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Ghastly Tricks to Make the Office Halloween a Treat

By Jared Cole on Friday, October 7, 2011

Halloween may not be a federal holiday, but it’s still a highly popular and widely celebrated occasion. Americans spend more than $5 billion on Halloween merchandise every year, second only to Christmas in dollars spent, and Halloween celebrations continue to grow in the United States. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, more than one-third of American employers provide some sort of festivity in conjunction with Halloween.

For many, Halloween is what kicks off the holiday season and can greatly boost morale and interaction among co-workers. If you want to join the fun and spirit of this holiday while at the office, here are a few things you can do to make work a little more spooktacular.

Rules and Regulations

Before you turn your workspace into Halloween central, consider checking with your employer’s handbook, supervisors, or HR managers to learn company policies on Halloween celebrations. While there may not be any Halloween-specific guidelines for your company, there may be strict policies on attire and hair color you need to keep in mind when celebrating.

Dress for the Occasion

Be respectful of your managers and colleagues and keep in mind what you should and shouldn’t wear for Halloween. There is plenty of time after work and on weekends to wear your super scary costume, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t opportunities to don some festive additions while working. Look for ways to put Halloween colors into your work attire. Find fun and easy ways to add a little flavor to your office look for Halloween like wearing an orange and black striped tie or blouse.

Desk Decor

Decorating your work area can be another great way to show your Halloween spirit. Spread some fake spider webs in a corner of your desk and scatter plastic spiders over it. Place a small Halloween-themed bowl or dish filled with candy next to the web for everyone to enjoy. There are several inexpensive paper Halloween decorations found at retail stores you can tape around your desk. Be mindful of those around you, keep the decorations festive, and shy away from anything too scary or gruesome.

Festive Foods

Many employees love to celebrate, especially when food is involved. There are several treats you can provide your co-workers that are cost effective and can bring you closer to those you work with. Bake a cake, put candy bugs or gummy worms in it, and place it in the office kitchen for everyone to eat. Goody bags full of assorted candies and novelty gifts like fake vampire teeth can also be used as festive Halloween treats. If you or your company is very health conscious, put fresh fruit in a plastic caldron and put it in a high-traffic area.

Despite your opinion of this holiday, respect those who do or don’t want to celebrate Halloween. You could be working with people with an array of different personal preferences, cultures, and beliefs. Starting conflicts over Halloween is missing the point of this occasion.

What interesting or different ideas have you done to celebrate Halloween at work?

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Learning from “The Office”

By Job Journey on Thursday, June 23, 2011

Co-workers and employers are two aspects of work that add to company morale, fun, and sometimes challenges. Whether your office is a close-knit group who thrives off of collaboration or one that encourages independent work, there is much to be learned from those you work beside day in and day out.

One of NBC’s most popular shows features a cast of unique and entertaining characters that represent what full-time work can sometimes be like. “The Office” follows Dunder Mifflin Sabre, a paper and office supply distribution office based in Scranton, Pennsylvania. While each episode depicts a mundane storyline, countless viewers have found comfort and humor in the familiarity that is “The Office.”

Although each character on the sitcom has their faults, they each have some qualities we can emulate. Whether you showcase your individuality, love for life, or strength while at work – there’s an office character out there for you to learn from.

Dwight Schrute
Known for his love of bears, crime fighting, and leadership, Dwight is by far one of the most eccentric of the Dunder Mifflin Sabre crew. Dwight is the top salesman and former acting manager for the office. Despite his achievements, he receives little recognition from his co-workers because of his lack of social skills and common sense. However, Dwight does an excellent job of remaining true to himself. He holds a specific set of personal and professional standards, rarely straying from them. While it’s always a good idea to leave the throwing stars and other weapons at home, there is one lesson we could all stand to learn from Dwight. Know what it is you stand for and don’t back down from it. Dwight’s antics are unpredictable but always very “him.” While his odd interests sometimes isolate him from the office, he doesn’t allow his individuality to hold him back. His stability and openness with who he is forces his co-workers to know the true Dwight – no matter how different he may be.

Michael Scott
Michael served as manager for the Scranton branch for seven years. His zest for life, though admirable, often gets him in hot water with his corporate office and employees. Michael’s tendencies to pull inappropriate pranks, offend his employees, and create awkward situations are only outweighed by his love for life and his employees. Michael takes a vested interest in the well-being of those around him; throwing birthday parties, teambuilding events, and seminars. Michael’s heart is in the right place and his employees know his interest in their lives is sincere. His approach to work reminds viewers that life is meant to be enjoyed, even while at the office.

