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.

The end of the year is a great time to think about moving on to new opportunities. Typically we reflect on our current jobs to find out whether or not we should move on. Many of us may decide we do want to move on, but don’t really know what we want. It’s great to create a list, it helps organize our thoughts and narrow down what we want. Here are some tips on creating the perfect job wish list!

• Your Goals: Ask yourself what your short-term and long-term goals are. Where do you see yourself starting at a job? Where would you like it to be in five years? This way you can really channel what sort of job you would like to be in.
• What do/don’t you want in a job: Take a moment to think about what you want in a job. What responsibilities do you want your next job to have? Do you want flex time?  How far are you willing to commute? Ask yourself the really tough questions to narrow down what you want. You may be currently working, and you have been there long enough to know what you don’t like. Ask yourself what a deal breaker is in your next job. Get everything out on the table that you don’t see yourself doing in the future.
• Salary Expectations: Lay out all the cards here. What are you currently making? What would you like to make? How flexible are you in salary for the right job. Salary is one of the most important factors of looking for a new job. Be honest with yourself and find out what is acceptable for you.
• What companies do you want to work for: Visualize yourself at a new organization. Which company is it? List your top five companies that you would like to work for. This way you have a better idea of where you see yourself.

Creating a Job Wish List will help you figure out what you want in a job. You can list everything out and truly visualize yourself in a new opportunity.

As we get closer towards the end of the year, we start thinking of making changes. One of the changes is whether or not to find a new job. We often reflect on how the year has been and if it is time to move on. Here are five great reasons to start a new job search.

• No Room for Growth: At this point you may have reached the top of your game at your current company. There are no more promotions in site and motivation begins to dwindle. Growth is one aspect that really pushes you to do better and challenges you. If you are at the top it maybe time to find a new opportunity.
• You are disengaged: Both your work and your managers are uninspiring. You feel like you show up to work but you are just present. It maybe time to start in a new direction with a new job.
• You are constantly complaining: Complaining is normal. Except if you are constantly breathing negativity in and outside of the workplace. Find out the source of your complaints. Can you fix these issues? If not, then it may stem into a larger issue. Move on to a more positive environment.
• You see the writing on the wall: Your company loses a major client. You see a lot of your colleagues are getting laid off. It may just be a matter a time before it’s you. Secure yourself and your future before they get to you.
• There is no work life balance: There should always be a balance between work and your personal life. Some overtime is required and acceptable. If you are constantly working late and bringing your work home, and you are unhappy doing so, you may want to consider moving on.

If you agree with three or more of these points then it may be time for you to move on. Get a jump start on your job search and find a new opportunity by the beginning of next year!

 

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!

You’ve signed a job offer for a new opportunity and now all that stands in your way is submitting your resignation letter for your current job. This official letter will set the tone for the next two weeks in the office, so be sure to resign gracefully and professionally. Use this guide to help you when writing your resignation letter.

The first paragraph of your resignation letter should be simple and to the point. State the position you are resigning from and when your last day will be – this is usually two weeks from the date you give notice.
 

The next part of the resignation letter is to thank your employer for the opportunities you have had during your employment. Describe some of the key things you’ve enjoyed and learned on the job. Despite the reasons you may be resigning, it is always best to not include any negative comments about your company or coworkers. You never want to burn bridges as you may need to use former employers as a reference in the future. It’s also a good idea to say that you are willing to help with the transition that your leaving will cause.

 

In general, keep your resignation letter brief and professional. Be sure to include the position you are resigning from and when your last day of work will be. Thank your employer and don’t include any negative comments. Good luck on your new opportunity!