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Imagine: At the end of the month, you not only feel good, but you also have a financial buffer left over. In a demanding professional life with new projects, growing areas of responsibility or changing requirements, it is crucial to keep an eye on your own financial health. By planning cleverly and integrating small routines into your everyday life, you can reduce stress and create more long-term security for your career.

In this article, you will learn how to better manage your finances with simple tricks, which savings tips really work, and how smart planning can help you stay in control even in uncertain times.

Basics: keeping track of income and expenses

The first step towards greater financial stability is to get an overview. Make a note of your fixed income on a regular basis and compare it with your monthly expenses. Especially if you work in changing roles or receive shift allowances, it helps to keep a financial diary. This allows you to identify early on where you can save money and which costs add up.

Another helpful step is to realistically assess your own income. Many employees do not know exactly how much net income actually ends up in their account after taxes and deductions. Use our salary calculator – it shows you transparently what you can expect each month and makes your planning much easier.

Money-saving tips for everyday working life

It is often the small adjustments that make the biggest difference in the long run. With a few clever routines, you can significantly reduce your everyday work expenses without having to sacrifice comfort:

• Commuting: Check whether a job ticket or a monthly pass is cheaper than single tickets. Carpooling is also a good way to share costs. Cycling not only saves money, but also improves your health and fitness.

• Lunch break: Home-cooked meals are usually cheaper and healthier. Plan your meals in advance and prepare larger portions that you can freeze in portions. Stocking up on healthy snacks also prevents expensive and unhealthy impulse purchases.

• Home office: Be mindful of your energy consumption. Switch off devices completely when you are not using them and opt for energy-saving technology. A smart socket or timer can help to reduce consumption even further.

• Coffee & drinks: Daily coffee-to-go quickly adds up. Bringing your own thermos mug or French press to the office saves money. The same applies to water – a reusable bottle and tap water are inexpensive and sustainable.

• Work materials: Keep track of what you really need. Companies often provide work materials such as notebooks, pens and technology. Take advantage of these offers before spending your own money.

• Check insurance & benefits: Some employers offer employees discounts, subsidies or even bonus programmes that provide financial benefits – for example, for gyms, lunches or mobility. Find out what options you can take advantage of – this will directly ease the strain on your budget.

Budget planning with a buffer

Forward planning is crucial for professional success. Set a basic monthly budget that covers your fixed costs. Use anything above that to build up a buffer. Even small reserves can make a difference when unexpected expenses arise.

Digital helpers: tools and apps

Use digital tools to keep track of things. Free household budget apps or banking apps with budget functions show you in real time how much money you have already spent. If you prefer a more traditional approach, you can also use simple spreadsheets in Excel or Google Sheets. The important thing is that the tool suits your everyday life and is maintained regularly.

Conclusion: small steps for long-term stability

Financial health is not achieved by taking big leaps, but by taking small, continuous steps in your professional life. Keeping track of your income and expenses, following everyday savings tips and planning with a buffer ensures security – and creates freedom for your own career.

Ready to approach your professional future with stability and structure? Then take a look at our current job vacancies. There you will find a wide range of opportunities that suit you and your life.

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The job market has become tighter, and competition for the best talent is tougher than ever. Companies are faced with the challenge of not only finding skilled workers, but also convincing them to stay. A key success factor here is the employee experience – right from the recruitment process. First impressions count: from the moment an application is received, through communication and interviews, candidates decide whether they perceive your company as an attractive employe.

In this article, you will learn why the employee experience begins even before the actual job offer, which elements are particularly important, and how companies can strengthen their employer brand and retain talent in the long term with clear processes.

Why the employee experience begins with recruitment

When it comes to the employee experience, many companies focus exclusively on the period after hiring – i.e. onboarding, development opportunities or benefits. However, candidates already form an impression of the corporate culture during the application process.

Long waiting times, unclear feedback or unstructured interviews are off-putting and cause applicants to drop out. Positive experiences, on the other hand, act like a magnet: they signal appreciation, professionalism and transparency.