Pam Beesly Halpert
Pam began her time at Dunder Mifflin Sabre as the receptionist, often indicating her desire to move ahead in the corporate world. She spent the first five years during her stay at Dunder Mifflin Sabre hoping for a promotion, while never voicing her goals to upper management. Eventually, Pam gained her voice as well as a new position as the office administrator. Pam is perhaps one of the most relatable characters as she struggles with developing confidence and authority in the business world. Her transformation into a leader in the office is one we can all look to for guidance and encouragement. Although it took her years to develop courage, Pam eventually took control of her own career by developing her leadership skills, asking for promotions, and taking charge.

“The Office” is one of television’s most successful shows and for good reason. It follows characters we all can relate to while inspiring viewers to have a more meaningful office life and career. Although each character on the show has serious faults, they all also have positive beliefs and behaviors we can glean from.

Let’s be honest, our co-workers have the ability to make us better or drive us crazy during the work day. Different personalities alongside deadlines, projects, and stress can bring out some challenging scenarios. Remember to look for the positive in each person who you encounter at work. Sure, your cube mate may have an odd fascination with crime fighting but at least he’s true to who he is and gets his work done.

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Mentor Up: How to Pick the Right Mentor

By Job Journey on Thursday, June 16, 2011

Whether you’ve been working for several years or are just preparing to enter the career world, traveling the path alone can be risky and hard. Surrounding yourself with people who can directly and positively impact your career is one of the key steps to take in any employment opportunity. Research shows protégés report more promotions, higher incomes, higher job and career satisfaction, and greater job involvement and commitment to a company than those not being mentored. Considering the benefits of having a mentor, the next question is how to get one. But, before asking someone to be your mentor, you need to know what to look for. So, here are some important aspects to consider in your quest for a great mentor.

Finding the right mentor.
A mentor is meant to challenge you. Do some research and find high-level managers or peers with more work experience than you. These individuals should be successful in their field, highly respected, and an all-around positive role model. Although it may be intimidating to approach such an esteemed and experienced professional, it’s important to surround yourself with people who have more knowledge than you do. The purpose of a mentor is to teach, counsel, and guide you to intelligent and beneficial career moves. Find someone who can help do just that.

Asking to be mentored.
Obviously, when selecting someone as your mentor, you need to ask them first. Begin by sharing with your potential mentor how they’ve already impacted your career, how you respect them, and why you want to learn from them. The more interest you take in a potential mentor, the more likely they will be to return the favor. However, you aren’t just asking them to guide you – you are asking for a major commitment. Make sure your mentors are willing to share their skills, knowledge, and expertise with you. Select people who seem to take a personal interest in helping you succeed rather than people who will toss you aside when their schedule gets hectic.

Having multiple mentors.
Because you’ll be choosing mentors for different qualities that put them at the top of their field, choose several. Leaders, although they may tell you different, have very little spare time to devote to full-time mentorship. Consider looking for someone in your own department, someone in another department of your company, someone in your field but with a different company, or someone that leads a charity organization you’re involved in. Having diversity in your mentors will provide you with relevant, yet different, opinions. Consider your group of mentors as your very own board of advisers.

Giving back.
Finally, remember that people don’t mentor just to be friendly. Mentoring can take a considerable amount of time, energy, and effort. Ask your mentor what you can do to help them. For some, simply seeing your appreciation and loyalty may be enough. For others, they may want to see you volunteer your time to mentor someone too. What’s most important is showing the initiative to give back to the mentor rather than simply taking from the relationship.

Moving up in an organization is increasingly challenging, however, having the right mentors by your side can help you climb the corporate ladder to success. Surround yourself with the highest quality people to create your own network of professionals.

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To Date or Not to Date

By Job Journey on Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Chances are you have had a crush on a co-worker at least once during your career. According to a recent survey conducted by CareerBuilder.com, four out of 10 workers say they’ve dated a colleague at some point in their careers, while three in 10 say they married the person they dated at work.

Journalist and co-author of Office Mate: The Employee Manual for Finding and Managing Romance on the Job, Helaine Olen, said “The office has turned into the village of the 21st century. Where else do you spend 12 hours a day?”

