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Workplace Violence: Three Measures To Stay Safe

By leidson on Friday, September 20, 2013

Occupational violence is a scary subject. We spend a majority of our time at our job and being safe is something many take for granted. This isn’t to say that it is inevitable that a violent uprising will overtake your place of employment, but being prepared or aware of the potential is important.

According to OSHA, more than two million American workers are victims of some form of workplace violence ranging from verbal abuse, bullying, and more serious physical assaults. Workplace violence also doesn’t necessarily mean it has to occur at the workplace; conflicts between co-workers outside of the office also fall into the definition. So, how do we avoid or at least curb the potential threat? Below are three measures you can take to stave off the danger.

1. Read up on the policies and procedures.
Many employers have sections on workplace violence in their handbooks. These policies protect employees from liability and are almost always enforced without prejudice. If you are unsure of your company’s policy or procedures on handling occurrences, ask your supervisor or a representative of your HR department. Following these procedures can ensure your safety as well as that of your co-workers.

2. Be aware of your surroundings.
Look for signs of distress from your co-workers. If a co-worker seems to be struggling with their day-to-day life, makes threats or mentions getting back at their employer, or exhibits irregular behavior out of the ordinary, these could be signs of instability. If you are concerned for a co-worker, don’t attempt to console them, instead notify a supervisor in private of your concern.

3. Avoid danger.
If you’re placed in a situation with a hostile individual, don’t panic. Respect their personal space and don’t exhibit any body language or tone of voice that makes you seem like a threat. By placing obstacles between you and the person, and staying four to six feet away from a point of exit, you have the opportunity to flee if the circumstances require you to remove yourself from the situation. Never use physical force unless it is for defense against an assault. Once again, notify your supervisor if such an event occurs.

No one is immune to workplace violence, but a little bit of preparation and being aware of measures to prevent such occurrences just may protect you from harm in the event you are placed in an undesirable situation. Share your practices to avoid workplace violence in the comments section below.

Guest blog by: Mike Smith

Resumes and Cover Letters The Job Search

Are You Missing a Step in Your Job Search?

By Job Journey on Friday, August 23, 2013

So, you’re looking for a new job.

Did you update your resume?
Outline an easily customized cover letter?
Find the perfect interview power suit?
Make a list of jobs to apply for?
Compile a list of quality references?

If your answer to that last question is no, then you’re missing a step in the hunt for your next job. Most employers will ask for references, and, while it’s debatable how many actually check the list, to not have a list is a serious no-no. But creating a list of references is really fairly simple, especially if you follow these five steps.

Decide who to ask.
There are three types of references: professional, academic, and personal. Employers are most interested in the first, which can include former managers, co-workers, and vendors. Just keep in mind – the higher the ranking, the better. Only include academic references if you’ve been out of school for less than 4 years and personal references if you’ve played a significant role in volunteer projects or you are new to the working world. If you’re having trouble thinking of people, check out this top ten list.
Determine the best way to communicate.
Each person on your list and the relationship you have with that individual is unique, which means your method of communication may not be the same for everyone. Asking in-person or over the phone are more personal, but an email can be just as effective. Think about it from the perspective of the person you’re asking – what would they prefer?
Craft your message.
The basic question really is simple – can I list you as a reference? But it’s also a good idea to preface your question with a brief explanation of why you’re on the job hunt and what types of positions you’re seeking.
Help them prepare.
Make your references’ lives a little easier and send them your resume. Depending on how long it’s been since you’ve worked together, they may need a refresher on your work experience and abilities. Plus, they will be better prepared to answer any questions the hiring manager might have.
Follow up.
Your references are doing you a favor, so it’s considerate and professional to send them thank-you notes expressing your appreciation. It’s also a good idea to stay in touch and keep them informed of possible employers that could be contacting them. And, once you land a job, let them know about your new position and say thank you one more time.

You’ve invested a lot in your job search, so it’s well-worth the little bit of additional effort it takes to compile a reference list. What’s been your experience in asking for references? Have you ever had a reference that was the deciding factor in whether you were hired or not? Let us know in the comments section below.

