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Jessica Pett / October 29, 2024

The Art of Delegation

As a leader, it can be intimidating to delegate tasks and there are many potential reasons for the hesitancy. 

  • They may lack the confidence it takes to assign duties 
  • They may feel it will take longer to explain the task rather than just doing it themselves 
  • They may enjoy doing certain tasks themselves 
  • They may feel guilty adding anything more to a colleague’s plate 

While these factors can be hard to overcome as a leader, the benefits certainly outweigh the uncertainties.  

In this article, we discuss the ways in which the art of delegation can be an effective management tool. 

An Efficient Workplace 

Delegation can create an efficiency that is beneficial to all parties involved. Higher level management are awarded with more time to focus on their high priority tasks, while middle management and their teams can assist in getting other meaningful tasks completed. With this strategy in place, the workplace can function like an autonomous machine when done correctly.  

Let’s take a look at some steps to achieve effective delegation in the workplace. 

  1. Identifying the tasks that can be delegated. Of course, not everything can be assigned away, but labelling each task on your to-do list with a level of importance will help you determine what can. Maybe you have a team member who really excels in a certain area or has workplace goals that completing a certain task could help them achieve. What on your to-do list could be mutually beneficial for you to get off your plate? 
  2. Be okay with letting go of control. Many newer managers and leaders struggle with the idea of losing control over the outcomes of the work being done. Think of it this way- you’ve likely had a hand in the hiring of those on the other end of your delegation. They were chosen for the job because they are good at what they do, practice having trust in their abilities to complete the task-at-hand based on all of the reasons they were hired in the first place. 
  3. Know your team and their strengths. Delegating a creative task to an analytical numbers person isn’t going to work. Make time to understand the skill sets of each of your team members so that when tasks are delegated to them, you can feel confident that they will do a great job in completing it. 
  4. Provide training and guidance. Contrary to some of the previous points made, it is also important not to blindly assign work, simply because that member of your team ‘should know’ what to do. When delegating, it is important to outline your expectations for the task, provide any necessary context, and offer a helping hand throughout the process if needed. Maybe regular 1:1 check-ins would be beneficial throughout the completion process? 
  5. Allow differing results- but verify. Everyone does things differently; learn to understand that the work is not going to come back exactly the way you would have done it, and that’s ok! The focus here is that the work is being completed effectively. Constructive feedback can be helpful but putting trust into your team member to complete the task to the best of their ability is too. Ultimately, you will still verify that the work has been done to the standard you require. After all, the quality of the work will reflect the person who delegated it. 
  6. Give credit where credit is due. Delegating work should be a mutually beneficial process; you reduce your workload, and your team gets to develop new skills and work on important projects. While you, as the leader, may be praised by other department managers for a job well-done, it is important not to take credit if it’s work you’ve delegated. A strong team consists of effective team players and a part of that means appreciating colleagues who lend a hand in lightening your load.  

In conclusion…

Being able to delegate work is the perfect way to practice your leadership skills while also giving your team the opportunity to develop their skills too. The art of delegation is a mutually beneficial ideology that can and should be adopted throughout all of the workforce and has the ability to set you and your team up for success.  

Jessica Pett / October 21, 2024

Sustainability is a pressing concern in the shipping industry.

When it comes to the realm of shipping, an industry synonymous with greenhouse gases, large carbon footprints, and air pollution, any efforts made to increase sustainability are appreciated.

In this article we look at the importance of keeping sustainability at the forefront when it comes to Small Package and Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) shipping.

In the United States, transportation accounts for 28% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions and of that, 42% comes from freight shipments. Broken down even further, of that 42%, 23% is from the trucking or motor freight industry specifically.

Why should shipping companies care?

Shipping companies can also benefit from making a conscience effort in reducing their carbon footprint.

  1. A substantial percentage of consumers have been proven to favor vendors whose core values include eco-consciousness. According to a Global Consumer Insights survey, 61% of millennials aged 27-32 are more likely to support companies that are conscious and supportive of protecting the environment.
  2. Financial benefit is also to gain through sustainability efforts – reducing operations costs and resource consumption can lead to more optimized finances and better overall fiscal health.
  3. Being sustainable does not only refer to the climate, but to operational efficiency as well. By streamlining operations, these companies are indeed helping to reduce emissions but are also improving their own workplace performance.

