text:
Rolling Out Treadmill Desks: Pros and Cons
Guest Post by Danielle Riggs – Infographics with headlines like "Sitting Is Killing You" grab media attention and strike fear into the hearts of office workers everywhere. There's hard data to back up the research about the woes of sitting behind a desk all day long. Some of the problems you may experience if you sit for over six hours a day, even if you work out at other times: Reduction in calories burned per day — which can make you fatter Increased risk of heart disease Increased risk of vision problems from staring at computer screens Increased levels of stress If you tend to unwind after work by sitting and watching television, you're only compounding the problem. Increasing your level of activity and decreasing time spent sitting can help — but is the current fad of treadmill desks really practical? Standing Desks in Practice The internet abounds with plans for DIY standing desks, ideal for freelancers. You may be able to make your own for as little as $30, treadmill not included. Desks may be sold with or without treadmills, so factor that into account before you purchase a desk. You'll also need to measure your office space and compare available room with the dimensions of the treadmill. For small offices or shared offices, the size of this new desk may complicate matters. If you work in a corporate office, talk to your manager or someone in HR before you modify your cube over the weekend. With the media coverage on the risks of sitting, your employers may be receptive to allowing you to build or purchase a standing desk. Or they may even spring for a few treadmills for the office to share. Pros and Cons of Treadmill Desks Walking desks work well for light tasks, like returning telephone calls and responding to emails. You'll typically be walking at a low pace rather than jogging or outright running — and some desks have a maximum speed of 4 miles per hour. At a pace of 0.5 miler per hour, you're walking slowly enough that you won't sound out of breath to those you speak with, but you can burn as much as 200 calories per hour more than you would burn sitting. Because you are exercising, you may find that you feel more alert during the day. No more mid-afternoon productivity slumps — followed by a sugar snack to boost your energy level — means...
Top 10 Most Unhealthy Food
Guest Post by Renee Varney – You probably know what the most healthy foods you can eat are. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats are all great choices. You also probably have a good idea of which foods to avoid. High fat, high sugar, calorie-laden monstrosities that are guaranteed to cause weight gain and clog arteries. Check out these top 10 unhealthiest foods and avoid these at all costs. Some of them may surprise you. Soda While technically soda is a drink, it absolutely takes the cake as one of the worst items you can put in your body. Made out of nothing but chemicals and sugar, it damages your teeth, causes you to gain weight, keeps you up at night and doesn't even quench your thirst. Hot Dogs Does anyone really know what hot dogs are made of? Most cured meats are bad, but hot dogs are really bad. Plus, they're usually considered "kid food." They are full of nitrites, which have been linked to cancer, as well as sodium and MSG, which can raise blood pressure and lead to heart disease. Doughnuts Doughnuts are hunks of sweet dough that are deep fried and covered in more sugar. Plus, they tend to be loaded with trans fats, which are the very worst type of fat you can consume, with no nutritional value whatsoever. Packaged Baked Goods Along with doughnuts, just about every baked good you can find on the shelf in your grocery store contains trans fats. You have to watch the label carefully, too. An item may say it has no trans fats, but it just means it contains an amount low enough that food packaging laws let it get away with claiming none. Check the label. If it has partially hydrogenated oils as an ingredient, it has trans fats. These fats will raise your cholesterol and clog your arteries. French Fries Salty and greasy, French fries are the stand-by side dish of every fast food meal. While the fat and the sodium is bad enough, most French fries also contain a chemical called acrylamide. This chemical is a known neurotoxin and carcinogen, which means that it causes cancer. Acrylamide isn't allowed in your drinking water, but you can eat it by the fistful in French fries. Top Ramen Were you one of the money who lived on this stuff in college? These curly noodles in their salty broth may seem innocuous,...
Ways To Sneak Exercise Into Your Day
Guest Post by Sabiha Choudhury – It's a problem familiar with just about everyone. We want to exercise – we know we should, but we just cannot seem to find the time. What with commuting, work, families, and domestic duties, there just aren't enough hours in the day. Well, here's a suggestion; rather than have one long exercise session, why not try batches of 5-10 minutes whenever you can? Can't find 5 minutes? Here's where you can sneak in exercise without realizing. Waiting For Coffee Imagine you start out all scrunched-up in the morning, and you need to stretch out your limbs to smooth yourself out. When you put the coffee machine or kettle on, rather than faff about, have a good long stretch, then do 10 side- stretches starting with your arms out at your sides, gently moving upwards, then back to sides, and up again, 10 side-torso stretches, 10 hip circles where you make large circular movements with your hips but try to keep the rest of you still, and 10 squats. Repeat all this until the coffee machine or kettle is ready. Run To The Bus-Stop, Train Station, Or Car When you step out of your front door, sprint to the bus stop or train station. And if you drive? If your car is just on your driveway, run around the block before you walk to your car. If it helps, tell yourself that due to drink driving solicitors who imposed legal restrictions, you are now unable to drive because you are stuck with a driving ban. Do the same thing when you come home and park your car. Do the running around the block BEFORE you step into your house, as once you are in, put your bag down and take your jacket off, you will less in the mood to do so. Commercial Break When you're watching TV and there's another ad-break, use it for some simple exercise movements. Stand up and rotate your right shoulder in circles, then repeat on the left shoulder. If you own some medium weighted dumbbells, use them now to work your arm muscles. You can even fit in some more squats if the ad-break is a long one. Repeat until your show comes back on. Results These are very simple exercises suggested for small amounts of time in the day. Results will depend on your overall fitness level. You will see the maximum benefit...
How To Be A Better Social Magnet – Men
Guest Post by Sabiha Choudbury – It's not easy for anyone in the social game. In our attempt to impress, we sometimes overdo it. In all male gatherings, you can get away with a lot more, as other men probably won't mind or won't care. But in mixed sex gatherings, here's a list of what to avoid. Aftershave Afterthought Your cologne is meant for people close to you, not for people standing 20ft away. Some people might be sensitive to your particular brand and therefore it might put people off coming too close to you. If you were on a date, this would be a hindrance. Tip: If you can smell your own scent, it's very likely too strong. Dressed To (Not) Impress Another common mistake made by men is that they tend to underestimate the power of first impressions. They say 'Clothes do not make the man', but clothes do project an image of the man. There's no need to be overtly smart all the time (unless you really want to), but at the very least, make sure you're clean shaven, run a comb through your hair, and try to wear items that don't look like they come from a crumpled heap. Confidence Or Arrogance A certain level of confidence is very desirable in men. It reassures you, reassures those around you, and generally sets you apart from the wallflowers who look like they're lacking in personality. However, it's important to strike a balance as too much confidence can come across as arrogance. Talk about yourself and how important your job is, but pause long enough so others can speak too; don't raise your voice too high unless you're about to make an announcement of some sort. Too much confidence can be intimidating, and as we all know, intimidating is for bullies. Watch Your Drinking Sometimes it's difficult to refuse a drink, especially if you're part of a large group and everyone's buying a round. But remind yourself of your drink drive limit, and alternate between soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. However good the extra pints/shots/glasses feel, it just isn't worth the drink driving penalties. Sabiha Choudhury is Lifestyle Writer and Social Commentator. She writes about issues on Health & Beauty, Dating & Social Etiquette, Travel, and more. Thank you for dropping by. We hope you are enjoying your visit and find the information provided useful. Feel free to subscribe to our RSS...
The Ergonomics Of Stress Management
Guest Post by Gina M Casillo – Work can be stressful and psychologically draining—but taking that fact as given, we don't do ourselves any favors with the environments we work in. Rigid, uncomfortable seats, bad posture, as well as unnatural body position—and nothing looks good under a harsh fluorescent lamp. In most areas of our life, we underestimate the impact of small physiological factors on our overall mental health, and this is perhaps truest in the average American office. Here are a few surprising ways you can make your job less stressful, just by modifying your immediate environment. 1. Change up your computer display This might seem like a small thing, but if your computer is too far above or beneath your eye level, it is almost certainly causing that twinge in your neck that sets in around 1 or 2 pm—and there's a reason we call life's stressors "a pain in the neck". The top of your monitor should be approximately at eye level when you sit upright in your office chair (remember what your mother taught you about posture), and the brightness should be just enough to see everything clearly. A display that is set too bright can cause eyestrain and headaches, which are powerful signals of tiredness and stress that can make you feel more worn-out at the end of the day than you really need to be. 2. Buy a better office chair This one should be a no-brainer; you'll likely spend 8 hours a day, five days a week in an office chair for most of your adult life. Like bed-sheets, or a decent pair of shoes, or anything else you'll be spending a lot of time in, it doesn't pay to be cheap. The wrong chair can cause long-term back pain, damage nerves and circulatory function in your legs, and make you more prone to serious injury. Buy an office chair with a generous cushion and good lumbar support that presses to meet the natural curve of your back. Make sure the seat pan is wide enough to cover your thighs to the knee, and can adjust high enough to let your knees bend at right angles with your feet flat on the floor. The basic comfort afforded by the right chair can give you more energy, make you more easy-going with co-workers, and help you feel better about your job at the end of the day. 3. Get a...
