Friday, May 29, 2020
10 Changes Affecting Employee Wellbeing and How to Lessen the Impact
10 Changes Affecting Employee Wellbeing and How to Lessen the Impact Emotional well-being can be affected by both âgoodâ and âbadâ changes in our lives. Here are 10 business changes that can add to the stress levels of your employees. In business, itâs important to recognize the extent to which changes may affect employee mental health, especially given we donât always know what personal trials we are adding to in peopleâs lives. When it comes to mental health, itâs impossible to separate the personal from professional. Here, weâve ranked changes according to psychiatrists Holmes and Raheâs Social Readjustment Scale, used extensively in studies since its development in 1967. It attributes âLife Change Unitsâ to events within a 12-month period. The higher the score, the more likely the individual is to encounter mental health conditions. For reference, the death of a spouse is rated 100 on the scale. Dismissal or redundancy (47 Life Change Units) Itâs no surprise dismissal clocks in at the top of workplace changes that can impact the mental health of employees. If dismissal or redundancy is necessary, itâs important to support the employee as much as possible as they leave the business. Dismissal and redundancy can also have a wider impact on teams and individual employees who can begin to question the safety of their own position or fear an increased workload. Make sure to confront this issue head-on and explain the next steps in terms of hiring replacements or restructuring teams and roles to help reduce anxieties. Retirement (45 Life Change Units) Retirement, while often treated as something to celebrate, can be a difficult life change for many people, whether itâs a personal choice or not. Businesses can offer flexibility when it comes to retirement by allowing employees to slowly reduce their hours ahead of the big day to make the process easier for both the retiree and their colleagues. Business readjustment (39 Life Change Units) Itâs important to note that while business restructures donât need to directly affect an employeeâs position in the business to have an impact. Change is one of the six key areas which the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlight as being influential when looking at the risk of workplace stress. Itâs critical to communicate changes well and remain transparent to safeguard employee wellbeing. If your business is undergoing a prolonged period of change, an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can support staff members by offering free access to confidential counseling. The data collected from EAP use can help identify who in your workforce is most at risk of being negatively impacted emotionally and in need of additional support during this time. Change in financial state (38 Life Change Units) Thereâs no distinction in this change between positive or negative financial states. Adjustments to remuneration, be they raises or cutbacks, can both have an impact. Change in frequency of arguments (35 Life Change Units) Itâs important that employees tasked with defending change, championing projects or managing people are supported when theyâre fighting on multiple fronts. Of course, âargumentsâ should ideally be discussions, but itâs important line managers are aware of just how embattled their reports may be. Change in work responsibilities (29 Life Change Units) Again, some employees will relish the idea of more, or even less, responsibility while others will not. In any case, itâs important to note that even those that welcome more responsibility on the surface may harbor deeper concerns about them that need to be worked through. Setting up regular informal catch-ups with a line manager can encourage disclosure if an employee feels they have too much or little responsibility and positive actions can be agreed between both parties and put into place. Outstanding personal achievement (28 Life Change Units) This one appears to be nothing but positive, but the pressure of achieving even a personally very meaningful goal will still add to the total level of demand that we may face and can add to stress levels and add performance pressure. Managers should support employees through the promotion process as they adapt to their new role and extra responsibilities. Consider setting up a mentoring programme where senior managers share their experiences and outcomes with junior managers to help them progress quickly and hit the ground running. Trouble with the boss (23 Life Change Units) Relationship and communication breakdown between line managers and their reports is one of the more obvious candidates for this list and itâs important to make it clear to employees who they can approach when issues arise. Indeed, conflict with managers or at work is a leading reason for people to seek help with their mental health according to a 2015 report by the OECD. Employers often do not identify behavior change and conflicts as warning signs. So, having the right awareness among managers and effective means of providing support are key to limiting distress among your workforce. Change in working hours or conditions (20 Life Change Units) Changes of this nature come relatively far down the list, however, they can be volatile for some employees. The score attributed here certainly needs to consider the scale of the change and what other impacts it has. For example, a cut in hours will also impact the employeeâs financial state. Consider offering staff flexible working, where they can choose the hours they work based on when they feel able to perform at their best. This can help employees find a better work-life balance and support better emotional resilience. Holidays (13 Life Change Units) When someone is stressed, a usual office refrain might be: âyou need some time off, take a holidayâ. But holidays can come with the heightened workload on either side of the break, financial stress, and challenging organization. Many employees talk about âinbox fearâ â" the number of outstanding emails and pending work requests- waiting for them on return from leave. To help reduce this culture, have an explicit agreement, colleagues wonât email an absent colleague unless absolutely necessary when they are on annual leave. Implementing a formal handover policy for those going away can mean the employee taking a break can relax safe in the knowledge colleagues know the priority tasks and can move things forward. The rest of the team will also feel up-to-date with all outstanding projects and prepared on how best to allocate resources. About the author: Brendan Street is the Head of Emotional Wellbeing at Nuffield Health.
