Category:

6 things I’ve learned since starting my HR Consultancy business

March 10th, 2023 by

 

I am celebrating 6 months in business today, and I thought it would be helpful to share 6 things I’ve learned along the way.

 

  1. Learn : Start Your Own Business programme. I would highly recommend this programme offered by your local LEO. Whether you are still development mode for starting your own business or you have already started. I have learned so much from this programme, that I have already applied to my business.
  2. Networking : It is so important to start meeting other business owners and exchanging ideas and tips. We all know that running a business can be isolating. There are many different types of networks local, nationwide and global (with wifi you can attend so many virtual networking events too).
  3. Take action, make it happen : There is a community of support available to you. But you need to put yourself out there in order to avail of this support.
  4. Marketing : Don’t be afraid to promote yourself. No one will know who you are and what you can do unless you tell people.
  5. Online Presence: I didn’t appreciate how important it is to have an online presence. It’s essential in today’s world. Although it can be daunting to learn, engaging the services of a Social Media Expert who can train and mentor you makes a huge difference. It certainly has for me.
  6. Good Connections : Surround yourself with good people who are like-minded. Other business owners will understand your drive, passion and the challenges that crop up along the way. (And there will be challenges!)

Please feel free to share your own experience of things you’ve learned, since you started in business. I would like to thank you all for your support so far on this journey.

 

If you would like to book a call or have a chat about any HR issues you are currently experiencing, please get in touch daraoleary@sunshynecoaching.ie

Comments closed

5 Tips to Improve Employee Engagement

March 10th, 2023 by

 

Employee Engagement should always be a top priority in Business. When employees are engaged, they are more productive, have great job satisfaction, and are more likely to stay with the company into the future.

 

Here are five tips to improve employee engagement:

 

  1. Positive Work Culture & Environment: One of the key drivers of employee engagement is a positive work environment. This includes basic’s such as logistics, their actual work stations, essentially a comfortable physical work environment. Also key are the cultural and social aspects of working with people who are supportive, collaborative and having that sense of belonging to the company and a strong sense of team. Having regular social gathering opportunities like a coffee morning face to face, team-building days, company get togethers and celebrating successes together that are inclusive of everyone provide for a positive company culture. Communication is key here also, allowing for open and honest communication and a safe space to talk.
  2. Learning & Development : Employees want to feel like they are growing and developing in their careers, which is of benefit to both the company and the employee. Offering relevant opportunities for training, coaching, mentoring, and career development support employees feeling valued by the company, whilst also learning, growing and developing in their career.. Encourage employees to take on new challenges, support them and provide regular feedback on their progress.
  3. Recognition: Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to be engaged in their work. Regularly recognising employees for their hard work can boost morale and motivation. It could be through an “Employee of the Month” nominations process, where they have gone “above and beyond” and that achievement is being acknowledged publicly. It may also be externally nominating an employee for an industry award category. It could also be as simple as a thank you note or message, acknowledging a job well done.
  4. Work-life balance: The Pandemic changed the future of how we work for a lot of companies. Hybrid working has proven to be a positive change for a lot of companies. Employees who feel they have a good work-life balance are more likely to be engaged in their work. How does your company support HR policies that reflect flexible working and people’s lives today. It may be around enhanced time off to care for loved one’s when needed, perhaps flexible working hours, or family leave policies. And I’m not just talking about statutory, does your company lend itself to do anything progressive in this area that may be niche to your company or industry.
  5. Employee Participation: Employees who feel they are listened to and that their opinions are valued, are more likely to be engaged in their work. Ask for your employees feedback on improvements that can be made in the company. Get an Employee Lead working group together and work through suggestions and solutions that will make the company an even better place to work.  Employee thoughts and insights will be invaluable and will provide some ideas that may not have been considered already. Always follow this through with concrete actions for a positive outcome and for real change to occur and ensure to engage and review on a regular basis.

Comments closed

From Redundancy to Regrowth

February 7th, 2023 by

Dealing with redundancy can be emotionally and mentally challenging.

