2020-2021 Blue Signal Virtual Summit Awards

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In 2020, Blue Signal expanded its recruiting team to 24 full-time recruiters, brought on an additional 3 operations team members, and awarded several promotions to some of its senior team members. We placed over 300 qualified candidates in exciting new roles, and despite the difficult circumstances brought on by Covid-19, we were able to exceed our annual revenue from 2019. This year our annual Blue Signal Summit looked a little different as it was held virtually, rather than in-person in Scottsdale, Arizona. None the less, we were elated to come together to review our record-breaking 2020 awards and discuss big plans for 2021 and beyond.

If it weren’t for our incredible leadership, we would not be where we are today. At the Summit, Blue Signal Owner and Executive Vice President, Matt Walsh, announced several awards to recognize some of our top performers and exemplary mentors.

Top Cash In & Top Billings 2020 - Ryan Walsh

Top Cash In & Top Billings 2020 - Ryan Walsh

Within his first two years in the industry, Ryan Walsh has achieved the awards for Top Cash-In and Top Billings two years in a row - a feat unheard of in recruiting. This past year he was promoted to Senior Recruiting Manager for his diligence and eagerness to share knowledge with junior members of the team. While accepting his award, Ryan took the time to thank his team and the fellow recruiters that worked together on split placements that all contributed to securing these milestones. He also gave a special shoutout to our Project Manager Kimberly Sjurson, who was brought on just six months ago and has truly made a huge impact at Blue Signal through her hard work and dedication. 

MVP Award 2020 - Lacey Walters

MVP Award 2020 - Lacey Walters

As the “lifeblood of Blue Signal,” Lacey Walters was recognized as the three-time recipient of the MVP, Top Contributor award. During his speech, Matt mentioned that without Lacey’s daily, behind-the-scenes work, none of what we do at Blue Signal would be possible. Over the years, Lacey has been able to grow her team, and by building an incredible support system she leads the execution of all marketing aspects for Blue Signal with ease. She is truly the company’s MVP and has proven it time and time again as she contributes to the company’s overall success and earns this acknowledgment.

Record-Breaking 2020 Awards - Jonathan Lee

Excellence Award 2020 - Jonathan Lee

In his announcement, Matt congratulated Jonathan Lee with the nickname “Jonny Excellence,” as this award was created specifically with him in mind. Matt voiced his appreciation of all Jonathan’s support, as he is always there to help with the most positive attitude and continues to put in the extra mile in all he does. As the first recipient of the Best Support Award at last year’s summit, it comes with no surprise that Jonathan is yet again acknowledged for his hard work. Jonathan is constantly focused on excellence for himself and the team and is truly a beacon of the word. We’re extremely grateful to have Jonathan as part of the team!

Record-Breaking 2020 Awards - Kelsey Campion

Top Contractor Billings 2020 - Kelsey Campion

With over $100K in contractor billings, Kelsey Campion secured the award for the Top Contractor Billings in 2020. Matt said it best when he described Kelsey as an “absolute machine” when it comes to contract roles. He mentioned her extreme dedication and work ethic as she is always making herself available by working nights, weekends, and holidays to secure her roles and keep pushing for more. Kelsey’s efforts this year played a huge part in Blue Signal being recognized as part of Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best Temporary Staffing Firms for 2020. We don’t know how she does it, but she continues to improve and outperform her personal records on a regular basis.

Record-Breaking 2020 Awards - Brent Stokes

First Year Top Billings 2020 - Brent Stokes

In order to recognize Brent Stokes’ mind-blowing performance, this award was newly created to recognize his achievements as a new member of the Blue Signal team. With almost 4 years of recruiting experience behind him, Brent joined Blue Signal in February of 2020 and was able to secure over $300K in total billings in the remaining 10 months of the year. In his speech, Matt congratulated Brent on all he has accomplished and shared his appreciation for Brent’s dedication to learning, and for serving as a role model for others to learn from. We hope to replicate this kind of success and drive in future recruiters to come.

These 5 individuals embody Blue Signal’s core values of excellence, transparency, integrity, commitment, and respect. They put clients and candidates first, no matter the circumstance; and drive the culture of the organization through leading by example. These standout team members earned their prestigious recognition, and we are all excited to see what success 2021 will bring them, and the company as a whole.

Blue Signal Core Values

Guide to Working from Home with Roommates, Spouse, Kids, or Parents

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For many companies that made the switch back in March, working from home is becoming the new normal with over half of Americans going remote. This change - which in the beginning seemed only temporary - is now a much more permanent solution for many businesses nationwide. Since these companies have already implemented so many new technologies and processes to collaborate as a team remotely, they’re realizing they can save money on office and real estate costs while still supporting a high-functioning staff. According to Global Workplace Analytics, employers can save up to $11,000 a year for each employee who works remotely even half the time.

