Science Matters - Want Your Workforce to Thrive? Innovate!

As scientists around the globe research cures and treatments for diseases, work to increase the data capacities of the information superhighway, and develop methods to clean the environment, they must also take time to contemplate the future of their industry, especially after the economic downturn of 2009.

Scientists of all skill levels and past work experiences will likely consider some of the following questions during the coming year:

• How should I prepare for the future?
• How can my organization obtain long-term success?
• How can I not only survive, but thrive, in the current economy?

In order to succeed throughout the coming months and years, scientists must innovate. The following four innovation methods have helped Kelly Scientific Resources, a specialty service of Kelly Services, Inc., not only succeed in spite of the global economic challenges, but become an industry leader in staffing solutions. By implementing each of these innovative methods within their organizations, scientific managers and employees will be well-prepared for success throughout the upcoming year and well into the future.

Develop a mentoring program within your organization

As new employees continue to join your organization, a proper onboarding process will ensure that they are comfortable with their roles and welcomed within your organization. Employees of all ages and past work experiences can benefit from mentoring programs.

First, new employees will learn about their positions quickly and efficiently through adequate support from a well-experienced mentor and fellow employee. Through quality on-the-job training, new employees will not only make fewer mistakes as they adjust to their new roles, they also will be able to showcase their talents and skills while working to remedy their weaknesses.

Second, as mentors connect with recently hired employees, they are able to develop a sense of community. History has shown that as connections develop between employees, organizational teamwork typically improves and employee trust increases. In addition, mentoring can create loyalty within an organization, as employees help each other complete projects and learn to trust one another while they complete assignments as a team unit.

Provide online training

Many scientific organizations provide technological applications for their employees while they improve their skills on the job and in training situations away from the office. Through training programs, scientists can improve their leadership, products, and soft skills as they learn about the history of their organizations and the ways they can help their companies achieve success.

Employees can also receive certification through a variety of online courses that will strengthen their current skill sets and give them new skills to apply throughout their careers. Online certification will likely continue to grow in popularity within the scientific industry, as it proves its positive impact on inexperienced and veteran employees.

Create employee recognition programs

As employees continue to improve their skill sets and work performance, many are rewarded for their hard work and dedication. Through employee reward and recognition programs, highly talented scientists receive public appreciation for their service. Rewards and recognition boost employee morale and show employees how valuable they are to their company.

In recent years, Kelly Scientific Resources has recognized employees both for outstanding performance and long-term, dedicated service. Through anniversary awards, extra time off, and gift cards, Kelly’s top talent continuously feel appreciated for all they do for the organization.

Your employees can also feel respected and appreciated through successful reward and recognition programs. As scientists strive to enhance their skill sets, serve their fellow human beings, and improve peoples’ lives, they deserve rewards and recognition throughout the entire year.

Reach out to your community

Finally, scientific organizations should improve their community outreach capabilities. By developing relationships with other organizations, updating the general public on current organizational events, and creating newsletters, scientific organizations can win support from a variety of organizations and people, even outside the scientific community.

Many scientific organizations provide the general public with information about their main events and key accomplishments through press releases and newsletters. These types of media enable the organizations to reach out to their communities, as well as inform current employees, prospective employees, and other people about the ways in which they positively impact the world on a daily basis.

Through a variety of innovations, ranging from the development of mentoring programs to community outreach, scientific organizations should continue to thrive during the coming years, serving people and improving their lives well into the future.

Are you prepared to build a sustainable competitive advantage for your company’s future? Let’s begin by harnessing your talent through innovative workforce approaches.

Rich Pennock is vice president of Kelly Services, Inc., a world leader in workforce management services and human resources solutions. For more information, visit www. kellyservices.com. Rich can also be followed on Twitter at twitter.com/richpennock.