On-the-Job Issues
The importance of keeping your workplace clean and orderly
According to a recent study by the University of Texas , if your workspace is messy, you could miss out on a promotion. The study found that workers with messy workspaces were less efficient, less organized and less imaginative than workers with clean desks. (Source: Society for Human Resource Management, August 4, 2008)
The importance of Respect in the workplace
Some of the most frequent workplace arise because of lack of respect among co-workers. An article in the Seattle Post-Intelleligencer (Seattle P-I) speaks about how respect is one of the most fundamental elements to ensure a pleasant and effective work environment. (Source: Career Pro News, August 1, 2008).
What to do about bullying at work
Unfortunately, verbal abuse and yelling at work, either among workers, or between managers and employees is a serious problem in some places of work. An article in the Seattle P-I advises how to handle this type of bullying. The bottom line - never tolerate a bully. (Source: Career Pro News: July 11, 2008)
Beware of Gossip in the workplace
According to Career Pro News, an article from the Seattle Times describes how gossip can hurt morale in the workplace. While gossip usually provides short term entertainment, it is really toxic to the workplace environment. A gossipy atmosphere ultimately breaks down morale and can create an uncomfortable, and sometimes hostile environment.
Want to be dressed for success?
In the April 21, 2008 New York Post "Pulse" section, there are great wardrobe ideas for women in the workplace. See the many styles of clothing that are work-ready and fashionable.
Dealing with Workplace Conflicts
CareerProNews Weekly Newsletter (March 21, 2008) reported on a CNN article outlining the source and types of workplace conflicts. "How to Squash Workplace Wars" is a good guide for handling problems with co-workers, managers, and executives in the workplace.
The Importance of Resume Truthfullness
Don't lie on your resume! CareerProNews in its March 14, 2008 Newsletter refers to an article in the Indianapolis Star that reports that almost 40% of job applicants lie in some way on their resumes. Lying on resumes can truly backfire as employers do reference checks with former employers and schools.
Workplace Romances
The Houston Chronicle reports on the problems with workplace romances. Reported by CareeerProNews in its March 14, 2008 Newsletter, the articles describe how 80% of workplace dating ends in awkwardness for the parties involved.
Workplace Ethics
There's a worrying trend among teens to "succeed at all costs", according to an article in the February, 2008 HR Magazine*. Based on a survey asking teens if they are prepared to make ethical decisions in the workplace, a considerable percentage of teens stated that they think it is okay to cheat, plagiarize or engage in other unethical behavior. David Miller, Ph.D, executive director of the Yale Center on Faith and Culture, feels that this way of thinking will inevitably lead to unethical, and perhaps even illegal actions that will damage lives and ruin corporate reputations."
Companies looking for "nice" employees
"Hire the Smile" has become the maxim for McDonald's, according to an article in the February, 2008 HR Magazine*. McDonald's, and other companies are looking to hire employees who are friendly and exhibit effective personal interractions with customers and co-workers. Some companies are even using psychometric testing in their search for
"nice" employees.
(*HR Magazine is a publication of the Society for Human Resource Management.)
Employers looking for personality plus credentials
Employers are getting even pickier about new hires according to Ellen Simon of The Associated Press in an article in the November 11, 2007 New York Newsday. Employers today are ramping up efforts to disqualify people who may have the right credentials, but not the right personality for the job. It is important in today’s workplace that employees are team players. Some employers paint a particularly rough picture of their workday environment to weed out those that won’t make the grade.