Monday, May 25, 2020
Business Consultant Career Profile - VocationVillage
Business Consultant Career Profile - VocationVillage VocationVillage.com interviewed Susan Melchert about her work as a Business Consultant. Here is what she had to say.How would you describe the main functions of your work?Business Consultant Susan MelchertI train business owners how to maximize their resources with technology. For example, how to master computer software like Microsoft Office or SharePoint (an internal Web site where people from the same organization can share files).What does a typical day look like as a Business Consultant?The typical day changes a lot. It is easier to describe a typical week: one day for internal training to stay up-to-date, one day doing bookkeeping and invoicing and accepting payments, two to three days on the road visiting clients as needs arise. Sometimes into the evening as emergencies arise. Sometimes out the door in ten minutes when someones server has gone down. I am always ready to go. Ill take a motorcycle in rush hour traffic. I do most of my training 1-1 but sometimes in small group tr aining.What do you like best about being a Business Consultant?I enjoy empowering female professionals by teaching them how to use business and technology. I like to help people to feel more comfortable with technology. I also enjoy being appreciated for my listening skills and I love the teaching part of my job. Also, this job is fairly recession-proof. When budgets are lean, people will spend money to learn how to use the software they have rather than spend money on new software.I also enjoy that people will give me their old computers when they upgrade or I will buy computer equipment from companies going out of business. I clean the computers and fix them up and sell them to worthwhile organizations for a reasonable price. This is not a big moneymaker, but a form of public service for me.What are the most challenging things about your work?Recruiting is hard, meaning it is difficult to find someone who can help me to deliver to the customer in a way that meets both my expectati ons and that of the customer. It is sometimes tough to find someone who can talk the language of business to the customer and also understand the technology.How did you choose this particular type of work?Back in the 1990s while in graduate school to get an MBA, I held a job as a Library Research Assistant and I learned how to use the library database system. I also had a job in a school computer lab and helped instructors put together Web pages. These jobs evolved into my current business.What was your professional background before you became a Business Consultant?Before I went back to school to get an MBA, I was selling photographic equipment. I wanted to help photographers with their businesses so thats why I enrolled in business school. While in school, other students and faculty were asking me for technical assistance and therefore I discovered the technology niche by observing the strong demand for it. Typically men are more protective of their knowledge and are condescending ; however I was willing to share and now focus on helping other women.What is your educational background?MBA from Washington State University and Associates in Software Programming from Cascadia Community College.What skills are most important to succeed as a Business Consultant?Active listening and delivering what the customer expects, technical aptitude, willingness to invest time to stay current, ability to master new material, and willingness to ask questions of others.What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a Business Consultant?Admit when you do not know the answers to client questions and provide references as to where they can find the answers or offer to do the research yourself.Remind your customer that we are all on the same path, only some have started before others and now it is our turn to help those starting after us.If an experienced professional decided he/she wanted to make a career change to become a Business Consultant, what are the steps he/she shou ld take to make a successful transition?Surprisingly enough, there is a lot of information online; the trick is to find it, compile it into the functional areas of business and then read through it to the point you can explain it. For example, Microsoft offers a lot of free online training that you can complete. Find someone who already does this type of work and ask their advice. Offer to help them with whatever they might need in exchange for advice and mentoring. This way you could learn by observing and doing. Ask yourself what keeps you up at night and what makes you jump out of bed excited to start the day. What do you find yourself doing in your spare time, where time flies because you are so involved in what you are doing? Now find the need for that gift you possess.Are there any commonly held misperceptions about your work that you would like to clarify?People underestimate the amount of time it takes to prepare for a client it takes more time than people realize. You may have a lot of prep time if you are learning something new. It may take three hours to prepare for a one hour meeting. Also, the wardrobe and presentation of oneâs self are all part of the package. Many people in high tech wear jeans and a T-shirt. I wear business casual unless it is a weekend job where I will be crawling around dealing with the technology.What is the income range for Business Consultants?As much as one can manage. Typically when working for someone else, the hourly rate may vary between $30-$50. If you are an independent consultant, the hourly rate is $150, which takes into account all the prep time for that ONE hour.What are your long-term career goals?Doing more business coaching on functional elements like improving customer service processes, learning better time management, and utilizing the calendar in Microsoft Outlook for short and long-term planning. Also technical training, e.g. the most recent version of Microsoft Office and SharePoint.Any other comment s?I love what I do because I get to be a hero and make someoneâs life easier. My clients really appreciate my demeanor because I am patient and I encourage questions. I enjoy the public aspect as well as the process of preparing materials for handouts. This is my way of leaving others more empowered and building their self-esteem with business operations.Thank you, Susan! . If you would like to read more about Susan Melchert and her company, please visit her website at SBACoach.com.. . Read more career profiles. .
