How to Prevent Mediocre Managers from Sabotaging your People Strategy

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Think about the worst manager you ever had; what qualities made them a bad manager?

You might think of some Not-Safe-For-Work words, but you might also say:

·  Micromanaging

·  Unempathetic

·  Uninspiring

·  Uncommunicative

·  Unsupportive

·  Unresponsive

Whatever you said, we’ve all encountered them. Those mediocre direct managers who lack the essential management skills to lead and inspire their teams. They’re not always bad people. Sometimes they’re great people in their technical roles, but they just really struggle to connect with people on an emotional level. This disconnect can lead to a host of problems, from low morale and decreased productivity to high turnover and a potential talent exodus.

Here’s the warning signs

These are some of the typical comments you’ll hear from your staff that indicate you have mediocre managers:

· “My manager is MIA. They’re never available when I need them.” We call these the Ghost Managers – now you see them, now you don’t!

· “My manager breathes down my neck, constantly checking in and questioning every decision I make.” These are the Micro Managers; they’re never willing to empower their team. Working under these managers is stifling. I’ve never had anyone tell me they love being micromanaged!

· “My manager’s mood swings are unpredictable. One day they’re supportive, the next, they’re critical.” These are the Moody Blues managers; their inconsistency drives people nuts.

· “I have no idea what’s expected of me from one day to the next.” These Garbled Guru managers confuse the heck out of their team; they struggle with communicating simple straightforward messages.

· “My manager just doesn’t understand me; we’re not on the same wavelength at all.” These Heartless Head Honcho managers are insensitive and don’t possess an ounce of empathy.

So what? Nobody’s perfect!

I agree, nobody’s perfect. Nevertheless, poor communication, a lack of empathy, and ineffective feedback can significantly hinder a manager’s ability to lead a team effectively. Micromanagement and neglect, on the other hand, can further erode morale, ,company culture and productivity. These behaviours damage genuine relationships and create a toxic work environment that can lead to decreased job satisfaction, increased turnover, and, ultimately, organisational crash landings!

3 Steps for Building a Coaching Culture in Your Organisation

To address the challenges posed by mediocre managers, organisations, regardless of size, must prioritise leadership development and people management skills.

In our experience, fostering a growth-oriented culture is key to a successful people strategy. Companies we work with actively support their managers’ growth and development to ensure they reach their full potential.

1. Offering accessible leadership development resources, such as practical management tools, online courses, workshops, and books. These can help companies empower managers with the tools they need to succeed. Building core skills through management training is essential for a high-performing team.

2. Implementing a mentoring program that connects experienced leaders with emerging talent, providing valuable guidance and support. A mentoring program improves employee engagement and fosters a positive workplace culture.

3. Engaging suitably qualified executive coaches to deliver tailored one-on-one coaching. This personalised development allows managers to address their specific challenges and aspirations. Studies tell us that over 70% of individuals who receive coaching benefit from improved work performance, relationships, and more effective communication skills.

Here’s what some of our clients say about their experience:

1. “Great People Inside tools & insights help managers to set our people up for success.” Karen Hailwood , ex CPO – https://www.phocassoftware.com/

2. We use GPI assessments for all our portfolio companies. GPI have tools they can customise for practically every HR situation and the outcomes are priceless“ Mark Flood , Director –https://renatus.ie/

3. “David believes in human based leadership and high self-accountability. Without reservation, I wholeheartedly endorse him.” Kim Fitzhenry Consultant at OSC (Optimized Supply Chain) Consulting

Remember, your people are your greatest asset. If you’d like to learn more about how Great People Inside coaching tools and executive coaching programs can support your managers, please contact us.

 

#LeadershipDevelopment #PeopleStrategy #CoachingCulture

23% of Employees Are Looking to Leave. Here’s How to Keep Yours & Save Up to $30K per Hire

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Did you know a whopping 23% of employees are actively searching for new jobs right now? That means there’s a strong chance your top talent is considering leaving. However, what if I told you there’s a way to not only retain your best employees but also significantly reduce the costs associated with hiring new ones in the future?

