One of the most important steps in the cycle of excellence is the employee self-appraisal. Your manager may ask you to conduct a self-appraisal approximately one or two weeks before your performance review. It is worth taking the time to complete this exercise thoughtfully, because it will enable you to compare your impression of how well you did with your company's impression. The form may be identical to the one your manager uses, so it will give you a good indication of what will be talked about in your performance review and later filed with the human resources department. You will also n... view article details

Do you ever sit in the office and think to yourself – “I could do this job from anywhere?” Well, you’re not alone. In today’s war for talent, remote work flexibility is a major perk to attract the evolving workforce, and it can even increase productivity. Working from home with your feet up on the coffee table curled up next to your cockapoo makes for a fabulous day, but some folks want more… much more. As remote work arrangements become more prevalent, several organizations have emerged to help you take your talents to exotic locations around the world. From one-week getaways to all-inclusive... view article details

Many students are faced with the realization that paying for college has become worth more than some people's yearly salaries. The rise of inflation, the budget crisis and annual increases are some of the reasons that college has become financially unattainable for some individuals. While there are government grants and financial aid, some students are still left with too great of debt to afford to stay. Some reasons students have to start paying for their education could be because their parents have lost their jobs in the recession, their grades were not up to par, or they're out on their o... view article details

Beyoncé put it simply when she answered her own question – “Who run the world? Girls.” The incredible individuals on Forbes’ rankings of America’s richest self-made women have dominated a multitude of industries, using social media to brand their businesses into the future. This year’s list boasts six more billionaires and 15% more combined wealth among the top 60 compared to last year.  Here are the ladies that cracked the top ten: 1. Diane Hendricks Net worth: $4.9 Billion Diane Hendricks co-founded ABC Supply with her husband Ken in 1982. Today, it is one of the largest wholesale distribu... 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

Benefits can significantly increase the value of the compensation package. The costs for providing benefits such as health insurance, retirement , training, vacation and personal days, and other perks could be a significant percentage of each employee's salary.      Beyond Compensation  Compensation is more than just base pay. It is a total package that should address your overall well-being - financial, physical, emotional, even spiritual. As companies compete for talent in tight labor markets, many are rolling out better benefits to attract and retain the best workers. Companies often strive... view article details

Safe Travel Tips from the U.S. State Department  Relax: You're Flying   Should We Fly? Or Surf?    Relax: You're Flying  One mile high, as the stars come out, you place cucumbers over your eyelids and settle in for a good night's sleep in coach. Children may kick the seat behind you, the guy to your right may encroach, and strange human noises may blend overhead with the dry relentless forced-air ventilation system - but you're moisturized, hydrated, relaxed, and ready to do business tomorrow. At least, in your dreams.How do veteran road warriors do it, week after week, flying from city to cit... view article details

Recycled. Upcycled. Eco-friendly. Sustainable. Organic. Everywhere you look signs, labels, and headlines make it clear that the country is going green. But how – if at all – does that translate into jobs?An estimated 3.4 million of U.S. jobs qualified as 'green' in 2011, according to a recent report from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, up nearly 5 percent over 2010. In the private sector, environmentally friendly jobs grew at an even faster rater: more than 7 percent, from 2.3 million to 2.5 million. Employment across all industries and categories, meanwhile, grew by just slightly more... view article details

These days when job security is not necessarily a given, many workers are taking advantage of mentoring, a valuable -- and free -- training tool. And no wonder: According to Randi Bussin, a career coach in Belmont, Mass., 'it's a no-brainer for lifetime career development.'Wherever you are in your career, a mentor can be an invaluable guide. Here are some tips for finding one and making the relationship work.1. Take the initiative It's usually easiest to find a mentor in a formal corporate program, but not all companies offer one. The same workplace stresses that make peop... view article details