Category: Work Life

1. Clean off your desktop to allow yourself adequate work space. Remove personal items to a bookshelf or wall. Consider moving your computer to a desk or cart.

2. Set up a system to sort incoming paper (a file box or folders) labeled “to do,” “urgent,” “refer,” “consider,” “pay,” and “file.”

3. Keep a shredder and recycling bin nearby. As you go through your inbox, shred, recycle, and sort into your system.

4. Throw everything you need to read into a box. Grab a few articles to take with you whenever you leave your office.

5. Use cutlery holders or small plastic containers to sort office supply items in a drawer. Keep only enough for a week or two. Place backups in a storage cabinet.

6. Use tubs or tote bags as project files.

7. Make a list of your files and post it on your filing cabinet for quicker retrieval of files. Analyze and consolidate items on your list before organizing the actual files.

Source: Ineedmoretime.com

Do you know someone at work who loves to gossip? Perhaps they always have some “juicy” information about another person. If you’re just listening, and not talking, then no harm done, right?

Not necessarily. According to the National Ethics Association, workplace gossip can damage employee relationships, decrease morale at work and even harm someone’s career. If you engage in the gossip, you may lose credibility with important people and create conflict. But how do you cut gossip out of your professional life?

*  Identify the main source of gossip and avoid him or her. If you work in a larger office, you may be able to stay out of this person’s path. If your workplace is small, this may be more challenging. Try shutting your door when you know that person is around, or simply busy yourself with work. If approached, you can say, “I’m sorry, I can’t talk now. I have to get this project done right away.”

*  If you get cornered and don’t know how to respond, it’s sometimes best to just be silent. If you don’t react or respond to the gossip, the other person will quickly get bored or learn you’re not interested.

*  If these tactics don’t work and the person continues to try to pull you in, you may need to be more direct – but polite. Don’t accuse or start an argument. Instead, you could say, “I don’t think we should talk about this. I prefer to focus on my work, and not worry about other people.”

*  If it’s you who tends to talk about others, adopt a personal policy to stop. Talking about others’ personal or professional business is almost always inappropriate, and does not help you or your co-workers. Think of the reverse: would you want someone gossiping about you? Find upbeat, interesting things to talk about around the water cooler, such as how each person’s family is doing, or what their plans are for the weekend.

The first few times you have to stop office gossip can be hard. Stick to it, and over time, you will find that it gets easier. Eventually, you’ll stop being a magnet for the negative conversations. Your productivity at work will likely improve, and you may feel better about yourself and those you work with.

When it comes to work schedules, one thing is certain: no one schedule works for everyone. While some people might thrive on an early-morning first shift, others prefer a later work schedule or even a night shift.

Today’s work environment has plenty of variability in work schedules. Besides different start times, there are also differences in where people work. Some people work from home and others may split their time between the home and office. And, there are full-time or part-time schedules.

But, finding the best work schedule for you isn’t always easy. Perhaps your employer simply doesn’t offer the type of schedule you need. Or, you might want someone else’s schedule, but the “spot” is already filled.

If you feel that your current work schedule isn’t fitting into your life, don’t let it frustrate you. You can approach the issue and have a positive outcome for both you and your employer. These steps can help you find a solution:

1.  Think about what you want in a schedule. First, write down what works for you now and what doesn’t work. Be specific. Do you need to get out earlier? Work around school pick-up times? Do you need more predictable start and end times? This lets your employer know how they can help you.

2.  Set up a meeting  with the right person. You may wish to talk with your direct supervisor first. They may be able to help you find something that works better, or may want to bring in human resources for some assistance. Don’t try to simply mention it in passing. A scheduled meeting will give you enough time to discuss it without being rushed or distracted.

3.  Work with family and friends. Sometimes, some additional help is all that’s needed to make your work schedule work better for you. Can a friend pick up your kids from school while you work? Can you carpool with someone? Reach out to your community and neighbors. It never hurts to ask.

Remember, your employer may have no idea that your work schedule doesn’t work for you. You have to tell them so the problem can be addressed. Be open and honest about your needs. Ultimately, this can lead to higher work satisfaction for you.

Every job can be done half-heartedly – or done really well. Doing your best will help you feel satisfied with your job, which is great for your mental health.

1.Confidence:Be confident in your abilities, especially your ability to go above and beyond at work. Not only is this good for your clients, coworkers and/or customers, but it has an added bonus: you’ll feel great too!

2.Connect:Build positive relationships with people at work to help you succeed. If you’re experienced, help others learn from you. If you need guidance, don’t be afraid to ask others for their advice and input.

3.Communicate:If you see a problem, speak up. Constructive feedback can be done in a way that’s respectful and kind. If you see good things happening, point those out, too. It’s a great way to build morale.