Improving Your Life: 5 Small Changes That Can Make A Big Difference
Guest Post by Doug Hamilton – In this fast-paced, workaday world, we all face challenges as we attempt to live happier, more fulfilled lives. Although these challenges may seem unique to us, many people struggle in the same areas we do. Fortunately, with some focus and effort, we can make small changes that can have a dramatic impact on the quality of our lives. Here's a look at 5 main areas where small life changes can make a big difference. 1. Reducing stress: It may not be possible to eliminate stress completely from our lives, but there are simple steps we can make to reduce it. It's important for everyone to find a stress release and to take just a few minutes out of each day to de-stress. This can be anything that relaxes you or helps you let off some steam, such as exercising, reading a book, taking a hot bath, playing sports or just taking a few moments to breathe, relax and simply do nothing. Finding the time to de-stress can be difficult, but it's well worth the effort. Simply getting up a few minutes earlier each morning can give you the time you need to prepare for a less stressful day. 2. Controlling Finances: In these troubled economic times it's tough for many of us to get our finances under control. And you may already have discovered that setting large goals can be overwhelming. It's better to start small and in a way that will help you to see tangible progress. For example, try saving $20-$50 a week. If you can't find that money in your budget, there are some things you can do that will make a big difference in available cash. If you're used to buying your lunch, start packing your lunch. Not only will the lunch you pack at home probably be healthier than a store bought meal, it will definitely be cheaper. Another simple way to free up more cash is to stop buying gourmet coffee and find ways to make good coffee at home. A bag of good coffee costs about the same as one or two coffee house drinks and can last you a week or more. Also, if you find that you're eating out a lot after work, try not to eat out as often. Sure, eating out is convenient, but doing it less should save you a lot of money. To make the transition easier, spend a little extra at the...
Work Exhaustion Doesn't Equal Sleep
Guest Post by Aimee Coppock – Recently I began to suffer from severe insomnia. My job was very stressful and I was finding it almost impossible to relax enough at night to get to sleep. Many nights I would lay there for an hour or two before I would give up and have to get up again. I even tried to work myself to exhaustion but, to no avail. The lack of sleep was having a serious impact on my life and career. I was probably only getting around two or three hours sleep a night and this was making me feel extremely tired during the day. My work and personal life was suffering and I was starting to fall behind in achieving the goals I had set myself in life – professional and personal. Doing More Hours for More Hours Without quality sleep I found it very difficult to keep up at work. Up until my problems with insomnia I had been working hard towards achieving a management position in my company. I had advanced to a supervisory role and was in a prime position to take the next step. However the lack of sleep was making it difficult for me to put in the extra effort to move up the career ladder. I was having trouble just fulfilling my existing role and could not contemplate doing more hours or taking on more responsibility. Self-Sleep Analysis Being restless in the night was also very disturbing for my husband. He also had a stressful day job and needed his sleep as well. He mentioned one morning that he thought our mattress was getting a bit uncomfortable. When I thought about it I realized that I had also been finding the mattress uncomfortable for a while. I normally like to lie on my side whilst sleeping but this hadn't been comfortable so I had been shifting about restlessly trying to find a better position. I began to wonder if this was part of the problem with being unable to sleep at night. That evening I went online and started to research new beds. There were so many choices I wasn't sure where to start. Then I found some fascinating websites about the health benefits of memory foam beds. This provided much food for thought. I checked around online and asked friends and family. All my sources agreed that memory foam mattresses could provide superior support and comfort for beds. This...
7 Tips To Deal With Shyness And Social Anxiety When Meeting With People
Guest Post by Kevin Pritchard – If you're given a chance to speak with a hundred of people for the first time, how would you feel? Perhaps, if you're a shy person, you'll feel sudden panic and anxiety. It might be difficult to deal with shyness and social anxiety, especially if you don't have enough time to prepare. However, if you follow these 7 tips, it will be easy for you to eliminate your shyness and social anxiety when meeting with people: 1. Recognize Your Own Image. Do you see yourself as a person who is worthless and helpless and don't deserve attention from anybody? The first step is to recognize your own image and what you see from yourself. You don't need to change the way you see yourself, just recognize it. 2. Your Belief. Your belief about yourself is important to determine how people will look at you. If you believe that you are a shy person and don't want any communication from other people, then other people will tend to isolate you from them. You need to know your belief about yourself if you want to beat your shyness and social anxiety. 3. Create a Metaphor. It is useful to create a metaphor for yourself and remember it in your mind. Try to create a metaphor for you, such as "I am a beautiful flower" and remember it. You will unconsciously match your metaphor with yourself. In this case, if you are a beautiful flower, then you will do anything to make yourself attractive and good looking. This will increase your confidence easily. 4. Remember a Happy Moment. Just remember one moment that really makes you happy. Feel the happiness in your mind and watch your confidence level. Do you know that your confidence level is instantly increased? That's why it is important to remember a happy moment when dealing with shyness and social anxiety. 5. Use Different Words. If you are constantly using negative words, such as "I can't do it" or "I'm too shy to meet him", then you are doomed from the start. If you really want to make yourself stand up straight in front of other people, you need to use different words. Use the words such as "I'm a bit introvert" or "I'll try to meet him even though it will be a bit difficult for me". 6. Change Your Tone. Confidence people talk slowly in soft and moderate tone....
Recent Comments
- David commented on Illegal Job Interview Questions
(27 weeks ago)
- Westly Smith commented on Securing A Job As A Professional Driver
(27 weeks ago)
- john commented on Imagine a NEW YOU!
(30 weeks ago)
Most Recent Articles
Imagine a NEW YOU!
Tired of being out of shape? Dreading those Christmas party photos as you're worried how you look? Fed up feeling sluggish, bloated and lacking confidence? TEAM WILD is offering you the chance to look amazing this year and be in the best shape of your life with the 16 Weeks to a New You Body Transformation. Imagine a NEW YOU for the New Year! That's it! 16 weeks to look and feel great, eating real food and using minimal supplements. The WHOLE package is only one payment of £200 / $ 310 for 16 weeks That is £1.78/$2.76 A DAY. Less than a cup of coffee for improved health and an amazing physique! With TEAM WILD COACHING you will receive: -Tailored / personalized meal plan + unlimited adjustments (fat loss & muscle building programs). -Tailored / personalized workout plan + adjustments including cardio schedule. – Illustration to explain every exercise. -Tailored supplement plan + adjustments and guidance. -WEEKLY check-ins. -Unlimited email questions & continuous ongoing support. -Changes to all above as you progress. Simply send a PayPal (friends and family option to avoid further charges) payment of £200 / $310 USD to firstname.lastname@example.com and let us know your email address so we can send you our questionnaire and start your journey to a better...Read More
Rolling Out Treadmill Desks: Pros and Cons
Guest Post by Danielle Riggs – Infographics with headlines like "Sitting Is Killing You" grab media attention and strike fear into the hearts of office workers everywhere. There's hard data to back up the research about the woes of sitting behind a desk all day long. Some of the problems you may experience if you sit for over six hours a day, even if you work out at other times: Reduction in calories burned per day — which can make you fatter Increased risk of heart disease Increased risk of vision problems from staring at computer screens Increased levels of stress If you tend to unwind after work by sitting and watching television, you're only compounding the problem. Increasing your level of activity and decreasing time spent sitting can help — but is the current fad of treadmill desks really practical? Standing Desks in Practice The internet abounds with plans for DIY standing desks, ideal for freelancers. You may be able to make your own for as little as $30, treadmill not included. Desks may be sold with or without treadmills, so factor that into account before you purchase a desk. You'll also need to measure your office space and compare available room with the dimensions of the treadmill. For small offices or shared offices, the size of this new desk may complicate matters. If you work in a corporate office, talk to your manager or someone in HR before you modify your cube over the weekend. With the media coverage on the risks of sitting, your employers may be receptive to allowing you to build or purchase a standing desk. Or they may even spring for a few treadmills for the office to share. Pros and Cons of Treadmill Desks Walking desks work well for light tasks, like returning telephone calls and responding to emails. You'll typically be walking at a low pace rather than jogging or outright running — and some desks have a maximum speed of 4 miles per hour. At a pace of 0.5 miler per hour, you're walking slowly enough that you won't sound out of breath to those you speak with, but you can burn as much as 200 calories per hour more than you would burn sitting. Because you are exercising, you may find that you feel more alert during the day. No more mid-afternoon productivity slumps — followed by a sugar snack to boost your energy level — means you feel better and get more done at work. Some workers find it challenging to think, walk and really focus on something. This could mean that you spend more time than anticipated sitting just because walking itself is too difficult. If your job requires creativity or high concentration levels, this type of desk might even hamper your work. If you think you'll be walking all day, dial down your expectations....Read More
Staying Sane As You Share A Fridge With Your Whole Office
