Blog
Checkout our latest articles for further learning about what is happening in business.
Recently I was invited by my Delta Kappa Gamma Education Sorority to be the keynote speaker at our November meeting. Delta Kappa Gamma is an organization to promote professional and personal growth as educators and to unite women educators of the world in a genuine spiritual fellowship. I was asked...
Cold Stress
By: Jeremy Olivier, Lofton Safety Services
Jan 10, 2023
Cold weather and environments pose many hazards to those who work in these conditions. A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. What is considered “cold” can vary by region and individual. The following are some situations which need to be analyzed and addressed to...
Santa's Life Lessons
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Dec 20, 2022
It's Christmas time! There is always something special about this time of year. It’s a time of giving, receiving and good will. It’s a time for patience, joy, love, peace and generosity. Why does it seem that this spirit only happens once a year at Christmas? Wouldn’t it be nice to...
Peace on Earth, Good Will To Men
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Dec 13, 2022
Henry Longsworth Longfellow, one of the most famous and popular American poets of the 1800’s, is remembered for a variety of poems such as The Village Blacksmith, Evangeline and, Paul Revere’s Ride, but probably one of his most treasured works is the poem that became the lyrics for the popular...
Decorating Safety Tips
By: Jeremy Olivier, Lofton Safety Services
Dec 6, 2022
It's December and you know what that means...putting up decorations for the Holiday Season. The more zealous among us may have started much earlier. If you haven’t, here are some safe practices to keep in mind when decorating: Check your various lights and decorations before you hang or set them...
Bouncing Back From a Layoff
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Nov 29, 2022
Being laid off from a job is arguably the most traumatic experience you may face in your career. Even if the layoff was foreseen, a period of disorientation and emotional upheaval is sure to follow. Know this – you are not alone! Many people, no matter the industry, will find...
Holiday Travel Safety
By: Jeremy Olivier, Lofton Safety Services
Nov 15, 2022
This month ushers in the beginning of the holiday season which inevitably leads to increased travelling. Many will choose to fly, but many still will opt to drive to their chosen destination. I’d like to share some safety tips for those deciding to brave the road. Preparation is key...
Experiencing Hurricane Ian’s Path of Destruction in Florida
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Nov 8, 2022
As citizens of Louisiana, our family has experienced the devastation of many hurricanes. In one, our camp at Grand Isle was totally destroyed, in one a huge oak tree crashed through our bedroom roof, broke the canopy off our antique bed, the rain crinkled our wooden floor, and our electricity...
Time Blocking
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Sep 20, 2022
Time blocking is a method of time-management specifically engineered to help you control your schedule…before it can control you. While the concept is not new, there has been a resurgence in the topic. It even went viral on TikTok recently, attracting more than 3 million views. In this busy and...
9 Ways to Get Through a Difficult Day
From: Mary Dixon, Benefits Coordinator
Sep 13, 2022
Difficult days are inevitable. The thing is, we wouldn’t savor the joy of the good ones without them. Forcing yourself to turn the day around doesn’t always help and can add pressure. Instead, try acknowledging where you’re at, letting it be, and finding ways to introduce ease until you feel...
National Food Safety Education Month
By: Jeremy Olivier, Lofton Safety Services
Sep 6, 2022
Since September is recognized as National Food Safety Education Month, I’d like to share some safety tips for the kitchen. There are roughly 48 million cases of foodborne illness reported in the United States annually. These cases result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Because of this, the...
Timeless Principles in a Changing World
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Aug 30, 2022
It’s “back to school time” and once again the words of the old tune, “School Days,” written by Cobb and Edwards back in 1907 are echoing in my head… School days, school days, dear old Golden Rule Days, Readin’ and ‘ritin, and ‘rithmetic, taught to the tune of a hick-ry...
What Are Soft Skills?
