One Way to a Six-Figure Income: Higher Education

by Patricia Cecil-Reed, FindtheRightSchool.com


In today's economy, it can feel as if there are few jobs to be had, much less ones with six-figure salaries attached. However, there are careers to be found in a range of fields that can boost your earning power. What's more, you can achieve a high income without a doctorate or a law degree.

Of course, achieving a six-figure salary will always require hard work and motivation. There are no free rides or successful get-rich-quick schemes. Sometimes continuing your education is the best way to prepare for a new career.
Below are some steps that may help you take your current salary to new heights.

Consider the benefits of online education.
Online training programs offer an alternative to traditional in-classroom education that can be very appealing for working students. Pursuing an online degree, whether it's a bachelor's, associate's, or higher, allows you to study from home, at your own pace, so you can keep your current job while training for a better one.

Scenario 1: Earn a two-year associate's degree.
Believe it or not, there are some high-paying careers out there that you can prepare for with about two years of study. For example, court reporters are known to pull in six-figure salaries, and often train for their careers with just one year to 33 months of study. If you're surprised to see this career on the list, consider that court reporters often take on freelance work in addition to their regular hours to significantly boost their incomes. While the average salary for a court reporter technically weighs in at about $48,000, many use freelance opportunities to top the $100,000 mark.

Scenario 2: See where a bachelor's degree can take you.
Train for a career in fine arts, finance, or technology, and find high-paying careers in each area. Art directors average about $83,000 annually, with the top 25 percent earning over $100,000 per year. Many art directors hold a bachelor's degree in fine arts. Some begin their careers as graphic artists in advertising, publishing, design, or film, and work their way up to the position of art director while proving themselves through experience and hard work.

In the financial sector, actuaries pull in hefty salaries assessing risks and their financial impacts while often working for insurance companies. The mean annual salary for an actuary is $95,420. A bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, actuarial science, or business should offer solid footing for you to embark upon this career path.

If your interests lie in technology and IT, consider becoming a Web systems manager. The mean annual salary for this career is $113,880, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 25 percent can earn over $136,000 per year. A bachelor's degree is a common requirement for IT managers, along with a strong knowledge of computers and management practices. A degree in management information systems may be especially helpful.

Scenario 3: Looking beyond a bachelor's -- let education take you higher.
If you already hold a bachelor's degree and are looking to advance within your current field, consider the options that might be possible with a master's degree.

Becoming an educational administrator can be a great option for teachers looking to advance their careers with a two-year master's degree. In most cases, a master's in educational administration or educational leadership is required, as well as related experience in teaching or school administration.

A high school principal might expect to earn around $92,000 annually, according to the BLS, while a chief academic officer can earn over $140,000 per year.

Look into further career training.
Research your potential new career, what further experience you might need, and how to get it. In today's fast-paced job market, current job skills are essential, especially if your career involves using computers or technology in any way. Many professionals remain at the top of their careers with short educational stints or extra certifications in their fields.

Do what makes you happy -- the money will follow.
You've heard it from everyone from your mom to Oprah: Do what makes you truly happy, and the financial side of things will fall into place. While it may be difficult to swallow this notion when you're about to leap into a career change, you will likely be happy you did, especially if you follow these guidelines.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career Opportunity

5 Tips for Successful Telecommuting

Want to work from home? Here's how to make it work for you.

by Margaret Steen, for Yahoo! HotJobs

After facing challenges ranging from the threat of pandemics to this winter's snowstorms on the East Coast, employers and employees have taken another look at telecommuting and other "flexplace" work options.

"Bad things are good for telework," says Chuck Wilsker, president and CEO of the Telework Coalition, a nonprofit advocacy group. Plus, telecommuting can help both employers and employees save money--a key selling point when the economy is bad. And improvements in technology have made it easier for workers to collaborate from multiple locations.

"Without technology, we wouldn't have telework," Wilsker says.

The number of Americans who telecommuted at least one day per month increased from about 12.4 million in 2006 to 17.2 million in 2008, according to a survey by WorldatWork, a global human resources organization. However, the survey also found that the number of workers telecommuting almost all the time dropped somewhat.