Let me tell you about one of our clients, a dynamic tech company. They were stuck in a perfect storm of challenges; 15% of their new hires were leaving before even finishing probation, and it was taking a staggering 40 days for new team members to become fully productive. This constant churn was obviously a huge drain on their resources and morale.
They were constantly interviewing, hiring, and onboarding, only to see new recruits vanish before they could truly contribute. They were devastated to see their team falling behind on projects, growing increasingly stressed, and incurring significant financial burdens that they couldn’t figure out how to stop. The cost of replacing an employee can be as high as 30 times their monthly salary, so this “revolving door” was seriously impacting their bottom line.

They knew they needed to address this urgently and asked if we could assist.

Here’s how we helped:

Deeper Candidate Insights: We analysed their existing team dynamics and benchmarked the specific skills, traits and work preferences required for success in their unique fast-paced work environment.

Targeted Recruitment: We then helped them re-engineer their recruitment process tailored to those insights which enabled them to attract and select candidates who were a perfect fit, not just on paper, but in reality.

Onboarding Optimisation: We provided practical tools and guidance to help their managers improve candidate onboarding experiences, ensuring new hires felt valued and supported from day one.

The impact? A phenomenal 55% reduction in new hire turnover and a 10-day decrease in the average time it took for new hires to become productive.

Is your company facing similar challenges with new hire turnover and productivity? Let’s chat about what you need. Drop a comment below make an appointment or send me a message to learn more!

#newhireturnover #recruitmentchallenges #greatpeopleinside #gpi #productivity

The recruitment maze: Adding objectivity to reduce risk to identify top talent

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Many of us can agree that recruitment is a risky business. Finding perfect candidates for all roles in your business who will meet the job requirements and excel within your company’s culture is akin to solving a complex puzzle. A recruitment maze. According to industry statistics, only 25% of the selected individuals are top performers. The question is, why does this happen?

How do you reduce risk to identify top talent to join your organisation?

The main challenge in identifying top talent is the need for more objective data available when making hiring decisions. Using more objective data for candidates on an individual basis and applying a human approach in the recruitment maze is discussed in this article.

Without a crystal ball, hiring managers often rely on a limited information set: resumes, reference checks, and gut feeling. While these elements are paramount, they provide only a fraction of the information required to make a well-informed decision.

A solid argument to reduce risk to identify top talent

John and Ronda Hunter’s research in “Validity & Utility of Alternative Predictors of Job Performance”, points out that interviews and background checks provide just 26% of the information required to make a successful hiring decision.

Recruitment maze

This stage is where most selection processes typically end.

How can we gather more valuable objective data to simply the recruitment maze?

The answer lies in measuring cognitive ability, behaviours, occupational interests, and overall “fit”. By incorporating these aspects into the hiring process, you can gather a powerful additional 49% of valuable objective data for candidates at an individual level. In essence, this approach slashes your recruitment risk by almost 50% and enables a greater tapping into the potential of candidates for longer employee engagement.

Making selections for our personal purchases

Think about the last important purchase you made: a new car, a smart TV, or a laptop. Chances are, you didn’t base your decision solely on how it looked. You likely considered various aspects such as performance, features, and how well it suited your needs and wants.

A need to improve the recruitment process

So why do we rely on just 26% of the available information with interviews and background checks when it comes to hiring?

Unsurprisingly, we get it right 25% of the time. It’s like betting on the roulette table or the slot machines. But there’s a better way.

A range of available assessments to help with the recruitment maze

With the advent of next-gen evaluations, you can substantially improve your hiring process. We’ve seen significant results working with clients.

Assessments are available off the shelf for a range of roles, including:

  • Managers
  • Salespeople
  • Customer service representatives
  • Blue collar workers

Moreover, you have the flexibility to choose specific dimensions critical to your business. Dimensions could relate to strategy, managing generations, or promoting a culture of respect, for example.

What’s more, these assessments are easy to use, cost-effective and validated. There’s no need for expensive certification courses. The GR8PI next-gen technology handles interpretation and provides reports in plain language that are easy to understand.

So why not give an assessment a try and see for yourself?

It’s time to break free from the old, ineffective methods and embrace a more data-driven, reliable and informed approach to hiring tomorrow’s talent.