How have shipping companies already made changes?

We are starting to see the ways in which some small package and LTL shippers are already adopting climate actions. USPS has over 246, 000 vehicles travelling over a billion miles per year and are aware of the impact that can have on our planet. Some climate-minded solutions they have adopted are optimizing truck routes, ensuring loads are as full as possible before departing to reduce the number of trips needed, and planning to deploy more than 66,000 electric vehicles by the year 2028.

Other shippers have their own approach to sustainability. FedEx is aiming for carbon neutrality by the year 2040. One of their methods for achieving this goal has been to collaborate with a number of other eco-conscious companies. BrightDrop, who enable emissions-free deliveries with their electric delivery systems, is one of them. They have started a pilot program with FedEx Express that has allowed couriers to handle 25% more packages per day, thus optimizing resources.

How can you, as a business owner, help?

When choosing your shipping provider, ensure that they are keeping in mind all of the possible ways that they can optimize sustainability in their offerings. By working with providers who continuously value these goals, you are making a difference too.

In conclusion…

While operating sustainably can sometimes be logistically complex, any extra effort made by small package and LTL shippers will have a significant impact on the well-being of our climate.

 

 

Cal Wilson / October 15, 2024

Be honest about your work capacity

It can be very tempting to take on more than you have the time or energy for, especially at work. Everyone wants to do a good job, impress their colleagues, accomplish tasks, and make advancements. However, balancing these desires – whether they be ambition-based or people-pleasing in nature – with being realistic about your capacity is important to your success on the job. In this issue of the Pulse, we explore this balance.

Not being honest about your work capacity ends up being counterproductive.

Saying “yes” all the time may not make you the high-performer that you set out to be. There’s a good chance it will lead to such consequences as burnout, missed deadlines, resentment, and frustration. Ensuring you are only working within your capacity means that things will get done on time, you won’t feel perpetually stressed, and your workplace relationships will operate more smoothly.

If you’re looking to do good work, avoiding burnout is critical. Burnout is a is a special type of work-related stress, characterized by:

  • Reduced sense of accomplishment.
  • Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion.
  • Increased mental distance from one’s job.
  • Feelings of negativity and cynicism towards one’s job.
  • Loss of personal identity.
  • Reduced personal efficacy.

Consistently risking burnout by agreeing to more than you can realistically handle is a threat to your career and your physical and mental well-being.

Avoiding burnout isn’t the only benefit of being honest about your capacity.

This isn’t just preventative. There are other benefits to being honest about your workplace capacity. On top of maintaining the high quality of your work, it can also:

  • Build trust and transparency between you and your colleagues.
  • Promote more effective resource allocation across projects.
  • Contribute to a healthier workplace environment.

It is in your best interest, and the best interest of your whole team, to be upfront about what you can and cannot take on.

You don’t have to just say no.

Saying “yes” feels easier and more polite. Many of us have a sense of reluctance when it comes to saying no; fearing it will make us seem unhelpful, rude, or bad to work with. This doesn’t have to be the case. There are ways to state your boundaries without coming across as negative.

Again, it all comes down to that honesty piece. Explaining what you have on your plate, and that it isn’t a good time for you, but that you’d love to help when you can, is a constructive way of reiterating your capacity.

In conclusion…

Despite the pressure and desire to be a person who always says yes, it’s not the only way to be helpful. Honesty and transparency goes a long way in preventing burnout and increasing efficacy across your whole team.

Cal Wilson / October 7, 2024

How to assess a SaaS platform’s security.

More and more, businesses are migrating their operations onto the cloud. Software as a Service (SaaS) is becoming standard across all industries, and for a variety of functions. However, moving any sort of data online comes with the risk of data breach.  

This is no small fear. In 2023, IBM found the average data breach cost is $4.88 million USD – the highest that number has ever been.  

So how can your business make a proactive, safe decision when purchasing SaaS subscriptions? In this article, we take a look.  

When in doubt, ask. 

You’re likely working with a SaaS vendor or reseller who is an expert in their offerings. Ask them to explain the security and show proof. Some SaaS providers will even offer detailed security whitepapers or a more thorough security assessment upon request. If they can’t answer your questions, that’s a red flag.  

