Gossip is seen by many as part of life and certainly as a part of most workplaces. Gossip can sometimes be harmless but more often than not, gossip has repercussions for the gossiper and the subject of the gossip. It is amazing how an off-the-cuff remark can have us thinking about someone in a completely different way. We’ve all found ourselves thinking differently about a person due to gossip – whether we know if the gossip was true or not! We also know how hurtful gossip can be when aimed at us. Do you find yourself wishing you could get away from others gossiping around you? Or do you find yourself being drawn into gossip at work and wishing you could stop? Some questions to ask about gossip: Is It Useful? Sometimes a little gossip does have a place in the workplace. Talking to peers about pay rises or some good news that someone has heard can be genuinely informative and positive. Think about what you are about to say or listen to and weigh it up to see if there is a purpose. I … [Read more...] about Nipping Workplace Gossip In The Bud
Workplace Bonuses: Tips and Ideas
Although the workplace bonus performed a disappearing act in many companies during recent tough economic years, it’s making a comeback. While caution may still be required with your workplace bonuses until profits return to normal, you may be eager to reward employees for their loyalty and productivity during these uncertain times. Bonuses can be effective means of showing appreciation for employee efforts and for enhancing worker loyalty to a company. Unfortunately, many employers aren’t using their reward systems in the best possible manner. When employers offer the predictable holiday bonus at the same time each year, their employees come to expect this gesture, which takes the excitement and purpose out of it. The following are a few tips for spicing up this year’s bonuses to effectively show your appreciation for employees and enhance their corporate loyalty. Change It Up While predictability is essential for many workplace processes, it has no place with the employee bonus. By … [Read more...] about Workplace Bonuses: Tips and Ideas
National Bosses Day Is a Joke
Bosses should thank employees, not the other way around. Case closed. Even if your boss pampers you. Fights for you. Goes out of her way for you. Bosses are thanked every time that you make them look good. Every time you let them concentrate on another project because they know you have yours under control. Every time they get promoted. Perhaps this is why Boss's Day drives me nuts. Mad Men's Don Draper had it right when he shouted... "THAT'S WHAT THE MONEY'S FOR!" It's a lesson I learned from my mom as a kid and have never let it go. So if you hate my stance on this, take it up with Mama Rosen, the payroll secretary from Queens. Mark Stevens, president of the marketing firm MSCO and the author of Your Marketing Sucks, offers up his take on Bosses Day. "The dumbest idea I have ever heard of. It is my job, and that of every leader, to celebrate my team not to have them go through the motions of a Hallmark day for me. " Yet Hallmark has been cashing in since … [Read more...] about National Bosses Day Is a Joke
Is It Possible to Work Remotely After Moving?
One of the hardest things about moving to a new city is leaving a job you love. Yes, there really are people who love their jobs! It’s especially tough if you’ve been with a company for a while and have established yourself as a valued employee. Starting over with a new company after you move can feel rather daunting. Increase in Remote Workers Many companies are switching to a less centrally-located working platform and having employees not just telecommute from their nearby home offices, but also work from anywhere in the country. So maybe you have another option besides leaving your job when you move. Why not explore the idea of working for your company remotely after the move? Your Company’s Culture If your company expects nothing less than constant face time, meaning you must have your B.I.C. (Butt In Chair) at the office, you may have to say goodbye to your job. However, if your company already has a percentage of telecommuters and people working remotely from different … [Read more...] about Is It Possible to Work Remotely After Moving?
