We live in a society where impressions count, and the impression you make with your appearance at work can make a big difference. We, as humans, judge others on their appearance and how we dress at work will affect greatly how we are perceived as an employer, employee or as a co-worker. The more appropriate our appearance to the type of work we are employed in, the better we will be associated with being better and more appropriately suited to it. It goes without saying that turning up to work wearing a suit if you work on a building site is not going to do you any favors but there are always ways to make the most of your appearance that will benefit your work. Dressing well, and appearing well groomed can inspire self-confidence. With self-confidence comes better performance and a greater belief in one's abilities as well as more self respect. It's easier to respect someone who demonstrates self respect through caring about their appearance, especially if you recognise these … [Read more...] about Dress for Success!
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Increasing Confidence in the Workplace
Lack of confidence manifests itself for many reasons. Starting a new job, having colleagues with more skills or qualifications than yourself, poor relationships with other staff, an unsupportive employer, or just being too hard on yourself are just a few of the reasons for having a lack confidence at work. Whatever the reason, building your confidence at work is possible. Not only will being more confident eliminate the negative consequences of self-doubt, it will also lead to a more progressive and enjoyable development in your career. Confidence is an attractive quality to employers and also portrays a positive outward image of the company, which makes you a more valuable employee. Confidence shows you can be trusted to deliver and your employer will be more likely to give you more responsibility and further promotion. Colleagues will be more comfortable associating and working with someone successful and not likely to negatively affect their own work. So how do you Become … [Read more...] about Increasing Confidence in the Workplace
How to Deal With Office Politics
Office politics can be good or bad. Good office politics is all about fostering good working relationships, advancing your career and enhancing the productivity and performance of the company. Unfortunately, mostly when office politics is being referred to, it's about the negative aspects. Bad office politics is one of the devils of the working world, with some places suffering from and by it more than others. When it gets particularly bad it can have a detrimental and damaging effect on productivity and performance of the company and the health, attitude and well-being of the staff. If the politics at your workplace is getting you down or causing problems there are ways you can be to keep its effects to a minimum. Be Respectful Stay respectful to your colleagues. Treat them in such a way that you would like them to treat you. Be polite and professional, never getting personal. This sets an example but also puts in place a benchmark for others to how they treat you in return. … [Read more...] about How to Deal With Office Politics
6 Things to Do if You Are Scared to Leave Your Job
So often we stay in a job, not because we like it or find it rewarding but because we are too scared to give up the sense of security it provides. Many of us anaesthetise our unhappiness by over drinking, exercising or eating and rewarding ourselves with short term pleasures for getting over another week at the grindstone. This can lead to depression, rifts in relationships and even a despairing of life wasted. So how do you cope when you are scared to leave your job but know it’s the right thing to do? 1. Focus Why are you scared? Identifying exactly what is holding you back will help you to feel empowered and more able to deal with the situation. 2. Get the Support of Friends and Family Don’t try and go it alone; reach out to friends and family and ask for support. There are often many different ways to approach a situation and a supportive network can help you to get through this difficult time and explore the options available to you. 3. … [Read more...] about 6 Things to Do if You Are Scared to Leave Your Job
8 Bad Reasons for Not Quitting Your Job
You've realised that you want to change your job but are worried about doing so. However, are the excuses not to leave that you are coming up with valid in reality? Here are eight of the most common bad reasons for not quitting your job: 1. It might get better if I hang on long enough That's true; it might get better but there's just as much chance that it could get worse, (if not, there's no reason why it won't stay the same). You could wait forever for things to change. Giving yourself a deadline will prevent you from hiding behind this excuse long term. 2. Things are bad out there, I won't get another job Times are tough for many in the work place but there are jobs out there. If you want to leave your current job enough you'll do what it takes to find another. That may mean re-locating or re-training but there are always opportunities out there if you are determined to find the job you want. 3. I get a good salary which I don't want to lose So, you are selling your … [Read more...] about 8 Bad Reasons for Not Quitting Your Job
