYS does what it is supposed to do. It sets the standard for how

2022-02-28T23:35:32-05:00February 28th, 2022|Employers|
Read More

Must Have List

When parents start to encourage their children to start looking for universities they encourage them to create “must have” and “it would be nice” lists. These soon-to-be graduates then sit down and list things off like, “my school must have an intramural baseball team, a really nice library to study in, be within my price range, and be between 2-6 hours away from home.” They would then continue to say, “it would be nice if my school had a big gym, had a separate building for my degree program, and had cheap dorm options.” As you grow up, oftentimes big decisions such as schools get the same list like weddings, buying a car, buying a house or when looking for a job.

The process of getting a job can be challenging and there are some points in life where you need to take any job offered to you and make it work in a hard situation. This however is not always the case. When you have the opportunity to

2022-02-28T02:10:13-05:00February 28th, 2022|Job Seekers|
Read More

The Forever Changing Desires of the WorkForce

Baby Boomers – Generation X – Millennials and Beyond

Baby Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials have all had a different approach to what work life balance has meant to them, based partly on the era in which they grew up and in what they witnessed in both their parents and grandparents generations.

People born between 1945 and 1960, in the generation known as Baby Boomers, grew up in an era where having a stable career that produced the income necessary to feed your family was the primary task. Reliability and consistency were the main priority for baby boomers and by default they put in continual effort to not only maintain the roles they were in but to be promoted into higher roles where they have remained VP’s, directors and senior executives.

Generation X (born between 1961 and 1980) were the children, nieces and nephews of Baby Boomers. They watched and were personally affected by the absence of their parents, while parents toiled away for the “company” the children determined they

2022-01-31T23:49:02-05:00January 31st, 2022|Employers|
Read More

What 2021 Has Taught Us

Now that we are a month into 2022 I am sure that most of us would admit that 2021 was a year to … forget? Remember? I don’t even know at this point. It was a challenging year in many regards, let’s just put it that way. However challenging does not necessarily mean bad. Challenging can mean that there were hurdles to overcome, that there were setbacks put in front of massive projects you were trying to complete, that there were obstacles placed before you that you needed to overcome and that is not fun, easy or enjoyable but it does not mean that you should forget and move on from them. If you are reading this right now, you survived the trials and tribulations that 2021 had to offer which means that you should not forget but reflect.

I know what you are thinking… February is not a typical month of reflection. Oftentimes that is found in December and January as the year comes to a close or

2022-01-31T23:43:32-05:00January 31st, 2022|Employers|
Read More

How Much is a Bad Hire Really Costing You?

The cost of a bad hire is shockingly high. And we don’t just mean financially. Hiring the wrong employee can have a multitude of negative effects on your business.

A bad hire can be a detrimental mistake to a company’s bottom line. Not only does hiring the wrong employee cost time and money, it can be a major setback in corporate culture, productivity, momentum and maintaining your overall credibility within your industry.

Unfortunately, this costly mistake is happening over and over again, as more than 74% of employers admit to having lost money by hiring the wrong employee.

The first step to avoiding a bad hire, is knowing the risks and being able to recognize the signs at a recruitment level, especially in a competitive hiring market.

With the right tools in place and the right team on your side, you don’t have to be a victim to a bad hire.

The Hard Costs of a Bad Hire

Hiring the wrong candidate can have a major impact on your company’s budget and bottom line. Beyond

2022-01-19T00:48:01-05:00January 19th, 2022|Employers|
Read More

Better Together Group
HR & Recruitment Support

🇺🇸 USA • 🇨🇦 Canada

© 2025 Better Together Group, All rights reserved | Health and Safety Board | Policies

Go to Top