"We think it has to do with the recession," says Marcia Rhodes, a spokeswoman for WorldatWork. "A lot of employees, even if they have the ability to telework, don't do it because they don't want to be axed."

How can you make telecommuting a success for both you and your employer? Experts offer these tips:

1. Assess your employer's attitude toward telecommuting.
Despite its advantages, not all employers support it: "The more progressive and enlightened ones embrace it as a business strategy," Rhodes says. Then there's the other view: "Are you less committed and less loyal because you don't want to come to the office?"

If your employer doesn't believe telecommuting can work, you'll want to take very small steps or perhaps hold off altogether.

2. Present a flexplace plan.
Propose a start date and an end date to a trial period, so your boss has a way out if it doesn't work. Spell out the hours you'll be available, how quickly you'll return phone calls, and when you'll take your lunch break.

"It gives the employer more of a sense of control," Rhodes says. "For the employee, it helps them understand what the expectations are."

3. Emphasize the benefits to your employer.
Explain how this would help your employer, not just why it would be convenient for you.

"We really see telework as a financial benefit to both employers and employees," Wilsker says. Employers can save money on real estate, and they can benefit from increased productivity and lower turnover. Employees spend less on everything from commute costs to dry cleaning.

4. Change your expectations.
The only way your employer will save money on real estate is if you don't insist on having a cubicle or office that's all yours. Offer to share your office workspace, to make the benefits more obvious to your employer.

5. Be productive while telecommuting.
You may get more work done away from the office. But there are distractions at home, too. Make sure, for example, that you have childcare in place.

"Telework is not so you can save on daycare costs," Rhodes said. "You can't concentrate with a baby crying in the background."

And be sure to show your employer what you are accomplishing at home--it's always a good idea to give a boss regular status updates, and that can become even more important when he or she can't see you busily working.

Job Info , Jobs Sources , Career

Seven Stupid Things EMPLOYEES Do To Screw Up Performance Appraisal

Robert Bacal is a noted author, keynote speaker, and management consultant. His most recent books include Performance Management - A Briefcase Book, and The Complete Idiot's Guide To Dealing With Difficult Employees.

In previous articles on the topic of performance management and appraisal, (click here to access these articles) we covered the ten stupid things managers do to screw up performance appraisal, and a similar article on ways human resource departments screw up the process. Now it's time to turn our attention to employees!

Managers, feel free to share this with employees, and employees, feel free to share this with managers and/or colleagues. Please ensure proper credit is given and that the work911.com website address is included.

Generally, when performance appraisal goes awry, the primary cause has little to do with employees. For the most part, employees take their cues from management and human resources. However, when individual employees perceive the process in negative ways, they can create or damage even the best of appraisal processes.

Stupid Thing #1: Focusing On The Appraisal Forms

Performance appraisal isn't about the forms (although, often managers and HR treat it as such). The ultimate purpose of performance appraisal is to allow employees and managers to improve continuously and to remove barriers to job success. In other words, to make everyone better. Forms don't make people better, and are simply a way or recording basic information for later reference. If the focus is getting the forms "done", without thought and effort, the whole process becomes at best a waste of time, and at worst, insulting.

Stupid Thing #2: Not Preparing Beforehand

Preparing for performance appraisal helps the employee focus on the key issue - performance improvement, and to examine his or her performance in a more objective way (see defensiveness below). Unfortunately, many employees walk into the appraisal meeting not having thought about the review period, and so are unprepared to present their points of view. Being unprepared means being a reactive participant, or being a passive participant. Neither are going to help manager or employee. Employees can prepare by reviewing their work beforehand, identifying any barriers they faced in doing their jobs, and refamiliarizing themselves with their job descriptions, job responsibilities, and any job performance expectations set with the manager.

Stupid Thing #3: Defensiveness

We tend to take our jobs seriously and personally, making it more difficult to hear others' comments about our work, particularly when they are critical. Even constructive criticism is often hard to hear. If employees enter into the discussion with an attitude of "defending", then it's almost impossible to create the dialogue necessary for performance improvement. That doesn't mean employees can't present their own opinions and perceptions, but it does mean that they should be presented in a calm, factual manner, rather than a defensive, emotional way. Of course, if managers are inept in the appraisal process, it makes it very difficult to avoid this defensiveness.