Guest Blog Post by Danielle Riggs – Whoever decided that one refrigerator in the break room was perfectly adequate for a whole office of people had to have been delusional. The office fridge is probably the biggest source of conflict in the break room, even more so than the coffee pot. (Ever forget to make a fresh pot after pouring the last cup? Yep, I thought so.) The problem is that etiquette with regard to food kept in the fridge is shady at best, and then there's the people who don't even care about etiquette and just go their own way. Issues You May Face With an Office Fridge 1. The Forgotten Food: If you leave leftovers in the back of your fridge at home and discover them weeks later, you probably know that they need to get thrown away. The problem is that in an office fridge, you may not actually know how long something has been there. However, the person who brought it has clearly forgotten about it, which means it will sit there rotting until some kind soul decides it's time to throw it away. 2. Stealing Condiments — or Lunches: Some people just don't understand etiquette when it comes to food in the fridge. If there's a gorgeous lunch, or perhaps leftovers from eating out, they feel the right to eat the food if they're hungry. The same is even more likely to happen with condiments, which means that you may be having a plain hot dog if someone decided to polish off your ketchup. 3. No Space: The last major issue is that there may not be any space in the fridge for your food. Therefore, that perfect steak you were planning to eat for lunch is going to spoil an hour after you arrive at work, forcing you to eat it for a midmorning snack. If people don't have a sense of how much space they're allowed to use, they may end up taking far more than their fair share. Solutions for Maintaining Sanity 1. Have everybody label food with their name and the date. Provide masking tape and a permanent marker for that express purpose. Anything unlabeled is fair game, and anything more than a week old can go into the trash. Or you can hunt down whoever brought it and make them throw it away. 2. Get a fridge with proper storage for your crowd. Your old fridge with the empty freezer on top and a jam-packed fridge on the bottom may not be cutting it anymore. Shop for a new fridge to better meet your needs. For example, Samsung appliances often have the freezer on the bottom so the fridge is at eye level, plus double French doors so you have plenty of space for condiments and drinks in the doors. 3. Have someone in charge of...Read More
The Current State Of Unemployment
Guest Post by Danielle Riggs – When You Just Need A Break from Work: Make your Escape Meaningful You're sitting at your desk, fingers poised over the keyboard, mind on anything but business. Everyone has had those moments–the moments when, despite how much you may generally love your job, you suddenly feel that if you don't get some time away you'll scream. If you have reached this impasse, it may be necessary to give in to your desires. Instead of just taking a day off and hoping this will quench your thirst for an escape, do it right, taking an extended, soul-fulfilling break that will leave you returning to work refreshed and likely a better employee. Accomplish a Personal Feat What have you always wanted to do? When you make your escape from work, make it worthwhile by accomplishing this task of which you've always dreamed. Whether you want to climb an impressive mountain or take a swim with the sharks, make accomplishing this bucket list entry your entire reason for taking time off work. By doing so, you can improve your chances of returning to work as a person changed for the better. Do Something Noble If the reason for your workplace malaise is that you feel that what you do on a daily basis doesn't really make a difference in the world, use your time away to make an impact. Sign up to work as a missionary on your extended break. By venturing to a distant continent such as Africa and working in this capacity, you can make a lasting impact on the lives of others. While fulfilling, taking a trip of this nature does require some pre-planning, so you will almost certainly need to spend a little time getting your ducks in a row. You'll need to consider fundraising issues, finding the appropriate church mission outreach programs and buying some insurance for missionaries to Africa. Each of these steps will bring your closer to your dream and will likely serve as a distraction from the workplace you are so eager to escape. Immerse Yourself in a Foreign Land For many, getting away means temporarily escaping to a typical tourist destination, filled with dozens–or even hundreds–of other visitors seeking a similar experience. Instead of engaging in this oh-so-common and not-so-relaxing vacation, try planning an extended break during which you truly immerse yourself in a lifestyle and culture that differs from your own. Venture to a quaint Italian city and rent a home nestled in the same city streets frequented by the locals, or find an island or a beach far off the beaten tourist path. This type of trip allows you to truly experience a life different from your own, likely not only providing you with the opportunity to rest but also leaving you enriched. Toiling away day after day at work becomes taxing for...Read More
Questions on Leadership: What Makes or Breaks A Great Leader?
With recent unrest in parts of the world such as Syria, the dramatic headlines and events attract an evident debate: Can leadership make or break a nation? And as light is shed on the brutality of these events we question: Is the President Bashar al-Assad the real cause (or excuse) for the 15,000 deaths since the commencement of his regime in March 2011? Speaking for Moscow, the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gennady Gatilov expressed to be "categorically against any outside interference in the Syrian conflict". A similar view has been expressed by the Obama administration, currently unwilling to pursue military actions in Syria. Are these diplomatic decisions hindering the progress to or chance of peace for Syria or would an international intervention be counterproductive in this instance? How does the mostly unanimous international decision to remain passive to human rights infringements reflect on previous political decisions involving the Middle East? But more importantly, would international denial of intervention effectively force the President Bashar al-Assad to abandon power or force his resignation? But what is great leadership and how does the psychology behind the leadership position and skills or lack thereof (self-awareness, personal convictions, courage, creativity, curiosity, ability to inspire, ability to listen, ability to innovate, eagerness to experience and willingness to reflect; Bisoux, 2005) reflect on or aid the victims of crimes and their culprits? Does 21st Century leadership entail to serve a higher purpose than self-serving at most, within the Middle East? Share your views and comments with us on what makes great leadership! Thank you for dropping by. We hope you are enjoying your visit and find the information provided useful. Feel free to subscribe to the RSS Feed for more FREE posts on Understanding the Psychology Behind Your Life and Your Career. Increase your visibility, join in and contribute to this site with a guest blog post. We look forward to hearing from you, so please leave your message, suggestions and ideas in the comments section below....Read More
Unpaid Internships for the Unemployed
Guest Post by Danielle Riggs – The worldwide "Great Recession" from which the United States seems to be very, very slowly recovering, was made real to us by the enormous unemployment rate that some experts reported as doubling from its usual level of four percent to almost ten percent. Furthermore, the length of unemployment experienced by individuals whose companies closed or laid off employees reached an unprecedented average of nearly two years. This tremendous length of the average period of joblessness at least kept mental health professionals employed; researchers determined that the longer length of unemployment didn't just challenge coping skills of those involved but revealed entirely new symptoms and types of disorders. Consequences of Short-Term Unemployment Some aspects of unemployment were already well known and documented by researchers. Initially, those who have lost their jobs are angry, confused or overwhelmed. For many families who live paycheck-to-paycheck, it can mean an immediate financial crisis and taking emergency steps to reduce expenses or even selling assets to cover living expenses. Many newly unemployed people find themselves in very stressful bureaucratic situations as they obtain information about any remaining work benefits, arrange for short term health insurance, apply for unemployment benefits, assess their eligibility for other social programs and, of course, look for another job. The need for insurance during this time of unemployment is especially vital in order to avoid the extreme financial consequences of potentially paying for the entire cost of an illness or injury. To add salt to the wound, so to speak, the stress related to unemployment can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system, making an individual more vulnerable to illness. Consequences of Long-Term Unemployment The severity of the Great Recession has allowed psychologists to study the psychological effects of long-term unemployment on individuals. These symptoms involved a great deal more than getting out of the habit of rising early or not keeping up with changes in the person's profession. An actual negative change in an individual's self-image takes place as the period of unemployment stretches past six months, usually far beyond the amount of time the individual had initially anticipated. Depression, pessimism, anxiety and anger are all common. Finally and critically, researchers reported, an individual experiencing long-term unemployment gives up the self-image he or she acquired at the job where they reported mastery and accepts "unemployment" as a new "job," so to speak. Managing Negative Consequences of Long-Term Unemployment There are some methods of managing the negative consequences of long-term unemployment recommended by both mental health experts and vocational rehabilitation counselors. Remaining involved with one's family, friends and community is strongly suggested. A regular volunteering position often helps an individual remain socially involved or can help provide informal experience in a particular field. Along the same lines, an unpaid internship can often be extremely helpful to a jobless person with motivation. An...Read More
Employee Accountability and Workplace Time Theft
Guest Post by Michael – Time theft in the workplace is more common than some may believe. However, it is not always easy to detect. Time theft occurs when an employee does not put in the appropriate amount of work or time into their shift, yet are still accepting pay for work that may not have been done. Office time theft can take place in several different ways and on many different levels of severity. Below are some common examples of time theft that occurs in the workplace: 1. Time Card Fraud: Time card fraud is a more serious form of workplace time theft. This occurs when employees lie on their time card about the hours worked during a shift (i.e. an employee arrives late, but clocks in as arriving early or on-time). Another type of time card fraud is known as "buddy punching," when one employee clocks in for another absent employee. This is more common within larger companies. 2. Over-Extended Break Time: A common type of time theft in a workplace is excessive break time. Employees are allotted a specific amount of time for breaks each day within their place of work, but often times employees will over-extend the amount of time they spend on break. When this happens frequently and the amount of time they go over during a break becomes excessive, then time theft becomes an issue. 3. Excessive Personal Time: As is common in most workplaces, employees often need to use some time during the workday to address small personal matters. However, when this privilege is abused and too much time is spent on personal matters, such as making and taking many personal calls, or checking and sending non-work related emails, the issue of office time theft arises. 4. Using Technology for Non-Work Related Purposes: Every office is different from the next and has different levels of lenience when it comes to employees using the Internet and cell phones in the office. However, no matter what your office allows, when more time is spent on things such as social network sites, surfing the web or texting than on actual work, this enters into the realm of time theft. How to Prevent Time Theft Since workplace time theft is difficult to detect, it is important to focus on preventative measures and employee accountability. Often times, employees are not always aware that they are committing an act of time theft, and once it is brought to their attention, their behavior makes a turn for the better. It is important to openly communicate with your employees and keep them up to date with the company's policies on break time, Internet and cell phone usage and punctuality. Biometric Time & Attendance Software Another great way to keep employees accountable for your time and their own is to use a time and attendance software system. A system...Read More
