Work Experience

You’re at work and want to take a minute to check your email but…

Basically, when at the office, nothing is “private” according to Geek Squad’s Christopher Plath.

He states, “If you’re using a machine owned by your company, assume that nothing you do on it is confidential. There are programs that can reveal which topics you search for and websites you visit, as well as the contents of documents you create, receive, or download.”

And if you want to use your smartphone–he advises to make sure you aren’t using the office Wi-Fi too.

During a break, or at lunch, make personal calls and check email elsewhere if concerned about privacy.

Not sure what’s categorized under completely inappropriate for the office? Phone calls to doctors I’d place in the number one spot. Even if you think they can’t hear you whispering about an appointment you want to schedule, guess what? One of my office mates at a college was on a lengthy and very private phone call with her doctor. By the time she was finished, I knew more about her inability to have a child and In Vetro Fertilization than I really wanted to know–and so did everyone else seated there!

If it’s imperative to contact someone, be careful about the conversation. Know what your employer does not allow and what is monitored on company machines. If porn is your issue, understand that more people have been fired for viewing it in the office than I care to report, and sets you up for a sexual harassment suit if a coworker complains. It might be tempting, but no matter what you do, never rant about your boss or coworkers, or badmouth the company.

Use common sense.

©2012

As of Monday, December 19th, I will no longer be posting Edublogs on Monday’s, Wednesday’s and Saturday’s.

Due to my schedule, they will be posted intermittently here.

For college students and grads, please see regular posts (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday) on http://www.studentmentor.org/blog

Thank you for your continued readership!

They rifle through your desk, snoop in your bag and even search your pockets!

Who are these people? Coworkers, employers, clients and cleaning staff. When you’re away from your desk, the things that take place could be more than just annoying.

I once had a young secretary who thought it was perfectly alright to go into my desk and help herself to hand cream…and whatever else she liked. When I noticed my expensive hand cream, (given to me as a gift), half empty only a week after I put it in my desk, I took action. Carrying the drained tube, I walked up to her and asked (point blank) if she knew who had used the hand cream. She nonchalantly (without an apology), admitted to helping herself to my desk. I decided to put the thievery to an end that moment by telling her my desk, and it’s contents, were not up for grabs. From that point on, I locked my desk when away from it, I could no longer trust her.

I’m not the only person to experience this type of behavior at the office. People have told me similar stories of coworkers lifting personal items from desks, bags, brief cases, coats hanging in their offices, and more. As if that weren’t bad enough, bosses, clients and cleaning staff have also been a part of office thievery.

While hand cream may be considered a minor offense, a coworker helping themselves to whatever they want can lead to serious thefts. True examples would be the employee who took home company phones, electronic equipment and anything else not nailed down in his workplace. He accumulated quite a stash that he used or sold. Another employee ordered school supplies for her three children via the company worth hundreds of dollars, lying to the person who ordered supplies. And still another stole a coworker’s business cards off her desk, gave them to someone else, who posed as that person! These are major offenses which cost coworkers, employers and those that commit them when they are caught.

Most places of business have security cameras which catch any number of things taking place. If valuable personal affects have been taken at work, report it immediately, ask security to review camera footage during that period of time. Time is of the essence, some companies use camera film which is purged weekly or monthly.

To protect personal items, always lock your desk, place bags and briefcases inside–better yet take them with you. Don’t leave anything in coat pockets hanging on doors. Whatever is of value, don’t put on top of the desk, those are easily taken. It’s best to leave expensive picture frames, gold pens, and the like at home. Just remember, nice things are tempting to people without a conscience.

©2012

Often, people devise a list of resolutions for the new year. And just as often, they break them!

This year, when you write your resolutions, also write solid goals and a “January Perspective” of the previous year. Once you write both, posting them in a conspicuous place, you will be more likely to hold yourself accountable.