Stupid Thing #4: Not Communicating During The Year

Employees need to know how they are doing all year round, not just at appraisal time. Generally it is primarily management's responsibility to ensure that there are no surprises at appraisal time. Often managers discuss both positives and negatives of employee performance throughout the year, but this is unfortunately, not a universal practice. It's in the employees interests to open up discussion about performance during the year, even if the manager does not initiate it. The sooner employees know where they are at, and what they need to change (or keep doing), the sooner problems can be fixed. In fact many problems can be prevented if they are caught early enough. Even if managers aren't creating that communication, employees can and should. It's a shared responsibility.

Stupid Thing #5: Not Clarifying Enough

Life would be much easier if managers were perfect, but they aren't. Some communicate and explain well. Some don't. Some are aggravating and some not. At times employees won't be clear about their managers' reasoning or comments, or what a manager is suggesting. That could be because the manager isn't clear him/herself, or simply isn't good at explaining. However, unless employees clarify when they aren't sure about the reasoning or explanations, they won't know what they need to do to improve their future job performance. It's important to leave the appraisal meeting having a good understanding of what's been said. If that's not possible clarification can occur after the meeting, or down the road, if that's more appropriate.

Stupid Thing #6: Allowing One-Sidedness

Performance appraisals work best when both participants are active, and expressing their positions and ideas. Some employees are uncomfortable doing that, and while managers should be creating a climate where employees are comfortable, some managers aren't good at it. Performance appraisal time is an excellent time for employees to make suggestions about things that could be changed to improve performance, about how to remove barriers to job success, and ways to increase productivity. Remember also that managers can't read minds. The better managers will work with employees to help them do their jobs more effectively, but they can't know how they can help unless employees provide them with good, factual information, or, even better, concrete ideas.

Stupid Thing #7: Focusing On Appraisal As A Way Of Getting More Money

Unfortunately, many organizations tie employee pay to appraisal results, which puts employee and manager on opposite sides. Employees in such systems tend to focus too much on the money component, although that focus is certainly understandable. It's also understandable when employees in such systems become hesitant to reveal shortcomings or mistakes. But it's still dumb. If employees main purpose is to squeeze as much of an increase out of the company, and the managers try to keep increases as small as possible, it becomes totally impossible to focus on what ultimately matters over the long term, which is continuous performance improvement and success for everyone.

Pay IS important, but it is not the only issue related to the appraisal focus. If employees enter into the process willing to defend their own positions in factual and fair ways, and to work with managers, the process can become much more pleasant. If not, it can become a war.

Conclusion:

The major responsibilities for setting performance appraisal tone and climate rest with managers and the human resources department. However, even when managers and human resources do their jobs well, employees who come at the process with a negative or defensive approach are not likely to gain from the process or to prosper over the long term. The constant key is for employees to participate actively and assertively, but to keep a problem-solving mindset, and keep focused on how things can be improved in the future. No matter who initiates it, performance appraisal is about positive open communication between employee and manager.

(work911.com)


Job Info , Jobs , Career

Ten Ways To Bolster Your Career When Times Are Tough

Everyone is concerned about the economy these days. Many are out of work. If you are currently working here are 10 things you can be doing for your career to bolster your chances of working through rough times.

1. Skills Proficiency - Be sure to be up to date in your skills. When jobs are scarce companies can easily find new employees who have more advanced skills. Take classes, go to workshops, read and join professional associations to stay current.

2. Find Ways To Increase Your Value - Get cross trained so that you have the ability to do more than one job. Specialization is great when there are lots of employees. When companies are downsizing someone who can be used in a variety of positions becomes more valuable.

3. Network - Contact and help other people in your network. It's rough to call people in your network for the first time when you lose your job. Keeping your network alive and active will give you confidence that you could find something else if necessary.