How To Conduct A Stress-Free Annual Employee Review
Guest Post by Kendrick Fashaw – If it's the time of year where you and your employees know that annual reviews are coming up, it's likely the tension in the air at the workplace is palpable. Not only do employees develop annual review anxiety, but so do managers. Fortunately, there are things you can do to cut ease the tension and get through employee reviews as painlessly as possible. Here are some tips for how to conduct a stress free annual employee review: Use the same guidelines for everyone. Not only does this make the process fair for every one of your employees, but it also streamlines and simplifies the process so that you are familiar with every aspect of the employee appraisal, no matter which employee you are evaluating. Prompt self-evaluation. One of the best ways to ease the stress employees face when they know they are being critiqued is to turn the tables. Begin your reviews by asking your employees to evaluate themselves. They will immediately feel as though they are respected enough to share their opinion, and also that they have some control over the situation. What's more is that it gives you an opportunity to hear from your employees themselves what they feel are their strengths and areas of needed improvement. Stay positive. It may be tempting to address all of the things you think your employees need to improve upon during their reviews. However, while it is important that you provide some constructive criticism, it is even more important that you use positive reinforcement to keep employees on the right track. Make it a point to acknowledge the positives for each and every employee you review. Be clear. Annual employee reviews are not a time for ambiguity. Letting your employees walk out of the meeting feeling confused about what they need to do and what you think of their performance is a surefire stress-inducer. Be open and concise when communicating during employee evaluations, and verify with them that they understand everything you covered, before they walk out the door. Set goals. Of course, you will have to point your employees in the right direction when it comes to improvements they need to make. You can put a positive spin on this by framing out needed improvements as if they are goals to be reached. Then create a step-by-step plan, with the employee's input, for how to achieve those goals. Employee performance assessments are never a pleasant experience – for neither employees nor managers. Help ease employee review tensions by following these simple suggestions. About the Author: Kendrick Fashaw is a manager at a graphic design firm. Whether you're designing a logo or creating a website, your work will eventually come up for review. Kendrick makes self-evaluation a huge part of his annual review process and finds it alleviates the stress and the surprises....Read More
How To Triumphantly Avoid The Legal Trials When Hiring Your First Employee
Guest Post by Bella Gray – Owning a start-up business can be the epitome of excitement. You've taken a business concept, invested in it and grown it. But now you've got to find your first employee. Smooth-sailing beforehand, the expansion of your company now depends on the corporate professionals you entrust with your baby. Not an easy task, the legal requirements alone will need to be sorted out and finalized before you can proceed with the task of searching for someone suitable. Five Tips for Hiring Your First Employee: Employee Agreement: Ensure that you have an employment contract in writing before you start earning tons of cash. Without agreeing to the terms and conditions of employment, and signing that agreement, your first employee might end up with more than you bargained for and you'll be completely unprotected should this occur. Staff Handbook: Having a document outlining your corporate policies and rules is mandatory if you're ready to hire your first employee. A time-saver and something that you can refer to if a problem arises, this is a keep-safe that won't let you down in time of corporate mayhem, and is a means of making sure you aren't constantly repeating yourself to those who tend to cross the line. Employees versus Contractors: Running into trouble with the IRS can send a shiver down any business owner's spine. Handle employee classification correctly and you'll avoid this unnecessary kink along the corporate pathway. Not to bothered about whether you're a start-up or have been around the business block twice or so, the IRS can cause you months-worth of trouble and a lot of money for you ignorance. Tax responsibilities: So you've just signed your first employee and are looking into group benefits, the first question you should be asking yourself is: what are my tax responsibilities? Best to be looked into before this thought occurs, these are exactly the types of forget-me-nots that business owners can't afford to put off. Pre-employment Inquiries: Look in the list of inquiries that you can legally request from a job candidate. The wrong questions could get you into trouble with the law and that's before you've even offered them a contract! In Conclusion So you've gotten all the necessary legal documents together and you're ready to start the interview process. Your brain filled with all the legal yays and nays, staff handbook in hand and contract on the ready, congratulations! Your first employee is waiting in the wings- ready to take your business to the next step. Bella Gray is an avid blogger who spends most of her time writing corporate tips from her serviced offices London. A business sprite who enjoys distributing advice as she goes along, Gray's executive suites can't contain the reams of advice that this businesswoman has to offer. Thank you for dropping by. We hope you are enjoying...Read More
You're A Sick Employee: To Text Or Not To Text?
Guest Post by Bella Gray – The progression of technology has resulted in the majority of face-to-face communication being delegated to instant messaging. With the craze of the Blackberry network allowing individuals to text for free; it is no wonder that phone calls have become more of an expensive pastime. A sick employee now faces the dilemma of corporate professionalism. Does one phone or can one text? Well, we know what high-schoolers would say But what do they know about the office environment? Plenty, according to researchers who have hailed them our next generation of corporate texters. Whether we like to accept the fact that our modes of communication are dictated by technological developments, the truth is that phone calls are no longer the only professional means for ill employees to take their sick leave days. If you are planning on texting your boss the next time you aren't going to make it into the office, here's how to go about it: The Day Before: Everyone knows when they're starting to get sick. Most of the time it doesn't occur out of the blue, but rather slowly creeps in after days, sometimes even weeks, of overexertion. A clever sick employee will realise they're not going to make it to work the next day. Start to plant the seed- letting your colleagues and your boss know that you aren't feeling 100%. The Sick Text: Now that you've attempted to prepare the office for your absence, you can start to think about how to go about texting in ill. A sick employee knows that some morning notice before the work day begins is usually expected if you're not going to make it in. Explain in the text that yesterday's symptoms were exacerbated by a night of no sleep, or whatever the case may be, and that if things get any worse you'll be forced to make a doctor's appointment. Keep in Contact: You don't need to give your boss a blow-by-blow of your condition but you should be able to tell towards the end of the day if you are going to return to work the next day or rather go get a second opinion about when you should start heading back to the office. Whether you call in or text, the fact of the matter is that you're a sick employee; leave policy dictates that you're allowed a certain amount of paid off-time. While this policy shouldn't be taken advantage of, it is also reasonable to state that your health is not going to be at its peak 365 days of each year. If you're a sick employee, that doesn't make you a bad one. Bella Gray is a professional blogger who writes about the world of commerce from her exclusive office London Bridge. Gray is so inspired by her office space London that she is never at a loss...Read More
Writers: How To Use Online Job Boards To Earn Fast Cash
Guest Post Written on Behalf of MyPaydayLoans – The popularity of the internet has made it necessary for businesses to hire writers for their websites. Many website owners operate more than one site, making it hard for them to keep up with the constant content needs required to keep their site on the first page of Google. Their inability to write the content for their sites presents an opportunity for someone who likes to write and needs the extra income that freelancing can provide. Website owners frequently post their needs on online job boards. Online job boards are marketplaces that connect people who need work done with those who are looking for work to do. Many jobs that are posted are low-paying assignments and do not require much skill or expertise. These jobs are frequently accepted quickly by people in counties with low wages, where the pay is acceptable for the amount of work done. While there are plenty of low paying jobs available, there are still an abundance of website owners who need content written by people who speak native English. These site owners are willing to pay decent wages to writers who can meet their needs. Writers who are experienced and skilled in their area of expertise will be able to find good paying work on job boards. Another benefit writing for clients on job boards is that the pay is transferred to your account shortly after the work is completed. Some of the online job boards that post work for freelance writers are: Elance oDesk Guru Craigslist Problogger MediaBistro Fast money is possible if you take the time to eliminate the posts that are obviously looking for a low-wage writer. Accepting these low paying jobs will take up time that could be spent searching for better paying work. Sometimes writers are so short on cash that they need to take a few lower paying assignments to pay the bills. In that case, it is best to choose jobs that do not require a lot of research. Many of the jobs on job boards require writing samples and a resume. To increase your chances of getting hired, write a variety of samples. Having several samples on hand makes it easier to reply to the job post quickly. Update your resume to be sure that it contains all of your writing experience. Other sites allow members to bid on open jobs. On these sites, such as Elance and oDesk, your profile is very important. Every job gets hundreds of responses and the poster cannot thoroughly read all of the profiles. To get the job, you have to stand out from the crowd. Online job boards can give a writer an opportunity to earn fast cash without leaving the comfort of their home. Assignments are plentiful and cover a wide variety of topics. There is generally work suitable...Read More
13 Points To Raise Morale In the Workplace
