Tag Archives: perks

Poll Results: Are Employer-Provided Benefits a Factor in Your Decision to Work for a Company?

Here’s what you had to say.

We work to make money so that we can afford bills and live our lives. However, employers pay us in more than just dollars—many also provide perks and benefits, the biggest of which is insurance.

We asked you if employer-provided benefits and/or health insurance were a factor in your decision to work for a company, and 91% of you agreed that employer-provided benefits are incredibly important. More than three-fourths (77%) said that you would quit working at your company if benefits and health insurance were no longer provided.

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Question of the Month: What Perks—Other Than Pay Raises and Traditional Benefits—Could Your Company Offer to Keep You Around?

We’re living in a job seekers market; that means there are more jobs available than qualified individuals to fill them. That’s great for those job searching, but less than great for companies. Companies need to be incredibly competitive to attract and retain top talent.

One of the ways they accomplish this is by offering beneficial perks. Pay raises and other traditional benefits like a good insurance plan are typically expected, but things like a relaxed dress code or flextime can really tip the scales when job seekers are choosing a place to work.

But which perks are the most important? We want to know, and you can help by voting in our poll—what perks are most important to you?

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How To Love Your Job, Even On Mondays

how_to_love_your_job_webDuring the month of February, there is a lot of talk about love. But anyone who’s been in a relationship for a long period of time can tell you that there is a point where love becomes a choice. When the butterflies and honeymoon phases fade away, that’s where the work begins. And loving your job is no different.

The idea of someone loving their job can seem like a far-fetched dream. But the good news is that it just requires a person to keep working at it. “You don’t have to quit,” encourages a Fast Company article. “It is possible to rekindle that old spark.” Here are three helpful tips to keep your love for your job alive, even on Mondays.

Make a List
Every job has positive aspects to it, even if they don’t immediately come to mind. Take a few minutes and list out the good things about your job. Do you have fun co-workers, bring home a paycheck, have health insurance, or enjoy your projects? If the answer is yes, write it down. What about a flexible schedule, holidays off, travel opportunities, or an up-to-date computer? Those are all positives too.

Once you have some items on your list, post it where you can easily see it. You can always add more to it whenever you discover another aspect of your job you love. Then, when you’re having a tough start to the week or just struggling with liking your job, you can read through the list and give your attitude a boost.

Discover What You Can Change
As a Forbes article about loving your job pointed out, “boredom is often at the root of unhappiness at work.” It’s up to you to discover what areas you’re dissatisfied or bored with, and then map out a way to make some changes. “Challenge yourself to look for one area that would give you more joy at work and then make it happen.” It could be as simple as rearranging, decluttering, and decorating your desk space. Or perhaps it might be training yourself to do one of your tasks more effectively. Another aspect of this is seeking out new responsibilities. Forbes recommends that you “keep your ear to the ground to get the scoop on positions opening up or emerging projects — even if they’re short-term. Then throw your name into the hat.”

Remember Your End Goal
In the day-to-day distractions, it’s easy to forget your bigger purpose. But think back to when you first took this job. Most likely you were excited, and that’s probably because the job was a step toward a goal. Whatever that goal was – money to buy a house, getting your foot in the door at a great company, learning more about an industry that interests you – try and remember it. You’re at your job for a reason, and while this particular stretch of your journey may not be your favorite, take joy in the fact that you’re at least working toward your goal.

No one wants to be in a job they hate. After all, if you’re going to spend the majority of your waking hours at work, life will be much more enjoyable if you love your job. And that’s not an unrealistic dream. “Loving work is not as much a pipe dream as winning the lottery – it’s something far easier to achieve,” the Inc. article explains. “Loving your job is a skill and a practice,” so all you have to do is work at it.

What tips do you have for enjoying your job? Let us know in the comments section below!

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Five Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Beat the Winter BluesIt’s winter and chances are you may feel less energetic than usual. Shorter days with less sunlight, coupled with the season’s characteristically inclement weather, may have you reaching for sweat pants and flannel sheets, comfort food, and the remote control.

The weather outside may be frightful, but the recession’s climate of uncertainty can also make for a bleak forecast. Coupled with job and financial stress this year, the usual winter blues may be magnified for some with headlines that are hard to ignore.

Unemployment has remained steady throughout the past year as companies have cut their workforce to operate with minimal staff. Research conducted by Express Employment Professionals found that 68% of employed survey respondents feel that their workload has increased, with 49% also reporting higher stress levels.

Whether you’re looking for a job or feeling stressed in your current position, here are some ways to stay positive this winter and throughout the new year:

Stay engaged with lifelong learning: Whether it’s through a local college or just your local library, pursue an interest with an evening class or seminar. You’ll have something to look forward to a few nights each week and the experience can help spark creativity, an attribute that’s highly sought in professionals.

Get some exercise – with a friend: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that winter weight gain averages four to six pounds. Make plans with a friend to take a brisk winter walk, go ice skating, or head to the gym. You’ll release stress-fighting endorphins and have the opportunity to spend quality time with others.

Write a card to someone: Write a cheery note to someone, just because. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to make a friend feel valued, and it can actually boost your mood as well.

Change your work routine: If your work allows you to take an additional break now and then, try to get up, stretch, and walk around during the day. Bring a special blend of coffee to try with your co-workers, organize a fun lunch together, or find other meaningful ways to change your work routine.

Take a break from technology: Society is now more connected than ever and it’s easy to feel bombarded by negative news. Give yourself permission to turn off your TV, mobile devices, and computer for awhile. A little down time can go a long way.

Find a balance: While sleeping to avoid stressful situations can be a sign of depression, it’s also important to get plenty of rest. Eight hours of sleep and sticking to an established sleep schedule is part of wellness. A good night’s rest can change the next day’s perspective.

Don’t let the winter blahs get the best of you. Stay focused on feeling confident in your job or job search, and seek out the support you need. Regardless of the season, you always have the ability to make positive changes to impact your life today.