Not Using Company Medical Benefits? Negotiate Other Perks Instead When it comes to the topic of negotiation, most people's main focus is on salary. As David Lee Roth reportedly once said, "Money can't buy you happiness, but it can buy you a yacht big enough to pull up right alongside it." However, an increasingly important factor in an overall compensation package is health benefits. According to a 2007 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, since 2001 premiums for family coverage have increased 78%, while wages have risen 19% and inflation has risen 17%. In 2010 the OECD ranked the US #1 in t... view article details

Tips on Business Travel by Air during Coronavirus With the spread of coronavirus throughout the world, you must take all kinds of precautions when traveling. Although most companies have started working online, some jobs still require travel by plane. We are still in a critical period for controlling the spread of the virus, so travelers, please keep these travel tips in mind. Protect yourself and stay safe! When you check in, you should pay attention to: 1. Choose a window seat Studies have shown that people in aisle seats on planes leave their se... view article details

The Midwest continued to be the best place for job-seekers last month, according to data recently released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The states in the center of the country had an average unemployment rate of 7.2 percent in April, better than any other region and significantly lower than the national rate of 8.1 percent.  Driving the Midwest's low jobless numbers was North Dakota's unemployment rate of 3 percent. The western part of North Dakota is experiencing an oil boom that has produced thousands of jobs in the construction, trade and transportation, and professional services... view article details

The Income Gap & Why We Should Care Two weeks ago, we looked at some numbers that suggested the gap between rich and poor in the United States is growing. Last week, we considered some possible reasons for this growing inequality.This week, we answer perhaps the most important question: So what? The numbers suggest the real income of the poor is holding steady; it is the soaring income of those at the top that is widening the gap. Why then should that one number -- the difference between the top and the bottom -- be of concern?According to several analyses, income inequality can cause... view article details

Q: What is the typical increase a person should get (or should look for) when changing jobs? I'm in the information technology field.A: There is no rule of thumb for determining a percentage increase for a new job, because the value of someone's skills relates to how that person compares with the market as a whole. You probably won't want to change jobs unless you feel you will be better off in the new situations.Before you settle on your new salary expectations, understand the job responsibilities at the new employer, and then benchmark those responsibilities against a job in the Salary Wizar... view article details

Damn, did ol’ Bagsy Boonswagler from accounting bring in that delicious Oreo pie again? Hey, you can’t blame him. It isn’t just Bagsy who’s contributing to the plethora of unhealthy, yummy – and free – snacks in the workplace. 22% of working adults consume an average of 1,277 calories per week through free food and drink on the job, according to a unique survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. That accounts for 71% of all total calories consumed at work. It’s no surprise that the free goodies found in vending machines, common areas, at social events, and after meetings tend ... view article details

Are Vegan Workplaces the Way of the Future? Veganism is everywhere these days it seems. From the Impossible Burger, to restaurant chains like By Chloe, to Netflix documentary films like “What the Health” and “Earthlings,” the world can’t get enough of plant-based eating. There has been a 600% increase in people identifying as vegans in the U.S. in the last three years alone and that trend does not seem to be slowing down anytime soon. This is a far cry from decades prior when vegans were thought of as lentil-loving “hippies” – at the very fringe of society. These days, veganism is a popular li... view article details

Top 5 Fastest-Growing and Best Paying Jobs Without a College Degree According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are several fast-growing occupations requiring only an Associates Degree, vocational training, or on the job training that offer moderate to high earning potential. We researched these jobs and developed a list of the highest paying jobs in this category, all of which will experience double-digit growth in the coming years. Read about the top five best paying jobs without a degree and the respective salary data for these jobs in your geographical area. Jobs That Pay the Most W... view article details

Last week, we brought you '9 Reasons You Should Nap at Work,' which discussed the benefits of daytime snoozing and highlighted some companies that encourage their employees to nap on the clock.This week we tackle the more practical aspects of catching some ZZZs at work.1. Understand your company's culture and rules Before you put your head down on your desk and start snoring, do your homework.Many employers discourage napping. Others consider it grounds for firing. Gradually, however, more companies are allowing or even promoting naptime in the office. Some progressive companies have... view article details

Just like an interview, a job offer can tell you a great deal about a potential employer. An offer can reveal how serious the employer is about the offer, how valuable you are to the company, and most importantly, whether you should make the move. Jobs are customarily offered over the telephone or in person. The employer should offer more than just, 'Congratulations, you've got the job.' He or she should explain the offer in detail and answer your questions.It is appropriate to respond to a job offer within two to four days. Rarely would an employer expect you to accept a position on the spot.... view article details