Soni Q3 Newsletter

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an increase of 206,000 in nonfarm payroll employment in June. The unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.1% from 4.0% in May. Job gains were observed in government (+70,000 jobs), health care (+49,000 jobs), social assistance (+34,000 jobs), and construction (+27,000 jobs).

However, the number of long-term unemployed rose by 166,000 to 1.5 million. The labor force participation rate held steady at 62.6%. These mixed signals indicate a steady labor market that may be cooling slightly. The Federal Reserve is closely watching for signs of weakness that could impact future interest rate decisions.

What Employers Need to Know

June's jobs report has several implications for employers:

1. Narrow Labor Market: Despite the increase in unemployment, the labor market remains relatively tight, particularly for skilled positions. Industries such as health care, government, and construction saw significant job growth, indicating strong demand in these sectors.
2. Challenges in Hiring: Employers may continue to face challenges in finding skilled talent. The persistent demand for roles in health care, social assistance, and construction suggests that competition for qualified candidates in these fields remains high.
3. Wage Pressures: With a tight labor market, employers might need to offer higher wages or additional benefits to attract and retain employees. This is especially pertinent as the report noted increases in employment in high-demand sectors.
4. Strategic Adjustments: Companies might need to adjust their hiring strategies, focusing on retention and possibly increasing investment in training programs to develop internal talent. The concept of the “Big Stay,” where employees feel content in their current roles and are less likely to change jobs, emphasizes the importance of maintaining employee satisfaction.
5. Monitoring Economic Trends: Employers should keep an eye on broader economic trends and Federal Reserve policies, as potential interest rate cuts could impact business investment and hiring plans.

Looking for new opportunities? Check out the Soni Career Page.

Most In-Demand Skills From Employers

by Soni's Sydney Esposito

To identify this year’s most sought-after skills, LinkedIn analyzed 1 billion members' data across 200 regions globally. This analysis of the results explores the most highly in-demand skills sought by employers across all industries. Whether you're a professional looking to refresh your resume or a job seeker aiming to enter the workforce, understanding and cultivating these skills can improve your career prospects and give you an edge in today's competitive job market.

1. Communication: Effective communication remains pivotal in today's hybrid work environment where email, video conferencing, instant messaging, and social media all present diverse communication methods. Professionals who can articulate ideas clearly, listen actively, and connect with teams across these channels are highly valued. They foster understanding, build trust, and ensure alignment within remote or large teams.
2. Customer Service: As AI transforms customer service, human-centric skills such as empathy and active listening remain irreplaceable. Prospective employees who can create positive customer experiences, resolve issues effectively, and build long-term relationships are crucial for sustaining customer loyalty..
3. Leadership: Strong leadership is essential for organizational growth. Effective leaders inspire and motivate teams, provide clear direction, and cultivate a culture of teamwork and collaboration. They adapt to change, empower their teams, and drive initiatives that align with company goals.
4. Project Management: Skilled project leaders are indispensable for maintaining organization in a complex workflow with many moving parts. They oversee project timelines, budgets, and resources, ensuring results meet quality standards and expectations. Effective project managers possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to mitigate risks proactively.
5. Management: Management focuses on operational efficiency, resource allocation, and achieving measurable outcomes. Managers ensure day-to-day tasks are executed effectively and that teams remain productive. They implement strategies to optimize processes, manage performance, are are results-driven.
6. Analytics: In an era driven by data, proficiency in data literacy and analytics is vital for employees across various industries. Professionals who can collect, analyze, and interpret data effectively can gain insight that drives informed decision-making. They utilize analytics tools and techniques to identify trends, optimize processes, and enhance business performance.
7. Teamwork: Strengthening collaboration skills is crucial as teams adapt to new working paradigms, including remote, hybrid, or agile environments. Effective team players contribute proactively, communicate openly, and respect diverse perspectives.
8. Sales: Sales skills such as relationship-building, negotiation, and leveraging AI are essential for driving business success in competitive markets. Sales professionals who understand customer needs and utilize technology to enhance sales processes can effectively generate leads, close deals, and nurture long-term client relationships.
9. Problem-Solving: Prospective employees who can analyze complex issues, evaluate alternatives, and propose innovative solutions demonstrate adaptability. They anticipate potential obstacles, address root causes, and implement strategies to meet goals.
10. Research: Proficiency in utilizing AI and research methodologies enables professionals to use information resources effectively. Researchers who can gather, analyze, and synthesize data from diverse sources contribute valuable insights that inform decision-making and support innovation.

These skills collectively empower prospective employees to navigate dynamic work environments, drive organizational success, and adapt to evolving industry demands in an increasingly digital and interconnected world. Employers prioritize candidates who demonstrate a combination of technical expertise, soft skills, and a proactive approach to learning and development.

This quarter, Soni's own Justin Aman conquered a three-day race held at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in New Jersey. The event, organized as part of the New Jersey Trail Series, tested participants' physical and mental limits over 72 grueling hours, beginning at 9:00 AM on Thursday and concluding at 9:00 AM on Sunday.