As Einstein famously said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

It’s time to change and significantly reduce your recruitment risk while identifying top talent essential for your organisation to thrive. Trial an assessment for free today.

The Value of Psychometric Testing for Sales Professionals

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Great People Inside (GPI) and Smart Talent Group are proud to announce a new partnership that will provide sales leaders and professionals with a unique opportunity to gain insights into themselves.

Read More… 

The High Importance of Objectivity in Strategic People Analytics

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As John F Kennedy said, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” That’s why organisations increasingly recognise the value of leveraging data to drive decision-making across the business. HR, being at the forefront of managing an organisation’s most vital asset – its people, has been quick to tap into the potential of strategic people analytics.

Today future ready organisations need to think critically about the assessments they use to ensure they provide the necessary objective data for effective people analytics, ultimately enhancing their existing HR systems.

Most organisations today have great technology that efficiently handles the people logistics aspects. Still, one area on the back burner is the advances made in assessment technology.

Many assessments in use today were developed before hybrid work, wellbeing, and burnout became part of the modern people challenges that HR must manage. Some liken older reviews to the equivalent of using the mobile phone technology from the late 90’s in a world where smart phones exist.

Traditional fixed “one size fits all” solutions for attracting, assessing, selecting, developing, and retaining people are no longer sufficient. That’s why it is crucial to be familiar with the latest assessment technology and the flexibility and employee lifecycle tools they offer.

What are People Analytics?

People analytics, also known as HR analytics or workforce analytics, refers to collecting and analysing employee data to gain insights and make data-driven HR decisions.

HR professionals can identify patterns, trends, and key indicators by utilising vast amounts of employee information. In short, indicators influence:

  • strategic workforce planning,
  • talent recruitment and retention,
  • diversity and inclusion initiatives,
  • performance management, and
  • succession planning.

Objectivity at the core in people analytics

Recent studies highlight the significance of finding measurable connections between HR and business objectives.  While at the same time reducing subjective decision-making in measuring HR and corporate performance.

However, in today’s data-driven world, HR professionals can mitigate bias and make more informed decisions by relying on objective data. Modern and flexible assessments provide access to raw data containing validated, objective data and insights, enhancing HR’s ability to make sense of data.

The power of assessments

New assessment technology enables HR professionals to analyse and better understand their workforce quickly and easily. These assessments provide objective data on various aspects of an individual employee’s profile, including:

  • competencies,
  • personality traits,
  • cognitive abilities,
  • behavioural tendencies,
  • development areas, and
  • skill levels.

By leveraging these assessments, HR professionals can gain valuable insights into an employee’s fit with:

  • the role,
  • the manager,
  • the team, and
  • the organisational culture.

Enhancing HRIS Systems

The seamless integration of APIs ensures that the factual data collected from assessments is easily accessible within the HRIS. This combination of information, supported by its objectivity, helps predict the immediate and future requirements regarding personnel and capabilities.

By incorporating this objective data into decision-making processes, HR professionals can minimise bias, improve employee experiences, and drive the growth of the business.

In conclusion, combining the potential of people analytics and modern, adaptable assessments means enhanced HR information systems with accurate individual data for more informed and strategic choices.

Contact us to power your strategic people analytics.

Behind every stay: How helpful is the influence of managers on employee retention

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Let’s state the obvious. The world of work has undergone a massive transformation globally in recent years. Traditional office-based work models are no longer the standard norm As businesses transition to hybrid work models, the influence of managers on employee retention is even more critical.

Before delving into more detail on the importance of direct managers, let’s first define what we mean by this term. A direct manager is responsible for supervising and managing a group of employees. They are often the main point of contact for employees when issues arise and play a crucial role in ensuring each employee they are managing is working to their full potential.

What are the factors behind the influence of managers on employee retention?

Bridging the gap: One of the key reasons these managers are so crucial is their ability to bridge the gap between employees and the organisation. This role becomes even more essential in a hybrid work environment where maintaining effective communication is vital. They ensure that employees understand the organisation’s goals and objectives, and role and purpose within the company. Regular feedback and support from these managers help employees feel engaged and connected to their work.