4. Do Not Complain - No one likes a whiner! Yes it is difficult when times are unstable but it serves no purpose to complain about it. Happy people are nice to have around and less likely to get laid off. If you are whining all the time your manager may feel he/she is doing you a favor by laying you off!

5. Cut Costs - This is the time to stick to the budget. Better yet find ways to save. In difficult times the valued employee is the one who doesn't spend more than what was budgeted for. Better yet find ways to save and be a real hero.

6. Generate Revenue - Look for ways to bring in new revenue. Since resources are short, cost effective ways to generate new revenue are valued.

7. Be Visible - This is the time to be a star performer. It is probably not the best time to be away from the office too much. This is the time to be sure your reputation is for work that is high quality, done on time, on budget and without a lot of fuss.

8. Toot Your Own Horn - Let people know about your accomplishments. This is not the time to be modest. While you are networking you can also let others outside your company know about your successes. Publish your results. Speak before groups. Get expert status!

9. Take Initiative - Don't be the person who just does what he/she is told and no more. Look around to see what needs doing and volunteer to take on those critical tasks.

10. Be Prepared - Get your resume up to date, return the phone calls of head hunters and think about a second career. Nobody's job is totally safe so it is always best to have your network in tact, your resume ready, and an idea of where you might like to go. Confidence that no matter what happens you can deal with it, helps you to weather the recession and even thrive!

Most people get concerned when times are tough. In good times they relax and ignore some of these tips. The challenge for you is to make them habits so that even in good times you continue to do what is necessary to move your career forward. Need help? Hire a coach. Coaches help client to get rid of bad habits and beliefs. They make it easier for you to add new good habits to your daily routine. (www.floweradvisor.com)

By: Alvah Parker

Career Advice: How To Be One Of The Top 20 And Gain Job Security

By: Ramon Greenwood

Eighty percent of the work is done by twenty percent of the people employed. This rule of thumb proves to be true no matter the type or size of the organization.

Common sense career advice says work your butt off to be sure you are among the top 20 who are getting the job done. That's a major step toward job security in these times of economic uncertainty.

Here are some career tips on how to be in the top 20.

Know where your job fits in the scheme of things and what is expected from you. If you and your boss haven't agreed on a clear picture of your career path, ask for directions.

Monitor and document your on-the-job performance month-by-month. Gain strength and confidence from your achievements. Learn from your mistakes.

Make sure you are receiving regular performance appraisals, so you can make mid-course corrections on your career path, and your employer recognizes the results you are producing. Assure your boss you want to assume more responsibility. Seek additional training to improve your value to your current employer and increase your chances of landing a new job if the pink slip comes.

Work with a plan that sets career goals with specific actions and timelines.

Prepare a fallback plan covering actions you would take if you were to lose your job.

Find out what challenges your boss is facing. Make his job easier, not harder. Demonstrate you are helping him to reach his career goals.

Stay up to date on what's happening with your company and the business sector in which you work.

Do more with less. Go above and beyond the call of duty.

Take the initiative; come up with new ideas. Come in early, stay late.

As added insurance, refresh and extend your contacts within and outside of the organization that employs you.

Solve problems, don't create them. Don't require special attention from your boss and your co-workers.

Be a team player. Share the workload, as well as the credit.

Recognize there are no shortcuts to career success.

Don't Let Negative Nellies Block Your Career Path

There'll always be Negative Nellies who will try to distract you from maintaining your top 20 position. If you let them, they can throw you off your career path.

Here are five steps you can take to thwart the negativists who inhabit all organizations.

1. Distinguish between negativism and analytical questioning. The former is destructive; the latter is constructive.

2. Don't waste time and energy arguing with those who are habitually negative. Overlook them. Avoid gossiping and spreading rumors.

3. Act quickly and decisively to examine and reject wanton negative doubts.

4. Take action to advance your career plans when the odds are reasonably in favor of success despite those who deal in negative thoughts.

5. Avoid the company of negative thinkers. Their attitudes are contagious. Don't engage in I-told-you-so when the negative thinkers turn out to be wrong. That only invites more of the same from them.