Guest Post by Daniel Whittaker – The pressure employee's face in achieving the best possible results in their day to day tasks at work is immense. Some employees (depending on their jobs) will face more pressure than others and some will have higher workloads but collectively all these individuals will have an impact on the business. Every business is only as good as the individual's driving it so it's important that every employee stays motivated and enthusiastic about their work. It's important every business has a 'morale boosting plan' in place that is carried out efficiently. By collating the management's ideas and mind mapping plans you will be surprised at how many ideas you can come up with. To get you started here are a few ideas. 1. 'Fun' meetings – If you have a weekly or monthly meeting, make sure (every now and again) you do something fun like a game or a quiz. 2. Fancy dress / dress down days – Allow all the staff to come in their own clothes or create a theme and get everyone to come in fancy dress. You also get to find out who the creative ones are in the office. 3. Bonuses – Some Directors may not agree, but receiving a bonus if the business has hit a monthly/yearly target can be a huge morale raiser for the employee's. 4. Fun Challenges – Through-out a business day or week, plan games so employees can compete against each other. 5. Employee input – Encourage your employee's to suggest ideas or changes that may have an impact on the business. 6. Regular one to one meetings – Ask questions about how they are and if they have any concerns. Provide performance updates on how their doing and if there completing their tasks. 7. Encourage creativity – Get your employees to write a blog post or to contribute on social media. This can be great for 'out of the box' ideas. 8. Recognize special events – Birthdays, Weddings etc… 9. Half a day 'birthday' – On an employee's birthday, let them take the morning or afternoon off. 10. Regular team building outside the workplace – Get the team together and do social things outside the workplace. For example, rock climbing. 11. Appraisal when deserved – It doesn't have to be a gift or a reward, a simple 'you have done well this month' can give an employee a huge boost in morale. 12. Employee of the month – The employee could get money off vouchers and a statue of recognition that can be shown off on their desk. 13. Comfortable workplace – Create a friendly, comfortable workplace. By having a cool office design you will be surprised on how productive the employee can be. One last tip is to ask the employees what motivates them. This is another great way to get out...Read More
How To Save Money Without Laying Off Employees
Guest Post by Amanda Dee – For most business owners, it's difficult to layoff employees in the name of saving money. Many owners do everything they can to try and fix the situation on their own—take a pay cut, work extra hours and hire less, take out loans to help pay the company bills—but sometimes there is nothing a boss can do to help keep things the way they once were. Money is tight, and layoffs are on the brain. Although you will likely have to enlist the help of your employees, there are fortunately ways to help avoid layoffs during these tough economic times. Things will change around your office, but employees should appreciate anything that lets them keep their jobs. Below are a few things you can consider before handing out the pink slips: Alternatives to Laying Off Employees When Money is Tight Pay Cuts – This is the best way to save money when money is in need of saving. In other words, you can really help get your business out of a financial hole if you cut the pay of all your employees. It's important to keep in mind, however, that the boss and executives should also get a pay cut. It's not necessary, but it will help show your employees that your company is worth sticking around for in the long run. Perks – You may think coffee keeps your employees awake in the morning, but they should perk right up if they know their job is at risk. Things such as games in the office, company parties, and free food should stop if you're trying to save money. Travel – Try and cut out employee travel entirely from your business plan. Send employees only on the most necessary business trips. You may need to buy web conferencing software to accommodate, but this is much cheaper than paying for multiple flights, hotel rooms, rental cars, and food. Paid Vacation – In a sense, paid vacation is a perk. Let employees know that they can still take days off during the year, but they will not be paid. Once again this will not be popular, but it beat being out of a job. While some of your employees will look elsewhere for work, many will stick around until things get better. If your employees really believe in your company and believe in the management, you would be surprised how much they would deal with to stay involved. If you put it simply, the choice seems obvious: Do you want to save the job of a mother who has three children at home? Or do you really want that cup of coffee in the morning and your usual afternoon Ping-Pong game? Amanda Dee is a writer for Credit Card Help. You can compare credit cards at CreditCardHelp.com.au and learn other tips about how to manage...Read More
The Commuting Conundrum – What's Best Way To Get To Work?
If you are anything like me then the thought of getting up in the morning and lugging yourself to the office is one of the toughest parts of the day. A Buzzing Journey I have been going out to work for a good number of years now but I never fail to be astonished at how tired I feel in the morning. Is there any way to get myself really buzzing (or at least mildly vibrating) on the way to work? I have tried a few ways of doing this and seen other people try other approaches so I now have a fair idea which one works best for me. Is a Bike Buzzing? A lot more people ride bikes to work now than before, don't they? I remember when one of my colleagues used to do this a few years back and we all thought he was mad. It is an admirable way to keep fit and help the planet but I have to confess that it would leave me exhausted for the rest of the day. Now, if anyone can point me in the direction of a Sinclair C5 in perfect working condition I may be tempted to give one of these a go to get me to the office in style. Walk. No Really – Walk! I really like walking but I usually leave it for the weekends instead of working days. There are a number of reasons for this and the first one is that I like to do it to relax instead of having to look at my watch all the way to avoid turning up late. I also fear that I would arrive in a moistened state if I were to walk all the way, as it is a good few miles. Finally, the last part of the trip would involve climbing onto a railway bridge, swimming across a river or taking an extremely long detour to get past the big blue wobbly thing that mermaids live in and which stands between my house and my place of work. Bus stops Aren't Barred I used to travel on a bus every single day. It was an hour's worth of journey and the weird bit is that I used to fall asleep every single day just as we arrived at the stop before my office. I suppose I quite enjoyed listening to the radio and watching how my fellow passengers would fall asleep and drool onto their clothes. However, traveling to work this work certainly didn't blow off my cobwebs. Drive…You're Allowed To I recently started driving to work again and I love it. This might seem like a wantonly reckless way of destroying the planet and causing the extinction of several types of endangered species of monkeys but I reckon that you can still do it in a green way. For a start,...Read More
Bracing Yourself For Your First Performance Review
Guest Post by Eugene Calvini – Those of us who have ever had a performance review will know just how intimidating and scary our first one was; those of us who have never had one are likely intimidated and scared not knowing what to expect. This is common and getting ready for an appraisal or performance review becomes easier with practice. Each company will handle theirs differently, but there are almost always common themes that we can question to prepare ourselves. We've got some job performance review tips for first-timers and maybe even some intermediates that are open to it. Put the Performance Review into Context First ask yourself what time-frame the performance review from management is supposed to cover. Some companies have monthly reviews while others have quarterlies or annual reviews; knowing the period for which you're being evaluated can help us recall any issues we've been dealing with that might come up and ready ourselves on them. Your preparation for the evaluation or performance review shouldn't be focused only on recent events or you might appear to not see the bigger picture; it's almost a given that management is unlikely to ignore aspects of your review just because it was too long ago and it's water under the bridge. Consider the bigger overarching picture; how closely have yearly goals been achieved, what have you improved on over the year and perhaps even be forthcoming with some faults you have as an example for the performance review. Performance Review Documentation Often you'll be given a document dissecting the performance review in detail; some companies may give it to you during the evaluation while other may give it to you a day ahead of time. Take it all in and if you do have some time ahead of the review to go over it you should with a critical eye. Sometimes you may even be asked to give yourself a performance review and I'm sure you're wondering just what exactly you're expected to disclose. My advice to you is to glide somewhere in the middle; never arrogantly brag but do take credit where it's due and never be too hard on yourself however do show you recognize your flaws. Getting an Increase from Performance Reviews One of the most popular aspects concerning the performance review comments on raises or pay increases; 'would my review be a good time to ask for an increase'. Well the honest truth is that management may already have made a decision going into the performance review about your increase so making a case for it after the fact may prove pointless. Instead you need to take initiative and see the review coming a mile off before dropping the hint or suggestion you may be worth the increase. That would be the best way to affect the outcome of whether or not...Read More
Is Intelligence Overrated? What You Really Need To Succeed In Business
Guest Post by Matt Fuller – According to a research group from the Carnegie Institute of Technology, your financial success is attributed to skills related to human engineering, communication, personality and your ability to lead and negotiate. Surprisingly, only 15% of your business potential comes down to technical knowledge. Daniel Kahneman, a famous Isreali-American Psychologist, determined that potential customers would prefer to do business with people they trusted as opposed to people unknown to them, even in the scenario that the trusted person had an inferior or more expensive product. Keeping this in mind, rather than focusing only on your intelligence in a conventional sense, you need to take steps to improve your Emotional Intelligence, Moral Intelligence and BQ (Body Intelligence). Modern research shows that our EQ, MQ, and BQ are far more significant for success in business than IQ. Emotional Intelligence: Our EQ is the most widely recognized out of the three. EQ is when we are aware of not only our own feelings, but also of those around us. A high EQ allows us to use emotions that could relate to an appropriate scenario including building strong relationships and displaying self-confidence traits. Stress is a known killer of our emotional intelligence, therefore developing coping strategies will enable you to efficiently deal with a volatile situation. Moral Intelligence: Your EQ has a direct relationship with your integrity, your ability to forgive and how to be a responsible person. The way in which you treat yourself is how others will also act towards you. Moral intelligence is centered around being an honest person who can keep commitments, seldom makes excuses for any shortcomings and is able to express sympathy and tolerance towards other people. Body Intelligence: Body Intelligence portrays what you know about your body and the way in which you care about your body. The essence of BQ comes down to the signals your body gives you and whether you choose to act on those signals or ignore them. Diet, exercise and adequate rest are key elements in body Intelligence, and even though this may appear irrelevant to how you perform in the business world, your BQ dictates your state of mind, confidence, feelings, energy levels and decision making ability. By looking after your body with good nutrition, rest and physical activity, you are dramatically enhancing the brains functionality and its ability to perform. Where Success Comes From Research shows that academic training doesn't count for much for success in business. Someone with an advanced level of EQ, MQ and BQ has a superior chance of being successful in business than a person with a high level of education. Certainly having the ability to think rationally is a valuable asset to have, but IQ alone is never enough. If you're the ambitious type, take action today in mastering these unique forms of intelligence and you'll become a top well-rounded professional....Read More
