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Easing Contact Center Payroll Pains: Navigating Through 7 Major Challenges

Easing Contact Center Payroll Pains: Navigating Through 7 Major Challenges

Discover payroll solutions in the customer service industry. Learn about compliance, record-keeping, technology, data security, and more.
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The Unexpected Benefits of Working in a Call Center

The implementation of call centers is on the rise as companies search for ways to increase productivity and efficiency while cutting costs. Whether you are looking for your first job or the next step in your career, working in a call center can offer unexpected benefits. Let’s take a look at why this career should… Read More »

The implementation of call centers is on the rise as companies search for ways to increase productivity and efficiency while cutting costs. Whether you are looking for your first job or the next step in your career, working in a call center can offer unexpected benefits. Let’s take a look at why this career should be on your shortlist.

Experience is Not Required

You do not have to worry about a laundry list of job requirements you do not have, especially if this is your first job. Call centers welcome entry-level applicants and provide the in-house training necessary to succeed.

Generous Compensation

Compared to most entry-level positions, call centers offer higher salaries. Most provide additional compensation if you work overtime or agree to a less than desirable shift (e.g., night shift). Call centers also tend to offer special discounts, life insurance, off-site gym membership, etc.

Advancements Opportunities

You are not stuck in one position For those who are willing to work hard, there are plenty of advancement opportunities within call centers.

Ability to Work from Anywhere

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is becoming a priority for more and more people. Call centers typically offer flexible schedules that allow you to work around your family commitments. Many even allow their fully-trained team members to work remotely from anywhere.

Relaxed Dress Code

Most call centers do not implement strict business-professional dress codes that leave you ironing suits every day. While you should always make an effort to look presentable when on the job, the dress code tends to be much more casual than office jobs.

Enhance Communication Skills

No matter what job you work in, the ability to communicate effectively is necessary to some extent. A large part of working in a call center is communication. This means will have the opportunity to improve your communication skills very quickly.

Leave Work at Work

With many jobs, when the workday is over, it is not really over. For instance, if you are a lawyer, you may still have paperwork to tend to once the kids are in bed, or the best strategy for a case is still on your mind even after you have left the office. When working in a call center, once your workday is over, you can leave it at work and focus on your family and personal life.

Great Perks

If you choose to work in-house, many call centers offer great amenities. These include gyms for catching a workout without leaving the office, entertainment rooms, and even refreshments such as coffee and doughnuts. Some companies even allow their employees x number of hours a paid week to exercise to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Ready to Get Started?

As the leading staffing agency in Florida, Salem Solutions can help you find the perfect call center position to fit your skills and career goals. Get started by browsing our open positions today!

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Is It Time to Ask for a Raise?

Money is a tough subject to discuss, especially at work with your supervisor. Deciding whether you should ask for a raise can be tricky. Whether a raise is granted depends on factors within your control, such as performance and skillset, and factors outside of your control, such as the company’s financial health. Ask yourself these questions when… Read More »

Money is a tough subject to discuss, especially at work with your supervisor. Deciding whether you should ask for a raise can be tricky. Whether a raise is granted depends on factors within your control, such as performance and skillset, and factors outside of your control, such as the company’s financial health. Ask yourself these questions when deciding if now is the time to ask for a raise?  

How is the Company‘s Financial Health?  

If your company is exceeding revenue goals, expanding, and hiring new employees, then now may a good time to ask. However, if you notice budget cuts, failure to meet revenue goals, and not refilling open positions, you should wait until the company is doing better.  

Have Co-Workers Received Raises? 

If you are thinking about asking for a raise, keep your eyes and ears open about whether co–workers have asked for and received raises. If they were denied higher pay, you might want to wait a bit before asking. However, if they have requested and received, then you should ask too.  

How is Your Relationship with Your Supervisor?  

If you have a good relationship with your supervisor, then they will be more likely to grant your request for a raise or speak your praises to the person who has the final say. If your relationship is on the rocks, wait a bit until things settle down. 

When is the Last Time You Have Received a Raise?  

If you have just received a raise, it is not wise to turn around and ask for another one. However, if you haven‘t received a raise recently, then it doesn‘t hurt to ask.  

Have You Taken on New Additional Responsibilities? 

If you‘ve taken on new work since your last raise, then it is perfectly reasonable to ask for higher pay that corresponds with your new workload. If nothing has changed since your previous raise, it may be advisable to refrain from asking for more money.  

Have You Earned a New Degree?  

Completing a new degree or specialized training programs typically warrants a raise in the workplace. 

Do You Have Other Job Offers?  

If you have other job offers that are higher paying, but you do not want to leave your current company, then it is time to talk to your supervisor.  

Can You Explain Why You Deserve a Raise? 

