April 2024: Navigating Stress in the Workplace

Tips for a Healthier Work-Life Balance

April is Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the impact of stress in our lives and explore strategies to manage it effectively, especially in the workplace. In today's fast-paced world, stress has become a common companion for many professionals, affecting both mental and physical well-being. As we strive to excel in our careers, it's crucial to prioritize our health and find a balance that fosters productivity and happiness.

Recognizing the Signs of Stress:

Before delving into coping mechanisms, it's essential to recognize the signs of stress. These may include feelings of overwhelmingness, irritability, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and changes in sleep patterns or appetite. By acknowledging these signs early on, we can take proactive steps to address them and prevent burnout.

Creating Boundaries:

One of the key contributors to workplace stress is the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life. With the rise of remote work and digital connectivity, it's easy to find ourselves constantly plugged in, even outside of office hours. Setting clear boundaries is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Designate specific times for work and leisure and make a conscious effort to disconnect from work-related devices during personal time.

Practicing Mindfulness:

Mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga, can be powerful tools for reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Taking a few minutes each day to engage in mindfulness activities can help clear the mind, improve focus, and cultivate a sense of calm amidst the chaos of daily life.

Seeking Support:

Don't hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Whether it's confiding in a trusted colleague, seeking guidance from a mentor, or accessing professional counseling services, having a support system in place can provide invaluable assistance during times of stress. Remember, it's okay to ask for help, and doing so can lead to greater resilience and well-being.

Prioritizing Self-Care:

Lastly, prioritize self-care as a non-negotiable aspect of your routine. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as spending time outdoors, pursuing hobbies, or connecting with loved ones. Taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health is essential for building resilience and navigating stress effectively.

Stress Awareness Month offers us an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with stress and take proactive steps towards managing it effectively. By implementing these strategies and fostering a culture of support and well-being in the workplace, we can create environments where employees feel empowered to prioritize their health and thrive both personally and professionally. Let's use this month as a catalyst for positive change, committing to ongoing efforts to reduce stress and cultivate resilience in all aspects of our lives. Together, we can foster happier, healthier workplaces for ourselves and those around us.

Open Roles - April 2024

As DRI works across the nation on high-level roles for our clients, we are always open to speaking with professionals who are interested in the roles listed below, or who would simply like to network.

Packaging sales (Flexible/Rigid)

• We are looking for a west coast “rock star” selling into grocery, supermarket, retail accounts.
•  This can include calling on co packers that supply these accounts and food processors. 
• Ideal candidate is currently selling flexible and/or rigid packaging into these accounts.
• Must be able/willing to cover a multi-state western territory

HR Manager-Packaging

• Our client, a leading international manufacturer of plastic packaging seeks a dynamic HR Manager. 
• Position to be located in NH
• Spanish speaking is a huge plus
• A focus will be around employee engagement and compliance
• This is direct contributor role but will work with HR coordinators and SR leadership

West Coast Flexible Packaging Salesperson - Grocery

• Large, family owned flexible packaging master re-distributor
• Excellent culture - we've place people there before
• Must have experience selling products like overwrap film for protein, ready fresh/grab-and-go, bakery bags, rotisserie bags, specialty films, lidding films, etc. into grocers or distributors who sell into grocers
• West Coast based
• 50% travel required

Chief Supply Chain Officer (Delaware)

• Sourcing & Procurement including GPO experience
• ERP & Systems Implementation & Upgrade experience
• Materials Management Operations / Supply Chain Logistics experience
• tclark@directrecruiters.com

DC Manager (Rockford, IL)

• Site level strategy and daily tactical leadership
• Experienced at identifying and championing continuous improvement initiatives
• Receive, Put-Away, Light Manufacturing/Kitting, Pick, Pack, and Ship
• mbrammer@directrecruiters.com

Senior Safety Engineer – Logistics (Remote)

• CSP Certified
• OHSA & DOT experience
• Multi-site experience
• mbrauner@directrecruiters.com

VP of Sales - Food CPG

• This is an exciting VP of Sales role with an emerging woman-owned brand in the natural foods space
• This position will look to drive growth across retail segments
• 3+ years of sales experience with natural products, preferably frozen
• Proven track record of driving growth, particularly with emerging brands
• Experience managing a relationship with a national distribution organization
• Must have a book of business and relationships with regional and national grocers and distributors, big box experience is a plus
• Must be willing to travel as needed, up to 75%

Opportunity for a Partner to join a top-ranked national Environmental law practice

• Experience with litigation, due diligence, and compliance in a variety of areas of environmental law
• Must have a significant book of transportable business
• Open to a Partner in Chicago, Atlanta. D.C. or Ohio

Division Manager - Mezzanine 

• Our client: a Material Handling Equipment Manufacturer that creates solutions for companies in the industrial, retail, e-commerce, food/bev., + more industries
• Integrate Shelving, Racking, Vertical Lifts, Mezzanines
• Head of Mezzanine division. Will be leading project engineering, project management, sales & customer solutions
• Work with designers and engineers to translate customer requirements into detailed plans
• Location: Southern CA
• Travel: 20%
• Compensation: $150-200K + Full benefits + 401K
• Background in the Material Handling, Metal Building, or Metal Construction Materials Industry + management experience
• AutoCAD experience a plus

Featured Candidates - April 2024

Below you will find a few featured candidates we have spoken with who are open to new opportunities. If you would like to get in contact with any of the candidates below, please reach out.

 Chief Operations Officer

• Delivered Double Digit EBITDA Increase at 2 different PE PortCos
• Manufacturing Transformation & Turn-Around Leader
• Strong Supply Chain leadership experience

VP of Marketing - based in Connecticut

• Product experience: Simple storage systems, ASRS, robotics, conveyor, AGV/AMR, some overhead crane, palletizers, food processing equipment
• Willing to travel: Yes
•  Co-founded and grew company to 5 offices & 100+ employees
• Developed annual sales plans and strategic business initiatives to achieve sales targets and objectives
• Brought in $70M contract with retail client

Sr. Innovations Systems Engineer - based in Wisconsin 

• Product experience: Material Handling automation engineering & design - AGVs, parcel and airports, robotic analysis
• Open to consider for the right opportunity
• Travel: 50%
• Led technical sales employees and sales engineers
• Designed Material Handling solutions ranging from $5M-$125M
• Led strategic initiatives in collaboration with operations, safety, & finance to maintain $250M installed sortation assets at 32 field locations

Chief Legal and Risk Officer with over ten years of experience, most recently in FinTech and Healthcare but is industry agnostic

• Was most recently General Counsel with a leader in healthcare technology solutions
• Interested in using JD/MBA in a C Suite position
• Has built successful legal teams around implementing solutions for organizational efficiency and minimization of risk

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