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Speed Up Your Hiring Process

7 Tips To Speed Up Your Hiring Process

By Employer

The hiring process is a critical aspect of any organization. Finding and securing the right talent efficiently can significantly impact a company’s success. However, the traditional hiring process can be time-consuming and costly, often resulting in recruitment mistakes and missed opportunities.

With the pandemic hitting, everything has changed for job seekers. In this highly competitive market, you may wind up either having to settle for a less qualified candidate or resign yourself to a long, slow job search if you’re not prepared for fast recruitment.

In this article, we will explore five proven strategies to speed up your hiring process without compromising the quality of your hires. By implementing these techniques, you can streamline your recruitment efforts, save valuable time and resources, and attract top talent more effectively.

Tip 1: Optimize Job Descriptions for Quick Hires

To speed up your hiring process, start by optimizing your job descriptions. You can do so in the following ways:

  • Ensure that your job postings are clear, concise, and compelling by using targeted keywords that resonate with potential candidates and accurately reflect the required skills and qualifications for the position.
  • Highlight the key responsibilities and outcomes expected from the role. Avoid lengthy descriptions that may discourage candidates from applying. Instead, focus on providing a concise overview of the position and its significance within the organization.
  • Additionally, consider incorporating an attractive company culture and employee benefits to entice top talent. By optimizing your job descriptions, you can attract qualified candidates who are genuinely interested in the role, ultimately saving time and effort in the screening process.

Tip 2: Streamline Application Process to Expedite Your Hiring Process

By following the steps below, you can simplify and streamline the application process and expedite your hiring process.

  • Evaluate your current application system to identify any unnecessary steps or requirements that may deter candidates from applying.
  • Reduce the number of fields and documents required during the initial application stage, focusing only on essential information. Implement an applicant tracking system (ATS) that allows candidates to upload resumes and cover letters seamlessly.
  • Moreover, consider leveraging technology to enable candidates to apply using their LinkedIn profiles or other social media platforms by simplifying the process further. By removing barriers and streamlining the application process, you can attract a higher volume of qualified candidates and accelerate the screening process.

Tip 3: Utilize Technology and Automation to Fasten the Application Process

Technology and automation play a pivotal role in speeding up the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) can automate various recruitment tasks, such as resume screening, interview scheduling, and candidate communication.

Here are a few tools on how ATS software can simplify your hiring process.

  • ATS software effectively manages applicant data. This allows recruiters to filter and review resumes efficiently.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) tools can automate candidate sourcing and pre-screening processes.
  • AI-powered tools to quickly scan and analyze resumes, highlighting the most relevant candidates based on predefined criteria.
  • Video interviewing platforms can also save time and resources by allowing remote or pre-recorded interviews.
  • Automating candidate communication through email templates and updates on their application status can be helpful.

By harnessing the power of technology and automation, you can significantly reduce manual effort, streamline workflows, and expedite the hiring process.

Tip 4: Implement Skills Assessments to Speed Up Your Hiring Process

Assessing candidates’ skills early in the process helps identify the most qualified individuals and eliminates those who do not meet the necessary criteria. Skills assessments are invaluable tools for speeding up the hiring process while ensuring the quality of hires.

Find out how you can implement skills assessments:

  • Implement online skills assessments tailored to the specific job requirements. These assessments can include technical tasks, coding challenges, or simulated work scenarios.
  • Evaluate candidates’ skills to streamline the screening process and identify top performers quickly.
  • Consider integrating automated assessment platforms that leverage AI and machine learning algorithms to provide data-driven insights on candidates’ abilities.

This data-driven approach allows for more informed hiring decisions, ultimately expediting the process.

Tip 5: Prioritize Candidate Communication and Feedback.

Timely and transparent communication with candidates is crucial to maintaining their interest and expediting the hiring process. Here are some ways in which you can prioritize candidate communication:

  • Establish clear communication channels and respond promptly to inquiries and applications.
  • Implement automated email responses to acknowledge receipt of applications and provide regular updates on the status of the hiring process.
  • Personalize communication whenever possible to create a positive candidate experience.
  • Also, make sure to communicate the timeline and stages of the hiring process upfront, so candidates know what to expect.