Likewise, client testimonials that speak to this area are never an unfair ask.  

Some questions to highlight. 

If you are talking to a vendor and don’t know what to ask, here are some questions to help guide the discussion: 

  • What sort of data encryption protocols does the platform follow? 
  • Is multi-factor authentication an option for user login? What about single sign-on? 
  • Does the platform allow granular permissions based on user roles? 
  • What is the vendor’s documented incident response process and how do they handle security breaches? 
  • What is the platform’s backup frequency, retention policy, and recovery time objective (RTO) in case of an outage? 
  • Do they have a vulnerability assessment for you to review? Do they conduct regular third-party penetration tests? 

Of course, depending on your industry and needs, there may be more to ask. But these questions are important when determining the strength of a platform’s security.  

Keep security certifications in mind.  

Industry standards mean that many SaaS applications should proudly disclose their security certifications. Some of the important ones to look out for include: 

  • ISO/IEC 27001 – the world’s best-known standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides companies of any size and from all sectors of activity with guidance for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an information security management system. Conformity with ISO/IEC 27001 means that a SaaS platform’s operations respect all the best practices and principles enshrined in this International Standard. 
  • SOC 2 Type II – the System and Organizations Control (SOC) framework’s series of reports offer some of the best ways to demonstrate effective information security controls. A SOC 2 Type II report confirms that a SaaS platform has robust controls for data security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. 
  • PCI DSS – any platform that handles payment card data should be PCI compliant, just like your business has to be.  

Again, this isn’t an exhaustive list, of course. Industry-specific certifications also exist and should be taken seriously. 

In conclusion… 

It’s critical that you assess any SaaS platform’s security before purchasing a subscription. Your business’ financial health and reputation depend on it. Asking the vendor tough questions and ensuring the necessary security accreditations are met is a strong first step in determining which platforms are safe for your business.  

Jessica Pett / September 23, 2024

Is tap-to-pay more secure?

Tap… and go!  

The ability to tap-to-pay has been around since 1995, where it was first introduced as a way to pay for public transportation. Over the years, many other adaptations have been born and in recent years, consumers have had the ability to keep their bank cards right at their fingertips. Contactless payment has become the most prevalent method across all consumer industries in recent years- largely due to its convenience factor. Whether it be on our smartphones or smart watches, consumers no longer even have to go into their wallets to make their purchases. But what does that mean for the security of our sensitive information? In this article, we take a look at what measures are in place to protect your personal data and what you can be doing to help yourself.  

Who oversees the protection of my mobile payment data?  

The PCI SSC (Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council) is the governing body over which standards in payment account data security are continuously created, implemented, monitored, and adjusted in an effort to protect consumers who use bank cards. Any type of business that handles payment card data needs to be PCI compliant.  

The four main ways that the PCI SSC help to keep your payments secure are by: 

  • Managing global payment security standards 
  • Validating and listing products and solutions that meet PCI SSC standards and program requirements 
  • Training, testing and qualifying security professionals and organizations 
  • Providing free best-practices and payment security resources 

Over time, the PCI SSC has deployed many different standards in keeping with the ever-changing technological landscape. One of their most recent standards deals with mobile payments specifically. With the introduction of the ability to use our phones and watches to make contactless payments, there was a need to adjust the standard. This new standard ensures that merchants who accept cardholder PINs or contactless payments using a smartphone, or other commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) devices, are maintaining compliancy requirements. 

Ok it’s technologically secure, but can theft still occur? 

Not only is it comforting to know that there is a governing body enforcing compliance when it comes to our financial privacy, but you may be surprised to know that experts have said that using ‘tap’ is physically the safest payment method currently available to us, as well. This goes for ‘tap’ using a credit or debit card and right from your smart device. 

Card theft and fraud in the past has typically happened physically, wherein, a card would be stolen and then used for fraud, card cloning, or other counterfeit tampering methods. Now, with the innovation of tap-to-pay, you can feel safer. Each time you make a purchase using ‘tap’, Near Field Communication (NFC) creates a unique, one-time code in order to transmit the customer’s account data to the merchant’s terminal, safely. That code ensures a secure communication between the two parties which significantly reduces the amount of risk you assume when making purchases this way. These same parameters go for tap-to-pay on your smart devices, but the level of security is even greater. 