At Work Cube Life

Express Your Appreciation for Co-workers

By Movin On' Up on Monday, April 22, 2013

If you’ve ever worked in a department with other employees or as part of a team on a project, chances are, someone has helped you out somewhere along the way. From showing you how to complete a task to lending you advice on a project, co-workers often provide guidance and support as you work together to get the job done. Building good workplace habits, such as expressing gratitude, is a great way to build rapport. A little appreciation goes a long way, so make sure to show your gratitude for the help you receive from your co-workers. This doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are three simple ways you can express your thanks any time of year.

Say Thanks
The easiest way to express your gratitude is to simply say thank you. Whether you express your appreciation verbally, through an e-mail, or in a handwritten note, saying thank you to your helpful co-worker shows that you value their help and recognize that you might not have been able to complete your assignment without their assistance.

Share Recognition
If your department or team hosts weekly or monthly meetings, recognize your co-worker for their assistance by formally thanking them in front of your supervisor and other co-workers. A small gesture like this can be very meaningful.

Return the Favor
One of the best ways to show your appreciation for someone’s help is to return the favor. If they need help on a project or advice on a task you’ve completed before, offer to guide them through it. When you have skills or experience to offer, take the opportunity to share your knowledge. This demonstrates not only that you’re thankful for the help, but that you’re the type of person who is willing to lend a hand.

Expressing your appreciation for your co-workers helps build your team. So, make sure to recognize your co-workers the next time they offer to step in to help you out. Your acknowledgement can inspire your co-workers to give more and help others more often.

At Work Workplace Relationships

Feel Appreciated at Work

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Did you know that the first Friday in March was National Employee Appreciation Day? There may be several people with employers who took the special holiday to focus on employee appreciation. But, there are probably just as many, if not more, who never even knew the day existed.

The workplace can feel like a thankless place at times with shortening deadlines and increasing stress levels. So, what do you do the other 364 days of the year when it’s not Employee Appreciation Day? Here are some things you can do to feel a little more gratitude from co-workers and managers at a hectic workplace.

Appreciate Others
Many times, our interactions with other people can be boiled down to the famous line from the Beatles song “The End” that says, “And in the end, the love you take
is equal to the love you make.”

Basically, if you want to feel appreciated, try showing gratitude and giving out compliments to others. It might feel weird and out of place, but if you can influence your work culture with positive words, the appreciation will come back to you. Besides, doesn’t it feel good to make others feel good, too?

Take a Compliment
While complimenting and encouraging others is a great start to creating an environment of appreciation, you’re going to need to leave a little bit of modesty at the door. That means, you’ll need to be able to accept the compliments as much as you give them.

If you shrug off or deflect honest gratitude toward yourself, you could be discouraging others from showing their appreciation. If you just reply with “Just doing my job” or “It was nothing” you’re not giving co-workers or managers a reason to repeat the same gestures.

Toot Your Own Horn
If you want to talk to your manager about their lack of appreciation for your work, you might not get the results you are looking for with a negative attitude of, “I don’t feel appreciated for what I do.” Instead, create a positive environment by finding ways of making your boss aware of your accomplishments. Find clever ways of promoting yourself that aren’t blatantly directed toward yourself.

Focus on your accomplishments that have directly benefited your employer. What did you do to bring in more customers or clients? Did you do something that positively affected the company’s bottom line?

Respect the Routine
Sometimes you feel like there aren’t opportunities to demonstrate your good works when doing your job is business as usual. There might not be a negative standard to compare your greatness to. You don’t have to reinvent your place or role in the grand scheme of work, but little things like maintaining a positive attitude can quickly gain the attention of your co-workers and managers. They will know when you gave your workday 100% and will begin to wonder what your secret is.

Just because your employer may have skipped out on Employee Appreciation Day doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reward yourself. If you follow these guidelines, you can take pride in knowing that a job done well doesn’t go unnoticed.

Get and Keep a Job Videos Networking

Are You Networking Hard or Hardly Netting Work?

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Have you ever heard, “It’s all about who you know?” It’s especially true when it comes to job seeking. Many open positions aren’t posted on job boards or classified ads, but are sent throughout the organization to see if anyone knows of a qualified candidate through their network.