Being able to work from home can be a great perk as far as cutting out your daily commute and knocking out chores around the house on your lunch break. On the other hand, it also means that your spouse, children, and roommates now become your new co-workers who can often be much more distracting. This can be difficult to navigate as you work out a plan and get used to spending a lot more time together. To help you find your new normal, here are some helpful tips and tricks to co-habitating and co-working with all members of your household. 

Working from Home with Roommates Graphic

Set Realistic Expectations 

With such a big shift in your routine, there are bound to be some kinks that will take time to iron out, and that’s ok! Be upfront and set expectations with not only your housemates, but more importantly your coworkers. Everyone’s situation is anything but normal at the moment and there is no reason you should pretend it is. Whether you have kids being kids, or a roommate with a noisy call center job, it’s important to accept that things might not be 100% professional 100% of the time. 

Start a conference call or zoom meeting by explaining your situation; “My kids are playing in the other room and might need my brief attention throughout the call” or “My husband’s on a call in the other room if you hear any background noise.” This sets the tone of understanding from the beginning so if anything does come up, everyone is prepared. Being open and honest about how you’re managing distractions can also be reassuring to your fellow coworkers who may be feeling overwhelmed, and show that they’re not in it alone.    

Create Office Hours and Respect Them

Now that there’s no need to worry about commuting in morning traffic, you have the luxury to sleep in later and take your time getting to your desk. That being said, this can make it more difficult to get into a working state of mind and mentally ready for the day. A helpful tip is to wake up a little earlier and get something productive done before you even sit down at your desk. Something simple like unloading the dishwasher, journaling, or getting in a quick workout can wake you up and tell your brain you’re going to have a productive day. 

When it comes to multiple people working different jobs under the same roof, getting on a similar schedule can help everyone stay productive and keep the peace. It’s important to set strict start/stop times and communicate those clearly to everyone. This helps to avoid any misunderstandings between significant others, kids, or roommates about when the house needs to function as a working office. 

A good tip to communicate this to children is by using visuals to act as a constant reminder that you’re “on the clock”. Put up a gate or hang a sign on the door that requires them to stop and think if it's necessary to interrupt. This can actually be helpful for roommates too as no matter the age, sometimes people need a subtle reminder! 

Communicate Your Schedule

Communicating not only your start/stop times but also specific events throughout your day can make the co-working process much more seamless. Take the time to create a shared calendar or plan weekly chats about important meetings, calls, deadlines, etc. you have coming up. Shared calendars are a great tool as you can color code events based on what you need from your roommates. Note events where it is crucial that the room be silent with no interruptions, and video meetings to ensure no one gets caught on camera unexpectedly. This way, each of you can plan your schedules accordingly. 

For example, if you know your spouse has a video call late in the morning and needs a quiet room, you could maybe plan to take your lunch a little early that day to create a more relaxed environment. This is a great way to show you’re willing to be flexible and most likely they’ll return the favor for your next big meeting.   

Define your Space

Small spaces can mean short tempers. We understand this is often unavoidable, but you can still find ways to define what’s yours and what you’re willing to share. Setting boundaries on things like office equipment may seem slightly petty at first, but when you’re scrambling to get a deadline turned in and your laptop charger is nowhere to be found, tension is bound to boil over. Clearly keep your things separated and in a safe place so you always know where to reach for them. 

When it comes to finding your space, get creative while searching for quiet places to work and clear your head. Your car can act as another private room with a door that locks, for short term calls/meetings that you can’t be interrupted during. Taking a walk outside with fresh air can also be helpful when looking to relax or invigorate a new perspective on a project. It’s also a great way to take a call without others listening in from the next room. 

When sharing communal spaces, make a plan about where you’re each going to work and when. Maybe one of you gets the living room/dining table to check emails while sipping coffee in peace in the morning and the other gets the space after lunch, or switch off days of the week. There is always some common ground to be found but it’s up to you and your housemates to communicate and work together to find it. 

When it comes to working from home with kids, roommates or significant others, it’s important to accept that things aren’t going to be seamless and easy going from the start. Finding what will work for both of you is all about compromise and adjusting. If you decide on things to be one way and you find it’s not working, communicate and try something else! It’s going to take some time to settle into your new routines, but you will. 

While navigating all aspects of your new normal, make sure to take the time to regularly check-in on your roommates and family as WFH can often cause some added stress. A simple check-in or a night set aside to enjoy each other and do something out of the ordinary is a great way to boost everyone's mood and create a better work/life balance within your home turned office. 