Let’s talk about why. 

  • You no longer have a physical card to pull out of your wallet, eliminating the risk of dropping or losing your card and therefore disallowing the opportunity for theft or card-skimming to occur.  
  • Smart devices require either two-factor authentication, facial recognition or fingerprint recognition to access your payment cards. There is very little opportunity for theft or deception to occur with these restrictions in place.  
  • The only information being transmitted between the two devices is the unique one-time code. Your address, account numbers, name, etc. are not being shared. 

Do your part, too. 

Of course, there is always an exception to every rule, so it is important to do your part in protecting your information.  

  • Keep your devices up to date. New security measures are always being added to the new operating systems updates. By having the latest updates installed, you can feel comfortable knowing any bugs or dysfunctions have been improved upon or fixed.  
  • Be careful connecting to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is a technology that allows your devices to link to other Bluetooth-compatible devices. Wi-Fi networks that are public or unprotected can be risky to utilize as anyone can join them. These wireless connections leave room for hackers to gain access to your devices. Only join Wi-Fi networks and pair with Bluetooth devices that you trust.  
  • Keep your information to yourself. Never share payment details like credit card numbers, passwords, etc., via text message or email. Doing so will leave you vulnerable to all kinds of dangerous and malicious activity. 

In conclusion… 

While there are some dangers associated with using contactless payment methods, the overall consensus is that they are here to stay. Consumers enjoy the ease, convenience, and safety of tap-to-pay and even more so of mobile tap-to-pay. In the fast-moving pace of the world today, convenience is highly sought-after and using ‘tap’ is just one of the modern day conveniences we all enjoy. 

Jessica Pett / September 17, 2024

Overcoming the afternoon slump.

It happens to all of us in the workforce, a certain fatigue overcomes you; you check the time and low and behold, it’s 3:00 p.m.! It always happens around 3:00 p.m.- the dreaded afternoon slump. You wonder to yourself, ‘Did I have a bad sleep?’, ‘Did I forget to eat breakfast today?’, ‘Why am I so tired?’. You’ll be happy to know it’s not something you brought on yourself, its your circadian rhythm– your body’s internal clock.

Understanding your Internal Clock

All of us have a pretty similar clock; it runs on a 24-hour time period and dictates our sleep-wake cycle. Generally, we flip-flop between low and high energy cycles based on the time of day. We’re low when we wake up and are still feeling groggy, high when it hits mid-morning and after we’ve fuelled our bodies with breakfast, then our infamous mid-afternoon slump, followed by an early-evening high and then a final low before bed. Sound familiar? Certain factors can affect your circadian rhythm, like being a night-shift worker, daylight savings time, or having a baby keeping you up through the night, but for the most part, people typically experience their afternoon slump between 1:00-4:00 p.m.

How to Overcome It

The internet is certainly not short of tips and tricks for getting yourself through the afternoon, but here is a list of those backed by science:

  • Fitness break. Getting your body moving, your blood flowing, will cause your senses to sharpen and in turn, get you more focused. Go for a quick walk or do a few stretches – something that will get you on your feet and out of your office chair.
  • Don’t rely on caffeine to do the job. Christopher Barnes, an assistant professor at the University of Washinton, says caffeine really doesn’t consistently give you more energy. “The more dependent you are, the less benefit you gain from using it and the more you need it just to get to your normal level.” He suggests using caffeine strategically, like before a big meeting.
  • Listen to music. Just like you would use upbeat, fast-paced music to get pumped up for a workout, or slow, chill music to relax, it can be a useful tool in waking up your senses during that afternoon lull too.
  • Drink Fluids. Preferably water, but keeping your body hydrated plays a big roll in its performance, physically AND mentally.
  • Eat a proper breakfast. Just like the importance of staying hydrated is important, so is the way in which you fuel your body. Skimping on or skipping your morning meal means depriving yourself of essential nutrients that aid in your focus, communication, problem-solving and productivity.

