Cube Life

Paint Your Destiny: How Colors Can Inspire Your Work

By on Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Imagine living in a world that is black and white – without blue skies, green grass, or an assortment of colorful flowers to inspire you and fill you with wonder. Living without color can make the world a pretty dull place, so why would you work in an environment that isn’t alive with color?

Research shows that colors can have an impact on our emotions and productivity in the workplace. Which colors should you surround yourself with while at work to motivate, inspire, and increase your productivity? Below are descriptions of how a few popular workplace colors can impact your work life.

Blue – This is a universal and natural color – from the blue skies to the blue oceans. Blue gives off a cool, calming effect and can make time appear to pass quickly. The color blue also portrays confidence and importance. Adding blue to your workspace will give the air of assurance and significance while helping you relax. But, be careful not to have too much blue. An overwhelming blue environment tends to emote sadness and depression. Try putting up blue picture frames or wall hangings to add just the right amount.

Red – This vibrant color is considered very passionate and radiates a sense of power, hence the red power tie or red carpet for events typically reserved for very important people. Adding a splash of red at your desk will grab others’ attention and keep you from fading into the background. It can also promote happiness. A little red goes a long way, so be sure to use just a little to be more effective. Try adding a splash of red with some carnations or other flowers.

Green – Green is the largest color spectrum visible to the human eye. It indicates growth and prosperity. Put shades of green around your desk to exude feelings of endurance, sturdiness, and reliability. These traits are valuable to the work environment and can give you, and your boss, a sense of loyalty and dependability. Bring in some plants from home to help tie in some green with your everyday work life.

Surrounding yourself with certain colors can help increase your productivity and enhance your mood. So, if these colors don’t inspire you, think of a place you feel most productive and take note of those colors. Then, incorporate them into your workspace to maximize your productivity and happiness.

What colors inspire you? Do you work in a space that drains your inspiration? Leave your comments in the section below.

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Career Options The Job Search

Looking for a Job? Three Women-friendly Industries

By on Monday, April 6, 2009

The American workforce has made great strides toward equality and balance in the workplace in the last century. Women now comprise 46% of today’s labor force. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, recently signed by President Obama, could create an estimated 3,675,000 jobs. While many of the jobs created are in the construction sector, a traditionally male industry, the plan also includes industries that ensure job creation that reflects the demographics of today’s workers. Check out these three industries that will create jobs for women.

Leisure and Hospitality. Women should consider looking for jobs in the leisure and hospitality industry. An estimated 262,000 jobs created by the stimulus package are expected to go to women in this industry, which includes art, entertainment, recreation, and accommodation and food services. So, hotels, travel agencies, museums, spas, and vacation destinations will be great, exciting, and even exotic places for women to begin their job search.

Financial Activities.  The stimulus package is expected to create 127,000 jobs for women in the financial activities industry. The financial activities sector includes jobs in insurance, real estate, rental and leasing, and finance. For women who are good at numbers and enjoy working with people, becoming a realtor or accountant, or working for an insurance company could be the perfect career move.

Retail Trade. Investment in the retail trade industry is expected to create an estimated 304,000 jobs for women. Women who like change and meeting new people everyday should take a look at this multifaceted industry. Retail trade impacts our lives on a daily basis. Examining hobbies and passions, like electronics, furniture, or gardening is a great way to identify a career path. It might also be the perfect time to get creative and consider opening a specialty store. With retail trade, the possibilities are endless and the experiences are different every day.

Looking for a new job can be a scary and intimidating thing, but this opportunity could lead to a positive change. Every life is a story, and one of these industries just might hold the perfect beginning to a new chapter with an exciting career.

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Career Advancement Leadership Salary and Promotions Workplace Relationships

Earning a Promotion: 3 Things You Can Learn from Your Boss

By on Friday, April 3, 2009

Your boss was given the responsibility and the corner office for a reason, so if you’re looking for a promotion, look no further than them for guidance. Observing your boss and following their lead will give you a leg up when you’re ready to seek a promotion. Here are three things you can focus on and learn from, so start paying attention.

Management Style – Every leader has a different way of leading their team, including your boss. So, watch how your boss interacts with your co-workers, delegates projects, and recognizes accomplishments. Also, notice how your co-workers react to their behavior to learn what works and what doesn’t. You’ll realize that different personality types require different types of leadership styles. For example, your boss will most likely allow high performers to self manage more than new employees. Demonstrate this knowledge when you interview for a promotion by talking about specific management scenarios that you would use in each situation.

Professionalism – Observe your boss interacting with their peers, supervisor, and other company executives. Pay attention to how they handle situations – both good and bad. A world-class leader respects their co-workers and superiors and earns their respect in return. Also, take note of when your boss is praised for their work and what they did to earn that praise. By emulating their behaviors, treating others with respect, and acting and reacting professionally, you can build your leadership ability and presence within the company.

Wardrobe Choices – You might not consider how you dress to be important to your career, but it does matter when you want to get ahead at work. You don’t have to wear $1,000 suits to receive a promotion, but you do need to dress professionally. Observe what your boss wears to the office every day. Are you wearing something comparable? If not, you’re not helping your professional image. So, follow your boss’s lead and wear similar clothing styles. That doesn’t mean you have to copy their wardrobe shirt for shirt or shoe for shoe, but if your boss is wearing a suit every day and you’re wearing khakis and a polo shirt, it’s time to step it up a notch.

