Identify Bad Employees Before They Become a Major Problem Coworkers will occasionally have arguments. This is unavoidable and most of the time can be worked out with minimal effort. But if a formerly stellar employee is suddenly the subject of multiple complaints, and you hear his/her coworkers constantly grumbling, then you may have a problem employee. As a business owner and/or manager, you work hard and spend a considerable amount of time and money on hiring the right people. Prior experience, references, and whether or not the person will fit into your company's culture are all thing... view article details

6 Tips for Salary Negotiation: Negotiating Your Pay and Benefits You just received that job offer and the salary isn’t exactly what you hoped for. But starting salaries depend on a number of factors including the size of the prospective employer and their current level of success, your professional level, your previous work experience, and the particular skills you bring to the job. Remember, too, that your salary represents only part of the overall compensation package. Employers may not be willing to make adjustments in base pay, but you may be able to negotiate some benefits to help make up... view article details

Pendulum People The watch is swaying back and forth as you are getting sleepy, very sleepy. Well, not exactly. In a real hypnosis session, you would be more likely to focus on a spot on the wall, or an object in the room, than a pendulum. And the hypnotist would use different words. But you would be deeply relaxed. Then, the power of suggestion would take over. Jean Fain, a hypnotist and clinical social worker in private practice, uses techniques pioneered in ancient Greek healing temples to cure patients of smoking habits, overeating, phobias, pain, even warts. Hypnosis can also be used to en... view article details

If you work with a lot of Gen Xers or older millennials, you’ve probably heard a co-worker pay homage to the 1999 cult classic “Office Space” which continues to provide catharsis for anyone facing workspace woes. But, believe it or not, cubicles weren’t invented as some sort of practical joke. Organizations have tried to adapt their physical workspaces over time to maximize productivity and minimize distractions. And now, with the added foil of remote work opportunities, there’s a balance organizations must seek both in and out of the office. Does the “Open Office” Really Work? According to re... view article details

The movement of people into, through, and out of an organization is a well-studied phenomenon. It is described variously as recruiting, attrition, retention, growth, layoffs, internal mobility, development, or reorganization. Much of the academic study on the topic sees the question as one of ‘employee turnover.’ Employee turnover is the rotation of workers around the labour market; between firms, jobs and occupations; and between the states of employment and unemployment Abassi et al. (2000). The term “turnover” is defined by Price (1977) as: the ratio of the number of organizational members... view article details

Looking for a job depends on where you start. You do things differently if you are looking for work while you have a job than when you don’t. You use one approach if your employer is hitting a rough patch. It’s a whole different story when you’ve just graduated from college (and which college seems to really matter). It’s another story when you are reentering the workforce or shifting careers. Where you are in your professional development plays a role. While it’s wonderful to think that recruiters will come hunting for you while you are gleefully enjoying your current gig, that doesn’t often... view article details

Q: Dear Heather,I recently started a full-time job after several years at home with my children. It wasn’t my first choice, but my husband ended up having to take a lower paying job after his company downsized. I’m mostly OK with it and getting used to the schedule. My 15-year old daughter has really stepped up to help, but my 10-year old daughter isn’t adjusting well. She was very much accustomed to our afterschool rituals and complains daily that she wishes I were a 'real mom' again. My husband works late most nights, and so this is pretty much all on me. I don’t have the uninterrupted hours... view article details

In Part I of this article we discussed  six common roadblocks faced in the workplace, and how to recognize them. In Part II we’ll talk about specific strategies that will allow you to knock down roadblocks, so you can happily and successfully reach your destination.Roadblock #1: All talk, no action. Instead of daydreaming about how great your life would be if you reached your goal, take action.Strategy: Adapt the adage “There’s no time like the present.” Set goals that are SMART—Specific, Measurable,Attainable, Relevent, and Time-Bound. Taking this important first step will brea... view article details

If you enjoy working with children, why not make a career out of it? Working with children enables people to make a difference while enjoying flexible work options.Approximately 35 percent of child care workers are self-employed and work from home. Others can work in child care centers, and they can also work in the children’s home as well. Child care workers range from babysitters to preschool teachers.In addition to supervising activities for children to promote learning and socialization, child care workers work to make sure children stay physically healthy, too. They are responsible for se... view article details

To negotiate your pay package, you first need to identify the right opportunity. It is true that any time will work, but there are some natural 'money moments' that are perhaps more logical for negotiating a pay package. One obvious opportunity is when you are interviewing for a new job. In fact, for an executive not to negotiate at that moment would be considered foolish. If you're not interviewing for a new job, the obvious moments are fewer but they still exist. Performance review time is a good time, as are the end of a significant project, and promotion or change-of-role events.Start earl... view article details