For many working singles, Olen’s take on the office is entirely accurate. Many see the workplace as the most convenient place to find a mate, as it is the place we spend the majority of our time. Although workplace romances are more common than they were five years ago, they are still met with some skepticism. Keep the following tips in mind when considering a current co-worker for a future partner.

Check the handbook.
Some companies have strict dating guidelines, while others have no rules whatsoever. Before committing yourself to a new relationship, see what your office thinks of it. In some cases the required steps may be as simple as notifying a superior. Although this process may seem a bit awkward and unnatural, just remember it is better to cover all the bases to protect both you and your crush’s working situation. If your company doesn’t have a specific policy regarding inter-office dating, it is still wise to be especially cautious and forthcoming with management – especially if your relationship involves a supervisor/subordinate. Being open about the reality of your relationship will help you avoid the appearance or reality of sexual harassment, favoritism, and other risks that come with dating in the workplace.

Weigh the costs.
As cynical as you may feel, consider what will happen if your new relationship doesn’t work out. Breakups are difficult enough without the added stress of having to see your ex every day at the office. Consider how you will feel when faced with working alongside your ex daily and if that is something you can work through. Although planning for failure may seem counterproductive, knowing how you’ll handle a potential situation may help you make important choices regarding your office romances.

Proceed with caution.
Although this piece of advice should be applied to all new relationships, it is especially important when it comes to inter-office dating. One of the largest benefits of dating a co-worker is the fact that you are able to establish a friendship prior to dating. You will have the opportunity to observe how your potential mate handles pressure, and also how he or she treats others during stressful times. Caution is necessary because it maintains professionalism in your office. If you enter into a romance carefree and spontaneously, your co-workers may view you as a serial dater. However, if you enter a relationship with purpose and thought, your teammates will see your commitment to a professional work environment.

Maintain professionalism.
Whether it’s fair or not, the moment your new romance is made public, co-workers will begin to judge your work more critically. Teammates are waiting for your relationship to interfere with your productivity, focus, and ability. It is imperative you show your teammates your continued dedication to your work, avoiding all distractions including those that come with romance. Avoid common mistakes like fighting in the office, public displays of affection, and cutesy nicknames. Although these things are all normal outside of the office, allowing them to become routine in the workplace will decrease your professionalism in the eyes of your team. Also, depending on the exact nature of any of these behaviors you could face repercussions, even if you are interacting with a loved one.

Finding love in the office is no longer a taboo subject. In fact, it is becoming more and more common. However, the way you choose to conduct yourself when in an office romance is vital. Carry yourself with the utmost professionalism, avoiding the typical pitfalls many couples make, and you will be sure to be voted the cutest couple of the office.

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Recover From a Bad Conversation With Your Boss

By Job Journey on Thursday, June 9, 2011

Perhaps this happened to you. You’re enjoying a typical day on the job when suddenly things take a turn for the worst. Tempers flare, words are exchanged, and regret sets in. You had a bad conversation, maybe even a fight, with your boss. Thankfully, these regrettable conversations are not always a deal breaker. You may be given the opportunity to redeem yourself, move forward, and continue to wow your employer. The trick is, how do you begin the recovery process?

Cool down.
During any argument it is natural to turn on our defenses, however, entering a resolution while feeling defensive is rarely productive. Take time to cool down and collect your emotions and thoughts. For each individual this time is different; whether you need five minutes or an afternoon, take the time you feel is appropriate and necessary.

Apologize.
Admitting fault is never fun. If after taking some time to cool down you realize you were in the wrong (yes, you actually did snap at that customer), approach your boss with humility and a resolution. But, apologizing is simply not enough. Be able to tell your boss why what you did was wrong and how you plan on avoiding similar situations in the future. Show initiative in taking steps toward a better you. Admitting fault when you still believe you were in the right is especially difficult, but it is vital in moving forward. When you’re having trouble finding fault in yourself, apologize for the way you reacted. Most of us say or do things we regret in the heat of the moment, so, if nothing else, apologize to your boss for your “momentary lack of professionalism.” Acknowledging that you were wrong, in at least some way, will show your employer you are taking some of the responsibility.