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Aug 16, 2022
There is more to getting a job than having the right technical skills. With the tough economy and more people seeking the same job, candidates will need to have "soft skills." What are soft skills anyway? These are more personality-based skills than actual job skills, such as attitude, time management...
Getting Better
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Aug 9, 2022
As a classroom teacher, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students, to help them learn and grow. I cared deeply, but I soon learned that caring was not enough, so I set out to learn more about how people learn. In pursuit of knowledge, I even...
Preventing Heat Stroke
By: Jeremy Olivier, Lofton Safety Services
Aug 2, 2022
August is here, which means it’s HOT! On average, over 720 people die each year from heat related illness, all 100% preventable. Working in a hot, humid environment can be difficult or even fatal if you ignore the signs and symptoms of heat-related disorders. While our bodies have several ways...
The Role of a Resume
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Jul 19, 2022
I have asked these questions to job seekers on several occasions: “When do you use a resume? Do you need one to buy a car? How about to open a back account?” The answer to all is No. A resume’s ONLY use is when you are looking for employment. It is...
How to Deal with Failure
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Jul 12, 2022
No one likes to do a bad job or fail at a task, especially at work. When we do, it can be a bitter pill to swallow. But failure, as much as it hurts, is also a necessary part of life. It’s often the very pathway we need to reach...
July is UV Safety Month
By: Jeremy Olivier, Lofton Safety Services
Jul 5, 2022
July is UV Safety Month, and as the summer heats up, understanding the sun’s ultraviolet radiation becomes even more important. People need the sun. Just 15 minutes of sunlight to the arms, hands and face two to three times a week is enough to boost Vitamin D production in the...
Getting Better
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Jun 28, 2022
As a classroom teacher back in the 60's, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of students--to help them learn and grow. I cared deeply, but I soon learned that caring was not enough, and I set out to learn more about how people learn. In pursuit of...
How Small Businesses Can Recruit With Benefits
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Jun 21, 2022
It’s harder than ever for small and medium-sized businesses to compete and retain top talent. With the fierce competition for workers and a rise in salaries, larger companies can get creative in offering employee benefits where smaller companies just can’t compete. However, partnering with a staffing firm, like Lofton Staffing...
How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall?
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Jun 14, 2022
On Sunday, June 5, 2005, I sang in Carnegie Hall. Yes, as part of a 250-voice choir, I sang there, in Latin, Verdi's Requiem accompanied by the Manhattan Philharmonic Orchestra. In the audience, bearing witness to the fact, were two of my favorite supporters – my daughters-in-law, Cindy and Michelle...
Are You Prepared For Hurricane Season?
By: Jeremy Olivier, Lofton Safety Services
Jun 7, 2022
Hurricane season is upon us, running from June 1st to November 30th, so it’s time to get prepared. While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depressions also can be devastating, causing flooding from heavy rains. Severe weather, such as tornadoes, can cause extensive damage...
Refueling Safety
From: Jeremy Olivier, Lofton Safety Services
May 31, 2022
Spring is in the air, and with its arrival comes more time spent working in the yard. All internal combustion engines run on some type of fuel, and that includes lawn mowers, blowers and even some trimmers. Here are a few safety tips for refueling your equipment this spring: First...
Interview Tips – Part II
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
May 24, 2022
Interviewers will ask a variety of questions designed to determine if you are a good fit for their company. Some questions will be specific to your resume, while others will be general questions to test your ability to think on your feet. When dealing with interview questions, remember to answer...
Interview Tips – Part I
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
May 17, 2022
Congratulations! You landed an interview with a potential employer. Oh no! Now what? It’s not uncommon to get nervous when preparing for or thinking about your interview. The following tips will help alleviate the tension and get you prepared for anything! RESEARCH THE COMPANY. This is a key difference...
Improving Your Physical Security Plan
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
May 10, 2022
Security spending jumped an astonishing 233% in the first quarter of 2020. Why the growth? Businesses are spending more on preventative measures rather than the cost of pursuing and recovering from theft. Physical security is the protection of personnel, assets, and property from physical actions and events that could cause...