Whether your situation is temporary or going to be a permanent schedule moving forward, being productive at home is achievable! Enjoy the added perks and give yourself and your housemates time to settle into these new roles. 

Top 6 Progressive Business Reformations Due to COVID-19

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Businesses have faced many obstacles during these trying times, as COVID-19 has forced companies to reevaluate their standard practices. Although challenging, companies have taken this opportunity in stride, implementing progressive reformations that are streamlining the new norm. This new wave in the fourth industrial revolution showcases how technology can be utilized to improve and adapt for business’ sake. As America 2.0 advances, these 6 key points will become typical business functions, proving that business can prevail and thrive. Here are the top areas where the most efficient optimization of business reformations are being implemented with lightning speed.

1. On Demand Critical Information

Now more than ever, access to information is easier and faster to obtain. Companies have secure networks and VPNs, enabling them to share and attain crucial information right at their fingertips. The days of unnecessary travel and delayed communication are over as everyone has instant access to data to make informed business, personal, and professional decisions. With many working from home, companies have made efforts to provide virtual materials in shared folders with ease - further improving communication and collaboration in the workplace. With the click of a button, on demand information is available anywhere in the world with a service or a signal.

2. Enhanced Virtual Culture and Benefits  

As more people get used to the benefits of working from home, businesses are implementing positive reformations involving health and wellness checks, virtual happy hours, and easier access to critical personnel. The rise of digital interactions has also brought an increase in team building activities for the remote workforce. Friendly competitions and consistent communication has alleviated some of the stressors involved in this change of office scenery. Virtually, company culture has improved as communities and companies come together to learn and spearhead change. In addition to better work culture, individuals are seeing an improved work life balance, electing to focus more on family by separating business from personal. 

3. Focus on Data Privacy

Security and privacy has already been at the forefront of leader’s minds. However, as things shift virutaly, we are seeing an increased push for cyber security, confidentiality, and data protection. With an increased necessity for technology, privacy will become an even bigger priority. Businesses have taken open- sourced software and optimized it, reducing data breaches and improving connectivity. In turn, security-minded professionals are coming together to develop solutions as Wi-Fi becomes faster, and remote working becomes more normalized.

4. Expedited Interview and Meeting Process

Interviews are not typically a speedy process, since it can be difficult to align calendars and objectives to ultimately find the perfect fit. Now, as things progress to rising digital communication, interviews that may have normally taken between 2-3 weeks have now been streamlined by remote processes. With today’s technology, the hiring process doesn’t have to require a huge time commitment as operations can be simplified with phone and video interviews. Businesses are transitioning to more remote working and hiring with virtual interviews that allow employers to gauge their presence and capabilities, online. Meetings are easier to schedule and have become more productive with these fast tracked businesses processes.

5. Virtual Hiring Process

Just as you are able to get a closer look at your candidate virtually, your candidate can closely examine their potential workplace through the same techniques. In addition to video and phone interviews, companies have begun to implement virtual facility tours, utilizing drones to create interactive video material. This innovative concept has been increased due to Coronavirus, however, it has proven to be an ingenious great way to integrate technology into the hiring process. Candidates can get an inside look into what their daily routine could look like, along with gaining a better idea of their potential workplace. This is easily achieved by using technology like GoPros and drones to record footage of company facilities, saving managers time by eliminating this part of the interview process - all while remaining safely socially-distanced. These tours also have the ability to expand further into cities, showing candidates what their personal lives could be like if relocation is required. The days of flying multiple candidates out for interviews only to end in  falloffs are over. With technology’s capabilities, you have the opportunity to better know your prospects and vice versa.

6. Refocused Marketing Efforts

Companies are rethinking their marketing strategies to create focused, dialed-in content that grabs attention. We have seen companies pivot overnight to deliver information that will help society understand the current market - describing what they have done, will do, or are doing to support others. COVID-covered emails and postings have flooded the market, offering relevant ideas and solutions to current industry problems. As companies adjust to this increased delivery of information, efforts are made to create branded marketing materials that help businesses stand out. America 2.0 will emphasize the creation of consistent messaging that allows consumers to quickly identify the brand, which in turn helps bring in more clientele. 

In business, change is inevitable. While these tough times are only temporary, these new norms that companies are adjusting to reflect the need for change and increased technology utilization. As candidates, employees, and working professionals, we have the ability to shape America 2.0 and its technology practices. These reformations we adjust to today will help us move toward a more streamlined and efficient model for businesses in the future.