Effective candidate engagement and communication not only speed up the process but also enhance your brand and reputation.

Tip 6: Tapping into Your Network and Employee Referrals

Your existing network and employee referrals can be a goldmine for finding top talent quickly. Encourage your employees to refer qualified candidates, offering incentives or recognition for successful referrals.

Another way is to establish partnerships with industry associations, attend networking events, and leverage professional platforms to expand your network. You can build relationships by partnering with organizations like Career Edge and get started by simply reaching out to us.

By tapping into your network and encouraging employee referrals, you can access a wider pool of qualified candidates and accelerate the hiring process.

Tip 7: Cultivate a Strong Employer Brand

A strong employer brand not only attracts top talent but also expedites the hiring process. Invest in building a positive reputation by showcasing your company culture, values, and employee experiences.

You can do that by leveraging social media platforms, employee testimonials, and engaging content to establish your brand identity.

By building an attractive employer brand, you can attract candidates who are aligned with your values, reducing the time spent on sourcing and attracting talent.

If you make improvements to your process, have your hiring managers “apply” and walk through the new steps along with you. If all of you find certain steps confusing or lengthy, chances are your candidates do, too. Identify where you can cut out cumbersome procedures, streamline work, and improve communication. It might go against everything you’ve been told before, but creating a faster recruitment process might be the secret to hiring the best candidates.

By adopting some of these strategies and continuously refining your hiring process, you can significantly reduce time-to-hire, make confident hiring decisions, and secure top talent to drive your organization’s success.

8 Common Recruitment Mistakes Employers Make and How to Avoid Them

By Employer

Recruitment is such a tedious job. You’re on a constant hunt for the best and brightest talents. Whether you’re a recruiter or an employer looking to improve your recruitment process, it’s essential to recognize the most common mistakes you could be making to streamline the process, save time and resources, and eventually secure the best talent.

In this article, we’ll provide the most common recruitment mistakes employers make, how they can hurt your business and ways to improve the process for better results.

Recruitment Mistake#1: Inadequate Job Descriptions

When it comes to finding the ideal candidate for your company, it’s essential to have an accurate job description. Unclear or broad job descriptions can attract unqualified applicants.

To ensure clarity, it’s essential to give complete and accurate information about the position and the company culture. A job description should be more than just a list of duties. It should also include the purpose of the role, important responsibilities, and necessary skills.

Here is how to create a compelling job ad that would attract the right candidate:

  • Clearly outline job responsibilities, required skills, and expectations.
  • Remove any requirements that are not a must.
  • Highlight your company’s values and culture to attract suitable candidates.
  • Write the job description in inclusive language.

Recruitment Mistake#2: Looking for the Perfect Candidate

“I’ll know the right candidate when I see them” that’s a phrase we often hear from employers, but this mentality can bring more harm than good.

Sometimes, we get this idea of the ideal employee and hope for them to magically appear. However, this approach can be detrimental as it may cause us to overlook competent callipers and result in understaffing, which impacts our team’s productivity and morale.

Recruiters call perfect candidates “purple squirrels” because they’re so rare!

Instead of holding out for someone who checks every box, it’s better to establish realistic standards – remember that some “normal candidates” can turn your business to gold when given the opportunity. Here is what you can do when you catch yourself having unrealistic expectations.

  • Revisit your list of requirements and pick out only the key must-haves. The new hire can always pick up or even learn those job-specific skills once they’re on board.
  • Consider the importance of ‘fit’ compared to experience and skills. Sometimes, hiring someone with the right personality and work style that aligns with the company can lead to a better and more loyal hire.

Recruitment Mistake#3: Unconcious Bias

As humans, we all have our biases. But in recruitment, it can be a problem that can hinder finding the best candidate for the job. Employers often rely on personal likability or gut feelings instead of focusing on skills and qualifications. This can lead to overlooking exceptional candidates who don’t fit the typical mold.

Also, keep in mind that job interviews can be intimidating, and it’s important to remember that candidates are human and might feel nervous during the process.

To reduce the impact of unconscious bias and ensure a more diverse and qualified workforce, consider the following solutions:

  • Develop a structured hiring process with a standardized phone screening, comprehensive interviews, and reference checking.
  • Clearly define the criteria for success in the role and focus on these requirements.
  • Offer diversity and inclusion training for hiring managers and HR personnel.
  • Involve colleagues from diverse backgrounds in the selection process and encourage constructive feedback.