Key factors for a positive employee experience in recruiting

Three aspects in particular are crucial for candidates to feel comfortable right from the start:

• Fast response times: Applications should be confirmed and processed promptly. This creates a feeling of reliability and sincerity.

• Transparency in the process: Clear information about the next steps, interview formats or decision-making periods creates trust.

• Fair interviews: An appreciative atmosphere, a structured process and honest feedback leave a positive impression – even if the candidate is not hired.

Companies that take these factors into account not only improve the candidate journey, but also strengthen their employer brand.

Competitive advantage through professional processes

A consistently positive employee experience has several advantages:

• Higher completion rates: Talented individuals are more likely to choose companies where they feel they are in good hands.

• Stronger employer brand: Those who report positive application experiences actively contribute to employer branding.

• Long-term loyalty: Those who feel valued during the recruitment process are more motivated and remain loyal to the company for longer.

Especially in times of skilled labour shortages, a professionally designed application process makes the difference between a vacant position and a successful hire.

How HR agencies can help

A smooth candidate journey requires time, resources and experience – this is exactly where working with a recruitment agency can create real added value. Whether through fast and structured application processes, targeted recruitment or support with administrative steps: professional HR services ensure that candidates have a positive experience from the very first contact. Companies benefit twice over – through greater recruiting efficiency and a stronger employer brand.

Conclusion: Employee experience is a competitive advantage

Employee experience is no longer just a factor in the satisfaction of existing employees, but also in the success of recruitment. Companies that focus on speed, transparency and appreciation attract the right talent and secure long-term competitive advantages.

With professional HR solutions and tailor-made recruitment strategies, Trenkwalder helps you optimise processes and inspire talent for your company.

Would you like to design your recruitment processes in such a way that they convince applicants and strengthen your employer brand? Contact us now for an individual consultation.

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Feedback is one of the most valuable tools for professional growth and personal development. When used correctly, it can significantly boost your career and help you continuously improve your skills. Unfortunately, feedback is often perceived as unpleasant or as mere criticism. In this article, we’ll show you how to use feedback at work in a smart and effective way to achieve your professional goals and take your career to the next level.

1. What Is Feedback and Why Is It Important?

Workplace feedback refers to input on your performance, behavior, or results. It’s a valuable career development tool that helps you identify your strengths and work on areas for improvement. In today’s fast-changing job market, regular feedback is essential for continually enhancing your professional skills and staying competitive.

2. Types of Feedback and How to Recognize Them

There are three main types of feedback you should be familiar with:

• Positive feedback: This reinforces good work and motivates you to stay committed. Positive feedback strengthens your professional image and can greatly enhance your career prospects.

• Constructive feedback: Arguably the most useful type of feedback. It includes specific suggestions for improvement and helps you address areas such as your communication skills or team collaboration.

• Negative feedback: While harder to hear, negative feedback is often necessary for growth. It highlights skill gaps or areas where you may need to improve to move forward in your career.

3. How to Receive Feedback the Right Way

Knowing how to respond to feedback is key to your professional success. Here are some tips to help you accept feedback constructively:

• Stay calm and open-minded: Don’t take feedback personally or react defensively. Take time to reflect on the input before responding.

• Ask for specific examples: If the feedback seems vague, ask your manager or colleagues for concrete examples to better understand the message.

• See feedback as a learning opportunity: Rather than feeling discouraged by criticism, view it as a chance to grow and expand your professional skill set.

 
4. Turning Feedback into Action

The real value of feedback lies in how you implement it. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Set clear development goals: If you receive constructive feedback about your leadership skills, set specific goals to strengthen your team management abilities.

• Work on your weaknesses: Use the feedback as motivation to enroll in training programs, attend workshops, or work with a mentor.

• Track your progress: Regularly assess whether you’re achieving the goals you set. Ask for follow-up feedback to measure your improvement over time.

 
5. How to Give Feedback Effectively

Giving feedback is just as important as receiving it. Especially in leadership roles or team settings, it requires tact and clarity:

• Be constructive: Avoid giving criticism without offering solutions. Constructive feedback encourages change and supports personal growth.