While all of these are helpful tips, it is also important not to expect ourselves to be running at 100% capacity all day long. Author, Carson Tate says, “Just as you wouldn’t expect yourself to walk at a brisk pace for eight solid hours, you shouldn’t expect yourself to be focused or think strategically for that amount of time.” Understanding the way your body works and then adapting your productivity style to it, can be effective in preventing burnout. The afternoon slump is the perfect time to take on some of your simpler tasks and give your brain a second to relax and regroup.

In closing, remember to get up from your desk and get in some physical activity, listen to music that will pump you up, drink proper fluids and ensure you’ve nourished your body. Don’t work on important or highly intellectual tasks during the afternoon lull and don’t depend on caffeine to push you through the day. Keeping these in mind will give you the best shot at overcoming that mid-afternoon slump every day.

Jessica Pett / September 9, 2024

Addressing Size Inclusivity in Uniforms and Linens

Operating your business in a way that supports size inclusivity can be a crucial factor in achieving a positive team culture, attracting prospective employees, and in displaying one of your core values to customers and community members. Not to mention the plus-size industry is set to become a billion-dollar industry in the coming years. Seemingly small details like towels or staff uniforms can be small but effective ways to implement inclusive options into your business.  

Back to basics for your customers. 

It is common practice for businesses to experiment with ways to attract new clientele. When it comes to hotel chains for example, this often means more extravagant options, leaving things like the simple bath towel falling to the wayside. Towels have been a sore spot for some time when it comes to size inclusivity. How often have you been back in your accommodations after a long day, enjoying a nice warm shower, only to be met with what feels like a scratchy dishcloth to dry off with? If you’ve experienced this, you’re not alone. That scenario has become such a common occurrence that we have even seen a number of small businesses sprout up in recent years to provide solutions to this very problem. Let this be an example of how taking note of and implementing small changes for your customers can make a large impact in your business. 

Staff morale counts too! 

Your customers are not the only demographic crucial to the success of your business; an inclusive workplace for your staff can be a determining factor as well.  

According to a survey done by McKinsey & Company in 2020, “39% of respondents said that they have turned down or decided not to pursue a job because of a perceived lack of inclusion at an organization.”  While size-inclusive workwear has been improving in recent years, there is still much work to be done! Knowing you work for an inclusive company can make all the difference in personal confidence and in overall team culture. 

Barrier to inclusion. 

As with any shift in the standard, there are factors and complications to consider. Alternate sizing can require more fabric, multiple patterns needed, and more time spent perfecting each garment. All of those barriers will come into play as you reach out to your vendor to obtain a wider range in sizes as not all vendors will have implemented them. A ‘standard’ sizing chart typically goes up to 2X, however, we are starting to see uniform brands like Dickies extend into the plus size ranges too.  Working with your vendor to obtain a full size range for your staff could be a barrier you’ll need to face.  

So how can you ensure you are being size inclusive in your business?  

Remaining openminded and vigilant when it comes to knowing the market and ever-changing needs of both your clientele and your staff is the first step. Next, review your core values and adjust your budget, make adequate room to properly accommodate them. Also, communicate with your team to ensure that their needs are being heard and met. Finally, work with your vendors to explore the sizing possibilities that are right for your business’ specific needs. 

Cal Wilson / September 3, 2024

Workforce among CEOs’ top concerns right now

A recent survey from Gartner of over 400 CEOs found that most of these executives rank “workforce as their third most important business priority for 2024 to 2025, behind growth and technology.” What does this mean and how does it reflect changing business trends?  

In this issue of the Pulse, we take a look.  

What were Gartner’s findings?  

The results of Gartner’s recently published survey indicated that: 

  • 57% of CEOs are planning to increase investment in people and culture. 
  • 46% plan to increase investments in hiring.  

However, these numbers are slightly down from a similar survey taken in 2022, about the year ahead. The 2023 numbers suggested that:  

  • 69% of CEOs planned to increase investment in people and culture. 
  • 54% planned to increase investments in hiring 

What does this mean? Companies are investing more in AI and other technology to foster growth, meaning the post-pandemic trend of focusing on talent acquisition and retention is cooling down somewhat. However, its place as third most important priority says that finding and maintaining talent is still a concern.  

Leaders must balance these priorities.  