Friday, May 22, 2020
Tips To Look Stunning After a Late Night Out
Tips To Look Stunning After a Late Night Out Its party season! Make sure you still look stunning no matter how far you are into the evening. Every woman would understand the pressure to look good all the time especially after staying up late all night. You can buy online all sorts of skincare products to look fantastic but no one can deny that a late night can take its toll on the very next day. However, it is not impossible to look great even after a stressful night with some tips and tricks to look up and ready even after getting only a few winks. Here are some tips that can help you look awesome: Donât forget your eye cream Thereâs a reason why you have to be religious in applying eye cream before bed time and in the morning. The cream can help reduce those dark circles under your eyes and it makes the area smooth and taut for concealer application. There are also under eye creams that contain light reflecting particles that provide instant transformation. Use scents for energizing effects It has been long known that scents can have a huge effect on a personâs mood and aromatherapy is one of the proven and tested methods to look more awake. When you feel more awake, it can be seen from your appearance. The best scents to keep you on your toes include orange, peppermint, eucalyptus and lemon and you can grab various bath products in these scents to help you feel more awake in the mornings. Put your moisturizer in the fridge Did you know that refrigerating your moisturizer can do wonders? If you have stayed up late, put your moisturizer inside the fridge the night before. When you are staying up late, you will look pale and puffy and you want to get rid of this after a night. One good way to get rid of that puffiness is to rinse your face with cold water. After doing that, get your moisturizer and apply it to your face. The chill can do wonders to your face and aside from making it less puffy; it can also bring the color back to your cheeks and make those pores less visible. Use shimmer to look more alert One way to make it look as if you are more alert than how you feel is to add something that shimmers. It is quite easy to find a great shimmer as there are a lot of cosmetics that are geared to produce the shimmery effect. There are a lot of cosmetics that actually have shimmer. Eye shadow that comes in light colors and highlighter are great for this purpose. Be sure to apply it in your eyeâs innermost corner as it reflects light and creates an illusion that your eyes are more open. If lip gloss is the only shimmery thing you have, using it would also be a great option. Get rid of the red When you have been up for the night, the telltale sign are those dark circles under your eyes and the best way to make them disappear is by using concealer and this can do wonders. However, donât just focus on those dark circles, you also have to sab some between your brows and your nose as these areas can look red when you lack sleep. Another area which can make it really obvious that you have stayed late is your eye. Line your lower lashes with a white or skin tone liner. Doing this can have a dramatic effect as it can brighten the eye area almost instantly making it really hard to tell that you have been up late. Looking great after a late night out would certainly be tiring but you donât have to look the way you feel. With some quick tips, you can transform and look ready for another day even with only a few hours of sleep.
