Career Advice

Stress and work seem to go hand in hand for many people these days, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Identify The Stressors There can be a variety of reasons for workplace stress so find out what it is that is stressing you out. Being clear about the root of the stress will help you to get some clarity about the situation and enable you to look at how you can handle things to the best effect. When we feel highly stressed it can be hard to get a handle on exactly what it is that is causing the problem so it is worth getting clear about the root of the problem. Manage Your Stress Levels Look at yourself and your role and see what could be done differently. Just because something has always been done one way, doesn’t mean that it has to be done that way for ever more. Take Responsibility What can you do differently that would make a difference in this situation? Though this can be a challenging question to ask yourself, it is empowering to see your part in a situation and also … [Read more...] about How To Decrease Your Workplace Stress Levels

Being a good boss can be a difficult job in itself. You need to get the job done and manage all the things that need to be done as part of your role as well as keeping your team happy and productive at the same time. If you are a boss or in a management position, here are ten suggestions about ways in which you can be a better boss: 1. Communicaten Listening to your team is vital. Being a good boss often means listening to what is unsaid as well as said. If you do not know about it already, Non Violent Communication is be a great tool that can be used to develop your communication skills. 2. Encourage Encouraging your employees goes a long way. We all like a bit of encouragement now and then so be aware of providing this for your employees. Just because someone has been doing their job for a long time doesn’t mean that they would not appreciate some positive feedback. Perhaps have your employees engage in learning management systems in order to improve their skills and … [Read more...] about 7 Ways To Be A Better Boss

The office bathroom, that lovely shared space offering limited privacy and awkward coworker conversations. It’s a place you visit several times each business day but, have you ever considered whether your habits are deemed as proper etiquette? Could coworkers be gossiping about your bathroom habits unbeknownst to you? It’s a horrifying thought, but many employees (and employers) don’t know the first thing about proper office bathroom etiquette, spreading germs and awkward encounters with each visit. Read the following etiquette tips and discover whether bad habits are occurring in your office bathroom. Avoid Reading Materials Although you may love a good magazine while relaxing on your household toilet, the office bathroom is no place for such leisurely reading. Worse than bringing personal reading materials into the office bathroom is taking the daily break-room newspaper along while tending to bathroom business only to return the newspaper to the break-room when finished. Yes, as … [Read more...] about Proper Etiquette for the Office Bathroom

MOO has kindly donated 3 sets of 100 business cards to lucky Jobacle readers! For a chance to win one of the 100 business cards, all you have to do is post a comment below and give us your best business one-liner that you could write on a business card! As with any major upheaval, there’s a scarily large pile of logistical details to consider when planning a change of office, a rebrand, or a redesign of your corporate stationery. The trick is to prepare well and plan ahead. Here’s a little checklist for the office move: 1.    What’s the best day to move?  During the week?  An evening?  Over the weekend? Which solution will cause the least disruption, and allow the maximum time to get things shipshape before business starts again? 2.    Who will physically move you?  Will they take apart office furniture? Will they supply boxes and tape for your staff to pack their belongings into? 3.    Packing and tagging.  Be sure to devise a system that will allow you to efficiently … [Read more...] about An Office Move and Rebranding: How to Make It as Painless as Possible!

Traveling for work is a luxury few employees experience. If you’ve been selected as one of the lucky few to leave their offices behind for the open road, you’re likely quite excited about the possibilities. However, with the freedom of traveling jobs also come the responsibilities of upholding a company’s image and mission. The following are tips you should know before taking a first business trip to bypass the common mistakes others have made. Stick to Spending Limits Unless you work for a mega corporation that allows you to wine and dine clients in luxury, you’re likely restricted by a travel spending limit. Companies typically limit the amount employees can spend on everything from meals to fuel. Before taking your first business trip, review your company’s policy and make note of any spending limits. Exceeding spending limits during your business travels will raise a red flag with the accounting department and may prevent you from being selected for future trips. Rather, by … [Read more...] about Your First Business Trip: Essential Travel Tips Every Employee Should Know

