So, what is conflict, what causes it and how do we best deal with it? What is workplace conflict? Is a sharp disagreement or opposition of interests or ideas. When people work together, conflict is a part of ‘doing business’. Conflict usually leads to lowered morale, an increase in absenteeism and decreased productivity. It has been estimated that managers spend almost 25 percent of their time resolving workplace conflicts – resulting in a decrease in focus and thus lowered work performance. What creates conflict in the workplace? Some of the primary causes are: Poor Communication: different ...
Blog Archives
How to Update Your Work Wardrobe on a Budget
Find out how to save on your favourite everyday looks with these budget style tips. Focus on Staples First Before spending money on anything else, make sure you have staple work pieces in your wardrobe and select a few pieces that will work with what you already own. De-Clutter and Organise By cleaning and organising your wardrobe you can easily determine the items you really need to buy for yourself. Categorize your clothes into dresses, blouses, jackets, skirts, pants, etc. to find out which types of clothing you need more. Keep casual and workout clothes separate. It is ...
Jul 26, 2013 | Comments Off on How to Update Your Work Wardrobe on a Budget
12 Simple Ways to Improve Your Relationship With Your Boss
Having the support of your boss is important to your job and your career, so it’s worth it to try and improve or develop a relationship with your supervisor. Keep reading for some simple strategies to improve your relationship with your boss! Go the extra mile. The next time you’re on the job performing your job tasks, why not go the extra mile? Remember that your job description outlines the basic tasks and duties required to maintain employment. Occasionally going above and beyond the call of duty can really help others out and help you stand out in a positive ...
How to Throw a Summer Office Party
Company summer parties give the employees an opportunity to relax and have fun with the other co-workers and your boss has finally realized that a summer office party is a great way to boost morale and camaraderie and you have been chosen to organize it. Never organized an office party before? Don’t worry, unlike winter office parties, the summertime is full of activities and venues to choose from. We have some great tips on how to make it a party that will make summer last a litte bit longer. Budget Confirm with your boss the budget, the scale of the ...
Jul 23, 2013 | Comments Off on How to Throw a Summer Office Party
Healthy Work Lunches
Having lunch at your desk – again? Here’s how to enjoy healthy lunches even if you can’t leave the office. Herbed Chicken Salad Not every salad has to be soaking in mayonnaise and this is a good example of a light and tasty lunch option. Take some skinned chicken breast or chicken tenders and cook them in a pan until they’re brown. Put the cooked chicken in a bowl, shred it with two forks, then add diced tomato, sliced cucumber and a little red onion slices if you’re feeling brave. Sprinkle the mixture with a tablespoon of cider ...
Jul 22, 2013 | Comments Off on Healthy Work Lunches
Best Apps for Travel & They’re Free!
It would be impossible to list all of the great apps that are out that make travel better and easier, but here are some of the top ones: TripIt easily turns flights, hotel, and car reservations into a simple itinerary. Additionally, the app allows you to get flight status, driving directions, and more. SeatGuru gives you detailed airline seat analysis, comments about seats which have limited recline (yes!), less legroom, bad windows, etc. GateGuru Stuck at the airport? GateGuru app has information and maps for gate locations, food vendors, stores, ATM’s, places to plug in, airline ...
Jul 17, 2013 | 3 Comments on Best Apps for Travel & They’re Free!
Business Travel Tips for Smart Women
Here are some practical tips to make business travel run more smoothly Sleep smart. Dark circles under your eyes aren’t good for business. Many road warriors know that you can only use a certain amount of concealer to cover bags under your eyes to mask jetlag or poor sleep nights. Carry eye masks and earplugs. Get elite status. Nothing beats having being an elite member of an airline insofar as travel goes as the perks are just great: Faster lines, free upgrades, first class upgrades, the ability to use their lounge in the airport, etc. how do you get that ...
Jul 16, 2013 | Comments Off on Business Travel Tips for Smart Women
10 Questions To Ask Before Buying a Business
There are no stupid questions. This is what you should consider when doing your research before buying a business. The more questions you ask, the less risk you will have. But just in case you have no idea where to begin, here is a list of ten questions as a starting point of a thorough investigation. 1 – What are your biggest challenges right now? You want to be aware of potential issues. For instance, if you’re buying a company that will need improvements, you need to know that before deciding to acquire the business. 2 – ...
Jul 15, 2013 | Comments Off on 10 Questions To Ask Before Buying a Business
Summer Office Attire
Appropriate (and not so much) office attire. Most employee handbooks will give specific examples of what to wear and what is considered acceptable. With the spike of summer heat comes an opportunity to adjust your work wear for the rising temperature. Rule of thumb for appropriate attire during the summer season is to avoid the “four Bs”: bar-wear, boudoir attire, barbell outfits and beachwear. Women’s skirt lengths should not be too short nor should necklines be too revealing. Showing your bra straps are also a definite no-no. Flip flops are distracting. They make noise and expose your feet. The weather ...
Jul 11, 2013 | Comments Off on Summer Office Attire
How To Boost Workplace Happiness
Research continues to show that a happy and positive workplace increases productivity, reduces staff turnover and engenders employee flexibility. Basically happy workers are more likely to say yes to extra responsibilities, stay for longer, collaborate and help boost morale. Incorporating the following ideas into your workplace will soon have everyone smiling! Do Something You Love Every Single Day. Trust your team. Step out of approval. Instead, pre-approve and focus on supporting your people. Make your people feel good. Make this the focus of management. Pass the knowledge on to your people, so they don’t need things approved. Find ...
Jul 11, 2013 | 1 Comment on How To Boost Workplace Happiness