Put Your Promotion Into Motion
Guest Post by Waldo van den Berg – If you have a job, the thought of getting promoted has surely crossed your mind. Maybe you have been working for the same company for quite a while, but that promotion just seems to elude you. It might not be your own fault, but there are certain measures you as an employee can take to improve your chances of getting promoted, and maybe even speed the process up a little. If you distinguish yourself from the crowd, it would be hard not to get noticed. If there is anything you can do to improve your status, you should do it. Here are a few tips to concern when aiming to get promoted. 1. Have a vision and a mission Go to work with a plan, be determined to succeed and give your best. If you just go to work because you have to, your work will reflect it. Make sure you know what you have to do, and do it as efficiently as you possibly can. Your passion and commitment to the cause (even if it is not your own) will always filter through and a reward should be imminent. 2. Always be on time Being on time shows commitment and that you respect your employer as well as fellow employees. Get to work early, get settled in and get grafting. If you have deadlines to meet, make sure to meet them on time. This should actually be normal, but unfortunately it is not always the case. 3. Personal appearance is very important Always dress for success. People who take pride in how they present themselves normally take pride in their work. When it comes to business it is not always about your heart, you have to look the part. Being more presentable and polished than your colleague may be the difference between you getting promoted before him/her. 4. Expand your skill set You can't expect different results by doing the same things. If you want to be better at what you do, you'll have to expand your skill set. Attend business skills- or project management courses or do an extra computer skills course. There are various ways for you to cultivate your skills, explore them and implement them. If it means you have to learn French in order to get the position in France, then you do it. By increasing your knowledge, you are becoming a bigger resource to your company. 5. Ask for more responsibilities. This shows that you are eager and proficient and that you are interested in investing your time and effort into the company. It is also a sign of great desire and that you are ready to take on more responsibilities than what you already have. Executives like to see when people show initiative while working hard for their company....Read More
What Active Listening Is Not
Guest Post by Belinda Callin – Despite possible and quite common misconceptions, active listening is not a submissive subjugation to hours of grievances or complaints. It is not the simple nodding of a head, with a few uh-hu's thrown in for good measure. It is not waiting silently for a turn to talk. And, it most definitely is not a parroting of what is heard. Active listening is just what the name calls for, active participation in a conversation in which the speaker conveys a message to a listener through verbal messages. Active listening requires that the listener translate and respond to the entire message. A message that contains two parts: the content of the message and the feeling associated with the message. For example: When an employee comes to a manager and states: "I finished the set up for that new account," there are two components that the manager must understand if he is to respond appropriately. First, the content of the message is quite direct. 'The task that I was assigned is finished.' Next, is the feeling behind the message, the non-direct part of the communication: 'I am ready to be assigned another task.' To which the manager could respond, "It sounds to me like you are ready to move on to something else." This is a simple enough use of active listening in which the manager listened to the entire message and fed back what he interpreted. But, imagine that the interaction had gone a little different. Perhaps the employee comes to the manager and says, "I finally managed to get everything set up for that darn account." The content of the message is the same, the employee finished the task he was assigned. But, here the feeling behind the message has changed. Responding to this message in the same way would not relate to the employee that he had conveyed his entire message. A message of frustration. Utilizing active listening, the manager would instead hear that the task was difficult, or perhaps took more time than usual, responding with "it sounds like you had a hard time with that one." This is where misconceptions confuse the situation. Understanding that the task was difficult does not mean that the manager has to open the door to long-winded complaints by asking why the task was so difficult. In fact, questioning the difficulties of the employee is considered one of the 12 Road Blocks to Communication (as developed by Dr. Thomas Gordon) and should be avoided. Responding to the feeling of the message with "sounds like that was a difficult task" opens doors of communication due to the empathy and compassion conveyed in the message. This does not mean that the employee will not move on to the next project or that it needs to be changed in any way, but it will relate to him that...Read More
Direct Vs Indirect Communication Skills
Guest Post by Eugene Calvini – Communication skills aren't necessarily mastered until you understand the different styles you can use to get different results. There are two sides of a coin that are equally important if you're to master good communication skills. Breaking down these two aspects aren't difficult and it's encouraged that you try both out for maximum results however you'll have to use your own intuition as to which is appropriate to any given situation. Direct Communication Skills Direct communication skills are primarily verbal in that they require you to take the lead in a conversation. In direct communication it's important to keep your speech clearly defined and without room for incorrect interpretation. With direct communication you should also take active participation in meeting; this situation is one of the few times that the circumstances are clearly defined to use direct communication. One of the key areas skills in communication can benefit is when you want to share a perception you are wholly sure about; this is an opportune moment to use direct communication. Using definitive terms such as 'must' and 'should' are circumstances in which direct communication is best utilized. Finally encouragement is a good time to be clear and use direct communication since the person you're addressing is almost certainly going to appreciate your confidence. Indirect Communication Skills Indirect conversation is a bit more subtle, but just as important as part of your skills for effective communication. A good time to use indirect communication is when you're trying to gather information from someone else without actively offering information yourself; it's also effective for management when trying to remain politically correct. Communication skills and techniques that experts tout usually involved the gathering of information through strategic questions; this is an example of indirect communication. Indirect communication can be your own silence on a matter during a meeting as this is also considered a response even if you remain silent. A less definite approach such as offering a suggestion or consideration would also fall into the indirect communication domain where the skill becomes how suggestive you can adequately be. Getting more people to give their opinions and insight on a topic is something that you've brought about with your speech through communication skills; any improvements brought about by your part will be a result of indirect communication. Everything Inbetween As you can see these two aspects are most definitely polar opposites, but I'm sure you've already recalled instances in your life that could've benefited from the one approach or the other. Communication skills will always include knowing what the best approach is for either situation. You've got the groundwork, you only need to gather the experience and you'll be better off as far as communication skills are concerned in no time. Eugene Calvini is a writer and office consultant; an office search will...Read More
5 Tips In Enhancing Employee Productivity
Guest Post Written on Behalf of WRNTY – Ingredients for business success No matter the size of the business, every entrepreneur must have understanding of three things. These are knowledge of the industry, capital or investment, and human resources management. All three ingredients are imperative in company success. However, it is how good a company shows value of its employees that is most important. After all, a successful business is a productive business. It is highly crucial to keep the people that help business owners operate the company efficient and enthusiastic. Keeping employees happy and productive Studies over the years have proven that an employee's satisfaction in the job is directly related to his or her performance. Below are some tips that can help employees achieve both. Be on the Same Page Employees are most productive when they are completely aware of what their employers expect from them. A set of clearly defined AND realistic goals must be laid out for them to work towards. Calling for a monthly meeting on how much each department has achieved and what they have to work on might be a good idea to keep everyone abreast. Brownie Points Those little pat-on-the-backs go a long, long way. Employees that are called out for a job well-done have the tendency to replicate their performance. In addition to the praises, setting up a rewards system can have positive effects in the overall productivity of the employees. These rewards may be as simple as an employee of the month award or a gift voucher to a local restaurant. Possibility of Growth Professional growth is essential for employees. This gives them the feeling that what they show up for every day is rewarding. In these highly competitive times, it is vital for every company to constantly challenge their employees, which includes the prospect of holding an executive position in the future. The Option to Stay-At-Home The technological advances in the twenty-first century have paved the way to many great things, including the ability to work in a remote location. In the recent years, more and more companies found that having their employees work from home more of a cost-cutting necessity than a mere office perk. Research has shown that telecommuting does not only save companies a lot on operations costs. Other benefits include, but are not limited to, increased productivity, improved employee health and better employee retention. Keep Up with the Times In this technological age, whatever the nature of the business is, entrepreneurs must know how to adapt to the constantly changing times. Today, visibility in the Internet seems to be a major factor in a company's success. In addition to an official company website and social network accounts, companies these days are taking necessary steps to go digital. For instance, various retail companies now make use of e catalog...Read More
7 of the Highest Paying Jobs For Women