Bored at Work? How to Use Your Time Wisely
Being bored at work might seem like a good problem to have for some people but, if you are bored in your job you will know it can be stressful and have as significant a negative impact as being overworked. So, how do you cope with workplace boredom and use the time wisely? Clear Your Work Space You could use the time you have available to clear email, clean the desk, phone and keyboards etc. When you are busy it is harder to find the time to do these kinds of jobs! Look for Training & Learning Opportunities You could volunteer to help in another department or look at ways to learn and expand your skills. Create your Own Challenges You could create challenges for yourself like time trials for getting your work done or customers served! This can be a real motivator, especially in jobs that you are finding routine. Ask for a Promotion Being bored at work might be a sign that you have outgrown your previous position and a need a new challenge. Step up and ask your … [Read more...] about Bored at Work? How to Use Your Time Wisely
Workplace Etiquette for Common Situations
What etiquette in the workplace means can vary between workplaces, however there are common situations where knowledge of workplace etiquette that can help you get ahead and avoid making a slip up! Be Discreet and Don't Gossip One of the things that can be a real turn off for bosses and co-workers is if you are not trusted or known to be a gossip. Try Not to Judge Others Being judgemental is another turn off for others. Often, you have not chosen who you work with so being judged can be particularly annoying in the workplace. In contrast, showing compassion in the workplace has been found to make a real difference. Show Respect to All Employees Regardless of Ranking Loudly chastising junior staff won't win respect. Treat others how they want to be treated, regardless of who they are. Don’t Spread Germs! Don't play the hero if you are sick and contagious. Spreading your illness will not be appreciated by your co-workers! Email Etiquette A polite and formal approach to email shows … [Read more...] about Workplace Etiquette for Common Situations
Best Jobs for 2013: Learn These Skills Now
The job market has been particularly volatile in recent years as the economic changes around us have taken effect. So in light of this, what are the best jobs for 2013? Which skills should we use learn to put us in a good position for these jobs? Information Technology Specialists The information technology business is booming and only set to continue – it really is a revolution. This survey from Computer World shows what areas of IT were in demand for 2012 and 2013 will be about building on these skill sets. Healthcare Professionals As we are now living longer, healthcare continues to be a good, reliable field to enter. Occupational therapists, dentists, doctors; these jobs are always needed and can open up many opportunities including the opportunity to travel and move around as well as many transferrable skills . There is also the booming area of alternative health care (massage therapist, acupuncturist, reflexologist etc.) which is now becoming more and more … [Read more...] about Best Jobs for 2013: Learn These Skills Now
How to Avoid Workplace Burnout
Workplace burnout is becoming a more and more common phenomenon and can be a very stressful experience to go through. So, how do we avoid getting burnout at work? How to do we create a healthy relationship to our work? Set boundaries A lack of boundaries is often at the heart of work place burnout. When we consistently try and do too much or find it hard to say no to requests, the pressure and stress can build up to an experience of burnout. Often a lack of clear boundaries is evident in employees and the company they work for. If that's the case, start with yourself and get clear about what you can and can't do; the clearer you are, the easier it will be to make changes for yourself and for the company. Get support Don't try and go it alone. If you are feeling unsupported, see who or where you can get support from. Most companies have a HR dept or something similar and that is often a good place to start. Asking for help is a sign of strength. Listen to your feelings and reach … [Read more...] about How to Avoid Workplace Burnout
Gifts for Coworkers: Cheap Yet Thoughtful
Hand Warmers Reusable gel hand warmers are a useful, easy to use and cheap gift. Flameless hand warmers are more expensive but last a life time and can be also be engraved. Electric hand warmers (either battery or rechargeable) will appeal to guys who like gadgets; some models can be charged via a USB port which are ideal for recharging at work. Gift Cards Gift cards for your co-workers favourite food place / shop / coffee shop can be a thoughtful gift. There are lots of gift cards on the market; how about a back massage voucher to help your co-worker distress from work?! A Cafetiere & Coffee Know a co-worker who loves real coffee? Buy them a cafetiere and a bag of freshly ground coffee so they can make themselves fresh coffee at work. Here's a great list of coffee gifts for coworkers. Homemade Cakes An inexpensive way to show that thought and effort has been spent making the gift. Cupcakes are a popular option! Mugs A novelty mug detecting an 'in' joke or a mug with a … [Read more...] about Gifts for Coworkers: Cheap Yet Thoughtful