Well-being: Direct managers also play a vital role in supporting employee well-being. New ways of working do not remove the legal responsibilities of employers to pay attention to workplace health and safety. Managers are well-positioned to identify when employees are struggling with their workload or experiencing increased stress. They can offer support and guidance, such as providing access to mental health resources or adjusting an employee’s workload.

Team morale: Maintaining team morale is also critical to retention. Direct managers can provide opportunities for team building and socialising. Regular team meetings, social events, and other initiatives help create a sense of community and belonging, boosting morale and productivity.

Development and growth: Encouraging employee development and growth is also essential. Only some people can work from home. Also, some recent studies tell us that those working away from the office can become less visible and may be overlooked for new projects or promotions. Direct managers can overcome the perils of “out of sight, out of mind” and provide:

  • tailored training and development opportunities,
  • guidance in identifying strengths and weaknesses,
  • and direction on advancing careers within the organisation.

This manager role ensures fairness and recognition of course growth for all team members regardless of WFH or not.

The need for organisations to back their managers

However, it’s crucial to recognise that not all direct managers are great managers. Some have been promoted based on tenure and previous success in different roles. Some are simply the last man standing in a team. Research shows that mediocre management is the number one reason people leave companies. Managing people is a complex task, and the complexity is further amplified in a hybrid work environment. Therefore, businesses must provide support and resources to direct managers.

Just as dentists require specialist tools to treat patients, managers need the right tools to lead and support their employees effectively. You may be curious about our range of practical, customised tools to help your managers succeed. As a first step, why not try the assessment yourself here to see what it looks and feels like?

How high does your new employee onboarding rate?

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In today’s highly competitive business landscape, hiring top talent is no longer enough to ensure long-term success. Companies must also focus on effectively integrating new employees into their teams and cultivating a sense of belonging from day one through their new employee onboarding process.

According to research and studies, there is considerable work to be done in this area. The failure rate for new hires within the first 18 months ranges between 25% and 46%.  Studies also tell us that Gen Z (born from 1995 to 2009) and soon to represent almost one-third of the Australian workforce have “itchy feet”, with over one-third (39%) planning to leave their job within one year.

It’s a given that training and development have always been important for employee engagement, and 63% of Gen Z agree! Based on these figures, it’s easy to see why the crucial process of new employee onboarding can make or break the success of an organisation’s retention goals. And if done poorly increases recruitment costs dramatically.

Companies must go beyond paperwork and logistics 

New employee onboarding goes beyond the paperwork and logistics of getting a team member up to speed. It is about:

  • creating a positive first impression,
  • setting clear expectations,
  • providing necessary resources, and
  • fostering a supportive environment for growth.

A well-executed onboarding program can help new employees feel welcomed, empowered, and motivated, leading to higher retention rates and productivity.

One critical aspect of employee onboarding is the selection process. Companies invest significant time and resources in finding the right candidate. However, the importance of providing feedback on assessments conducted during the selection process is often overlooked. Sharing the results of these assessments with the new employee can be immensely valuable as part of their onboarding and employee journey with an organisation.

Providing assessment results to new employees allows them to understand their strengths and areas for development. This feedback not only helps individuals gain self-awareness but also aids in aligning their goals with the organisation’s objectives. By sharing the assessment results, companies demonstrate a commitment to the growth and development of their employees right from the start.

Moreover, incorporating the results of psychometric assessments into the onboarding process can provide detailed insights to both the new team member and their manager. High quality psychometric assessments go beyond measuring skills and qualifications. They delve into personality traits, work styles, motivations, cognitive ability and behavioural tendencies. By understanding these aspects, managers can tailor their approach to supporting the individual employee’s development.

Information for strong new employee onboarding

A psychometric assessment should provide comprehensive information on the individual’s development areas. This information includes areas where they may need additional support or training to excel in their role. Armed with this knowledge, managers can create a well-defined development plan for the new team member, addressing their specific needs and setting them up for success.

Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the effectiveness of your current psychometric assessment tool. Does it provide valuable information and insights to both the new team member and the manager? Does it offer actionable recommendations for development?

Assessing these aspects ensures that your onboarding process starts strong and sets the foundation for long-term success.