Healthcare Safety
From: Jeremy Olivier, Lofton Safety Services
May 3, 2022
The day-to-day hazards nurses face during a shift can include musculoskeletal injuries, trips and falls, sharp object punctures, infections and chemical exposure, not to mention mental health stress. Although not everything can be avoided, it helps to know what can happen to help prevent future injuries. RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH TIREDNESS...
Giving Every Employee a Voice
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Apr 26, 2022
Front-line employees are a company’s best line of defense. The employees, who spend their time in daily tasks, know the ins-and-outs of how the company operates. Most companies have a chain-of-command (Lead, Supervisor, Managers) for daily operations, but what if that chain has a “kink” in it? What if one...
Healthy Eating on the Go
From: Mary Dixon, Benefits Coordinator
Apr 19, 2022
Today’s families are more on the go than ever, spending many hours each week in the car, making it seem hard to make time for your family to eat healthy, nutritious foods. Increased time spent in the car has led many families to eat on the go. According to the...
Leaving a Legacy
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Apr 12, 2022
As I reflect on my birthday which was on March 27, I am reminded of the book, The Eighth Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness, written by Stephen Covey back in 2004. He wrote that as members of the human family, we share the universal need to "live, love, learn, and...
Private Security on the Rise
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Apr 5, 2022
If crime prevention for your business or event is at the top of your to-do list, you are not alone. Many businesses include security protection in their budgets to offset any potential financial losses due to theft. Security spending jumped an astonishing 233% in the first quarter of 2020. Why...
Living a Principled Life
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Mar 29, 2022
It’s basketball season again, and that makes me happy. I became a basketball fan in the fifth grade, when I served as part-time ball girl and scorekeeper for my dad, who coached the elementary and junior high basketball teams at Pride High School. From that time on, there was always...
Career Keys – Part III
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Mar 22, 2022
In Part III of Lofton’s Career Keys, we will dive further into perfecting your resume. In most job opportunities, this is your first step with the recruiter. If your resume does not have the information required, you will probably not get a call for an interview. TAILOR YOUR RESUME...
Career Keys – Part II
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing and Recruiting
Mar 15, 2022
Finding a job can be the most challenging undertaking anyone can experience. In most cases, presenting your resume is the first step with any potential employer. The following are tips on building a stand-out resume. A resume is a written summary of your past work experience, skills, certifications and accomplishments. ...
Career Keys – Part I
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Mar 8, 2022
Finding a job can be a challenging task. It is important to be prepared for the entire job-seeking process, from job searches, to networking, to research and the dreaded interview. Lofton Staffing Services is here to guide you through it all. Whether your background is in heavy industrial, office clerical...
Get Recruiters to Come to You
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Feb 22, 2022
Has this happened to you? You hear that your friend got a great new job, but they didn't even apply for it! Instead, they were contacted by a recruiter or headhunter. 94% of recruiters use social media in their recruitment efforts. When it comes to being noticed by potential employers...
Heart Healthy Foods
From: Mary Dixon, Benefits Coordinator
Feb 15, 2022
When it comes to your heart, what you eat matters. Follow these tips for heart-healthy eating: Eat less saturated fat. Cut back on fatty meats and high-fat dairy products. Limit foods like pizza, burgers, and creamy sauces or gravy. Cut down on sodium (salt). Read the Nutrition Facts label and...
2021 Workplace Safety Index
From: Jeremy Olivier, Lofton Safety Services
Feb 8, 2022
From back injuries to broken bones, the top 10 causes of workplace injuries cost U.S. businesses more than $1 billion a week. Workplace injuries are not limited to high-risk industries such as manufacturing and construction. Disabling injuries can occur on any job, making workplace safety a top concern for employers...
