Performance reviews present an opportunity for employees to demonstrate their accomplishments and distinguish themselves and their value to the organization. It is important to maximize use of this critical tool, as it has significant impact on pay, professional development, and job security. Here are ten tips to make the annual performance review work best for you, while also making it easier on your boss to write you a terrific review: 10. Know Your Role During Performance Review If you are uncertain about any aspect of your job, seek clarification. A great place to start is a detailed list ... view article details

It’s Thursday afternoon and you’re snailing your way to the end of the work week. One peppy co-worker remarks “this is my Friday” because they’re taking the real Friday off. You groan and begin to scrutinize society’s five-day work week. How did the universe decide weekends should only be two days? Well, maybe it’s time for the cosmos to reorder itself. Perpetual Guardian, an Auckland-based trustee company, became New Zealand’s first major business to experiment with “four days’ work for five days’ pay” earlier this year. Over the course of the two-month trial, researchers found that employe... view article details

The modern war for talent is marked by competition for highly-skilled workers. Companies know that a robust vacation package, remote work flexibility, and summer Fridays can appeal to all those darn millennials. But perhaps organizations shouldn't draw the line at these common work-life initiatives. Psychological evidence widely shows that shortening the 40-hour workweek altogether will increase productivity and employee engagement. Organizations Breaking with Tradition Earlier this year, New Zealand-based trustee company Perpetual Guardian took the working world by storm when it experimented ... view article details

A hermit thrush spots you hiking outside Waterbury after your visit to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory. He swoops down and lands on the snow-swept path in front of you. “Say human,” he begins in a charming New England accent, “are you an out-of-state remote work employee interested in moving to my beautiful state for money?” Remote Work Jobs in Vermont Thanks to Bill S-0094 recently passed in the state legislature and signed into law by Governor Phil Scott, Vermont is offering up to $10,000 for full-time employees of a business outside the state to move there on or after January 1st, 2019, and work ... view article details

For new dads, Father’s Day doesn't consist of cracking open a cold one with junior back from college. Instead, it's a less laidback affair involving tending to the newest 'mini me's' every waking need – but how can a new dad be there for his newest addition if his company doesn't offer any paternity leave? Child rearing is mankind’s greatest passion – and challenge – but the country’s paid family leave policies fall well short of what new parents deserve. According to a report from the Society of Human Resource Management, about 58% of women – but only 15% of men – get replacement pay for leav... view article details

Why THAT Person Gets Ahead Do you work with THAT guy?You know the person I'm talking about. The guy who just likes to hear himself talk. The guy who hijacks every business meeting to promote his own agenda. The guy who is far less interested in the outcome of his team's work than furthering his personal goals. Despite possessing traits most would universally acknowledge as deplorable, it seems some people are actually rising up the ranks and being recognized even though they are less qualified than others. But how? And why?A recent Wall Street Journal article cites research claiming w... view article details

It has long been understood that, for men with thinning hair, the comb-over is rarely a wise choice. In fact, thanks to recent research by Wharton School lecturer Albert Mannes, there is now evidence that men who embrace baldness by shaving their heads can seem more dominant, confident, and masculine than those who let hair loss run its natural course.  Mannes' research was inspired by his own experience after he shaved his head in his mid-30s and noticed that people reacted to him differently. 'They were more standoffish and, on a few occasions, even deferential,' he said in an e-mail. Becaus... view article details

Dear Annette,Our company subsidizes memberships to a gym in our building. Everybody goes here, and I often find myself working out next to senior people in the company. How do I handle this? Out of BreathDear Out of Breath,I'm sure you realize you can glisten with perspiration and good manners at the same time. I myself do not exercise - I have People to do that for me - but nobody knows better than I do that sweat can be fabulous. It can also make the most casual situations more complicated than they appear. When working out with colleagues, you want to show you're a team player who appreciat... view article details

Dear Annette,When placing photographs on one's desk, do you recommend a certain number of photographs or an ideal size and type of frame? My goal is to create more of a 'work' atmosphere than a 'home' atmosphere. FramedDear Framed,I have always thought my desk was an ideal place for photographs. Delightful sterling silver frames add a touch of whimsy to my work area and demonstrate once again that there will always be a place for engraving in the modern office. Since I use my computer very little, I like to put photos on my keyboard and monitor as well.It's so handy when friends ask who that f... view article details

Before negotiating an executive salary with a current or new employer, take some time to reflect on where your pay falls given the market data, the opportunities you face, and your current compensation.How little is too little?If you are making too little, assess yourself and your performance as honestly as possible. If you discover that your data is accurate, but you're underpaid - and that there are good reasons why you are underpaid - determine how to remedy it and create a plan with your current employer, or figure out what to do differently in your next post.Perhaps it's that someone else... view article details