My Office View: 41 Bricks
I've been blogging for a long time, but I'm not sure I've ever told you about the view from my office. My cubicle. I see 41 bricks. And this makes me grateful. These bricks let me know when it's raining outside. Or when the sun is shining brightly. It's a reminder that a world exists outside of these grayish-blue-cloth-lined walls. Would I rather be staring out across a meadow? An ocean? A city skyline? Of course. However, when I look at all of the people in the office building who have no window view whatsoever, I realize that I am one of the lucky ones. Here's why you should covet thy window: Connectedness. Whether you are a writer, a manufacturer, or a salesperson, a key element to success is keeping your audience/consumer in mind. A window gives you a portal, a constant reminder that the world extends beyond the project you are working on. Outside Elements. When the dark clouds gather and imminent danger presents itself, you'll be one of the first to know. This can help … [Read more...] about My Office View: 41 Bricks
Games for Office Olympics
We might be over 250 days away from the 2012 Olympic games in London, but now is time to bring the excitement, the anticipation and the intense feelings of success, failure and celebration to your office.Therefore, hold on to your seat, as we bring you the office Olympics. What you will need is two or three teams representing the countries/ states/county’s of your choice, some willing volunteers within those teams, and a free lunch break.THE DESK CHAIR SPRINTAs with most track events this can also be run as a relay. Equipment needed is two office chairs on wheels, an approved area of track (normally one end of the office to the coffee machine) and two top athletes (or whoever is feeling a bit bored in the office) Rules A) Bums can never leave the seatB) Only legs are allowed to be used to propel the chair along- no arms allowed.C) The first person to cross the line is the … [Read more...] about Games for Office Olympics
How Boxing Can Change Your Professional Life
The professional world is a daring and daunting place. Survival of the fittest, some would say. Therefore, if you want to gain an edge on the competition you need to become the fittest! A warrior! A fierce mercenary of valor! A competitor who knows no fear! Are you pumped yet? Well, you should be. There’s hope for you. Here’s what I mean. Most hires, job promotions, and good relationships with bosses have less to do with expertise and absolute effectiveness as they do less tangible impressions. Supervisors appreciate confidence, tenacity, ambition, and a person who demonstrates some healthy pride by taking care of themselves physically. These attributes are forged in fire, so take some initiative and begin training…boxing training, that is. The boxing fitness regimen is the best in its class for building more than just muscle. This program of exercise, utilized by boxers, emphasizes a healthy physique, mental and physical endurance, and general toughness, all of which are useful in … [Read more...] about How Boxing Can Change Your Professional Life
Need a New Job? Consider the Third Sector
In the current economic climate, public sector jobs are being cut at an alarming rate. For many employees who have worked in this sector all their lives, the idea of moving over to the for profit- private sector, is quite a daunting prospect. But don’t worry there is a third way out there which is often overlooked and that is the aptly named the ‘Third Sector’. So what makes the third sector worth strong consideration? Firstly, the third sector is made up of nonprofit organizations. Like in the public sector, these organizations are there to offer a public service for its own sake, not to make money. This sometimes fits better with what people moving from the public sector are familiar with. In addition many people from both the private and public sectors find the idea that by going to work they will not just be able to pay their mortgage but potentially can make a positive difference to someone else, a powerful ethos. It is a great contributor to job satisfaction. Secondly, … [Read more...] about Need a New Job? Consider the Third Sector
Proper Email Communication Tips When Managing Telecommuters
Telecommuting is now common in many of today’s workplaces. While this flexible work option offers benefits for employees, it often requires major management changes. In particular, if you’ve recently begun managing telecommuters, you may find your communication patterns with them differing from those with traditional in-office workers. Since the bulk of communication between telecommuters and their managers happens via email, it’s essential for you, the manager, to understand how to use this communication medium effectively. To avoid miscommunications during your venture into managing telecommuters, here are three tips for using this communication medium in the most effective manner. Tend to Subject Lines An email subject line should briefly summarize the intent of an email message. If an email is urgent and should be read immediately, include the word URGENT at the beginning followed by the topic of the message. While this may seem like common sense, many professionals misuse … [Read more...] about Proper Email Communication Tips When Managing Telecommuters
8 Reasons I Hate Wearing a Necktie to Work Everyday
I’ve already told you that wearing a suit everyday to work sucks. Big time. And the biggest problem is the necktie. Born several hundred years ago thanks to Louis XIV’s eye for haute couture, the necktie fashion trend crossed over to England, where gentlemen displayed their status with colorful cloths hung around their necks. Thanks for nothing guys! (Read more about necktie history) While many industries and companies have relaxed their dress code, some businesses, like mine, have held on to the notion that dressing up is part of playing a professional. I know they have their reasons, and some of them I get, but overall, if you’re sitting in a cubicle all day with limited interaction with the outside world, it all seems a bit pointless. Here are eight reasons why dressing up in a necktie is a royal pain in the ass. - It's uncomfortable. Having something pressed up against your neck and putting pressure on your trachea, just isn't normal. - … [Read more...] about 8 Reasons I Hate Wearing a Necktie to Work Everyday