The Ins and Outs of a Staffing Partner
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Jan 25, 2022
Congratulations on hiring Lofton Staffing as your company’s staffing provider! If your company is new to staffing, the process can be a bit confusing. What exactly is your role as the client? How long does it take? What does the company need to provide? Below are some basic guidelines for...
Build a Better World
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Jan 18, 2022
It’s 2022. With everything we have been through in 2020 and 2021, we all need a fresh start. Whether it’s the start of a new diet, the start of a new project, or the start of returning to work, this is the time of year for change. This year, instead...
Choosing Slip-Resistant Footwear
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Jan 11, 2022
Recently, my daughter accepted a position at a local veterinary clinic. Besides having to order scrubs as part of her uniform, she needed slip-resistant shoes. My thought…aren’t all shoes slip-resistant? Apparently, there is a host of slip-resistant footwear on the market, and choosing the right one for the conditions can...
Reflecting on 2021
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Jan 4, 2022
Ah, a new year! The perfect time for a start fresh. We typically make new plans and say “This is the year I will [insert resolution here]. We tend to think, “This year will be better.” We focus on what was so bad last year, and think “I want it...
Life Lessons from Santa
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Dec 21, 2021
There is something special about this time of year. It’s a time of giving, receiving and good will. It’s a time for patience, joy, love, peace and generosity. Why does it seem that this spirit only happens once a year? Wouldn’t it be nice to operate with a generous heart...
Office Christmas Parties
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Dec 14, 2021
One of the highlights of the working year is the annual office Christmas party. I know it is one of my favorite events at Lofton. It’s a time to socialize and have fun with co-workers, superiors, and owners, but making a fool of yourself is something to avoid at all...
Networking For Shy People
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Dec 7, 2021
Networking is simply an exchange of information and ideas with people in informal or formal settings. It’s getting to know new people who share your career interests and letting them get to know you. But here’s the paradox: how do you network when you are a naturally shy person? Networking...
Coping with Anxiety – Long Term Strategies
From: Mary Dixon, Benefits Coordinator
Nov 30, 2021
If anxiety is a regular part of your life, it’s important to find treatment strategies to help you keep it in check. It might be a combination of things, like talk therapy and meditation, or it might just be a matter of cutting out or resolving your anxiety trigger. If...
How to File Alphabetically
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Nov 23, 2021
Every business must develop and maintain an organized way to store written communication, such as reports, letters, purchase orders, memorandums, order forms, invoices, and other information so that it is available for efficient retrieval or reference. This method of storing records is called filing. While there are a number of...
Are You a Tigger or an Eeyore?
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Nov 16, 2021
I grew up as a huge fan of A.A. Milne’s Winnie the Pooh series. The magical world of Christopher Robbin’s Hundred Acre Wood included a variety of characters with vastly different personalities: Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, Owl, Kanga, Rabbit and little Roo. Each character has unique traits, but...
Deer Hunting Safety
Nov 9, 2021
It’s that time of year...deer hunting. Whenever a firearm is involved with any activity, there is a potential for an accident to occur if the firearm is not handled responsibly. Hunting safety should be an ongoing development of skills and attitude over the lifetime of the hunter. When it comes...
How much is employee turnover costing you?
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Nov 2, 2021
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average direct cost for a new employee is $57,967.88 including basic wages, benefits, and taxes. Once you add in costly overtime during the vacancy of the position, recruiting and advertising costs, as well as screening and testing costs, this number can...
Adding an AED to Your Workplace Emergency Plan
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Oct 26, 2021
You never know how much you need an AED, until you need one. Four years ago, a family in Texas was dinning out at a local hotel restaurant when suddenly a 70-year-old man fell back in his chair, lifeless. An employee quickly grabbed the hotel’s AED. “None of us knew...
When Life Gives You Scraps
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Oct 19, 2021
As I skimmed the paper this week, watched TV, listened to the radio, and even attended the first Saints game in New Orleans (wearing masks), nothing seemed to diminish the ongoing problems in America and worldwide. Headlines and bylines read "COVID Virus Spreading like Wildfire," "Crash at Kabul airport kills...