Reach out for a free psychometric assessment trial or to discuss a tailored approach for new employees in your organisation.

Manager vs Leader – a balancing act for effective organisational performance

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In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of contemporary business, the imperative for balancing manager vs leader roles to enhance their effectiveness has grown considerably.

Gartner research has identified this as the foremost strategic priority for HR in 2023.

The strategic approach for Managers vs Leaders

There is a growing belief that in addition to being more effective, managers and leaders also need to model and epitomise a more humane approach, characterised by:

  • heightened empathy,
  • effective communication, and
  • a dedicated focus on fostering robust relationships with their employees.

The significance of this belief stems from the fact that embracing these aspects greatly facilitates cultivating a positive and productive workplace culture.  When there’s a balance between acting in a manager vs a leader role and connecting with their employees personally, it fosters a sense of mutual respect and trust. This, in turn, can lead to:

  • better morale
  • increased employee engagement
  • higher levels of job satisfaction

Most agree that when employees feel like their manager or leader genuinely cares about them and their success, they are more likely to be inspired to exert increased effort and achieve peak performance. Building strong relationships with employees through balancing managerial and leadership roles can also provide more targeted and personalised support to help employees overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

The problem, according to Gartner, is that even though:

“HR leaders try to build commitment, courage and confidence in leaders to help them answer the call, ‘human’ leaders remain few and far between. Critical obstacles to success include their own (very human) emotions of doubt, fear and uncertainty”.

What is needed?

Many successful managers are technically outstanding, but sadly, they lack behind when it comes to “softer” skills. They need all the help they can get. For example, help can include practical tools that facilitate the appropriate discussion and development initiatives.

With the recruitment market forecast to remain tight, the role of managers in retaining top talent becomes indispensable. It’s accepted that employees are more likely to stay with a company where they feel valued, respected, and supported. So, by prioritising empathy, communication, and relationship-building, managers can balance their roles,  create a more attractive workplace for top performers and foster a stronger sense of loyalty.

To explore our tailored and user-friendly tools designed for each team member, contact us.

Employee retention – how critical is the role of the direct manager?

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As we traverse this new world of work, one key area that needs attention is the role of the Direct Manager.

There’s been a seismic shift in how people work in the last few years. Indeed, the pandemic has driven millions worldwide to recognise that the traditional office-based work model is no longer the standard norm.

Direct managers have always been necessary for the workplace. Still, their influence is even more critical now as many businesses have moved to a hybrid work model.

In this blog, we’ll explore why a direct manager is essential in this new world of work. And we’ll look at their impact on employee satisfaction, productivity and retention.

What does direct manager mean?

Before we explore the importance of direct managers, let’s define what we mean by this term.

A direct manager is responsible for supervising and managing a group of employees.

Direct managers are often the main point of contact for employees when issues arise and play a crucial role in ensuring employees are working to their full potential.

 

The Critical Importance of the Direct Manager in Employee Retention

Clear communication is vital for effective direct management

One main reason direct managers are so crucial is that they act as a bridge between employees and the organisation. Effective communication is vital in any workplace, even more so when working remotely.

Direct managers ensure employees understand both:

  • the organisation’s goals and objectives and their role and
  • purpose within the company.

They also provide regular feedback and support. Therefore, assisting employees in feeling engaged and connected to their work.

Supporting employee well-being is a crucial aspect of direct management

Direct management is also crucial in ensuring employees’ well-being, even when working from home. With a blur between work and personal life, employers must pay attention to their workplace health and safety responsibilities. Employees should feel valued and supported by their employer. A remote work environment highlights this. Employees may experience feelings of isolation and disconnection from their team and organisation.

Further, being well-positioned, direct line managers more quickly identify when employees struggle with their workload or face increased stress. They offer support and guidance, such as providing access to mental health resources or adjusting an employee’s workload.

Maintaining team morale is the responsibility of the direct manager

Working from home can sometimes be isolating. Ensuring that team morale remains high is paramount. Direct line managers play a vital role in this area. Examples are providing opportunities for team building and socialising, even if done virtually. Regular team meetings, social events, and other initiatives promote a sense of community and belonging among employees. All this boosts morale and productivity.