Sunday, May 17, 2020
How You Can Start Your Freelance Writing Career
How You Can Start Your Freelance Writing Career The life of a freelance writer used to be trying to get a coveted interview or be at the right place at the right time. Now with the internet there are more companies than ever looking for freelance writers to create a plethora of written content. This could vary from product descriptions to company blog posts. Long form content like that of eBooks and resource pages can be extremely valuable to companies in the form of backlinks as well as other SEO benefits depending on traffic of the pages. The ability to make extra money or turn writing into your full-time job is up to you. The following are ways to start your freelance writing gig and possibly write full-time in the future. Find Freelance Writing Gigs On Freelancer Platforms Finding a freelance gig on one of the many platforms for freelancers should not be difficult. Creating pieces of content as examples can really help as most companies ask for sample pieces that you might have published online or have in a portfolio. Taking on large amounts of articles or copy in the beginning is not recommended until you understand how much you can do in a given week. Getting your freelancer rating up should be priority over getting your desired price per work. Many companies are willing to pay reliable freelancers more as they know the freelancer will deliver quality work by the deadline. Approach And Apply For A Few Content Production Companies Content creation is a huge industry as every business niche requires it for their website, marketing campaigns, and brand image. Finding these companies can allow you to get a consistent stream of income that you can rely on. Being able to count on a few hundred dollars a week or more can immensely change your financial wellbeing. These companies do have tests and applications so take your time to make sure you are approved to be a writer on a contract basis for the company. Reach Out To Publications To Expand Your Portfolio Writing for some top business publications can give a writer the exposure that they have always wanted. Many companies want to work with these writers for the recognition they have received. Many freelance writers are welcomed with open arms as long as they are not being compensated to mention a company. This can be a way to earn money if you include a sponsored tag and charge a writing plus publication fee. Trying to sneak in links is only going to ruin relationships with websites that could be very beneficial to a freelance writer. Creating An Office Space Is Imperative For Most Large Volume Freelance Writers Freelance writing might find you sitting around a pool but for the most part large volume freelance writers need a quiet space where they can knock out immense amounts of work. Consider one of the new high tech adjustable stand up desks. Or Massage chair heat therapy during writing can be relaxing and allow a writer to get quite a bit done. Creating an office can be done but make sure it is an area where distractions are minimized. A full-time freelance writer is going to have to churn out a large numbers of pieces per week. Writing 7 days a week can allow for a writer to make far more than those that stick to the traditional 5-day work week. The life of a freelance writer can be great as you will be able to earn from any location with internet in the world. Take the time to use the above tips to get this part of your life started!
Thursday, May 14, 2020
7 society execs tell you how societies make you a better person - Debut
7 society execs tell you how societies make you a better person - Debut Despite plenty of evidence to suggest that theyre wicked, some students go through university life without ever joining a society. We at Debut love societies and we cant stop talking about all the benefits they bring to you. But this time, we thought wed let someone else have a go. So we got 6 society presidents (and a secretary) to talk about what societies did for them, what they learnt and how they improved. Sonali Gidwani, former Co-President Warwick Blackout, University of Warwick Joining a society exec seems to fill in the gaps where a job experience does not, in some cases. In terms of career skills, leading a society gives you leadership, teamwork and project management skills, and is also a test of your character. Oftentimes, I have used my extra-curricular roles in job applications as an example of situations where I was challenged, and such roles have given me confidence within the workplace too. On a personal level, Iâve met fantastic people and worked on causes I really care about. Being on an exec is invaluable in terms of learning to work with people, and finding people you work well with. I met one of my best friends whilst starting up a society, so that for me has been a huge plus. Hiran Adhia, former Editor-In-Chief, Warwick Boar, University of Warwick Many of the reasons why I didnt go out of my mind insane or get incredibly bored is because of my involvement in societies. They were fantastic for my development. I felt more confident, I made fantastic friends and I was able to do things that I never would have had enough experience to do in the real world. It is 100 per cent the reason that I am employable now. I made mistakes, learned how to take hard criticism on the chin, and learned that as long as you are having fun, it doesnt matter about anything else and in the end, it isnt the end of the world if it all goes wrong. At the end of the day, it may have been tough at times but there are so many stories to tell, so many things to remember that I wouldnt trade those for anything at all. Christine Wong, former President Warwick Glee, University of Warwick Being in a society and having responsibility within it was super helpful in teaching me proper teamwork. Having to band together over a group project for the sake of a grade is one thing, but working together for no reward but the success of the society itself is super tough. Its like a crash-course in pseudo-office politics, especially if youre in a society that has a hierarchy of any kind. Yuya Takeuchi, former President UoB Robotics Club, University of Birmingham Itâs a little like managing a small business. For a club whose stakeholders rely on its performance at competitions, you need to be able to allocate resources to be competitive whilst supporting our new members to learn new skills. During my time as president I had a supportive and talented bunch of people and without them we would not have enjoyed the same level of success. As much as our club members have learnt from me, I have learnt many things about finance, project management