Benefits of Taking Temporary Jobs
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Oct 12, 2021
Many job seekers shy away from temporary work. They either fear that it will affect their track record of long-term positions, or they view temporary jobs as low-end labor that won’t align with their chosen field. So what is the benefit of taking temporary jobs? Temporary Jobs Help New...
October is Fire Prevention Month
Oct 5, 2021
The U.S. Fire Administration reports that fires kill more than 4,000 Americans each year and injure approximately 20,000 more. Fire departments in this country respond to nearly 2 million fires each year, with three-quarters of them occurring in residences. In a fire, mere seconds can mean the difference between a...
Six Principles to Live and Work By
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Sep 28, 2021
Within each of us is a kind of mental computer – an automated system that eases the responsibility of decision-making in simple situations. This programming begins at a very young age. For example, we are taught as children not to touch hot things, i.e., candles, stoves, fire, etc. It creates...
Creating a Facility Security Plan
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Sep 21, 2021
From prevention to reporting, security officers have a variety of responsibilities, but the primary goal is protecting the property of the employer. These officers are frequently positioned as the first line of defense for businesses and sites against external threats, intrusion and vulnerabilities to the property and its assets. However...
Incorporating More Veggies
From: Mary Dixon, Benefits Coordinator
Sep 14, 2021
Including vegetables in your meals is extremely important. Veggies are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, which boost your health and help fight off disease. Additionally, they’re beneficial for weight management due to their low-calorie content. Below are a few unique ways you can incorporate vegetables into your eating plan, so...
Meetings For the Sake of Meeting
By: Julie East, Corporate Marketing & Recruiting
Aug 31, 2021
At one time in my career I held a management role for a corporation that was very formal. Policies were in place for everything, even for such seemingly trivial details like what types of beverages were allowed on the property. (I don’t mean alcohol; the policies restricted everyday soft drinks...
Risks of Too Much Sugar
From: Mary Dixon, Benefits Coordinator
Aug 24, 2021
From tomato sauce and barbecue sauce, to peanut butter and jelly, added sugar can be found in even the most unexpected products. Many people rely on quick, processed foods for meals and snacks. Since these products often contain added sugar, it makes up a large proportion of daily calorie intake...
Customer Service is Still King
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Aug 17, 2021
We all have that one story of THE WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE you have ever received! It spreads like wildfire! It doesn’t matter what your business model is – manufacturing, shipping, logistics, legal and, of course, retail – customer service is a very large part of the success or failure of...
Living in an Uncertain World
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Aug 10, 2021
In 1969, when Bret and Bart were small, after many months of looking, Tommy purchased our first boat--a used, 15-foot pleasure boat with a deep V and a 100-horsepower engine. It was the beginning of many adventures and a few "mis"adventures--primarily on our annual, week-long trip to Bridgeside Motel and...
Summer Hazards
By: Steve Ham, Lofton Safety Services
Aug 3, 2021
Summer is upon us and so are the dangers that come with the outdoors. Know what to do if you encounter one of the following common summertime hazards: Heatstroke Heatstroke happens when the body temperature rises to 104 F or higher. Symptoms include: altered mental state, nausea or vomiting...
Paying Off Debt During a Pandemic
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Jul 27, 2021
Many Americans are drowning in debt. In the fourth quarter of 2020, consumer debt exceeded $14.3 trillion. With a pandemic and economic recession, this financial burden can cause stress, sleepless nights, and heated arguments in the household. So how can average Americans get out from under this weight? It’s done...
Best Ways to Rehydrate Quickly
From: Mary Dixon, Benefits Coordinator
Jul 20, 2021
It’s important to rehydrate after any activity that causes heavy sweating, such as an intense workout or hot yoga class. Rehydrating is also crucial for preventing the damaging effects of dehydration which can be caused by the stomach flu or a night of drinking. Read on for the signs and...