When writing goals, put the most important at the top of the list. Be sure to write under each goal a short paragraph on how you wish to accomplish it (you can go back later to do a detailed outline). Think about why you wish to accomplish these goals–the motivation for the why will help you to succeed. Also decide approximately when you’d like to begin and end these goals, a realistic time line, carving out a start and end date. Lastly, decide where you’ll need to be to complete your goals. Is your current physical location ideal for what you hope to do? If not, plans must be made to find the suitable location for success.

A January Perspective gives opportunity to reflect on the past year. Think back on your goals set at the beginning of the year, which ones did you accomplish? Which ones fell by the wayside? Then ask yourself why you either succeeded, or not. How could you have done things differently to obtain a better outcome? What might you use again to ensure success in goals for the coming year?

Always be honest with yourself about what’s really important to you–rather than wanting something only to impress others. Make your goals a priority, don’t allow time-wasters to eat at valuable hours which could be spent on making your goals a reality.

This New Year’s Eve, it’s fine to make resolutions at midnight you have no intention of keeping. But don’t let important goals slip through your fingers in the coming year.

For more on this subject, click on “Categories” to your left, then scroll down to “Goals”.

©2011

As a Nation Watched…

One woman alleged, very publicly in 1991, that U.S. Supreme Court nominee Clarance Thomas, had made sexually explicit harassing statements as her supervisor, at the U.S. Department of Education. Do you know who she is? Her name is Anita Hill.

Some thought, given how she was treated in that investigation, women would never report sexual harassment again. However, they were mistaken, the opposite happened. Women came forward in large numbers to stop the sexual harassment in their workplace.

What is Sexual Harassment?

It’s a form of discrimination against females or males. The legal description of it is: Unwelcome verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature that is severe or pervasive and affects working conditions or creates a hostile work environment.

Let’s break the legal description down. What defines “unwelcome”? If you allow someone to sexually harass you, without telling them verbally, or in writing it’s not welcome, it will be considered “welcome”. Ridiculous as that may sound, that’s how it’s set up. Basically, if you are harassed, don’t wait to let the perpetrator know their actions are unwanted. Sending a letter immediately, directly to them, after verbally telling them their advances are unwanted, is probably best since you’ll need to have a paper trail should the harassment continue.

What defines “conduct of a sexual nature”? It can be verbal, written, physical, nonverbal or visual. Some examples of verbal or written would be: comments about clothing, personal behavior, your body, sexual jokes, requesting sexual favors, repeatedly asking you out, sexual innuendoes, telling rumors about your personal or sexual life, threatening.

What is “physical”? Assault, blocking your movement, inappropriate touching (person or clothing), kissing, hugging, patting, stroking.

What is “nonverbal”? Giving you the “once over” by looking at you from head to toe, staring at your breasts or crotch, derogatory gestures or facial expressions of a sexual nature, following you.

What is “visual”? Posters, drawings, screen savers, pictures, e-mails of a sexual nature and actively viewing porn.

Incidence of a Non-Sexual Nature

Not all sexual harassment involves blatant sexually explicit activity. For example: you are a female working as a carpenter on a predominantly male job site and find tools hidden by your coworkers. This activity isn’t “cute” or funny because it’s singling you out if they aren’t hiding other coworkers tools. Without your tools, you cannot do your job. Therefore, this harassment directly affects your ability to work.

Your Employers Responsibility

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (a Federal Law), states employers are liable to protect and stop employees from being sexually harassed. By law, they must protect you from any further sexual harassment and promptly correct that which has occurred.

Most employers have policies which address sexual harassment, often specifically stating what will happen to an employee who is sexually harassing another employee or supervisor. These policies are usually posted in a conspicuous place available to all employees of the company, in the HR office, for example.

It’s Against the Laws

The laws in place, both Federal and State, are there to protect you from your boss, coworkers, or customers at work. Know what your particular State Law encompasses. In California, where I reside, we have the FEHA, which goes one step beyond Title VII and provides protection against sexual harassment for persons who provide services pursuant to a contract.