Move forward.
Unfortunately, many of us like to bring up situations that should be left alone. After apologizing, don’t continue bringing up the argument. Making light of the situation may seem like an easy way to get over the awkwardness but keep in mind, each time the conversation is brought up, your teammates are reminded of your moment of weakness. If co-workers, or even your boss, continuously bring up your meltdown, simply remind them the situation has been addressed and you are taking the necessary steps to move forward. In this case, the less ammunition you give your peers, the better.

Arguing with an employer is undoubtedly awkward and even scary. The true test will be your ability to recover from the situation professionally. Showing the maturity to move forward will prove your ability to conduct business respectfully and graciously.

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He Said What? Avoiding and Recovering From Office Gossip

By Job Journey on Tuesday, May 17, 2011

In a work environment, no matter how many employees there are, gossip is most likely going to occur. According to the American Psychological Association gossip can be “undeniably aversive and problematic,” for individuals. Accepting the fact that gossip will happen occasionally, it is important to know how to avoid it and what to do if it happens to you.

Turn the other cheek.
The best advice regarding office gossip is simple – don’t do it. Gossip leads to a multitude of problems, including distractions, hurt feelings, and even damaged relationships. When you hear co-workers discussing another individual’s personal or professional business, avoid joining in. Although you may be tempted to include yourself in the conversation, avoiding it entirely will help you steer clear of any further problems caused by the situation. The golden rule applies perfectly to this scenario – treat others as you would want to be treated. If you don’t appreciate your co-workers gossiping about you, don’t gossip about your co-workers.

Respond graciously.
If the time comes when you hear of others gossiping about you, respond with maturity. Brushing the situation under the rug will most likely lead to unresolved resentment and an uncomfortable workplace. If you choose to address the situation instead, approach the offending co-worker in a private setting and gently explain your thoughts and feelings on the situation. Due to the delicacy of the situation, approach your peer gently to avoid playing the blame game and creating further workplace problems. By addressing your frustrations calmly and maturely, you will help prevent further inappropriate discussions and keep the situation from escalating.

Reinforcements.
If for some reason your gracious response to the office gossip is not received well, keep calm and find support from those above you. Seek guidance from a manager, supervisor, or the HR Department within the company to find ways to resolve the issue. Just be sure your reinforcement doesn’t turn into someone you can gossip with.

Being the victim of gossip is never fun, especially at work where it involves your professional peers. Knowing the potential hurt it may cause you and your reputation, be sure to avoid it when you can spare your co-workers the same frustrations. In the end, your team members will respect your decision to maintain professional conversation far more than your knowledge of the inner office gossip.

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What Your Body Language Could be Telling Your Boss

By Job Journey on Wednesday, May 11, 2011

There are countless ways to communicate, yet not all forms require verbal interaction. Body language is an admittedly subjective way to judge what a person is feeling or thinking. Whether you want others to know what you’re thinking or not, we all give signals as to what is going on in our mind with simple gestures throughout the day. Learning to master this unspoken language will improve your communication skills and possibly your relationship with employers and co-workers as well.

Watch Your Arms.
When you fold your arms during a meeting or when talking to a co-worker, you could be demonstrating disinterest or disagreement. While folding your arms may be out of habit rather than disinterest, it could give the wrong impression to whomever you are speaking with. If you fold your arms out of habit, focus on clasping your hands in your lap instead. This small adjustment can improve your poor body language and help you display the right message to your audience.

Watch Your Audience.
Eye contact demonstrates attentiveness and confidence. Holding eye contact during an important discussion will reassure him or her that you are indeed listening and confident in your responses. When focusing on maintaining eye contact, make it as natural as possible. Rather than staring at one member of your audience, allow your eyes to occasionally shift from person to person so everyone feels included and a part of the conversation. Good eye contact is perhaps one of the most difficult traits to practice, but one of the most noticed.

Watch Your Mouth.
Smiling is the simplest nonverbal signal of all. Smiles come in grades from ecstatic to content. Know the importance of smiling, and when to use which smile. Interacting with co-workers is an important time to smile in a friendly, joyful manner. However, during a meeting, displaying a calm, interested smile will confirm your interest in your job and its requirements. Often we become so caught up in our work that we forgot to smile, forcing others to question if we are truly happy while working. Smiling is an easy yet effective way to improve your body language immediately.

Understanding your body language is something that is learned over time. The key is self-awareness and a willingness to change. Understand that despite our mother’s advice, the majority of us initially judge a book by its cover and you are certainly no exception. Choose wisely when making your next nonverbal statement, and your career will thank you.