How to Deal with Pandemic Pessimist?
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Jul 13, 2021
The pandemic has brought many hardships to businesses, from shutdowns and restrictions, to layoffs and price hikes. According to a Staffing Industry report, only 30% of adults plan to stay in their current jobs post-pandemic. Now that a bit of normalcy is around the corner, how do you guide and...
Preparing For Storm Season
By: Steve Ham, Lofton Safety Services
Jul 6, 2021
With life slowly getting back to normal, it’s hard to think about another potential disaster. However, hurricane season is upon us, running from June 1st to November 30th, so it’s time to get prepared. While hurricanes pose the greatest threat to life and property, tropical storms and depressions can also...
Keeping Up With the Jones Girls – Revisited Again!
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Jun 29, 2021
In 2001, not long after I started writing monthly articles for Lagniappe, I wrote an article about the "four Jones Girls" as they came to be known, who grew up literally in the backwoods of Winn Parish: Elois, now 100; my mom, Hazel, who the others are still mad at...
When Bad Managers Lose Good People
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Jun 22, 2021
At one time or another, everyone has experienced the sense of dread that accompanies going to work when a bad manager has made your job feel miserable. Did you stay or did you leave because of that bad manager? Recruiting good employees is a costly endeavor. Companies invest a...
Get Outside! It’s Good For You!
From: Mary Dixon, Benefits Coordinator
Jun 15, 2021
Many people spend workdays indoors under fluorescent lights and in front of computers, then return home to bask in the glow of television screens. But research suggests it’s important to make time to get outdoors as well, since doing so is beneficial — maybe essential — for human health. ...
Hearing Safety in the Workplace
By: Steve Ham, Lofton Safety Services
Jun 8, 2021
The best protection to help you with potential hearing loss in the workplace is to eliminate the hazard. So how loud does the noise need to be to damage a person’s hearing? Hearing loss can occur when exposed to 85 decibels of noise over 8 hours. Normal conversations typically occur at...
Your Social Media Self
By: Julie East, Corporate Marketing & Recruiting
May 25, 2021
Social media is one of the most popular online activities. In 2020, over 3.6 billion people use some type of social media worldwide. From personal sites like Facebook, Snapchat, WhatsApp, TikTok and Instagram, to professional sites like LinkedIn, your social media self is speaking on your behalf, whether you like...
Security Options: Adding a Higher Level of Security
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
May 18, 2021
As business owners and managers, you know the importance of keeping your business running efficiently. There are so many factors to consider: Inventory, Cost, Merchandising, Advertising, Overhead, Fixed Costs, and the list goes on. What about security? WHAT DETERS BURGLARY Most security professionals will say that installing surveillance cameras...
Workplace Injury Statistics
From: Steve Ham, Lofton Safety Services
May 11, 2021
Did you know that private industry employers reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2019? The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics published the following occupations that had the highest incidence rates per 10,000 full-time workers: Nursing assistants Tractor-trailer and heavy truck drivers Laborers and freight, stock, and...
Do You Talk To Yourself?
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
May 4, 2021
I am one of those people who talks to myself on a regular basis. Not full conversations, mind you, but simple pep-talks or reminders to myself. “Julie, don’t forget to send that email invite.” Or, “Julie, be sure to put the pot of water on to boil first.” So is...
Live Like You Were Dying
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Apr 27, 2021
Because of the COVID virus and more time spent at home, I decided this would be a good time to go through all the "stuff" I've collected over the years. To my delight, I found things I'd forgotten I had. One was a book published in 2004 titled, Live Like...
The Impact of the Stimulus and Tax Season on Employment and Employers Trying to Hire
From: Carl Carver, Vice President
Apr 20, 2021
As the coronavirus restrictions have continued, the economic outlook continues to be “cloudy.” A triple storm of stimulus checks, unemployment benefits and tax refunds may affect millions of people who could be out of work for far longer than expected. So, how might these three storms converge to impact businesses...