• Be clear and respectful: Provide concrete examples and actionable suggestions. Always maintain a respectful tone and focus on solutions, not blame.

 
6. Feedback as a Career Booster

Feedback is one of the most powerful tools for career advancement. It not only helps you improve your performance but also strengthens your position within your company. By continuously reflecting on and acting on feedback, you open up new career paths that might otherwise remain out of reach.

Being proactive about feedback is especially important if you have clear career goals. By regularly seeking input from your team or manager, you demonstrate commitment and ensure you stay aligned with expectations and opportunities.

Conclusion: Feedback as the Key to Career Success

Feedback is more than just a comment—it’s a powerful career development tool. When you learn to embrace feedback and turn it into actionable steps, you’ll grow continuously and elevate your career. We are here to support you on that journey and help you make the most of your potential through meaningful feedback and targeted development.

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Early shift, late shift, night shift – shift work can take its toll on your body and mind. Irregular sleeping hours, changing eating habits and the challenge of balancing work, family and leisure time often cause stress. In order to remain productive in the long term and actively shape your professional life, it is crucial to develop healthy routines and strengthen your resilience.

In this article, you will learn how to protect your health, reduce stress and maintain your performance in the long term when working shifts.

1. Sleep while working shifts – find your rhythm

Probably the biggest sticking point in shift work is sleep. Those who constantly have to adjust their internal clock quickly suffer from fatigue, concentration problems and declining motivation.

Tips for restful sleep:

• Consistently darken your bedroom – roller blinds or sleep masks help you find peace and quiet even during the day.

• Stick to fixed bedtimes and wake-up times, as far as your work schedule allows. This will stabilise your sleep rhythm.

• Avoid caffeine, nicotine or heavy meals before going to bed. A light snack or a soothing tea are more suitable.

• Take short power naps of 20 to 30 minutes to recharge your batteries in between.

2. Nutrition: energy for long shifts

Irregular meals and night-time snacking are part of everyday life for many shift workers – and this can put strain on the stomach and circulation. A balanced diet not only increases your well-being, but also supports your long-term professional success.

How to stay strong while working shifts:

• Plan your meals in advance. Light, balanced meals with vegetables, whole grains and protein provide long-lasting energy.

• Avoid heavy fast food during night shifts – it makes you tired and impairs digestion.

• Reach for healthy snacks such as nuts, fruit or yoghurt when you feel peckish.

• Make sure you drink enough fluids, preferably water or unsweetened tea.

3. Rituals for relaxation and mental balance

Fixed routines help to stabilise the body and mind, especially when working irregular hours. They create structure where the shift schedule is constantly changing.

• Relaxation rituals: Breathing exercises, meditation or light stretching after work make it easier to transition into the rest phase.

• Incorporate exercise: Regular exercise not only improves fitness, but also strengthens the psyche – ideally a few hours before bedtime.

• Take short breaks: Treat yourself to short breaks in your everyday life, for example a walk or a conscious coffee break without your mobile phone.

4. Social stress: family, friends and leisure time in shift work

An often underestimated aspect of shift work is its impact on social life. While others have time in the evenings or at weekends, you may be on duty. This can be stressful – but with good planning, conflicts can be avoided.

How to stay balanced:

• Agree on fixed times for family and friends, even if these are not in the traditional evenings or weekends.

• Communicate openly with those around you about your shift schedule so that meetings can be better coordinated.

• Make conscious use of free mornings or afternoons for activities that are good for you – quality is key, not quantity.

Conclusion: Stay strong in shift work with structure and routines

Shift work brings many challenges – but with the right strategies for sleep, nutrition, relaxation and social balance, you can stay healthy and productive in the long term. The key is to develop routines that suit your rhythm and to plan conscious breaks.

Your health and well-being are important – as is a job that suits you. Discover our job vacancies and find positions that fit your lifestyle and strengths.

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Working with staffing agencies gives companies the opportunity to respond quickly and flexibly to personnel needs, overcome skill shortages, and implement important projects efficiently. But like any partnership, there are common pitfalls that can jeopardize success. In this article, we’ll show you the most frequent mistakes companies make when working with staffing agencies – and how you can avoid them to ensure a successful, long-term partnership.

