Workplace category is a basic career topic related to things that may occur in your workplace that effect your career and job search.
Workplace issues can include such items as: resigning from a job; motivating staff; dealing rules and regulations; missing a promotion; and handling office politics.
3 Smart Moves For The Holidays
The holidays are here! A time of jingle bells, reindeer – and OFFICE PARTIES. Almost every office environment, no matter how small, has an obligatory year end celebration.
What’s in a Name?
Before I get to my point, I want to be upfront and admit that yes, Americans are xenophobic. OK, I said it. Now that the air is clear, I can get to my point. If you come from another region of the world and want to work in the US – I have a little piece of advice; give yourself a nickname – an English sounding nickname.
Rules for Resigning
When the time has come to move on, there is a way to make a graceful exit. Hopefully your experience has been a positive one; regardless your resignation letter should never provide information to your manager that you were disgruntled or thought that the manager could not manage his way out of a paper bag. You never know when paths will cross again. You will be much better served with a short, to the point, and positive message. There had to be something – (albeit maybe a long time ago) when you started there that you enjoyed.
Dealing with a Workplace Bully
You would think that dealing with a bully would be a thing of the past – something that you dealt within your youth. Surely adults in a professional environment would not behave in such a manner! Unfortunately, you would be wrong. Workplace bullies can be co-workers as well as superiors. It can be extremely stressful to have to deal with someone who uses intimidation to demean you or lower your feelings of self-worth. Oftentimes, workplace bullies (similar to the children of your youth) use these tactics to make themselves feel better regarding their own inadequacies. Here are some tips for managing the situation:
Motivating Staff in a Tough Economy
I am sure you have noticed that when the economy takes a turn for the worse, company morale suffers. People become nervous and wonder if their jobs are secure. Of course, you want to ensure that your staff remains committed, focused, and motivated. When workplace confidence wanes, what can you do to ensure productivity levels meet and exceed expectations?
HIPPA vs. HIPAA
I am sure you are thinking – what kind of title is that for an article? Well, it came up because I was visiting my local megastore to purchase new contact lenses. I was running dangerously close to the end of my supply, and oh the horrors if I had to leave the house with my glasses. Whatever would I do? So, off I went to order a fresh supply. Upon arriving I was duly informed that they had a new computer system and I would need to be patient as they configured the sales aspect. I glanced down at my watch regretting that I did not bring my laptop. After all, I could be doing something productive while I was waiting. Well it didn’t take long, and before I knew it I was ready to pay for my new supply of lenses. I made my way up to the counter, scanned the Amex card and looked down to sign my name. What did I see? I saw HIPPA – a print out from one of those label makers plastered right on the credit card machine. I looked at the vision care specialist and said, “I think you have the wrong acronym here. It’s HIPAA, with two A’s. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.” Where did this rogue P come from? If it’s HIPPA, what does the extra P stand for? Are they thinking Hippo? No, probably not. Did they change it? No. I have since been back to the vision care center at the megastore. Wouldn’t you know it – HIPAA is still there, with two P’s. Can I be the only one who notices this and finds it irksome enough to mention? If they are referencing it, it’s my feeling they should get it right.
Fostering Success in a New Job
Looking forward to starting your new job? Nervous? You might be joining a company after a brief hiatus from the workforce or transitioning from one job to another. Regardless of the situation it can be challenging to slip into a new role with ease. After all, it’s a new environment; there are new people, processes, and systems; you have a new boss that you will need to get to know; and then of course there is the job itself! To help facilitate your new start and get you off on the right foot, here are some tips to drive your (imminent) success:
Don’t Let Workplace Rejection Get You Down
Did you recently get passed up for a big (or not so big) promotion? Did you ask for something at work and were flatly turned down? It happens – to all of us at some point. Things do not always go your way, and rejection is part of life – all aspects of life – both personal and professional. How you handle the rejection at work can serve as the cornerstone for short- and long-term success. It’s time to ‘man-up’ as they say.
Returning to a Previous Employer
Every once in a while, you may do something you said you would not do: return to an ex-boyfriend/girlfriend, dive in the deep end of a swimming pool, or maybe eat frog legs. But for some, doing something they said they would not do falls into the realm of returning to an employer after leaving many years ago.
Men and Women at Work: Can We All Get Along?
It may be true that men are from Mars and women from Venus. That doesn’t mean the two sexes can’t effectively work together here on Earth.
Surviving Office Politics
It ’s your first month in a new position and it’s rougher going than you’d anticipated. You feel like an outsider and you’re miserable.






