Monthly Archives: June 2011

Helping others a sign of maturity in the corporate world

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In the business world it can be tempting to focus on oneself but it is often for the greater good if one helps out other team members who are struggling.

While business can often be dog-eat-dog, in many situations focusing solely on oneself can be harmful as it is the output of the whole team that is important. By aiding those who struggle one can be sure to help out the company.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when helping out others in the office is the old adage, “Give a man to fish and you’ll feed him for a day, but teach a man to fish and you’ll feed him for life.” If one simply does the work for other people in the office, he or she will not be really helping them at all. While it may be faster to do this, it will likely not teach the person how to perform his or her job, and thus lead to more instances where people will need to intervene in their work.

In addition, helping others out at the office is a strong sign of personal growth, which may catch the attention of managers and other bosses.

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A healthy lunch is vital in the business world

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While breakfast may be the most important meal of the day, in the business world the same could be said of lunch.

From lunch meetings to brown-bagging it at one’s desk, lunch can take many forms in the office but the same is true of all iterations: it is important to have a nutritious meal that gives one the energy to get through the rest of the day.

Going out for lunch can seem to be a tempting option. When noon rolls around, many workers’ thoughts turn to what sort of delicious meal they could find in the area around their office. However, often times the lunch options near offices are not only unhealthy but pricey as well. Even if one only spends $5 each day at a local lunch spot, that total can add up quickly, putting a strain on his or her finances.

Often times the best option is to pack one’s own lunch. A peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a piece of fruit and a small bag of chips might not sound too exciting but it is a healthy and low-cost option.

However, while bringing one’s lunch has many advantages, one should be sure not to eat at his or her desk every day. Taking one’s lunch to a nearby park is not only fun and a change-of-pace but a relaxation technique as well.

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Thank you notes essential to the job search

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The interview is often regarded as the most important part of the job search process, and with good reason, as it is typically the first interaction one has with his or her prospective employer. However, there is an aspect of the interview that is often overlooked, the thank you note.

When an interview is concluded and one returns home, he or she should be certain to send a short thank you note to everyone they interacted with. While it may seem unnecessary to send a thank you note to the receptionist, it is important. Not only is it the respectful thing to do and a sign of strong personal development but such employees are often “gate keepers” to the higher-ups, meaning that they can help one communicate with his or her potential future employer.

One of the modern conundrums that has arisen regarding the thank you note is whether to send it via email or regular mail. There is no firm answer for this question, however, and one should approach the situation on a case-by-case basis. If the interview was at a smaller, more formal firm, a hand-written note may be more appropriate, while at larger firms, an email may be less likely to get lost.

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Dog days at work may help reduce stress

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Many Americans find comfort in coming home from a long day of work and greeting their dog. The unconditional love of a pet can be a legitimate source of stress relief for professionals.

In some offices throughout the U.S., managers are allowing canines to roam company property to provide a much-needed distraction in an otherwise tension-filled work environment. According to the Baltimore Sun, bringing your pet to work is a growing trend in the U.S.

Companies such as Amazon and Google welcome dogs in the office, the news provider reports. Replacements Ltd., the nation's largest vendor of china and crystal, also allows workers to bring their pets to work.

A survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA) revealed that one in five companies allows pets. Approximately 3 percent of dog owners surveyed said they have brought their dogs to work on up to a couple of dozen occasions.

"From an employer standpoint in this era of benefit-cutting, this is something employees value, but costs us nothing to provide," Jennifer Fearing, the director of the Humane Society's California operations, told the media outlet.

Roughly 70 million Americans believe having pets in the workplace helps reduce stress levels, according to the APPMA survey. 

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Word to the wise: Clean up after yoga classes

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Many professionals start their day with yoga classes to set the tone for a positive work shift.

Although these exercises can prove very beneficial to one's health, they can be physically draining and cause some participants to perspire. Thus, it is important for active employees to make sure they freshen up before heading into the office.

No matter how good of a worker you are, being the smelly guy or girl at work is a professional death sentence. Not only are co-workers going to avoid interacting with you because of your foul stench, but managers and top-level executives will be wary to promote individuals who seem to struggle with personal hygiene.

Employees who interact with clients or the general public should especially be cognizant of their physical appearance during work hours. No matter how well you speak or how proficient you are at your job, heavy perspiration and a whiff of body odor can dismantle client relations.

If you're going to exercise before work, it is wise to take a shower or wash up before transitioning into work mode.  

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Monster releases Facebook app for professionals

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Professionals are increasingly relying on the internet to make crucial connections within their respective industry. Utilizing digital technologies has become a significant part of personal growth in one's career.