Mistake #1: Poor Briefings and Unclear Requirements

One of the most common mistakes when working with staffing agencies is insufficient communication of requirements. If the briefing is too vague or inaccurate, the selected candidates may not meet the company’s expectations.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Create precise briefings: Provide clear, detailed information about the position, including the required technical qualifications and soft skills.

• Present your company culture: In addition to professional requirements, it’s crucial to provide the staffing agency with insights into your company culture. This helps identify candidates who fit both professionally and personally.

• Plan feedback loops: Regular communication during the selection process ensures that candidate choices remain aligned with your expectations.

Close and clear communication between your company and the staffing agency is essential to avoid misunderstandings and secure the right candidates.

Mistake #2: Unrealistic Expectations About Recruitment Speed

Companies often put staffing agencies under pressure to deliver results quickly. In practice, this can lead to compromises in candidate quality, especially for specialized or highly qualified positions.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Set realistic timelines: A qualified recruitment process takes time. Align your expectations with the requirements of the role and the current labor market.

• Account for talent shortages: In fields with limited qualified professionals, finding the ideal candidate may take longer. Honest discussions about the market and candidate availability help keep expectations realistic.

• Combine staffing models: Temporary staffing and direct recruitment can be combined to meet urgent needs without sacrificing quality.

Choosing a realistic timeframe ensures that the recruitment process is neither rushed nor unnecessarily delayed.

Mistake #3: Inadequate Integration of External Staff

A frequently underestimated aspect of working with staffing agencies is the integration of external staff. If temporary workers are not properly onboarded, inefficiencies and misunderstandings can arise.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Onboard external staff properly: Even temporary professionals should receive a structured introduction to your company. This boosts productivity and ensures faster integration into the team.

• Encourage collaboration: Foster teamwork between internal and external staff. Joint projects and regular meetings strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding.

• Collect regular feedback: Ongoing dialogue between your company and the staffing agency ensures that external employees fulfill their tasks effectively and that potential issues are addressed early.

Proper integration maximizes the potential of external staff and creates a productive work environment.

Mistake #4: Lack of Flexibility in Changing Requirements

In many companies, personnel requirements change quickly. If staffing agencies cannot respond flexibly, recruitment challenges are inevitable.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Be open to adjustments: Inform your staffing partner promptly when requirements change. Flexibility on both sides ensures quick and effective responses.

• Use different staffing models: Flexible workforce management allows you to respond rapidly to change—whether through temporary staffing or RPO—depending on what best suits your needs.

• Set clear priorities: When requirements shift, prioritization helps keep focus on the most important goals.

The ability to adapt quickly and flexibly is a key factor for a successful partnership.

Mistake #5: No Long-Term Partnership Perspective

Many companies view staffing agencies only as a short-term solution to urgent needs. This transactional approach often prevents them from realizing the full potential of the partnership.

How to avoid this mistake:

• See your staffing agency as a long-term partner: A strong relationship should go beyond one-off transactions. Treat your agency as a strategic partner that helps optimize your workforce strategy over time.

• Plan together: Collaborate with your staffing partner on a long-term workforce strategy that covers both immediate and future needs. Combining flexible solutions like temporary staffing with long-term planning can be highly effective.

• Promote ongoing dialogue: Continuous communication ensures the partnership remains strong and helps you respond quickly to new challenges.

Long-term partnerships lead to more sustainable results and continuously strengthen your workforce strategy.

Conclusion

Working with an experienced staffing agency provides companies with valuable support to meet personnel needs quickly and efficiently. To benefit fully from this partnership, it’s essential to avoid the mistakes outlined above and foster a clear, flexible, and long-term collaboration. With effective communication, realistic expectations, and a strategic partnership, companies can achieve their staffing goals and secure sustainable growth.

Get in touch today

Want to learn how your company can benefit from professional collaboration with an experienced staffing agency? Let’s talk – together we’ll develop a tailored solution for your workforce strategy.