Justin, a seasoned runner with a decade of experience, showcased his resilience throughout the race, which allowed competitors to accumulate mileage at their own pace. Justin pushed himself to achieve an impressive 141 miles by the race's end!

Balancing his passion for running with a full-time job and a family of five children, Justin committed to his rigorous early morning training routine. He expressed gratitude for the support of his family, who played a pivotal role in his preparation and recovery. Justin described the mental fortitude required to endure sleep deprivation and the monotony of the one-mile looped course, yet found solace in the supportive and encouraging messages he received throughout the race from Soni team members across the country.

Upon completing the race, Justin returned to work promptly on Monday, embodying his commitment to both his professional career and his athletic endeavors.

Justin's journey into long-distance running began a decade ago as a means to maintain his competitive spirit. Over the years, it evolved into a passion for endurance events, including multiple 100-mile races. Justin achieved his personal best in 2019, surpassing 180 miles in another three-day race. His experience serves as a testament to the personal growth and resilience gained through pushing physical and mental boundaries.

As Justin continues his running journey, he remains inspired by the lessons learned from each race, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving ambitious goals. "We're capable as people of much more than we think we are. If you really find time and passion and dedication to something, it's amazing what we're able to accomplish. I take that lesson and incorporate that into my life and my work and everything I do."

This quarter, Soni New York was thrilled to welcome a new Market Director of Soni Pro, Lawrence Klein . Larry is a 12-year veteran of the staffing, recruitment, and consulting services space. A former practicing attorney, Larry brings experience having led sales and delivery teams focusing on administrative and legal support, and professional services on a regional, multi-market and local market basis. Throughout his career, Larry has been called upon as a consultant, subject matter expert, and panel speaker on topics including strategic staffing and recruitment, human capital management, compensation, as well as market and workplace trends. Larry graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The State University of New York at Albany, and received a law degree from Brooklyn Law School.

On his new role, Larry shares, "I’ve been aware of Soni’s strategic growth and ambitious goals for several years, watching Soni’s journey from the outside. I’m excited to join Soni as a Market Leader in New York and thrilled to be surrounded by accomplished staffing industry veterans and top performers across Soni’s brands. The future is bright as our teams go to market with a collaborative and strategic mindset."

Larry is a lifelong New York and New Jersey resident. He and his wife have two children who are actively involved in local and travel sports. Larry loves going to concerts, enjoys cooking and is an avid sport fan - his favorite team is the Mets.

Soni is thrilled to announce the launch of Soni Tech in the vibrant Denver market! Leading this team will be John Crouse , a leader with past experience in staffing and recruitment, as well as technology consulting and services mainly within the A.I. space.  John brings with him a background of working closely with technology clients and leading high performing teams in the Denver Tech Market.

Expressing his enthusiasm, John shares, “I am very excited to be embarking on this journey with Soni in my home of Denver. While it was difficult to leave an area as relevant as A.I. at the moment, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be a part of this world class organization, because I see how needed Soni is in the tech market here in Denver, and had to answer the call. I can't wait to start bring the Soni difference to my clients here in Denver and beyond!”

In John’s leisure time, you can find John hiking, biking, running, paddleboarding or camping with his fiancée Kayla, and their goldendoodle Cozmo.

We are thrilled to introduce Sara Ferraioli as our new Market Vice President at Soni Boston. With over two decades of extensive experience in the staffing industry, Sara has successfully managed teams for renowned national brands and local divisions in Boston. With her profound understanding of the industry and the Boston market, Soni is excited to have her join our team as a market leader.

"I'm excited about the opportunity to help strengthen the Soni brand within the Boston market, and to contribute to the continued growth of such a dynamic organization."

Summer Fridays

As the warm embrace of summer approaches, companies like Soni are prioritizing employee well-being with the introduction of Summer Fridays. This initiative allows employees to enjoy early finishes on Fridays throughout the summer months, promoting a healthier work-life balance.

Soni recognizes that a refreshed and motivated workforce is crucial for productivity and creativity. Employees can utilize this extra time to recharge and pursue personal interests.

Research shows that flexible work arrangements, such as Summer Fridays, contribute positively to employee happiness and overall job satisfaction. It reduces burnout, increases productivity in the days leading up to the weekend, and fosters a more positive workplace culture.

Summer Fridays present an attractive incentive for recruiting new talent, especially for younger generations entering the workforce. Notably, Generation Z have distinct preferences regarding work, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and prioritizing work-life balance.

At Soni, Summer Fridays are not just about an early escape—it's about investing in our people. It's a testament to our belief that a balanced life outside of work leads to more engaged and motivated teams.

Volunteer Days

This quarter, Soni Nashville had an opportunity to volunteer with the Second Harvest Food Bank. Soni team members spent an entire day serving their local community, and were able to sort over 2,000 pounds of food!

Soni has five specialized brands that work across industries and functional areas to provide strategic staffing solutions.

We are here to support you and your department with any direct hire, project-based, or temporary staffing needs. If you or someone in your department is looking to hire, please contact Alicia Riggio at ariggio@soniresources.com or (646) 688-3020.

If you are interested in exploring your next career opportunity, visit the Soni Career Page.