No doubt, you will be asked the dreaded question, “Why do you deserve a raise?“. If you can answer this question, then you are good to go. If not, you better wait until you can answer this question before hitting your boss up for a raise.  

Ready for a Change?  

If you are stagnant at your current job, then it may be time to look for a new one. Salem Solutions can help you find the perfect job to fit your skillset and career goals. Browse current job openings today! 

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Remote Call Centers – Effective Management at a Distance

As technology continues to advance, remote call centers are becoming increasingly popular. One of the biggest draws is that they cut down on operational and IT costs. However, remote call centers are not without their challenges, with one of the main hurdles being how to implement effective management. This is your guide to managing your… Read More »

As technology continues to advance, remote call centers are becoming increasingly popular. One of the biggest draws is that they cut down on operational and IT costs. However, remote call centers are not without their challenges, with one of the main hurdles being how to implement effective management. This is your guide to managing your virtual call center staff at a distance.  

Implement a Comprehensive Training Program 

Building a great remote team begins with the training program. Since agents will not have the opportunity to work with more knowledgeable agents, it is crucial to have a robust training process in place. New hires should have comprehensive resources available to them that they can reference, as well as access to veteran agents should any questions arise. 

Schedule Frequent Meetings 

Communication is one of the main components of managing a virtual call center team. Schedule weekly video conferences. This allows your staff to stay informed and feel connected with one another. It is a great way to encourage employee engagement and foster a positive workplace culture. 

Provide Collaboration Tools 

Your team members cannot run over to another agent’s desk to ask a question or brainstorm. Providing collaboration tools allows your staff to collaborate with each other. The ability to share files internally and send messages back and forth is vital for managing remote call center teams.  

Make it Fun 

Just because your team is remote doesn’t mean there can’t be a little friendly competition. Increase motivation by offering rewards for high performance. Prizes can be anything from paid time off to gift cards. Games and competitions also provide a sense of camaraderie between team members, even if they are hundreds or thousands of miles apart. 

Listen to Feedback 

Gathering and listening to feedback is one of the best ways to determine which processes are working well and which ones need improvement. While not every piece of feedback will be actionable, taking it into account will help to improve your call center’s processes and workplace environment. 

Rely on Management Tools 

Using call center analytics and metrics can help you identify and address issues more quickly. For instance, you can track employee performance and customer satisfaction. You can use this information to measure your team’s performance against the standard. 

Bonus Tip! 

When it comes to making your call center’s next hire, let Salem Solutions handle the leg work. The hiring process takes a great deal of time and resources that are better spent on managing your team. At Salem Solutions, our staffing specialists will take the time to understand your staffing needs, sift through resumes, and send you only the most highly qualified candidates. Request an employee today, and let us do the rest! 

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Home for the Holidays – How to Stay Focused While Working Remote

The opportunity to work remotely during the holidays may seem like the perfect scenario. However, for those who are not used to working from home or are hosting guests for the holidays, it can be challenging to stay on track. These tips will help you stay focused while working remotely during this holiday season.   Start Your Workday Earlier … Read More »

The opportunity to work remotely during the holidays may seem like the perfect scenario. However, for those who are not used to working from home or are hosting guests for the holidays, it can be challenging to stay on track. These tips will help you stay focused while working remotely during this holiday season.  

Start Your Workday Earlier 

The earlier you begin your workday, the sooner you finish. For instance, begin work early in the morning before the rest of your household gets up. You can then take a small break if need be for breakfast etc., and then resume work. You will be amazed at how much better you will feel already having an hour or two under your belt before the day has even begun.  

Find a Quiet Place to Work  

It can be hard to be productive with household distractions in the background. If you do not have a home office to work in, find a quiet space to work from. Politely ask family members in your home to respect your privacy while you are working. Noise-blocking headphones are a great idea if you are unable to find complete solitude.  

Designate Times to Work  

When working from home, it can be easy to get off track with your laundry list of tasks that need to get done around the house. Predetermine which times of the day you are going to work and stick to it! When those designated times are over, do not even check your email or take non-emergency work calls. You may have to explain your work schedule to friends and family and that you will be unavailable for even the smallest non-related work activities during your designated time frames.  

Focus Solely on Your Job 

It can be easy to get lost on social media or finding the latest online deals when working from home. Resist the urge to get lost in the depths of the internet or a good show, and make sure you are focusing solely on work. Being productive will make it easier to enjoy the time you can take off.  

Don’t Forget to Take Breaks 

Taking breaks is essential to prevent burnout and tends to increase your overall productivity. At the beginning of your workday, predetermine when your breaks will be and for what length of time. Make sure you stick to them.  

As great as the ability to work from home during the holidays is, it can also be challenging. These tips will help you successfully navigate remote work so that your supervisor is happy and you get to spend as much time with your family as possible.  

Ready to Find Your Dream Job?  