Final Thoughts

Being sexually harassed can be frightening, embarrassing, and confusing all at the same time. But one thing it is not–legal. Don’t allow someone, male or female, to sexually harass you at work. Take proper action to protect yourself. If you find your employer has not followed the law, seek out help from the Equal Rights Advocates’ Advice and Counseling Line at 1-800-839-4372, they can refer you to legal representation, ensuring your safety and protection.

It’s your right to do your job without being sexually harassed.

If you found this blog interesting or helpful, re-tweets and sharing are appreciated!

©2011

How’s the environment in your workplace?

Instead of being concerned with a “company’s culture”, when interviewing, job seekers should see if they’ll have supportive coworkers. A recent study found a supportive workplace environment can add years to your life.

Researchers in Israel tracked 820 adults with an average age of 41 years old who worked 8.8 hours per day for 20 years. Employees who reported a “low social support at work” were 2.4 times more likely to die during the twenty year period of the research, compared with people who had good support systems in their workplace.

Add years to your life! Foster good relationships with your coworkers to create a sociable and supportive work environment.

*”Getting Along with Coworkers May Add Years to Your Life,” Medline Plus

At times, we’ve all felt stress at work was preventing us from remembering even the simplest things…

Incorporate simple changes into your daily routine to boost memory and reduce stress.

Tips to help you remember and be more efficient:

• Staying organized is key. A to-do list is essential to keep on track. Once you’ve created one (daily, weekly, monthly) visualize what you have to do that day, how you can save time, what can be delegated, what can be postponed, or completely nixed altogether. Prioritize each, see how they are connected, cross off items completed.
  

• A German study found students who sniffed a rose while matching pairs of cards, then exposed to the scent again as they slept, were better at recall compared to students who didn’t sniff anything. Translation for workers: spray a favorite scent on sheets before bed after using the same scent while preparing for a presentation.

• Before that business meeting or networking event, move your eyes back and forth (horizontally) for 30 seconds. British researches found that exercise can help in the retention of words and names.

• Big meeting with the boss (who enjoys quizzing you like a college student afterwards)? Take a few minutes to meditate, studies show it’s a great way to boost your attention span quickly. No time to run to the break room or out to your car? Sit at your desk, eyes closed, facing away from others, and take a few slow deep breaths. Be aware of your breathing, concentrate on relaxing all muscles and lowering your heart rate. Especially be aware of your tense jaw, neck and back muscles.

Foods can assist with memory, here are a few highlighted by Health.com:

1. Now that it’s cold outside, try drinking cocoa instead of coffee. The flavanols in it may boost memory by stimulating blood flow in the brain. (I wrote this while sipping my own mug of cocoa!)
   
2. Eat fish! Omega-3 fatty acids in salmon may protect memory by keeping brain cell membranes pliable. Don’t like fish? Take Omega-3 supplements instead.
   
3. Eat your veggies! Spinach and kale help protect the brain from disease.
4. Eggs contain choline, which helps the body make a brain chemical (acetylcholine) connected to memory. People low on this chemical usually have memory problems. Eggs are great for providing protein, good for energy you’ll need on a stress-filled day. Not into eggs? You can also purchase a supplement, Acetyl-l-Carnitine, which has been reported to boost brain function.

One last bit of advice: SLOW DOWN! Multitasking has been shown to be a brain-buster, you don’t actually accomplish more, but may find you are not as efficient when pulled in too many directions. This stress affects your brain function, which has a direct impact on memory.

©2011

Eileen Fisher, a fashion legend in her own time, gives great advice.

Spotlighted in a piece by Jessica Shambora in Fortune magazine, “Venture”, Ms. Fisher’s beautiful clothing has become a popular staple in many womens’ wardrobes. Her annual sales in 2010 alone, were an impressive $300 million and she now has 55 stores. Her story is inspirational and will resonate with anyone–college student–or career changing Baby Boomer. Her path to success is a very human one, peppered with stops and starts, unable to explain her vision in the beginning. But, her “simple idea” is what made her a success, and she’s kept it simple.