Guest Post by Jackson Reisig – It is old news that women in the workforce generally get paid less than men do, and for doing the same job. If you are a woman who is facing the difficult task of choosing a career path, then you should know that there are certain jobs in which you are more likely to be able to break through that glass ceiling. Here are seven of the highest paying jobs for women: Anesthesiologists. The highest paying job for women is anesthesiology. Women anesthetists can earn well over 300K a year, but must go through four years of med school after the requisite bachelor's degree, four years in a residency, and another one to three years in an internship. Pharmacists. If you can get through pharmacy school, then you can earn a great living as a female pharmacist. At a yearly average of about 103K, pharmacy grabs the fourth spot amongst the highest-paying careers for women. Speech-language pathologists. These highly educated professionals are responsible for diagnosing, assessing, treating, and preventing disorders that have to do with language-related cognitive functioning, speech, swallowing, articulation, and voice. Women make up a whopping 97 of this field, and earn 100 percent of the salary as compared to their male counterparts, which averages over 70K annually. Human resource managers. Women comprise about 70 percent of the professionals in this field, and earn roughly 80 percent of their male counterparts – averaging about 103K a year. Human resource managers recruit, hire, train, take disciplinary action, and terminate employees for businesses, and must have a bachelor's degree in business. Lawyers. Female lawyers earn the second highest salary amongst high-paying jobs for women, averaging about 125K a year. Of course, to become an attorney, you must complete law school after the requisite four-year university degree. Computer and information systems managers. At over 112K per year, this takes up the number three spot amongst the highest salaries paid to women. These professionals are responsible for implementing and maintaining technology in the business setting. Management analysts. Women in this field are responsible for analyzing a business' practices in order to offer solutions for improving productivity and increasing the bottom line. Female management analysts average about 92K per year. As you can see, there are a lot of options when it comes to finding high-paying employment as a female. As long as you are willing to put the necessary time and effort into getting an education, you can choose a career path that is sure to reap a lifetime of benefits – both financially and emotionally. About the Author: Jackson Reisig is a career analyst who enjoys seeing how women have grown in the workplace over the past several decades. When he's not working, he can be found reading candida expert opinions and studying blogs about health and wellness. Thank you for dropping...Read More
Leadership Needs Inspiration
Guest Post by Curtez's Riggs – Why Leadership needs inspiration? If you're really interested in leadership, then you need to understand everything about inspiration. This is because leadership is completely about inspiration. If you want to influence others, you need to inspire them. If you want to inspire the people around you, then you need to be inspired. Inspiration can actually help create strong bonds, trust and also empathy. Influence actually implies a flow between two entities. But you should not think that influence implies manipulation. When it comes to manipulation, it is about using influence for selfish means. But when I'm talking about inspiration, you're trying to enable the flow of positivity by sharing ideas and positive beliefs. If you're dreaming to become a good leader, you need to completely understand the concept of inspiration. Let me give you one example. As a human being, since childhood, you might have admired some people or some ideas or even beliefs. If you have actually wondered why those ideas or people have influenced you, you will understand that those are the things that have inspired you. Just because you're inspired by them, you will have a positive feeling towards those ideas or people. And when you have this positive feeling, you will be ready to do something for the sake of those ideas or beliefs or people. So, this is the reason why inspiration plays a very important role when it comes to leading others. As a leader, if you can create the same magic on your followers, then you can surely become a good example of leadership. If you want your followers to listen to you, you really need to be able to motivate them and make them feel inspired and influenced. For that, you would require a strong and an appealing character apart from a having a sense of direction. Followers look up to the leaders to gain a sense of direction. Excellent leadership is about excellent communication. If you take a look at some of the greatest leaders of the world, then you will understand that leadership is nothing more than being able to inspire and motivate everybody around. If you take a look at some highly influential people like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, they have been able to inspire millions of people during their lifetimes and this is the reason why they have followers almost all over the world. Looking at their lives, you'll be able to understand the fact that they have come up with certain ideas and belief systems with which they were inspired. Just because they're inspired, they also created the same kind of feeling in the minds of other people and this has helped them to create a personal charisma for themselves. That is the main reason behind their success. So, if you really wish to understand everything about leadership,...Read More
Hiring Staff For Your Business: Everything You Need To Know
Guest Post by Lance Roper – When you have established your business, no matter if it's online or offline, you will want to expand, hire people and work a little less than you have been. Setting up a business takes over your life and it takes a lot of hard work to make it work well. Once you're up and running and it's taking hold, then you can start to think about taking people on. There are, however, a few problems with hiring people. Will they do as good a job as you want them to? Will they turn up on time and fulfill your requirements? In an interview you can only gauge so much from them and that's where you could ensure that you get the best candidates by using an agency. An agency will vet the staff and take some of the responsibility away. However, there are still some aspects to make sure you can afford staff before you start taking them on: Do you have enough customers and/or products? As long as you have done your market research and seen that the products you're selling are an ever-green product; that is one that sells at all times of the year, then you could take on staff. If the monthly sales are only a few per month, for example selling cars, then paying your staff on a commission basis is usually the best way to go. You should only really take on staff when you have enough work for them to do day-in day-out for months. If you sell seasonal products then hire people at certain times of the year on a short-term contract basis. Have contingencies in place What would you do if your staff fell ill? Can you afford to replace them at a moment's notice? By having a plan for the worst situation possible, everything else should be plain sailing. Make your staff work to the best of their ability Once you have staff and are trading for a few months, you could ensure that the customer service is up to scratch by investing in a mystery shopper. You won't know when they are turning up and neither will your staff. The mystery shopper poses as a customer and reports back their findings. If there are any staff that need retrained then it will be apparent from the impartial views of a mystery shopper. Whatever your business is, hiring staff is a testing time for your cash flow and your profits. You have to be sure that you can handle the extra people compared to the amount of sales you make. If you're overrun at the moment, it's probably time to take people on. Then, once you have staff you need to make sure that their level of service is consistent and the only real way to do so is to have...Read More
The Current State Of Unemployment
Guest Post by Danielle Riggs – In March 2012, United States citizens filing unemployment claims saw the largest increase since December of 2011, even though pundits insist that the economy is undergoing a slow and fragile recovery. About 380,000 new claims were filed, an increase of 13,000. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS) reports that the number of long-term unemployed in the U.S. is 5.3 million workers, representing over 42 percent of all unemployed. According to the BLS these individuals have been unemployed for 27 weeks or more. The Reality of the Unemployed Many are concerned that unemployment benefits in the U.S., compared to other countries, are lacking. The U.S. is a member of the 34-member nation Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and was recently ranked 18th in unemployment benefits. On average, an employee who loses his job can expect his benefit from the unemployment office to be about 27.4 percent of wages. Additionally, if the unemployed individual was providing health insurance for their family through his or her employer, he or she will have to purchase COBRA insurance, which allows former employees to participate in the employer's health care plan if he or she pays the entire premium. For many, Cobra is simply too expensive. An affordable alternative is unemployment insurance, which is offered on a short- or long-term basis. According to a New York Times article, there are long-term consequences to being unemployed. Ø A 2009 study showed that workers who lost their jobs during the recession in the early 80s were earning 20 percent less than their peers 20 years later. Ø A different study conducted in 2009 found that unemployment can reduce life expectancy by as much as one year. Ø A 2008 study followed 39,000 Canadian father and sons, and found that the sons of the men who were unemployed went on to earn approximately 9 percent less than the sons of the men who were never unemployed. Ø A 2005 study showed that the unemployed are more likely to suffer from depression and other health problems, especially those who are unemployed for long periods of time. Ø The title of a 2010 Pew survey pretty much says it all: "Lost Income, Lost Friends – and Loss of Self-Respect" Current Trends The trend in the United States, albeit at a snail's pace, is an increase in private sector jobs. In March 2012, the U.S. private sector added 209,000 new jobs, which was slightly more than the 200,000 predicted by economists. Numbers for January and February were also revised, up to 182,000 and 230,000 respectively. While these numbers may not mean much to someone who remains unemployed day after day, the unemployment crisis in the U.S. has sparked a line of greeting cards that may bring a smile to his or her face. There may have been...Read More


text:
Panorama Central - Penthouse Studio
Nombre max. de visiteurs2
Salles de bain1
Surface29 m²
Etage7(Avec ascenseur)
- Climatisation
- Internet/WIFI
- Balcon/terrasse
- Serviettes
- Ascenseur dans l'immeuble
- Cuisine
|Rakoczi ut, 1072 Budapest, Hongrie
|Type de logement
|Code de l'offre
This studio is newly renovated with brand new furniture's, bathroom and accessories, soundproof windows and wall. Has Free high speed WIFI, LED TV, Air Conditioning, kitchen and breakfast balcony as shown on the pictures. You are in short walking distance to all main sites. Great Synagogue behind your building,
The most famous ruin pub behind your building, The Danube River 7 minutes walking, the Basilica 10 minutes walking, Pedestrian shopping street 6 minutes walking. Great Market Hall 15 minutes walking. And the closest underground station 2 minutes walking away, where also the Hopp-on hopp-off bus stop is located as well. The nearest food store is across the building and there are about 50 restaurants and bars within 2-3 minutes. So you are in the middle of it all!