As leading staffing agency experts, Salem Solutions is here to help you make your next career move! Browse our open positions today! 

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5 Reasons You Should Partner with a Staffing Firm During High Unemployment

It is undeniable that the year 2020 is one for the history books in almost every aspect, including running a business. Since unemployment rates are still high, hiring managers may be inclined to think that finding new hires is a walk in the park. However, the truth is that many people are wary of returning to work.… Read More »

It is undeniable that the year 2020 is one for the history books in almost every aspect, including running a business. Since unemployment rates are still high, hiring managers may be inclined to think that finding new hires is a walk in the park. However, the truth is that many people are wary of returning to work. This could be due to fears of becoming infected with COVID-19 or passing it on to someone they love with an underlying health condition. This can make filling open positions difficult. The good news is that partnering with a trustworthy staffing firm can take the hassle out of finding your next employees! Let‘s take a look at 5 reasons you should turn to a staffing agency for help.  

Save Precious Time 

The shorter the period between when a position comes available and when it is filled, the better. For starters, staffing agencies will sift through applications, vet candidates, and even interview and hire if you wish. In most cases, a staffing specialist can do this in a much timelier manner because it is their sole focus. Whereas if you are conducting the hiring process in house, somebody must split their attention with the other tasks associated with running the business. 

As a bonus, candidates who go through staffing agencies tend to be extremely motivated to get back to work. A staffing firm can help fill open positions quicker while allowing you and your team to focus on other aspects of running the business.  

Cut Costs 

The hiring process is an expensive one when you factor in the cost of recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and training. Staffing firms will cut your company‘s costs by spending their time and resources finding and interviewing qualified candidates. 

Hiring Options That Work for You 

Depending on where your business is at, you may not be ready to commit to full-time employees. When you work with a staffing firm, you have the flexibility to choose between full-time, part-time, temporary, and temp-to-hire employees.  

Minimize Risks 

If you opt for temporary or contract employers, they are technically employees of the agency and not your company. This means that your company may be exempt from collecting taxes and other obligations such as insurance. Contract hires make it easier to work through high-turnovers or busy seasons.  

Large Candidate Network 

Staffing agencies tend to have access to a larger pool of qualified talent than if you post open positions on public job forums and hope for the best. Firms are also aware of people who may be interested in your position but are not actively searching.  

The Bottom Line 

Utilizing a staffing agency’s services saves your company time, money, minimizes risks, offers flexibility, and gives you access to a broader pool of highly qualified and motivated candidates. Our experienced specialists are happy to help your business with its personnel needs. Contact us today to get started! 

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4 Tips for Writing a Resignation Letter

Congratulations! You are taking the next step in your career. Although this is an exciting time in your life, it can also be stressful. Whether you are leaving a job you love or one that you never want to spend another minute at, it is considered professional to tell your boss that you are leaving,… Read More »

Congratulations! You are taking the next step in your career. Although this is an exciting time in your life, it can also be stressful. Whether you are leaving a job you love or one that you never want to spend another minute at, it is considered professional to tell your boss that you are leaving, give a two-week notice, and submit a formal letter of resignation. While at some companies a resignation letter is optional, for others it is a required formality. Ready to write your resignation letter but not sure where to start? Follow these 4 tips!  

1. Straight Forward Opening Sentence  

There is no need to get long-winded. All you have to do in your opening sentence is to state which position you are resigning from and your last day. Resignation letters are more of a formality, since more than likely you have already talked with your boss as to your reasons for leaving.  

2. Show Your Appreciation 

Whether you loved your time in this position or not, you should always show appreciation. After all, your boss took a chance on you, and more than likely you have gained experience and learned new skills during your time in the position. Not to mention, you may need references down the line. Burning professional bridges is never a good idea.  

3. Shed a Positive Light on Why You Are Leaving 

Stating your reasons for leaving is optional. If you choose to briefly include it in your resignation letter, always put a positive spin on it, even if you hated working there. If you can’t make your reasons for leaving positive, then leave this section out of your letter entirely. 

4. Offer to Help with the Transition 

If you are able, offer to help with the transition of your position. Explain how you will be able to do so and for what length of time. In some cases, due to time constraints or a move, this may not be possible and that is okay. However, if you decide to offer help, be sure that you do not promise anything you cannot make good on.  

Looking for Your Next Career Move?  

Are you ready to make a job change for one reason or another? Whether it is to climb the ladder or simply find a job you enjoy, Salem Solutions is here to help you find your dream job. As the most trusted staffing agency in Tampa Florida, our staffing specialists will take the time to get to know you and your career goals. You will be presented with open positions that fit your criteria. Salem Solutions will also provide help fine-tuning your resume and give you tips to help you nail that big interview! Your new job awaits! Browse open positions today! 

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