Also read: 6 Benefits of Diversity Hiring That You May Not Know About

Recruitment Mistake#4: Overemphasis on Qualifications and Experience

Whether you’re dismissing an underqualified or rejecting someone because they are overqualified, the source of this issue is the same. Focusing too much on a candidate’s qualifications and experience might make you miss out on other essential factors like adaptability, critical thinking, and cultural fit. Remember, qualifications don’t guarantee a perfect fit!

Stressing over experience too much can deter top talent and even impact your company’s reputation. But here are some tips to help you determine the perfect fit without focusing on the experience as a factor.

  • Look beyond qualifications and consider other factors like soft skills and cultural alignment.
  • Determine if any skills can be learned on the job or if prior experience is essential. For example, hiring someone who has the technical skills but has yet to work in the same industry before.
  • Implement comprehensive onboarding programs to train new hires and bridge skill gaps.
  • Consider the benefits of hiring overqualified candidates. For example, they will be able to grow your company faster. You will have a loyal person who can move up the leadership track quicker than a junior person.
  • Discuss long-term career plans with candidates to ensure alignment.
  • Be respectful and provide feedback to the unsuccessful candidates.

Recruitment Mistake#5: Looking for “Cultural Fit”

So many leaders and HR professionals have this misconception that a cultural fit is a team member who looks the same or people coming from the same generation or the same background, etc., which can be problematic.

Focusing on cultural fit during the hiring process can fester unconscious bias, promote groupthink, and lead to workplace toxicity and even hostility.

Although misused, the term “cultural fit” is defined as a skill to match an employee’s ability to fit with the core beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that make up an organization.

To choose a cultural fit without being biased, consider these tips:

  • Develop a clear profile of your ideal candidate, including skills, attributes, and fit cultural characteristics that align with your business’s short and long-term goals and vision.
  • Use this profile to guide your screening and interview process.
  • Ask questions in the interview that would determine if the person is truly a cultural fit, such as:
  1. Describe the environment in which you work best. (this will show you if your work setup is fit for them)
  2. Describe your ideal boss or supervisor. (this will show you their perfect leadership style)
  3. Why do you want to work for us? (this will show you if they are motivated by the same goals)
  4. Which of our company values resonates most with you? (this will show you whether their values align with your team and business)

Recruitment Mistake#6: Confusing Equality for Equity

“I only hire individuals based on their skills and background. Hiring diversity quota is not my style.” Employers often say something along those lines when the topic of hiring diversity groups comes up. But this can be so problematic!

Diversity groups face many barriers when it comes to entering and progressing in the workplace; giving equal opportunity to everyone is simply not fair. For example, a person with a disability needs an accommodation to perform and excel at their job, but many employers would rather go with someone else who won’t cost them extra money – can you see the problem?

Likewise, in this day and age, and with all the knowledge we have today, many Canadian employers still resist interviewing racial groups, especially visible minorities, who are mostly newcomers in Canada.

Newcomers to Canada have the highest unemployment rate, which is 10.8% (compared to the 5.28% unemployment rate in 2022 for their counterparts). With this behaviour, highly skilled immigrants end up with jobs that are likely to be underemployed or get trapped in low-paid, informal jobs that fail to develop and fully utilize their skills and capacities. (which is essentially why the government of Canada recruited them to the country).

It’s essential to recognize that each individual has different circumstances. That’s why equity is crucial – it ensures that everyone has the support and resources they need to reach an equal outcome.

equity vs equality career edge

Equity recruitment allows for a bigger pool of callipers which can grow in your organization and lead to more diverse leadership. Equity help supports a more inclusive and positive culture, increasing employee retention and engagement.

How to practice equity in recruitment:

  • Embrace diversity in age, race, knowledge, gender, and background while considering the specific skills, strengths, and qualifications required for the role and the entire team.
  • Put some effort into making conscious choices to give more opportunities to those facing additional barriers to joining the workforce in Canada – it will change a lot of lives, and it’ll say a lot about your business and also you as a person!
  • Partner with organizations that help underrepresented groups.