Earning a promotion takes more than just being well-versed in your subject area, industry, and company. Companies want to develop well-rounded individuals into leaders who can represent their company professionally. That’s why people who know how to manage others, act professionally, and dress the part have a great shot at moving up the career ladder. And, who better to learn from than the individuals your company already trusts and respects as leaders?

What have you learned from a manager that helped you develop your career? As a manager, what advice would you give others to help them move up the corporate ladder? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!

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Reader Surveys The Job Search

Generations and the Job Search: Who’s Having a Harder Time?

By on Wednesday, April 1, 2009

When it comes to the job market, there’s been a lot of talk about how grim things are for two different spectrums of the labor pool. Recent reports show that both new grads and mature workers are likely to have a hard time finding work right now.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that over 1 million people 55 and older are unemployed and looking for work. Many mature workers are delaying retirement due to the recession. The AARP Public Policy Institute reports that the ones who are looking for jobs will typically search about a third longer than those younger than 55.

But this year, things also look tough for the college crowd. In fact, the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ reported that employers expect to hire 22% fewer new graduates than in 2008, and internship hiring is also down by about 21%. Experts say that in an expanding labor pool, new graduates typically have less experience than others in their industry who are now also looking for work, lengthening the job search process.

When it comes to generations in the workplace, the Baby Boomer generation and the Millennial generation have different values and views, but in the job search, experts say both generations must adapt to a quick learning curve and apply every job search tactic available to bolster their chances of landing a gig. So, we want to know what you think.

poll by twiigs.com

Have more thoughts or insights into these two generations on the job hunt? Do you fall into one of these two groups and have a story to share with us or a question to ask? Share your feedback in the comments section.

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Inside Express Reader Surveys

Your Take on the Job Market: Job Optimism Poll Results

By on Monday, March 30, 2009

This past month, there’s been a lot of discussion about job creation, the economy, and how our country will move forward. Reports are showing that more jobs are on their way in a variety of industries, but nationally and locally, the debate rages on.

According to our latest monthly poll results, the majority of our readers report that they are not optimistic that more jobs are coming as a result of the economic recovery stimulus package.

Of the 1,260 votes cast, 61.2% of our readers responded “No,” they were not optimistic that more jobs are coming within the next six months, while 38.8% replied “Yes,” they were optimistic jobs are coming soon.

Over 35 of our readers shared their comments, ranging from concerns over paying for the stimulus bill to hopes that things will work out, come what may. To read more of their thoughts and comments, click here.

What about you? As states have begun to unveil their plans for job creation, are you growing more optimistic about the job market? What new jobs are being created at your state and local levels? Feel free to share your comments with us.

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Career Options

Career Development for Blue Collar Workers

By on Friday, March 27, 2009

Statistics Back Higher Education for Blue Collar Workers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for college graduates over the age of 25 was 4.1% in February, up from 2.1% a year ago. However, this rate is substantially lower than the 8.3% unemployment rate for people with only a high school diploma.

Economists say that in this tight job market, one reason college graduates have a lower unemployment rate is because they’re taking jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, making it increasingly difficult for blue collar workers to compete. Companies are hiring these overqualified employees over individuals who don’t have a higher education because they can. So, what can blue collar workers do to compete in the job market?

Be Flexible
To help with the job search, experts say that people need to be more flexible with their career options, because there’s no telling where the job growth will be 10 or 20 years from now. Economists speculate that in the future, job creation will be for new jobs that haven’t even been thought of yet, requiring more than a high school diploma. 

Continue Your Education
To be flexible in your career choices, continue your education. This will play a crucial role in your job search success. Jobs that are opening up now are not necessarily physical labor positions, experts say, causing many blue collar workers to be limited in their career choices. This means many blue collar workers are going back to the classroom. In a recent MSNBC story, a man whose career path was laid out at an early age planned to be a factory worker until his retirement. But, after 20 years of factory work and increasing competition from foreign manufacturers, he knew his job wasn’t secure. So, he went back to school and now plans to become a teacher.

So, as the recession continues to take its toll on entry-level positions and other job markets, blue collar workers need to increase their skills to become more flexible in their career choices, helping them in their job search.

Remember, change isn’t a bad thing. By reexamining yourself and finding a new career path, you just might find your dream job. Visit your local Express Employment Professionals office to help you get started on a new career today.

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At Work Cube Life The Daily Grind Work/Life Balance

One Small Change: Instant Workplace Happiness

By on Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Research shows that happiness boosts workplace productivity and improves health, so companies have a vested interest in the happiness of their employees. But, because Americans spend most of their time at work – an average of 2,080 hours a year – every employee has a vested interest in their own happiness.

Factors like leadership, salary, benefits, and sense of purpose can improve happiness in the workplace, but they can not produce happiness, and are not factors completely within your control.

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” So when you feel unhappy at work, take control and decide to find the silver lining in your current circumstances. Make the choice to have a positive outlook, no matter what. Chances are, you will instantly feel happier.

Having trouble looking on the bright side?  Try these five techniques the next time your outlook’s gloomy:

1. Make a list of three positive things in your life and post it at your workstation. Refer to it when you need a pick-me-up.

2. Make someone else happy. Mark Twain wrote, “The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer somebody else up.” Do something to make someone’s day, and it just might make yours.

3. Take a walk in the sunshine to change your scenery. A change of scenery can help change your perception.

4. Change your stance. Hold your head up high in every circumstance and you will see more clearly.

5. Focus on something that brings you joy. Read a book, play a sport, or volunteer in your community to refocus your outlook on something positive.

Tell us how you improve your outlook in our comments section below.

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