and got to travel abroad, with some trophies to show for it. Elizabeth Hurst, President Warwick Tap, University of Warwick When I was on 3 execs in my second year, it really made me understood what it meant to have commitments and responsibilities, and how to prioritise my time. Most of all, I learnt how to deal with people, especially my role as a President, and how to be a leader. Having people count on you also keeps you going even when uni life gets tough. Andres Linares, Secretary Vinyl Society, University of Birmingham In our day and age where having a degree is more and more common, its really worth investing time in getting involved with people around your centre of interest while at uni, both to get a break from studying and to keep in touch with your quirky talent or interest. We started Vinyl Society a few years back to cater for those who loved collecting interesting music but had to look extra hard to find people who knew where to sniff out good records. We created the space, but it was the members who came together and brought it alive, and Im proud to see how much our small group adds to their uni experience! Zaki Dogliani, Editor-In-Chief Epigram, University of Bristol Previously, Iâd never thought of myself as much of a leader. However, being put in charge of a team of more than 60 people meant I had no choice but to try out my leadership skills. They, along with my self-belief, increased immeasurably during the course of the year. My people skills in general got better. My time management did â" thereâs no extension when it comes to sending a newspaper off to the printers. So I had to balance my commitments with my studies. Editing Epigram also made me realise how much I liked journalism and that I wanted to enter the industry. I did 18 months ago, when I got my first magazine job. Iâd recommend getting involved in societies and student media products to other people not just because they enhance skills or add to your CV, but because that kind of involvement can also be great fun and help you get to know dozens of nice people youâll keep in touch with after graduation. Choosing to apply for those roles was the best decision I made at university. Feature image courtesy of Unsplash Download the Debut app and you could totally grab yourself a summer internship way before anyone else. Follow Alex on Twitter @AndThenAlexSaid Connect with Debut on Facebook and Twitter
Sunday, May 10, 2020
Would you be better off as a Free Agent
Would you be better off as a Free Agent Just this week, executive recruiting site www.ERE.net reported a rise in free agency . In other words, more employees are opting out of full-time jobs to be independent contract workers. The reasons for the rise included a desire for more control over their time as well as the greater stability offered by several employers rather than just one. With the ups and downs of todays economy, many dont want to put all of their employment eggs in one basket.I also found it interesting that free agents arent just taking work from anybody. They are boning up on annual reports, earnings information and news reports about their clients and essentially doing background checks before agreeing to do any work. Ive always coached my clients to stay abreast of whats going on with their employers in this way.If youve been thinking about being on your own, perhaps now is the time. Being a free agent is freeing and allows you to work on projects you want to be doing. It also allows for greater flexiblity and the chance to work when you want to and not when you dont. If youve been considering free agency, check out my article on the subject. You can also go to websites like FreelancersUnion.org, Guru.com and Elance.com or read, Get a Freelance Life by Margit Feury Ragland.The savviest workers have figured out that they are their own best boss. Perhaps its time you did too!
Friday, May 8, 2020
Formal Writing Resume - Writing a Professional Looking Resume
Formal Writing Resume - Writing a Professional Looking ResumeOne of the mistakes most people make when applying for job positions is not doing a proper formal writing resume. When you are applying for a job, it is crucial that you have a well-crafted and professionally written resume.Formal writing resumes are actually a must if you want to land your dream job. A formal resume should be on a professional level. Not everyone can write the professional level resume, however many will try their best to do so. A lot of people in this industry will be subjected to this mistake on a regular basis.This happens because when they go to do an informal resume, they tend to keep things generic, meaning they do not follow what is mentioned in the job posting. They will try to add information about themselves in the resume that could just be thrown in as filler. While it is all right to add a little bit of information, when it comes to looking at a formal writing resume, that information should be carefully thought out. If it is not a good idea to add these details, then it is probably not the right time to send your resume to an employer.Here is what you need to remember when you send your form formal writing resume. First of all, you need to put your objective in the top left hand corner. The reason for this is that your objective will tell the reader what you want them to focus on when they read your resume.Then, fill in the rest of the information in the second section of the resume with specific job experience. The information should be used to highlight certain skills that you have. The information you include should be focused on your work ethic, motivation, and other attributes that would make you an asset to the position you are applying for. This will help to show the employer why you are perfect for the job.You should also include your personal or relevant background information when it comes to your work experience and current employment in another field, such as nursing, and you can include the type of formal education you have had as well. The type of formal education you have will help the employer determine how much detail they should include in your resume.The last thing you need to remember is that employers want to see that you are serious about getting a job. You should try to provide them with information in your resume that will show you understand the company and what you are trying to get in return for your application.If you remember those simple rules, then you will be able to come up with a great resume that will show the employer that you understand what the job position is all about. You will be more likely to succeed when you send in your form formal writing resume.
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