According to The Wall Street Journal, 94% of successful job hunters claimed that networking had made all the difference for them.

While it’s still important to have an effective resume, transferable skills, and strong interview experience, you shouldn’t ignore the great value networking can have on your job search. Check out this animated clip that illustrates the value of building a web of relationships for your job search.

At Work Teamwork

Ways to Be A Team Player

By Jared Cole on Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Be a Team Player I’m fortunate enough to witness teamwork at its best during our annual company conferences. Most jobs require teamwork of some form, whether it’s on a routine basis or just for special projects. In any matter, when a project requires more than one person, it can be a task that is more complicated, time-sensitive, or an extreme undertaking – all of which can make things more stressful. Here are some ways to keep your cool and be a true asset when teamwork is required.

Don’t Ask Why
If you’ve been asked to do something as a team member, as long as it’s not breaking any laws or hurting the company, it’s best just to buckle down and get the job done. Maybe you don’t think moving boxes from one side of the room seems efficient, or you don’t understand why you have to clean up the conference room just because of a top client is visiting. But at this stage of the game you are there to help not to give your opinion. If you’re in the discussion phase of a project, it may be appropriate to offer your thoughts. But if you can sense that the mood of the moment is more “Roll up your sleeves and get to work,” then follow that lead and don’t waste time with “why?”

Don’t Be too Proud
Sure, your typical job assignment might be answering the phone, assembling parts, or invoicing clients, but you are part of a business that has a lot more activity. As long as there aren’t any safety concerns or job description violations, don’t be too proud to go beyond your regular duties to help out. Maybe you need to mop the entryway before a client tour, or perhaps you need to break down boxes and take them to the dumpster to give the team more room to work. Whatever it is, if you see something that needs to be done, and you can help, pitch in and help – that’s teamwork.

Don’t Brag
People notice a team working together, I’ve rarely experienced a time when a great team project wasn’t acknowledged at some point. However, when deadlines are looming there may not be time for accolades. You don’t want to be the only person on the team bragging about your effort to go above and beyond. The point of teamwork is everyone working together; it’s not about one individual contributing more or less than the others. If you try to steal the accomplishments of the team to shine more light on yourself, your opportunities to serve on the team may be less frequent.

Teamwork can be fun, and sometimes special team projects offer a break from your normal duties. Some of my best memories and accomplishments have been while serving on a team, so when someone asks for your help, see it as the opportunity it is.

Share your stories with us when you’ve experienced teamwork at best in the comments section below.

At Work Workplace Relationships

Workplace Romance: Flirting with Danger

By Jared Cole on Friday, February 1, 2013

relationships at work It’s February, and millions of people around the world are making plans to celebrate Valentine’s Day with their significant others. In the spirit of the holiday, there may be a certain someone at your workplace you’ve debated whether or not to start a relationship with, and you’ve decided to take the plunge.

Hey, if it worked for President Barack Obama and Bill Gates of Microsoft, why can’t it work for you? But before you jump into things head first, take some time to consider these guidelines so you don’t get bit by something worse than the love bug.

Company Policy Should be Your First Love
With workplace relationships becoming more common and accepted among younger employees, the definition of sexual harassment broadening, and employers becoming more wary of sexual discrimination lawsuits, more and more companies are putting a real effort into developing “love contracts” or “anti- fraternizing” policies.

It’s a tricky subject employers are dealing with now or will be handling in the future, but it’s still best to review your employer guidelines to see if there is any information you should consider before starting a romantic workplace relationship. The most common things to look out for are rules about being in a relationship with someone who has been or is a supervisor to the significant other.

Put Work First
What you do outside the office is your own business, but when you’re at work, you are there to do a job. If at all possible, leave your personal romance at home and treat your partner as any other co-worker. It’s much more important to maintain an office relationship with that person developing your job.

You should also consider keeping your space with your partner. You do spend a large part of your day at work, and spending too much time with a significant other can not only lower your job performance, but it can also strain the relationship. In most cases, the phrase, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder,” is important to remember within a romantic relationship.

While workplace romances can be a very tight rope to walk, it is usually possible. As long as you remain professional and adhere to your employer’s guidelines, you could have a relationship with a co-worker that won’t interfere with your career.