Recruitment Mistake#7: Insisting on Interviewing a Number of Candidates

Requiring to see and interview a specific number of candidates before making a decision can cause delays and may deter strong candidates. While it’s perfectly normal to consider your options, having too many options can be overwhelming and unnecessary. When you do this, you put a good candidate on hold while waiting for more applicants and risk losing your best callipers.

You need to be empathetic towards candidates and their job search process. Top talent is a hot commodity and won’t wait for long. Employers often lose top candidates to competitors due to indecisiveness and lack of communication, resulting in missed opportunities.

Here is what you should do instead to ensure you don’t waste time or talent:

  • Focus on quality over quantity when evaluating candidates
  • Be flexible with your hiring criteria and timelines
  • Set expectations and communicate the hiring process if you expect delays but want to hold their interest.

Recruitment Mistake#8: Not Sourcing the Best Candidates

Whether you are using improper job boards, social media channels, or overpaying for a recruitment agency, not using the right tool will end up attracting the wrong candidates.

Deciding where to find candidates is a crucial choice. If you’re looking for new grads who are early in their career, you’d likely find them by using social media. While experienced candidates are more likely to be accessible via traditional job boards or headhunting. Either way, you must utilize the right sourcing tool to save time and resources.

Instead of wasting a lot of resources using all the sourcing tools, focusing on the right ones will improve your candidates’ quality and reduce the work required to hire them.

How to make sure you find the best candidates:

  • Research the best platforms for your industry and target audience.
  • Use a mix of job boards, social media, and professional networks to reach the right candidates.
  • Partner with organizations to help hire people you don’t usually have access to. For example, most recruitment agencies headhunt the same people over and over again, but using different approaches can ensure you actually see different callipers.

Are you looking to attract the top candidates to add to your team?

At Career Edge, we match you with highly skilled candidates with many years of experience in different business areas, such as IT, finance, HR, and more. Ultimately, meeting your needs through a different solution that drives optimal results to match and retains top talent.

We offer a low-risk, personalized approach to helping you build a high-performing team that will help grow your team and business. Contact us today to get started!

self storage company

What it’s Like Working at a Self Storage Company

By Jobseeker

This post is written by Nikola Asambelevski 

Most people pass by dozens of self storage facilities daily without noticing them. You might need to pay more attention to self-storage facilities because the self-storage industry is booming. Self-storage is a multi-faceted industry that features job opportunities from a wide array of different disciplines. Jobs at a self-storage company include facility managers, sales representatives, maintenance technicians, software developers, marketing specialists, and many more. We will explore the recent trends in the self-storage industry, the career opportunities available in this exciting field, and how you can start your career in self-storage. 

Self-storage industry trends

Did you know that there are approximately 59,500 self-storage facilities across the globe? The United States alone boasts a jaw-dropping 2.3 billion square feet of rentable storage space, which is more than triple the size of Manhattan Island! Can you imagine that?

Meanwhile, our neighbours up north in Canada are catching up with the self-storage wave, with development surging, especially in the bustling Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Vancouver. Ontario’s self-storage industry has been on a roll, experiencing an impressive average annual growth rate of 7.2% over the past five years, according to the Canadian Self-Storage Association.

But what’s fueling this growth, you ask? Well, a couple of factors come into play. First, the ever-increasing population density in urban areas has created a pressing need for storage solutions. As more people flock to cities, the demand for storage space only continues to rise. Second, the explosion of e-commerce has businesses scrambling for storage space to keep up with their growing inventory. So, the self-storage industry is here to stay, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down!

Advancements in the self-storage industry

The self-storage industry in Ontario and across Canada has evolved over the years with the introduction of new technologies and services. For example, some self-storage facilities now offer climate-controlled units, which can help protect sensitive items from damage caused by temperature and humidity changes. Many self-storage facilities also offer online reservations and payments, making it easier for customers to rent and pay for their units. 

As the self-storage industry evolves to incorporate more and more technology into its facilities, new job opportunities are created to handle these changes. Self-storage facilities hire software developers to configure their websites to provide a better customer experience. Technical advisors and engineers are brought in to help self-storage facilities upgrade their systems to create a more secure storage environment for their tenants. The self-storage industry is quickly becoming one of the most popular sectors for employees with a tech background.