Protecting the Safety of Temporary Workers
From: Steve Ham, Lofton Safety Services
Apr 13, 2021
According to the United States Department of Labor, the extent of responsibility under the law of staffing agencies and host employers is dependent on the specific facts of each case. Staffing agencies and host employers are jointly responsible for maintaining a safe work environment for temporary workers - including ensuring...
Eating Healthy on the Go
From: Mary Dixon, Benefits Coordinator
Apr 6, 2021
Eating fast food doesn’t mean you have to down a fatty cheeseburger and salty fries. These days, there are a variety of menu options where you can find healthier picks and many fast-food restaurants also have their menus, with calorie counts, online. Knowing healthier options before you make that drive...
Maximize Workplace Downtime
By: Julie East, Corporate Marketing & Recruiting
Mar 30, 2021
In my early career, I worked at a national ice cream store. As you can imagine, there is a lot of downtime between customers. I am not one of those people who can just stand around. The old saying, “If you have time to lean, you have time to clean,”...
Just Put it All in God’s Hands
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Mar 23, 2021
When I was in the ninth grade, I had an English teacher who not only instilled in me a love for writing, but also helped me appreciate the work of other writers by requiring us to memorize quotes from literature. One quote that comes quickly to mind during times of...
Boosting Your Energy in the Morning
From: Mary Dixon, Benefits Coordinator
Mar 16, 2021
Morning fatigue is normal for many people. While it is important to focus on underlying causes to ensure good quality sleep, there may be ways to energize the body and help someone feel more awake in the mornings. Here are a few tips: DRINKING WATER Try drinking water first...
Why Private Security?
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Mar 9, 2021
If crime prevention for your business or event is at the top of your to-do list, you are not alone. Many businesses include security protection in their budgets to offset any potential financial losses due to theft. Private Security companies, like Lofton Security Service, provide skilled Security Officers who are...
Keep Your Head Warm This Winter
By: Steve Ham, Lofton Safety Services
Mar 2, 2021
When working outside or in a cold environment, you want to stay warm. Using a nice winter hat can help keep your body at a balanced temperature. Winter hats are not only available in variety of styles, but are made from different types of material. Acrylic and wool are two...
Making a To-Do List
By: Julie East, Corporate Marketing & Recruiting
Feb 23, 2021
Not everyone runs on lists. People can use checklists for all sorts of things: grocery shopping, holiday shopping, packing for vacation, keeping track of homework assignments, or onboarding new hires. Lists can be very useful in a business setting when dealing with highly complicated and collaborative projects. For those who struggle with time...
Winter Slips & Falls
By: Steve Ham, Lofton Safety Services
Feb 16, 2021
When it comes to protecting employees and guests in these winter months, taking a few safety measures at your facility can help reduce workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims. ANTI-SLIP FOOTWEAR! The trouble with cold feet is that you can’t be safe just by keeping them warm. It’s all...
Online Job Board Pitfalls
By: Julie East, Corporate Marketing & Recruiting
Feb 9, 2021
Recruiting for open positions can be very challenging, especially for smaller companies. You hear the ads all the time! “Post your job and get candidates that fit your position!” So if these online boards are so perfect, what is the benefit of using a staffing firm instead of just posting...
Do Good Anyway
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Feb 2, 2021
As most of you know, I began my career as a second grade teacher in a small neighborhood school. As a teacher, I always put a major emphasis on students' writing. Not only did it help students develop reading and thinking skills, but the thoughts of children brightened my day...
Driving in Cold and Wet Weather
By: Steve Ham, Lofton Safety Services
Jan 26, 2021
According to AAA, cold and wet road conditions contribute to nearly 1.2 million traffic accidents each year. Winter driving conditions such as rain, snow, and ice dramatically affect the braking distance of a vehicle. For your safety and peace of mind, become acquainted with the following tips for safe driving in...
