Monthly Archives: April 2008

To Rock or Not to Rock: Music and iPods at Work

As of January 2008, over 140 million iPods have been sold. With the portability of mp3 players, employees are more frequently bringing them into the workplace. Workers with internet access can even stream music files at their computer. Research shows that 80% of technical and creative workers listen to music at least 20% of their work time. While some employers find iPods a distraction, many are discovering they can be a valuable workplace tool. Here are a few tips employees should keep in mind when listening to music while on the job.

Choose the right genre.
For increased productivity, think about song selection. Poor song choices can cause you to lose focus or impact your mood. Choose music with easy beats and light melodies, such as classical music or modern music that’s light on lyrics, to increase concentration. The steady beat will help you focus and keep pace with work. According to a study published in the Neuroscience of Behavior and Physiology journal, rock music can have a similar effect as classical music and improve a person’s ability to recognize visual images, such as letters and numbers.

Be courteous to others.
Blaring music can annoy co-workers and can lead to tension if they become disgruntled and complain to management. To avoid disturbing others, turn the volume of your stereo down or use headphones. Even when using headphones, it’s important to have the volume low enough to allow co-workers to get your attention. Keep in mind that drumming, dancing, or singing along to songs can be a distraction as well.

Do not download music.
Downloading music on the internet from work can be a very sticky situation. While some services provide totally legal methods of download, many people attempt to download free music through other websites from work. This can unintentionally infect your computer’s network with a virus. It can also make your employer face copyright issues if you illegally download songs. It would be best not to download music online at all. There are various alternatives to downloading music. Streaming radio or streaming audio web sites, such as www.imeem.com, allow you to listen to music through your computer without the security risks connected to downloads. Check your workplace policy on streaming music though, because many places forbid it since it takes up bandwidth. You can always bring a CD or mp3 player if that is OK with company policy.

Whether you want to increase productivity or block out distractions by listening to music at work, it’s important to be courteous to others. So, remember these tips the next time you turn on your radio or plug in your iPod.

Do you think iPods are a distraction or helpful at your workplace? Do you or your co-workers listen to music at the office?

7 Tips to Jumpstart your Job Search after Graduation

graduationWith college graduation around the corner, now is the right time to start looking for an internship or even possibly a job. College graduates are entering the workforce at a time when Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age, and companies are being left with vacant positions that need to be filled. To ensure that your transition from college student to full-time employee is a smooth one, try out these seven tips below.

Visit Career Services. College campuses offer a number of resources to help their students search for jobs and internships as well as assist them with their résumés and cover letters. Use these services while you’re still in school because it can be costly paying for them on your own.

Build a Network. Though college life can be busy, it’s important to make time for networking. Social clubs, career-related organizations and job fairs can help you connect with prospective employers. Networking at every opportunity will link you to individuals who can help you in your job search.

Land an Internship. Internships give you more than just on-the-job training; they often lead to a permanent position within the company. Even if you don’t land the job at your company, your experience will help your résumé stand apart from other applicants.

Practice Interviewing. Interviews can be nerve wracking – but you can gain confidence by practicing with friends. Practicing interviewing equips you with what to expect and how to act in a professional setting.

Be Flexible. Don’t limit yourself in your job search. You could miss out on a great opportunity if you focus too much on a specific job title or company. Some companies may offer you the position you want and maybe even the pay but no growth potential. And the prestige of working for some companies may come with little incentives such as low benefits and little pay. Smaller or lesser known companies may offer opportunities for growth, flexibility and benefits. So make sure you keep your options open so you can see the full value of what each job opportunity has to offer.

Prepare for interviews. Once you land an interview, make sure you research the company and its industry. Also, make sure you know where the company is located. It is equally important to dress appropriately. When in doubt, call the company and ask a receptionist or HR rep what the dress code policy is. Being prepared will give the employer a great first impression of you.

Show your personality. During the interview, let the interviewer see a little bit of your personality. Tell them a funny story about when you were younger, or share about your interests or hobbies outside of work. Letting prospective employers see a little bit of who you are differentiates you from other candidates. But, make sure you stay focused and professional during your interview, don’t reveal too much information or details that would make potential employers uncomfortable. Be sure to highlight your credentials and qualifications above anything else.