What does a day look like working in the self-storage industry?

One of the most surprising things people realize when they start working in the self-storage industry is how busy it can get. All types of people going through life-changing experiences need storage. Death, divorce, and moving are some of the most popular reasons why people come in to visit a self-storage facility and inquire about sizes, prices, climate-controlled units, drive-up storage units, and even vehicle parking. Working in a self-storage facility, you will interact with a wide variety of people from all walks of life. Working in a client-facing position at a self-storage company, like a leasing administrator or customer service representative, requires a great deal of patience, empathy, and advanced communication skills. 

Working at a self-storage facility also requires knowing the laws that apply to the storage facility, including renters’ rights and the laws about delinquent units. Some laws protect self-storage customers and give facility operators the right to enforce a lien and hold a public auction of outstanding units. Storage companies will do everything in their power to ensure that storage auctions do not happen at their facilities. However, auctions are a natural part of the self-storage industry. To keep units available, they must happen from time to time. It is never fun when a facility manager has to cut the lock of a unit that has become delinquent. 

The types of jobs available in the self-storage industry 

There is a common misconception that the kinds of career opportunities available in the self-storage industry are limited to general labour jobs- this could not be further from the truth. Self-storage jobs attract candidates from all kinds of different disciplines. Here are some of the most popular job positions in the self-storage industry  

  • Facility Managers- Facility managers are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the storage facility, which includes managing staff, maintaining the facility, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Facility managers also handle customer inquiries and concerns, set rental rates, and manage the marketing of the facility.
  • Customer Service Representative- Customer service representatives provide excellent customer service, handle customer inquiries and concerns, and process rentals and payments. Customer service representatives must have excellent communication and problem-solving skills and be able to work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Maintenance Technician- Maintenance technicians are responsible for maintaining the facility and performing necessary repairs. Maintenance technicians must know plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems and be able to troubleshoot problems and make repairs. As self-storage facilities incorporate more and more advanced technologies into their designs, the role of maintenance technicians has become crucial. 
  • Marketing Specialist- Marketing specialists are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote the storage facility. Marketing specialists must have excellent communication and marketing skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
  • Security Officer- Security officers ensure the storage facility’s and its customers’ safety and security. Security officers must know security procedures and protocols and the ability to handle emergencies.

The self-storage industry offers numerous career opportunities for individuals with different skill sets and backgrounds. Whether you’re interested in customer service, sales, marketing, or maintenance, the self-storage industry has something for everyone. As the industry continues to grow and expand across Canada, there will be more and more job openings in this field. 

black man working remote from home

7 Practical Ways to Evaluate Remote Employees

By Employer

As remote work becomes more commonplace, it is becoming essential for managers to evaluate their remote employees’ performance effectively. While assessing remote employees may be different from evaluating in-office employees, there are still many practical ways leaders can do to get the same results, if not better. However, with the right strategies, you can boost positive company culture and increase revenue. Here are some practical tips to help you evaluate your remote employees.

1. Set Clear Goals 

The first step to effectively evaluating your remote employees is to set clear and specific goals and objectives for each individual and for the team as a whole to accomplish and communicate these expectations effectively. This can provide a measurable framework for tracking progress and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Regular check-ins and performance reviews can also provide feedback and identify areas for improvement.

2. Use Performance Metrics

As an employer, you can use performance metrics to track the work of employees who are working from home. This can include sale numbers, project completion times, task completion rates, and error rates. This helps employers see how productive their team is, how well they meet targets, and where they may need additional training or support.

3. Utilize the Right Tools

Another way to assess your remote team’s progress is to use project management or monitoring tools. These tools can track time spent on specific assignments and the tasks each person is working on, and they can also provide metrics and insight for the use of resources. Using these tools can help streamline a system for your peace of mind and boost your team’s productivity.

4. Cultivate Trust in Remote Teams

Plenty of studies indicate that micromanaging your employees is your recipe for a toxic culture, leading to a toxic work environment. Trust, however, is the glue that holds remote teams together.