Benefits of Using an Executive Search Firm
By: Julie East Corp. Marketing & Recruiting and Liz Gardner, Executive Search Division
Jan 19, 2021
Even the most experienced HR Manager will tell you that filling executive roles in their organization can be challenging and daunting. Today’s leadership roles require a professional with a specific mix of skills and experience aimed at taking your organization to the next level. Equally as important is ensuring any...
Increasing Your Energy at Work
By: Julie East, Corporate Marketing & Recruiting
Jan 12, 2021
When I get to the office, I grab a cup of coffee and hit the ground running! My energy level first thing in the morning is at a high. By mid-afternoon, however, that changes, and just like my phone, I need recharging. Energy is the basis for all that I...
Random Acts of Kindness
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Jan 5, 2021
I was in heavy traffic last week – the kind of traffic only a holiday can provide: bumper-to-bumper, tense drivers, colorful gestures….You get the idea. A few vehicles ahead of me, a woman in a silver car was trying to pull out of the shopping center into traffic, but the...
End of Year Planning
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Dec 29, 2020
The end of the year is the perfect time for reflection, both personally and professionally. It also affords a great opportunity to sit down with your team and discuss the positive and negative impacts on the company for the past year, as well as the overall challenges and accomplishments. Whether...
Life Lessons From Santa
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Dec 22, 2020
There is something special about this time of year. Even with the COVID virus, stay-at-home orders, limited get-togethers, you can still feel that spirit it in the air. It’s a time of giving, receiving and good will. But why does this happen only once a year? Santa has good life...
Choosing Faith Over Fear
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Dec 15, 2020
When I retired in 1999 after 33 years of employment, Tommy thought I had retired too young so he decided, in keeping with the Lofton tradition, "to put me to work" by writing an article for the company newsletter...and I have loved doing it! Often I have written about past...
Finding a Good Hire During the Pandemic
By: Julie East, Corporate Marketing & Recruiting
Dec 8, 2020
You see it all over the news and social media – companies laying off employees or closing altogether due to the pandemic shutdowns. Certain industries in particular, like tourism and hospitality, have been impacted more than others as a result of shelter-in-place and social distancing practices. According to Indeed.com, as...
Holiday Electrical Safety
By: Steve Ham, Lofton Safety Services
Dec 2, 2020
December is here! It’s the season to trim the tree and make your home merry and bright with those twinkling lights. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, nearly 400 household fires each year are caused by holiday lights and decorations. As you get those boxes of Christmas decorations and try...
Slow Down. Enjoy Life!
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Nov 24, 2020
Have you noticed that people seem to always be in a rush? We live in a unique time in history where we, as a species, enjoy less toil in everyday life. We have automated countless things from cooking, shopping, and driving, to global communication and the numerous tasks in the...
The Dangers of Deep Frying Turkeys
By: Steve Ham, Lofton Safety Services
Nov 17, 2020
Thanksgiving and turkeys go hand-in-hand for many people throughout the U.S., but with that comes many dangers. Every year deep-fryer fires are responsible for 5 deaths, 60 injuries, the destruction of 900 homes, and more than $15-million in property damage, according to the National Fire Protection Association. So before you...
God Bless America - Again
By: Glenda Lofton, Ph.D.
Nov 10, 2020
Back in 2016, I was invited and proud to become a charter member of The National WWII Museum in New Orleans in honor of my dad, Gordon Crosby Gaar, Jr., who as noted in my June article was a Navy veteran of the war and suffered a critical head injury...
Making a Security Plan: What works best for your facility?
By: Julie East, Corp. Marketing & Recruiting
Nov 3, 2020
From prevention to reporting, security officers have a variety of responsibilities, but the primary goal is protecting the property of the employer. These officers are frequently positioned as the first line of defense for businesses and sites against external threats, intrusion and vulnerabilities to the property and its assets. However...