Ms. Fisher gives five tips for anyone in business for themselves, or working for another:

1.) Don’t Pretend to Know-If you say you don’t know, people come forward and want to tell you. People like to give advice and help. If you act like you know it all, no one will tell you anything.

2.) Be Authentic-Doing good can’t just be a trumped-up thing. It has to come from within and be what you really want to do, or else it will ring hallow.

3.) Tell the Truth-You’re not just trying to sell customers something in the moment. You’re trying to get them something they’ll love that’s going to work for them.

4.) Accept Perfect Enough-We’ve adopted the saying “Let it go–it’s perfect enough.” In the mistake is the next success.

5.) Make it Safe to Tell the Truth-People don’t want to say, “That didn’t work”, but we want to hear the truth. Be open to information that can bring you to a really good place.

Ms. Fisher has a great formula for her clothes: “When the garment is right, it works for my daughter and for me. I still believe great clothes should be timeless and ageless.”

If you found this blog interesting or helpful, re-tweets and sharing are appreciated!

©2011

Did you know, December 5th is International Volunteer Day (IVD)?

Are you a volunteer, or would like to become one? Then you’d be interested in finding out more about IVD…

How to get involved in IVD

The World Volunteer Web – the global focal point for the IVD campaign – hosts a range of IVD-related tools and resources. Find out more at www.worldvolunteerweb.org

Join the discussion on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unvolunteers and participate in Share the Story.

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi

These employers offer creative workplace practices benefiting those over 50.

From tuition reimbursement, phased retirement, flextime, programs geared to health and well-being of workers and their families, to special perks that allow time off. These are a few of the top employers…

1.) Cornell University, New York-Not only are there great perks like long-term care insurance, but employees and retirees may take classes at the university for free.

2.) Scripps Health,California-Located in beautiful San Diego is a perk, I’ve personally seen this facility and would love to work there myself! They offer an elder-care program, free massages and throw a magnificent party for every 5 years of service.

3.) SC Johnson, Wisconsin-Much TLC here, from massages, physical therapy and a fitness center to be envied. Employees can enjoy the 142 acre park which surrounds the facility with activities that include miniature golf, canoeing and swimming. And there’s even a physician on-site if you are under the weather.

4.) YMCA, New York-Tuition of $3,000, 12% contribution to employees 403(b) plans, and if N.Y. is too cold, 50+ workers may opt to spend 6 months at a YMCA in a warmer location. Health is stressed by providing workers with pedometers, they’re encouraged to take 10,000 steps per day.

5.) Lee Memorial Health System, Florida-Those enrolled in their health plan receive free generic medications, and have access to free clinics. They have weight loss programs with personal trainers, dietitians and nurses. Employees can also take one year off while still getting their benefits.

6.) Securian, Minnesota-The focus at this company is the happiness of their employees. From flextime to free physicals annually, and they also pay $50 a night to help defray the cost of child-care an elder-care if a worker is away on business.

7.) First Horizon International Corp., Tennessee-Free financial planning, personalized retirement counseling, home loan discounts, mutual fund with preferred rates. A generous health plan is provided with a $2,500 allowance for health care, child-care and retirement savings.

8.) Stanley Consultants, Iowa-This company has made the list for several years because it supports its workers in rough times through a Member Charity Fund. Workers can cash in their accumulated unused sick and vacation time. Those with an adventurous spirit can transfer overseas–working while seeing the world at the same time.

9.) Bon Secours Richmond Health System, Virginia-There’s no separation between the generations here, instead this wise company encourages intergenerational bonding. They have an on-site child-care facility for children and grandchildren of workers. Offered too are $1,000 scholarships for grandkids of employees.

10.) Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, Illinois-This company continues to revise its perks to benefit 50+ employees. The Mature Workers Program offers those 55 and above a tuition reimbursement for any personal interest class they choose and offers an in-house MBA program. Personal and financial planning services are offered.

Do you like what you see above and want to see more companies? Log on to AARPMagazineMoney.

*Information from AARP