Optimizing Your Work-At-Home Schedule

30 Dec, 2015 | Tags: , , , ,

Working at home can be difficult for many people. While it seems like the ideal option for most, it is fraught with difficulties for people who don’t manage their schedule well. Keeping a regular schedule is important so you can make sure you get all your work done. Between family members interrupting you during work hours and chores that you must attend to around the house, it can be difficult to get organized and be productive while working at home. Here are some quick tips for optimizing your work-at-home schedule.

The Office

Don’t work on the couch or in common living areas. If you do, you’re asking for interruptions. Instead, set aside a space in your home, and preferably a room, so that others know when you’re at work. You’ll need a desk and chair at the bare minimum. When you work at your desk, make sure to place your elbows at 90 to 110 degrees. Place everything you need in the office so you don’t have to keep leaving for food, snacks and drinks. Every time you leave, you open yourself up to distractions.

Buy Equipment

Make sure you have the right equipment for the job. There are tablets that make it easy to work on the go when needed. Purchase a tablet that has a keyboard so you can type more effectively while you’re at home. If your tablet doesn’t come with a keyboard, consider purchasing a protective case that includes the basic tools you need to stay productive. For example the iRULU eXpro includes Wi-Fi and external 3G to keep you connected on the go (a purchase made cheaper with Discountrue coupons).

Leave Time for Breaks

It’s important to give yourself plenty of time for breaks. This will ensure that you’re able to work steadily throughout the day. Even though you’re working from home, don’t assume you can start and end work whenever you like. If you do this, you’ll find yourself working the entire day and leaving yourself with little free time to spend with your family and relax. Put in the work during regular hours and give yourself a break every one to two hours.

Working from home is a rewarding experience that can help you to get the most out of your life. You can keep a flexible schedule and make more time for family and friends. However, to do this, you must get organized. Try to keep on a regular schedule and do something simple at the beginning each day to trigger your mind that it is time to work.

Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. She was raised in a big family, so she’s used to putting things to a vote. Also, cartwheels are her specialty. You can connect with Anica here.

Breaking into the Break Room: Complaints Your Workers Aren’t Telling You

22 Dec, 2015 |

The relationship between employee and employer is a delicate one. You have to constantly battle the balance between management and openness. As an employer, you may have an ‘open door’ policy that encourages your employees to voice their concerns. And although your employees may consider taking advantage of your policy, they may not feel comfortable doing so. Instead of taking their complaints to you, they complain to each other.
As an employer, it is important to keep your ear inclined to the concerns of your employees since this can help keep potential problems at bay. Here are five complaints your employees may not be telling you.

Inadequate Compensation

Money can be one of the most difficult subjects to discuss. Some of your employees may be frustrated by inadequate compensation packages and it is important for employees to have the opportunity to petition for a pay raise. Provide scheduled times to meet with individual employees to discuss pay increases. Having a confidential meeting can help make them feel more willing to open up about sensitive issues.

Lack of Trust

In the workplace, nothing says ‘I do not trust you’ like micromanaging your employee’s actions. Many employees have the ability to effectively do their jobs without their employer’s constant input. You should always be available to guide your employees through any project. However, resist the urge to manage every little detail of their project or processes.

Lack of Adequate Feedback

On a regular basis, employees should know whether they need improvement or are doing a great job. Unfortunately, many employers wait until the annual assessment to provide feedback to employees. Workers want to serve their companies well, and need consistent feedback on what they should improve on or how to further exceed expectations.

Favorite Employees

It is easy to applaud your rock star employees, but be careful not to play favorites. Favoritism in the any organization can promote a hostile environment, envy, and frustration. Resist the temptation to give your favorite employees the best projects. Find a way to celebrate the efforts of each of your employees equally.

Working Vacations

When employees are away from the office on vacation, do not expect them to work. Vacation is a time for them to relax and get away from the stresses of the job. Allowing them to unplug will develop a renewed sense of commitment to your organization.

 

Safety

Don’t forget how important workplace safety is, and what your employees notice. Since you aren’t as familiar with their daily tasks, you may not notice hazards they do. Make sure you address safety and workplace polices often. Have employees come to you if they notice anything, and get a credited company like Tailored Solutions to come do a work-site hazard assessment.

It is essential for employers to keep tabs on all their employee’s concerns. After all, employees who are happily engaged in their work increase the profits for their companies.

Continual Learner: 4 Ways to Hone Your Professional Skills

14 Dec, 2015 | Tags: , , ,

In order to remain competitive and competent, employees should continually polish their professional skills and knowledge. Employees who continually engage in professional development will enjoy an enhanced reputation and improved expertise in their field. Below introduces four of the best ways to hone your professional skills.

Productivity Proficiency

According to personal productivity guru David Allen, it is entirely possible for a business professional to be overwhelmed with tasks, yet still function productively with a sharp mind and strong sense of control. There are fundamental techniques that professionals use to improve their organization and productivity skills, such as morning planning sessions and day planners. However, technology has created tools like Outlook, as well as cloud-based and smart phone calendars and schedules that must be continually synced. Nevertheless, anyone serious about personal efficiency will explore and adopt the best practices that fit their personality.

Presentation Skills

Personal knowledge and abilities are dormant unless they can be publicly shared with others. Therefore, those serious about professional development should expand their presentation design and delivery skills. It is also important to be able to smoothly respond to any concerns in a persuasive way with supporting facts. In fact, being able to courteously diffuse contention during a meeting, while allowing people to save face, is a valuable skill. In the end, being able to logically present and respectfully defend ideas will be very beneficial for anyone hoping to move into management.

Be a Team Leader

Anyone who wants to move into a managerial position must begin by becoming a team leader. Increased leadership accountability will enhance maturity, responsibility and transparency. It will also involve common interpersonal and organizational problems. For example, lack of trust, avoidance of accountability and unwillingness to commit are three of the most common problems that new teams face. Learning how to mitigate these obstacles while keeping all team members happy will help the team leader develop valuable problem-solving skills.

Formal Education

One of the best ways to comprehensively improve your professional skills is through continuing education. There are many options available, such as local community colleges or community centers. Due to the fact that most working professionals have limited time, online education through institutions like Global Learning Systems is the preferred professional development method among corporations. In this way, employees can take classes during slow periods at work or they can also take them at home. Either way, online learning offers flexibility and convenience.

No matter how you look at it, professional development is essential for both personal and career growth. Increasing productivity, leadership and presentation skills is highly recommended. Finally, online learning courses allow working adults to access exclusive educational content.