Encouraging development and growth is another important responsibility of the direct manager

Finally, direct managers are essential in helping employees to develop and grow within their roles. This responsibility needs more emphasis in a hybrid working world where employees may interact less with colleagues and managers.

Direct managers provide:

  • training and development opportunities
  • guidance to employees in identifying their strengths and weaknesses and
  • direction on advancing their careers within the organisation.

The significant impact of Mediocre Managers

Research from SEEK tells us that mediocre management is the number one reason people leave companies. Let’s face it, managing people is complex. Add to it the complexity of hybrid working – and the degree of difficulty goes up a few levels.

How to support Direct Managers?

In summary, direct line managers need all the help they can get.

Dentists need specialist tools to treat patients.

So too, managers need the right tools to lead and support their people in each of their roles.

 

At, Great People Inside we offer a fantastic, cost-effective range of customised online tools for each individual. Our tools include development suggestions and guidance.

Reach out for help to be in the presence of more Magnificent Managers in your organisation.

 

Isn’t it more important to prioritise job fit over white vs blue collar?

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Historically, blue collar vs white collar jobs referred to manual labour jobs that involved physical work. In the 1940s, this classification was not only based on the job itself but also on social class. Examples of such occupations include those in the construction, trades, and manufacturing sectors.

 

Fast forward to today, and collar colours

Today, blue collar jobs form an integral part of the workforce for many organisations, regardless of the industry sector. These individuals serve as the backbone of a company, frequently working in physically demanding environments and can face heightened risk.

Although businesses must prioritise customer satisfaction, ensuring all employees are content and well-suited for their respective roles and company are equally important.

 

What are the advantages of fit for white v blue collar and all employees?

There are numerous advantages, even in collar colour roles such as blue collar vs white collar jobs. Let’s look at some benefits here.

Any improvement in productivity translates to increased profits regardless of collar colour

A contented team of workers can greatly enhance their own productivity levels. A cheerful workforce creates a favourable work atmosphere that inspires employees to put in extra effort, resulting in improved organisational productivity. As most business people know, any productivity boost translates directly to increased profits.

Keep your top people

Happy employees, regardless of blue collar vs white collar or another collar colour, can also help reduce employee turnover. A high employee turnover rate can cost businesses severely.

 

According to AHRI, employee turnover costs 1.5 times the employee’s salary. 

 

Better mental health across all collar colours for jobs

Today, mental health has become a top priority in all workplaces. Employees well-suited to their job roles tend to experience higher satisfaction levels and are more likely to maintain good mental health. These aspects ultimately result in a more secure work setting.

 

When employees are happy in their jobs, they tend to be more alert and have greater attention to detail. And so, the likelihood of workplace accidents or injuries is reduced. Providing a safe work environment is always a must for organisations.

 

How to hire the right candidate for blue collar jobs?

Modern psychometric assessments can predict role success with high levels of accuracy. But they are rarely used for wage-based or less-skilled roles due to perceived cost constraints in many instances.

 

Great People Inside has a solution to this issue for successful business outcomes. Our highly precise psychometric evaluations are unbiased and efficient in assessing candidates for all job levels. From entry-level to executive positions, from the machine room to the boardroom.

 

The GR8PI platform can design cost-effective assessments to precisely measure fit and what’s essential to each specific role. The result for people in companies is improved productivity, reduced employee turnover, and better mental health.

Are you aware of other collar colours?

In addition to the well-known blue collar and white collar jobs, several other types of jobs are distinguished by collar colour. Each is explained in an article written by Kelly Campbell.

  • Gold collar – Signifies white collar workers with higher skills and are in higher demand. These include doctors, engineers, lawyers, and pilots.
  • Red collar – Refers to workers that work in the government whose salaries come from the red ink budget. This category may also include farmers.
  • Pink collar – An outdated term used to describe sectors historically dominated by women, including nursing and secretarial work.
  • Grey collar – These jobs are often associated with the gig economy or freelance work. Examples of grey collar jobs include graphic design, web development, and writing.
  • Green collar – This is one of the newest additions which refers to jobs in the environment.

We’ve seen the effects. We encourage you to try GPI for blue collar and other roles to make a real difference to your company.