To build trust, start by setting clear goals that are easy to measure and communicate these to your team. But building trust in a remote environment isn’t easy – it takes effort and creativity. You need to create a culture that fosters relationships and connections among your team members, even if they’re scattered across the globe. Remember, trust isn’t just a feel-good factor – it’s a vital ingredient for boosting engagement and achieving extraordinary outcomes. In a remote setting, results matter, and employees need the tools, support, and freedom to make decisions, solve problems, and make mistakes.

Building a culture of trust makes a meaningful difference in both employee engagement and company outcomes by enabling higher productivity, better-quality products, and increased profitability.

5. Encourage Open Communication

Communication is essential for evaluating remote employees. Leadership should encourage remote employees to communicate frequently with colleagues and supervisors, fostering the culture and building trust within your company.

Regular and effective communication is critical for ensuring everyone is on the same page and that all team members can contribute to the project’s success. This can include frequent virtual meetings with clear and concise communication about expectations and deadlines. Regular check-ins can also help you stay on top of the employee’s progress and help catch any issues that may arise.

6. Provide Feedback for Remote Employees

Regular feedback to your remote employees keeps them engaged and motivated. Be sure to praise employees for a job well done and provide constructive feedback when necessary. This will help employees to improve their performance and stay motivated to reach their goals.

7. Offer Training and Development

Investing in training and development for your remote employees can help them stay updated with the latest skills and knowledge needed to excel in their jobs. This can be done through online training courses or webinars. Providing training and development opportunities benefits your team and helps your company stay competitive. For example, managers can provide opportunities for remote employees to learn new skills and take on new challenges, which can help to demonstrate their capabilities and adaptability. Additionally, managers can encourage remote employees to take on leadership roles within the team, which can provide valuable experience and help to build their confidence and expertise.

Overall, there are many practical ways managers can evaluate their remote employees’ performance. By setting clear goals and objectives, using tracking and monitoring tools, fostering effective communication, and providing opportunities for learning and leadership, managers can effectively assess the productivity and effectiveness of their remote teams. With these tips, you can create a positive work culture, improve employee retention rates, and increase revenue.

diverse candidate to hire

Find Your Perfect Candidate Match with Career Edge’s Talent Solution

By Employer

Finding candidates to hire is no easy feat. You hired recruiters and worked with tons of recruitment agencies who brought the same candidates over and over again. It makes sense; using the same techniques and the same network can only get you the same results.

If you’re looking for fresh faces and a partner who truly cares about your business and its unique needs, Look no further than Career Edge! We are a team of dedicated professionals who pride ourselves on providing exceptional talents to the job market.

How is Career Edge different?

We help newcomers to Canada, recent graduates and people with disabilities kick-start their careers by connecting them with the right opportunities. We have an incredible database of candidates who are extremely well-educated and have extensive and international backgrounds. We are also working with an extended network of partners from all backgrounds to source the best candidates to hire.

At Career Edge, we understand the challenges employers face when trying to find the perfect candidate. That’s why we go above and beyond to identify the best and most diverse candidates for your business. We especially help underrepresented groups launch their careers in Canada through our novel internship model. Want to learn more about our internship model, contact us today!

Why work with Career Edge

We work closely with you to understand your business and its specific needs to ensure that we fully understand the skills, experience, and qualities that are most important to your organization. This approach allows us to tailor our search to find candidates who not only meet your requirements but also align with your company’s culture and values.

At Career Edge, we believe in providing a positive candidate experience. We understand that hiring can be stressful, which is why we make every effort to ensure a smooth and efficient process. We keep candidates informed and engaged throughout the process, providing feedback and support along the way.

How to make an impact

We are proud to support newcomers to Canada, recent graduates, and people with disabilities in launching and developing their careers. By working with Career Edge, you are not only finding the best candidates for your business but also contributing to creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces while helping underrepresented groups.

What other employers are saying about Career Edge

“A very positive experience – I’ve had recruiters make promises in the past but never deliver. Career Edge has always delivered.”

– Nicole Bell
Talent Acquisition Specialist at Ricoh

“Career Edge makes the recruitment process painless. They provide high-quality applicants, and they are always available for support.”

– Shirley Abi-Ad
Human Resources Manager at Dr. Oetker

We invite you to join our community and experience the difference that Career Edge can make for your organization. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the talent you need to succeed. Together, let’s build a brighter future for our businesses and our communities.