Here are some steps that you can take to help you cope during this challenging time: 

 

  1. Acknowledge your feelings: Allow yourself time to grieve and process your emotions. 
  2. Make sure that you understand the process and how it works, ensure to get a legal professional to review the termination agreement for you before you sign it. 
  3. Ask any questions that you have and make sure you are clear on all entitlements as part of the process.
    Questions such as what happens to my company Pension?
    Health Insurance, how many days holidays am I entitled to as part of this process.  
  4. Remember that your job does not define who you are. You are a son/daughter, sibling, friend and maybe also a parent, you are so much more than your job. 
  5. Reach out and talk to family and friends, surround yourself with loved ones. You may also consider talking to a professional therapist. 
  6. Try to stay positive, focus on the positive aspects of your life and future opportunities. 
  7. Update your CV and have it ready to circulate as opportunities arise.   
  8. Your Golden Circle, if you looked in your phone contacts right now, who are 10 people who can support/help you in this time of transition.  
  9. Consider coaching, which can help you to identify what your next steps are and how you will get there.  
  10. Don’t make any big life decisions immediately, you are still processing what is happening.  
  11. Network and look for job opportunities, make use of your professional network to find new job prospects and make connections. 
  12. Use this time to invest in your personal and professional growth by learning new skills.
    Do you have a hobby or past time that you are passionate about and possibly could make a pivot too?      
  13. Manage your finances during this transition period by creating a budget and sticking to it.
    Reach out to your bank and any other institutions, let them know about your change in circumstances and ask about any support’s that may be available to you during this time.     

Remember, Redundancy is a difficult situation but it is not the end of your Career. Take this time to reflect, regroup and make a plan for your future.

 

I can help you with the next steps:

  • CV Update
  • Interview Prep
  • Coaching
  • and much more ….

Let’s have a chat.

Email daraoleary@sunshynecoaching.ie or book your no obligation discovery call here 

 

 

 

 

Comments closed

2023 New Year – Resolution?  

January 5th, 2023 by

Yes, every year it comes around and we make New Year’s Resolutions for ourselves.

 

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology says that only about 46% of people who make New Year’s resolutions are successful, meaning more than half of the people who set a goal for the new year will fail.

 

Why is that?

 

Personally, I prefer the word Goal to ‘Resolution”. The term resolution is defined as “a firm decision to do or not to do something”.  I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t exactly fill me with motivation or excitement. Whereas a goal is something that you want to achieve, an accomplishment once achieved that you can be proud of, that strikes me as a much more positive term.

 

  • Identify your Goal – Often our New Year Goal is lofty, for example, I want to get fit, or find a new job, these are vague statements. We need to think about what success will look like, visualise the end point. What does ‘get fit’ mean to you and how are you going to achieve that, by breaking it down into smaller actionable steps that are realistic and achievable. My idea of getting fit, may be going for a walk 3 times a week, your idea of getting fit may mean doing a triathlon, these are vastly different things.

 

  • Waiting for the right time will never happen, there will always be a reason not to make that change or chase that dream/goal. So why not start now?

 

  • There is a Chinese saying that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” I’m not suggesting you need to walk a thousand miles : ) My point is that taking the first step can seem daunting, but once you have, you open up a world full of possibilities and a journey of growth.

 

  • Change can be hard, not everybody likes change, the fear of the unknown, stepping outside our comfort zone. You may feel like you are losing what feels comfortable and reassuring, but what you gain as a result may be even better.

 

  • What is holding you back? What self-limiting beliefs do you hold about yourself that are stopping you from reaching your dreams? Would I have thought 5 years ago or even 2 years ago I would be running my own business now ? I don’t think so…  Through the experience of coaching, I learned alot about myself and that limits are only those you impose on yourself.  Guess what – you can do it; anything is possible if you set your mind to it. Dream, Believe, Achieve

 

  • Action Plan – Once you have identified your goal and what success will look like, how will you get there? Work out your action plan and steps necessary to bring you closer to achieving them, write it down and put timelines on actions to be completed. Also think about what is plan B? Life will always throw you curve balls, setbacks are a natural part of life. How do you plan to deal with setbacks and keep moving forward?

 

  • Identify your Cheer Leaders! Who can you reach out to during this journey that can support and encourage you? What resources are available to you to get the wheels in motion?

 

  • Accountability is key. How will you hold yourself accountable throughout this journey of discovery, change and goal accomplishment?

 

This is where working with a Coach is beneficial, so what is Coaching?

 

Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and insightful process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential and achieve their goals (as defined by the ICF, International Coaching Federation). The coaching process provides the client with space and structure for the reflection that is necessary for learning and growth.

 

A Coach will provide you with that safe space to think out loud, to think about your values, your strengths, identify your goal, action plan, and hold you accountable to keep on track. A coach will listen deeply, provide insights, and enable you to find the answers within yourself, to make that change that your future self will thank you for.

 

Find your Sunshyne!

 

If the above resonates with you, please feel free to get in touch for an initial free/no commitment consultation

 

Contact – daraoleary@sunshynecoaching.ie

Mobile – 087 9283170

Website – www.sunshynecoaching.ie

Comments closed