When I worked in Corporate World, my office was downtown and I loved working in the city. It was great to meet people for lunch at cool spots, go to the Rally in the Alley on Friday nights and just do the city thing. (I recall one time my pal Lynda and I met for lunch and stayed all day till happy hour! Oops.) I was lucky and found a small park near a church where I would retreat on a break or lunch.  It was the best place to unwind for a few. But this was many years ago when people actually took real lunch breaks and your dedication to the job wasn’t questioned if you left the office for a quick breather. What happened to the lunch crowd? Lunch Bunch Most people now grab a bite at their desks or a break room. To me, that’s not getting away from the job. I bet if you leave your desk, you take your phone and check it repeatedly or text. Am I wrong? But have you tried going out to lunch recently? It’s almost impossible to get in and out of a restaurant in an hour, especially during … [Read more...] about Take a Break and Get Outta That Office!

The office potluck is an occasion to change up monotonous lunchtime routines and showcase your cooking skills to coworkers during the holiday season. Offices everywhere regularly host potlucks as excuses to take extended lunch breaks. While potlucks can be prime opportunities to relax and chat with coworkers (or call in sick!), the mood can quickly be broken by those who aren’t aware of the unspoken etiquette rules. The following are four examples of what not to do at an office potluck to ensure you’re never the one to break the rules. Bring Opened Food Products If you can’t afford to purchase a new bag of chips for an office potluck, don’t partake in the festivities. Employees who bring already-opened food products are voluntarily casting themselves to the ‘oddball’ table in the office break room. Whether you’ve signed up to bring potato chips or ketchup, always bring new and sealed products to avoid awkward chuckles in the potluck line. Double Dip Please, never double dip … [Read more...] about What NOT to Do at the Office Potluck

They come in the night without warning. No, I’m not talking about vampires or zombies. They might actually be easier to deal with than the neighbor kid selling wrapping paper for his school. I live in the country and people very rarely call before dropping by. So the other night the kid who sometime mows for me came by selling “fruit” for his school. I declined. He’ll probably plant explosive devices in my yard next summer to get even. The Not-So-Subtle Office Pitch I’m lucky I work at home. I don’t have Bill in accounting asking if I’ll buy a cheese basket from his kid so their class can go to Aruba. This series of intrusions usually occurs at the holidays and then Girl Scout cookie time in early spring. I feel ya. It’s especially hard to say “no” to the boss at work. And let’s be honest – isn’t most of the stuff crappy? Some of the wrapping paper is nice, but there’s only a foot and a half on a roll. Coincidentally, the Wall Street Journal recenty had an article about this. It was … [Read more...] about Boss Strong-Arms Wrapping Paper Purchase

The office Christmas party is one of those things that can be heaven or hell! Here are a few ideas for dealing with the office Christmas party: Don't Feel Obliged Unless your party is within work time, don’t feel obliged to go. You can politely decline. Office Christmas parties are not everyone’s idea of fun so don’t feel that you have to go, or give in to pressure; just let people know you are not available. Go Steady On The Alcohol Alcohol is one of the biggest reasons for red faces and embarrassment the day after an office Christmas party. Make sure you eat well before or during the party and limit your drinks.  In the excitement of the moment it can be tempting to drink and be merry but you don’t want to be that member of staff throwing up in the corner or hitting on their boss! Spreading your drinks over the course of the night and having a limit will enable you to call the shots, have fun but not end up doing something you wish you hadn’t! We … [Read more...] about Office Christmas Party – Do’s and Don’t’s!

Are you moving forward or do you feel like you are stagnating at work? Not all jobs are created equal, and sometimes a job is just a way to pay the bills, however, if you have a continual feeling that you are stuck, maybe it is time to shake things up? Get a New Job Is it time for a new job? Only you can answer that question. Have a look and see if it is time to move on. You could list the pros and cons of your current job to see the best way forward for you. Leaving a job isn’t always the best option; it is sometimes possible to turn your current job around. Have a look and see if there is room to move forward in your current job. However, if the cons outweigh the pros, be honest with yourself and look at what you can do to change roles. Train and Develop Training is a great way to develop and learn new skills. Does your company offer training that could help you develop yourself? I recommend taking advantage of all the training and development your job offers. It is a … [Read more...] about Are You Moving Forward at Work or Are You Stagnating?