Archives March 2025

Most job seekers spend countless hours perfecting their resumes and preparing for interviews. They obsess over job descriptions, salary ranges, and title progressions. But here’s what many miss: the employer you choose can shape your career just as much as – if not more than – the position itself.

Think about it. A great role at a toxic company can drain your spirit and stall your growth. Meanwhile, a decent position at an exceptional employer can open doors you never knew existed. Your choice of employer isn’t just about where you’ll spend 40 hours a week; it’s about who will influence your professional DNA.

So how do you find an employer that’s right for you? Let’s break down what really matters.

Culture: Beyond the Ping Pong Tables

Sure, office perks are nice. But real company culture runs deeper. It’s in how decisions are made, how failures are handled, and how success is celebrated. Some organizations foster innovation by encouraging experimentation and accepting mistakes. Others prioritize stability and proven methods. Neither is inherently better – but one might be better for you.

Pay attention during interviews. Does the interviewer seem genuinely engaged or just going through the motions? Are they excited when talking about their work? These subtle cues often reveal more than any corporate mission statement.

Values: More Than Wall Art

Companies love to display their values on office walls. But the real test is how these values play out in daily operations. Does a company that claims to value work-life balance send emails at midnight? Does one that preaches innovation shut down new ideas in meetings?

Ask current employees about times when the company’s values were tested. Their stories – or hesitation to share them – will tell you everything you need to know.

Growth: The Hidden Opportunity Cost

Career growth isn’t just about promotions. It’s about learning opportunities, exposure to new challenges, and access to mentorship. Some companies invest heavily in employee development, while others expect you to figure it out on your own.

Look for signs of internal mobility. Are senior positions filled from within? Do employees move between departments? These patterns indicate whether the company sees staff as assets to develop or just resources to use.

Red Flags and Green Lights

Watch how the company handles the hiring process. Are they respectful of your time? Transparent about expectations? A company that’s disorganized or uncommunicative during hiring rarely improves once you’re on board.

Similarly, notice how current employees talk about their work. Genuine enthusiasm can’t be faked, and neither can widespread dissatisfaction.

Making Your Decision

Remember, you’re not just choosing a job – you’re choosing a partner in your professional journey. The right employer will:

• Align with your personal values
• Support your career goals
• Provide opportunities for growth
• Foster a culture where you can thrive

Take time to research. Ask thoughtful questions. Trust your instincts. A job pays your bills, but the right employer invests in your future.

If you’re interested in exploring other career opportunities, check out ABBTECH’s career portal. Your next great career move might be just a click away.

A recent Press Release from Professional Services Council has announced that PSC has elected new board members and leadership.

Included in this list, the President of ABBTECH, Threase Baker has been named as Professional Services Council 2025 Executive Committee member.

ABBTECH sends a warm congratulations to all the outstanding executives named for 2025.

Since 1972, The Professional Services Council has served as the voice of the government technology and professional services industry. PSC continues to be a respected industry leader on issues related to government acquisition, business and technology. PSC helps shape public policy by leading strategic coalitions and working to build consensus between both government and industry.

PSC represents small, medium, and large businesses that provide federal agencies with services a variety of services including information technology, engineering, logistics, facilities management, operations and maintenance, consulting, international development, scientific, social, environmental services, and more.

We’ve all been there. The deadline’s breathing down your neck, stakeholders are getting antsy, and your team’s sending emails at 11 PM. High-stress projects can turn even the most cohesive teams into pressure cookers ready to blow. But here’s the thing: while you can’t always control the pressure, you can control how you support your team through it.

Let’s talk about real solutions that work – not just management buzzwords that look good on paper but fall apart in practice.

Start with the Basics: Clear Communication and Expectations

The fastest way to amp up stress? Confusion about who’s doing what. When projects get intense, people need crystal-clear direction. Set up a daily 15-minute standup where everyone shares their top priority for the day. That’s it. No lengthy status reports, no detailed updates – just “Here’s what I’m tackling today, and here’s what might slow me down.”

Create Breathing Room in the Schedule

Your team can sprint, but they can’t marathon at sprint speed. Build in recovery time after intense work periods. If someone pulled a late night to meet a milestone, let them start late the next day. You’ll get better work from a well-rested team than from zombies running on coffee and stress.

Shield Your Team from External Pressure

Your job as a leader isn’t just to manage the project – it’s to protect your team. When stakeholders start pushing for more, faster, better, you need to be the buffer. Take those pressure-filled calls yourself. Filter the feedback. Give your team what they need to know without the anxiety-inducing extras.

Make it Safe to Struggle

High-stress projects reveal cracks in any system. Your team needs to know they can come to you when they’re drowning. Create regular one-on-one check-ins where the only agenda is “How are you holding up?” And when someone says they’re struggling? Listen first, solve second.

Celebrate Small Wins

In the thick of a stressful project, the finish line can seem impossibly far away. Break it down. Did someone solve a tricky technical problem? Send a team-wide kudos. Did a client approve a major deliverable? Order lunch for the team. Small celebrations create momentum.

Remember the Human Element

Stress doesn’t clock out at 5 PM. If you notice someone’s usually upbeat personality turning sour, or their camera’s off more often in video calls, reach out. Sometimes just knowing their leader cares enough to ask makes all the difference.

Practical Steps You Can Take Today:

• Schedule those 15-minute standups
• Block off “no-meeting” times for focused work
• Set up regular one-on-ones focused on wellbeing
• Create a system for celebrating progress
• Establish clear escalation paths for when people need help

Your Team Deserves the Best Support

Managing high-stress projects isn’t just about hitting deadlines – it’s about getting there with a team that’s still intact and ready for the next challenge. At ABBTECH, we understand the delicate balance between pushing for excellence and supporting your team’s wellbeing. We’ve helped countless organizations build and maintain high-performing teams that thrive under pressure.

Ready to ensure your team has the support they need to tackle your most challenging projects? Contact ABBTECH today to learn how we can help you build and maintain a resilient, high-performing team. Let’s turn those crisis moments into opportunities for growth and success.

ABBTECH has been named a Top Staffing Company To Watch at the 2025 World Staffing Awards presented by Candidately.

Each year, the World Staffing Award selects the Top Staffing Companies to Work For and Top Staffing Leaders To Watch. The winners are selected by a public voting and announced during the World Staffing Summit on February 20th, 2025.

This award shows that ABBTECH stands out as a staffing company committed to helping people.

This achievement has been made possible thanks to the trust, talent, and hard work of all our dedicated  temporary, contract, direct hire and direct placement employees and all the incredible agencies and business we serve.

Thank You to the entire ABBTECH team for your consistent commitment to our journey towards success.