Investing in technology and growth is only doable if you have the workforce to sustain it. While new innovations and developments change the way we work, and change our reliance on technology, it’s important to never let investing in people fall by the wayside.  

This is especially important, as according to a new McKinsey report, “87% of executives have or expect skill gaps within their workforce over the next few years.” 

Luckily, there are ways companies can invest in their workforce to align with their other priorities. These include: 

  • ‘Upskilling’ or investing in employee skill development and ongoing learning.  
  • Fostering collaboration between teams with different skill sets and knowledge.  
  • Encouraging the development of soft skills, through mentorship and training opportunities. 
  • Thinking outside the box and looking at larger, more diverse pools of applicants when hiring.  

The worst thing leaders can do is neglect their workforce at this critical juncture, when integrating new tech with workers is so crucial to achieve that desired growth.  

In conclusion… 

While the workforce overall might not be CEOs’ number one priority in the coming year, it’s still a big one. And there are strategies companies can take to integrate investment in all their priorities for success.  

Cal Wilson / August 26, 2024

How and why do fleets use nitrogen for cooling trucks?

For fleets across several industries, nitrogen is a critical resource used in their daily operations. Cylinders of nitrogen are used for temperature control in trucks, ensuring safe transport of sensitive products, such as food, beverage, pharmaceuticals, and more.

How does this process work and why do fleets use nitrogen compared to alternatives? In this article, we take a look.

Fleets use cryogenic cooling.

The process through which nitrogen is used to cool trucks is called cryogenic cooling. During this process, nitrogen is stored at extremely low temperatures – think -320°F – and transported in insulated tanks, where it can be released into the cooling system of the truck’s cargo area. As the nitrogen evaporates, it absorbs a significant amount of heat from the environment, keeping the cargo area at the correct temperature for transporting those sensitive goods.

Why is this method chosen?

There are a lot of advantages to cryogenic cooling with nitrogen that make it attractive to companies. These include:

  • Efficiency – nitrogen cools a truck’s cargo space quickly and effectively, which is critical when transporting perishable goods.
  • Precision – nitrogen cooling systems allow for very precise temperature control, at a wide range of possible temperatures, making it ideal for goods that require that specificity.
  • Simple maintenance – nitrogen cooling systems typically are less complicated than traditional refrigeration systems, requiring less maintenance, and posing less risk of mechanical failure.
  • Noise reduction – nitrogen cooling systems operate almost silently, making them better for urban and nighttime deliveries, where sound is a concern.
  • Fuel cost reduction – cooling with nitrogen does not use a vehicle’s engine to operate, meaning it doesn’t use up diesel fuel.
  • Truckload optimization – because nitrogen cooling systems are smaller than traditional refrigeration systems, fleets can potentially load more product per trip.

Nitrogen cooling systems are also far more sustainable.

Another huge benefit of nitrogen cooling for fleets is the sustainability and reduced emissions. These days, companies must factor sustainability into their operations. Being able to pair sustainability with cost reduction is, therefore, a huge advantage for a fleet.

Unlike using a diesel counterpart, nitrogen cooling systems produce no direct emissions. In some cases, switching a refrigerated truck from diesel to nitrogen can reduce the vehicles overall emissions by 93%.

Are there disadvantages?

With so many advantages, nitrogen cooling systems may sound too good to be true. There are considerations in the ‘con’ column, too. These include:

  • A high upfront cost to switch to nitrogen cooling systems for a fleet’s existing trucks.
  • The hassle of ongoing nitrogen tank refills and storage, compared to just refilling on fuel.
  • Limited operating range – the cooling system is only operational as long as the nitrogen supply in the truck is stocked. Depending on the cooling requirements and cargo volume, liquid nitrogen may need to be refilled more frequently than diesel or electric refrigeration systems.
  • Handling risks – if drivers and workers aren’t trained properly, including frostbite, other injuries, oxygen displacement, and more.

While switching to nitrogen can offer huge benefits, it’s not a switch to make without consideration of these factors.

In conclusion…

Nitrogen cooling systems are quickly becoming a go-to solution for fleets that need to transport perishable goods. They have advantages and disadvantages, but their potential to reduce fuel costs and fuel emissions is a huge pull for fleet management.