The building is equipped with elevator up to your floor. Please keep in mind however that this magnificent design studio is not a ballroom! Kitchen and bathroom are small but all very well equipped and brand new.
|Prix à la semaine
|326 €
|Prix au mois
|1119 €
|Arrivée après
|Sur arrangement
|Arrivée avant
|Sur arrangement
|Départ avant
|Sur arrangement
|Politique d′annulation
Beautiful, clean apartment in fantastic location. Everything within walking distance! Very cosy and beautifully furnished.
Perfect and beautiful accomodation, close to the city. Friendly and helpful hosts. Highly recommended.
- Qualité des logements garantie!
- Vérification de l'hôte par téléphone
- Paiement sécurisé via SSL encryption

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Skip to comments.ANM COULTER:CONSTITUTIONAL SCHOLAR OBAMA QUESTIONS LEGALITY OF SLAVERY BAN (For or Against?)
Posted on 08/20/2008 2:58:26 PM PDT by Syncro
click here to read article
Oh, how sweet it would be! Daily press conferences would become the top rated show of the day.
OK; you're Ann. But no, I don't know the #.
Sorry, I was on drugs...
I pinged you this week! Thanks for the bump and always pinging your list
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.


text:
Until November 30, enjoy a four-day/three-night package to Guam at HK$1,999. The cost includes a return ticket from Hong Kong to Guam, two nights accommodation in a three-star hotel, half-day scenic city sightseeing, two breakfasts, one lunch and hotel/airport transport. Guam is in the southern Pacific Ocean, a 4.5 hour flight from Hong Kong. Tel 2524 6178 (Continental Holidays hotline) E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com [1]
Winter warmer
The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai has a Winter Warmer package until April 3. Features include deluxe room accommodation, American buffet breakfast and 20 per cent discount on laundry and valet service. Representing close to 45 per cent savings off the published rate, the package is US$168 (single)/US$190 (double) per room night. The 564-room hotel is the focal point of Shanghai Centre, a retail, dining and entertainment complex on Nanjing Road. Services and facilities include six restaurants and lounges serving Chinese, Italian, Japanese and Western favourites; and extensive health club with swimming pool, gym, indoor tennis court, squash and racquet ball courts; and 24-hour business centre. Tel: 800 2413 3333 (toll free from Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand by dialling the international access code before the number) Tel: 86 21 6279 8070 (hotel directly) Fax: 86 21 6279 8772 E-mail: email@example.com [2] www.ritzcarlton.com [3]
Engine link up
Korean Air has partnered with Honeywell, the world's largest supplier of aircraft engines, equipment and systems, on avionics integration in South Korea. Suh Sang-mook, managing vice-president of Korean Air's aerospace division and Carl Baerst, president of the Asia-Pacific region for Honeywell, signed a memorandum of understanding on October 17 at the Seoul Air Show to modernise operating aircraft used for civilian and military purposes in Korea. www.koreanair.com [4]
Supersaver rates
The Renaissance Harbour View Hotel has Supersaver Winter Stay Rates until March 31 inclusive. For regular floor rooms the HK$1,200 rate includes: free enrolment in Marriott Rewards traveller programme; free use of gym and the largest hotel swimming pool on Hong Kong Island; in-room fax machine and electronic safe; complementary daily local newspaper and welcome fruit. For deluxe garden view rooms on Renaissance club floors the HK$1,500 rate includes: complementary continental breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails at Renaissance Club Lounge; two-hour complementary use of the Renaissance Club Boardroom (41F) per room per night, non-accumulative; 20 per cent discounts for equipment rental from the business centre; complementary local call charges; and personalised stationery and a CD player in room. Blackout dates are November 12-14. Tel: 852 2802 2228; firstname.lastname@example.com [5]
Load results
Continental Airlines reported a 71.3 per cent domestic and 56.3 per cent international load factor for a system-wide load factor of 65.5 per cent. The system-wide load factor is 13.2 points above the figure reported for the last two weeks in September and 5.5 points below the data for the same period a year earlier. The domestic load factor is 1.3 points higher than for the same period last year, although 189 per cent less capacity.
Grand special
Until December 31, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok has a Superb Stay rate from US$175 single/double occupancy and includes American breakfast. www.hyatt.com [6]
Services resume
American Airlines has resumed daily non-stop services at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. They include services to Miami and St Louis flown by TWA. American will serve the Washington-St Louis route with three non-stops daily, increasing the service to six flights a day on December 2. On the Washington-Miami route, American increased flights from three to five daily yesterday. www.amrcorp.com [7]
Award sale
United Airlines has a Travel Award Sale for Mileage Plus members worldwide. Members can now redeem a free return economy-class ticket for travel between Asia and North America for 40,000 miles. United Mileage Plus members can redeem an award by calling their local reservations office. When a reservation is made, the miles are automatically deducted from a member's account and an e-ticket is issued within seconds. Between Asia, South Pacific and North America, the United economy sale saver award points required is 40,000 and is valid for travel until January 31. Other awards are available. Tel: 2810 4888 www.united.com/worldwide [8] (click on Hong Kong flag)


text:
The Family Medicine Specialists clinic is located at 1105 N. Erie Lexington (south of the hospital)
Our team of providers are proud to provide high-quality health care to our community and surrounding area.
To make an appointment please call (308) 324-8308. Walk-ins are also welcome.
All insurances, including Medicare/Medicaid, Coventry, and Arbor are accepted.
Dr. Francisca Acosta-Carlson, MD
Dr. Brady Beecham, MD, MPH
Dr. David Priebe, MD
Tara Lawless, APRN, FNP-C
Travis Barkmeier, ACNP-BC, NP-C
Monday–Friday: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturdays: 8:30 – 11:30 am
Click here, to see the Lexington Regional Health Center payment policy.
A Spanish and Somalian interpreter is available everyday.
LRHC is now offering a new medically managed weight loss program utilizing the Ideal Protein method. If you are interested in learning more or setting up an appointment to get started please contact 308-324-8308.
Lexington Regional Health Center Family Medicine Specialists clinic does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, the presence or absence of any communicable diseases, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other protected class under relevant Federal or State laws in admission, treatment, or participation in its programs, services and activities or in employment or on the basis of sex in its health programs and activities. For further information about this policy, contact:
Provider Name: Family Medicine Specialists
Contact Person/Section 504 Coordinator: Dana Steiner
Telephone number: 308.324.8308
TDD or State Relay number: 1-800-833-7352


text:
Now Viewing:
You Pay: $69.95
Questions? Ask our experts:
800.606.6969 Live Chat
2x Magnification of image area's center is obtained with the DG-2 Magnifier, which flips up to quickly view the entire image area when needed. It has a rubber eyecup and dioptric correction ranging from -5 to +1.
|Packaging Info
|Package Weight
|0.08 lb
|Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
|2.0 x 1.75 x 1.75"


text:
Weather Alerts
Car crashes through family's fence for third timeUPDATED 5:25 PM CDT Aug 26, 2013
For the third time in just two years, a New Orleans East family had a a car crash through a fence and stop in the family's back yard.
More Video
CommentsThe views expressed are not those of this site, this station or its affiliated companies. By posting your comments you agree to accept our terms of use.blog comments powered by Disqus


text:
Forums Lobby MASTER YOUR NIKON CAMERA Nikon D300/D200/D100 topic #53556
D100 Colour Mode
bigfella Basic Member
Mon 08-Jul-02 07:37 AM
What is everybody's preference for using the sRGB or Abobe98 colour mode settings?
It seems to me that skin tones are better in sRGB, as even when Adobe98 is converted to the same in Photoshop the curves still need a little manipulation to get right.
#1. "RE: D100 Colour Mode" | In response to Reply # 0AlanC Basic MemberMon 08-Jul-02 04:27 PM
I've been using AdobeRGB most of the time to date because I shoot a lot of landscapes and it seems to give me more accurate greens. I haven't tried any portraits yet, so I can't comment on skin tones.


text:
We are a region of the Sports Car Club of America, the largest car club in the world dedicated to motorsports and the motorsports enthusiast.
With Cal Club, you can race your family sedan against the clock, participate in road and performance rallies, race purpose-built race cars at tracks like Buttonwillow Raceway Park, Auto Club Speedway, Willow Springs Raceway or be a volunteer worker at events like the Long Beach Grand Prix.
Don't forget to check out our discussion forum, where the racers and workers get together to discuss everything from "who did what" at the big barbeque bash, to who spun and who won at the last race, to technical discussions for your race car. Have more questions? Fill out our Questionnaire.
Download Cal Club's Associate Application
All SCCA Classes Welcome Nasa, Vara, SVRA, Porsche Club of America Competition Licenses will be accepted. For more info email our office firstname.lastname@example.com
Join us at Buttonwillow Raceway for the last race of 2016 at Buttonwillow Raceway! Last chance to qualify for the SCCA National Runoffs! All SCCA classes welcome, both Novice and Full Competition licenses accepted! Don't have your competition license, well bring out the family sedan and run Time Trials all the fun the competition drivers have in a controlled atmosphere. Driver Coaches available all weekend. We will be running configuration 18CCW. Don't miss out on this race after the long summer break.
Registration is now open! CLICK HERE
Follow Cal Club's Races Live Timing with Race Monitor or Race Hero! CLICK HERE