Finding a job after you graduate can be difficult, but with these seven tips, you can increase your chances of landing a job and decrease your stress level.

5 Ways to Recharge During Your Lunch Break

With so many of us commuting farther to work these days, it’s often impossible to go home, eat lunch and relax during a one-hour lunch break. But so many of us need some time to step away from our desks to just take a breather. Here are five ideas for your lunch hour to help you escape the stresses of work and refresh midway through your day.

Nap. If you drive to work, slip away to your car and take a short nap. If you don’t drive to work, find a quiet place nearby, such as a coffee shop or library, to catch a snooze. You’ll feel refreshed and won’t be sleepy-eyed as you finish out your workday. Just remember to set an alarm, such as a cell-phone, so you won’t sleep too long and return to work late.

Walk. Catch some fresh air and take a walk in a nearby neighborhood, stroll along the sidewalks near your office, or head to the nearest shopping mall or outdoor track. Make sure you wear walking shoes so your feet won’t hate you later. Walking can lower your stress level, prevent depression, and relieve arthritis and back pain.

Read. Reading can help take your mind off your daily routine. Find a quiet place to read within your building, or even better, find an area outside to sit while you delve into your favorite book or magazine.

Explore. Check out a store or eatery you’ve never visited, and experience something new in your community. Or, visit a local library, museum or park. A break from your normal routine will energize your day or even your week. Changing your habits can also pep up your outlook and brighten your attitude.

Volunteer. Visit a nearby school, community center or non-profit organization, and donate your time. Whether it’s reading to children, working with senior citizens or organizing special projects, these groups always need volunteers. You’ll be giving back to your community and gain improved self-esteem.

Try napping, walking, reading, shopping or volunteering the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed at work or just need to get away from your desk. You’ll feel recharged and be able to finish out the workday strong.

How do you spend your lunch break? What are your favorite lunchtime escapes?

Job Stress: 3 Signs You Need to Chill Out at Work

Job StressSome people are more relaxed than others. These easy-going types tend to handle stress well and keep a level-head even when things get crazy. But, maybe you’re not one of these mellow individuals. Perhaps, you tend to be a little more high strung and get worked up more easily. That’s OK – it doesn’t make you a bad person, but it does mean that you’re probably more stressed out than others. If you think you may be bringing too much tension to the workplace, check out the three signs that you’re stressing too much at work.

You have zero patience for delays.
Do you go a little nuts when a vendor puts you on hold or you have to wait behind a slow-moving co-worker at the fax machine? If you always feel like you’re in a rush and just can’t stand to wait, you’re probably lacking patience.

While there’s nothing necessarily wrong with wanting things done quickly, the problem comes when your expectations clash with reality, causing unnecessary stress for yourself and others. Accepting that you can’t control how quickly others get things done and that delays are a part of life can help reduce the amount of pressure you place on yourself to always be moving forward.

You’re wound tighter than a pocket watch.
When things don’t go the way you planned, do you get upset? Do you hate surprises and have a strict schedule for nearly every moment of every day? If so, you most likely find yourself frequently overwhelmed by life’s unpredictability.

There’s a saying, “Blessed are the flexible because they won’t break.” Having rigid expectations can lead to a lot of frustrations when plans change or go awry. Life is full of surprises, and it’s just not possible to always anticipate the future. Instead of getting upset by the unexpected, take a deep breath and try to be flexible. Learning to appreciate life’s little surprises can make your life much easier and your stress level much lower.

Your office nickname is “the ticking time bomb.”
Do you work with a bunch of people who drive you bonkers? Do you have to bite your tongue daily to keep from snapping at them? If you find yourself getting irritated with those around you on a regular basis, it’s probably not them causing the tension. Sure, people can be annoying and grating on the nerves, but that’s only if you let them.

To stop the cycle of aggravation, work on accepting your co-workers’ flaws. Remember, no one is perfect, including you. When you feel your blood start to boil, remind yourself that you need to calm down and not take things so personally. Instead, make an effort to discover your co-workers’ good traits and focus on those aspects when you’re feeling annoyed.

Next time you’re feeling all wound up, take a moment to calm down and think about what upset you. Chances are, it’s not as big of a deal as you originally thought. Striving to reduce your stress level will improve your on-the-job outlook and your relationships with others.

Let us know how you deal with work stress in the comments section below.