Monster.com, one of the most prominent employment websites in the world, recently announced it has launched a professional networking application for Facebook users. The program, called BeKnown, is similar to LinkedIn; both tools are designed to foster career growth and professional networking.

According to PC Magazine, BeKnown allows Facebook users to create a personal profile including work experience, accomplishments and education credentials. Similar to the "like" feature on Facebook, individuals using BeKnown can give a "Thumbs Up" to individuals in their professional network.

Users can also provide written endorsements for colleagues – past or present – to be displayed on their profile pages.

People can also earn badges, which are graphics featured on a user's profile. These icons denote a variety of accomplishments, such as work history, education and size of one's professional network.

"BeKnown now gives people and companies the ability to utilize that vast network for professional gain by tapping into the power of Monster and Facebook," said Darko Dejanovic, the chief information officer and head of product for Monster, as quoted by PC Magazine. 

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Federal government devotes $10 million to promote workplace health

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The U.S. government has announced it will invest $10 million to establish programs promoting good health in the workplace.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on June 23 revealed that the initiative will be funded by the Affordable Care Act's Prevention and Public Health Fund. The $10 million will go toward improving workplace environments to ensure they promote healthy lifestyles.

Grants will be awarded to programs that have the capacity to work with groups of employers nationwide. The recipients will be expected to develop and expand wellness programs at small and large businesses.

Federal officials said the workplace programs should focus on key lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity, proper nutrition and smoking cessation. The funds are expected to support evidence-based initiatives such as filling vending machines with healthier snacks.

"Spiraling healthcare costs and declines in worker productivity due to poor health are eroding the bottom line of American businesses," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. "This new initiative will help companies of all sizes implement strategies to improve employee health and contain health costs driven largely by chronic diseases."

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Will power and healthy substitutes can help employees quit smoking

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People who wish to quit smoking may benefit from from participating in Dahn Yoga classes. However, these exercises may help an individual lay off tobacco out of work, but participants still may have difficulty kicking their habit during a stressful work day.

For many folks, smoke breaks serve as a reprieve during a busy day at the office. Not only does it allow them to step out of the office and take a break from work for several minutes, but the nicotine also helps some people concentrate and remain calm.

However, these are tricks the addictive chemical is playing on the body. Cigarettes, in reality, cause more stress for humans. Aside from the obvious health risks of smoking, the substance can lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression for employees.

Workers should consider replacing cigarettes with less harmful breaks from work, such as eating a healthy snack or exercising. A good diet and physical activity are both proven methods to alleviate stress.

If a worker feels compelled to step outside with the rest of the office smokers, he or she can replace cigarettes with a lollipop or gum. This fills that desire of having to put something in your mouth, while also allowing you to take a healthy break from the office grind.  

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Successful workers don’t get too casual during the summer

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Maintaining a healthy life balance should include a clear distinction between home and the workplace, including an individual's choice of attire.

Some people may be tempted to dress more casual during the summer months, but experts say that professional gear should still be worn in the workplace. Casual summer clothes, such as a tank top and shorts, should be saved for the beach and other vacation destinations.

Unprofessional clothing can send the wrong message to your employer, according to fashion consultant Meghan Mundy. She told the Democrat and Republican, based in Rochester, New York, that bosses are less likely to take workers seriously if they abandon their professional attire due to warmer conditions.

However, Colleen Sherin, senior fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue, says the perception of "casual" is changing at many companies. Some employers may have no problem with women who wear shorts instead of a skirt, she told the news provider.

Some employees prefer to liven up their appearance during the summer with brighter colors. Career-Intelligence.com suggests workers should not go too crazy with these colors because "loud" attire can serve as a distraction. 

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How to overcome technological problems in the office

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There is so much technology that helps the business world on a daily basis. From telephones to computers, the modern office is full of devices that help to make the lives of working professionals easier. However, despite the technology department’s best efforts, sometimes these devices don’t work properly, leading to a potentially unproductive day at work.

The first thing one should keep in mind is that usually the internet power outage or other event that is disrupting the technology is no one’s fault, so it does no good to get angry at anyone else. It is important to remain calm in these situations and keep a positive attitude.

Once one’s attitude is in the right place, there are a number of things one can do without his or her normal work tools. Organizing one’s desk is a good way to improve the work place, ensuring that in the future items will be exactly where one wants them. One might also consider cleaning communal areas such as the kitchen, as keeping common areas clean is the respectful thing to do.

Another option one has is to perform Dahn Yoga exercises until the technological problems are resolved. This will help to make the down time relaxing and productive.

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