It’s that wonderful time of year again where you get to have fun and celebrate the holidays with your coworkers.  We often get very excited during this time, but we must also remember to present ourselves with proper etiquette.  After all, it is an ‘office’ party.  So here are some do’s and don’ts on how to conduct yourself during this year’s holiday office party.

Do

• Dress Appropriately
• Be friendly with everyone
• Try to contribute to the party where you can (e.g. bring food, help decorate…)
• Introduce yourself to everyone in the room that may or may not know you
• Keep conversation respectful and appropriate
• Conduct yourself professionally at all times
• Keep things light and fun

Don’t

• Pass up the invitation to attend unless absolutely necessary
• Over indulge in spirits
• Be belligerent
• Gossip
• Complain about the party
• Spend all evening talking business
• Forgot to thank the organizers of the party
• Drink and drive

Remember these tips when you attend your office holiday party this year.  Keep it professional and have fun!

 

People spend more time commuting today than ever before. Whether you are taking public transit or driving, commuting can add stress to your day. Depending on the length of your commute, it can significantly reduce the amount of personal time you have with friends and family. Here are some tips to help you enjoy your commute to work.

1.Take Public Transit

If you are able, it’s a good idea to take public transit as your mode of transportation to work. It has been shown that people who take public transit are less stressed than those who drive to work. Speaking from personal experience, if I had the option I would choose to take public transit over driving! You can take some time to read, relax, or even take a nap. Use your commute as a time to ‘zone out’ and de-stress before and after your workday.

2.Find Enjoyable Activities to Pass the Time

Even if you are driving, you can find some things to do that may make your commute less horrible. For example, you can listen to books on tape, catch up with friends or family on the phone (hands-free of course), or listen to a new music mix you just downloaded. You can also listen to podcasts to help you pass the time.

3.Get Comfortable

If can be uncomfortable sitting for long periods at a time, whether in a car or on a train. Wear comfortable shoes and loosen tight clothing before sitting down. If you are driving, be sure to adjust your seat to maximize your comfort. Adjust your headrest or sit on a driving pillow if that makes your commute more comfortable. 

4.Plan your Trip

If you are driving, always check the traffic reports before heading out of the house. That way you can do your best to avoid the busiest spots on the road. Also, if you are able, try to leave the house earlier to skip a lot of the morning traffic. Changing your work hours if possible can also shorten your commute time home as well.

Your commute can serve as a calming transition between the demands of the workplace and home. Use these tips to help you find ways to improve your daily commute.

In today’s world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and stressed, especially with how busy life can be. Many people struggle with finding a good work-life balance that works for them. Time free from work can sometimes seem like an allusive dream since technology makes us accessible around the clock. We all need boundaries to achieve balance between our personal and professional lives. Here are some tips to keep your stress level down, and manage your work-life balance.

1.Unplug

Before you leave for the day, write a list of the tasks you need to work on for the next day, or any other work things that are on your mind. Then ‘turn off’ your work brain; try your best to leave work at work. It’s important for your mental health to be able to step away from your work responsibilities to give yourself a break.  Also, give yourself a break from email in the evenings when you can.

2. Schedule Overtime

It’s a good idea to set aside a couple nights per week dedicated to overtime if it’s required. That way you are prepared for that time and can schedule your personal activities around those nights. If your job isn’t a typical 9am-5pm position, having those scheduled days where you know you can work in the evenings if required will help you be organized and balance your personal life commitments.

3. It’s Okay to Say ‘No’

Sometimes at our jobs we feel the need to say yes to everything that is asked from us. It’s great to be the one who agrees to take on the impossible projects and gets things taken care of. However, you don’t have to accept every extra task that is given to you at work. Your time is previous so it’s okay to say ‘no’ sometimes. Taking on too much can affect your whole life in terms of stress. If you feel like your plate is already full, you have the option to say no.

4. Make time for yourself

It’s important to be good at your job, but it shouldn’t take over your entire life. Make time to do those activities or hobbies that make you happy. Set aside some time each week to do something for yourself. By making time to invest in your interests outside of work you are giving yourself the opportunity to de-stress and connect with those things that are most important to you.

5. Take your vacation

Most people are given a set amount of vacation time per year – take this time! A vacation could simple mean being home with family, or a week travelling. Whatever it is, take the time that is given to you. It’s important to take time off to physically and mentally recharge. You will return to work feeling refreshed and ready to focus.

6. Use flexible work arrangements

Some companies allow their employees flexible work hours. If this is something that is offered, consider taking advantage of it. This could be working from home a couple days a week, or coming in to work early to be able to leave earlier. Whatever it may be, it could help you find a good work-life balance that works for you.

7. Stay Organized

Use your work calendar to keep track of work duties and personal activities. We all lead busy lives, and sometimes certain appointments can fall through the cracks when we become busy at work. Schedule those soccer games, or the movie nights right in your work calendar. That way you can see clearly where you can take on more responsibilities at work, and where you can’t. Be strict though, and if something personal is in your calendar, try your best to keep to that schedule and not change it for work. Your mental health will thank you.

Use these tips to help you find your perfect work-life balance!