About the Author

For free career coaching click here: http://www.commonsenseatwork.com. You'll receive The Career Accelerator, Ramon Greenwood's semi-monthly newsletter. You can also visit his Your Blog For Career Advice via this route. Greenwood's coaching comes from a world of experience, including serving as Senior Vice President of American Express, an entrepreneur, professional director, career coach and author.

(ArticlesBase SC #805186)

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ - Career Advice: How To Be One Of The Top 20 And Gain Job Security

Safety Shoes - Workplace Shoe Safety

Safety Shoes can be an integral part of the job when it comes to workplace safety. Some jobs may require footwear as per some dress code; some may not have a dress code pertaining to footwear. Other jobs require special safety shoes due to the nature of the work.

What are some different kinds of safety shoes found in a safe workplace?
• Puncture Resistant Safety Shoes
• Composite Toe Safety Shoes
• Steel Toe Safety Shoes
• Waterproof Work Boots
• Slip Resistant Safety Shoes
• Electrical Hazard Safety Shoes
• Metatarsal Guard
• Static Dissipating Safety Shoes
• Extra Wide Toe

Who makes safety shoes?
• Timberland
• Slip Grips
• Lehigh
• Rocky
• Georgia

Safety Shoes Guidelines

The Company that you work for may have guidelines or even requirements for appropriate safety shoes for their safe workplace. If this is the case, it is easy enough to know what you should wear in terms of safety shoes. However, your job may not require or suggest appropriate safety shoes. Large corporations usually have such safety shoe requirements spelled out ahead of time but it is possible that a small business may not have considered safety shoes in the job description.

If your job does not provide information on appropriate safety shoe guidelines, you will first want to check with your supervisor to see if there is a dress code at all, so that whatever safety shoes you decide to purchase on your own will not cause conflict. If you work outside, with or near heavy objects in motion, blades of any kind (ie: landscaping), or on uneven or rough terrain, it would be a good idea to get yourself some sturdy steel or composite toe safety shoes to protect your feet. A nice additional feature would be waterproof or slip resistant safety shoes, if you work outside and are expected to work in rain, snow, or other inclement weather conditions. Well insulated safety shoes are a good idea for the same reasons. Your feet can be the cause of a lot of problems in the work place if you do not wear appropriate safety shoes. Frostbite, Pneumonia, or even severed toes can be avoided with safety shoes appropriate to your job requirements.

Promote Safety Shoes

If you see a lack of concern or direction for safety shoes in your workplace where such attention is needed, inform your immediate supervisor and have him or her move your safety shoe concern up the chain, however long that chain may be. A company with a need for safety shoes that also lacks documentation and instruction is a company that is asking for trouble. Inevitably, something goes wrong at virtually every workplace, and if workers are not equipped with proper safety shoes, two things are likely to happen. The first is that some worker may be left with a permanent reminder of the time that put in at said workplace, and it will not be a pleasant memory. At best it may be a trip to the hospital. At worst, it could be a missing toe. The second event is the lawsuit that is likely to follow due to a lack of responsibility on the part of the employer. So, a word to the wise to your employer about safety shoes will not only save the company money, but possibly someone else’s feet!

(workplace-safetytips.com)

Job , Jobs , Career

Employee safety in the workplace must be put as top priority. Safety is an issue that both employees and employers must take very seriously. Accidents can occur at anytime and anyplace, but if people are aware of the safety measures, the majority of the time accidents can be avoided. Everyone must take responsible for their own safety and must also take action to help stop harm to others. As a team, everyone must work together to stop workplace injury and accidents. It is always up to the employer or manager to make sure that all safety rules are being followed. Here are some great tips and ideas on employee safety in the workplace that will help to make your company a lot safer.

When people start work at a new job, many times they just automatically think the workplace is safe, this is not always the case. If hiring new employees it is very important to go over and test each new employee about the safety rules. Find training videos that work for your company and make it mandatory that everyone watch them. If you run a deli, find movies are meat slicer safety. If you own a retail store find movies on trip hazards. At first it may seem like you are investing a lot of money in safety programs, but the cost of serious injury is a lot more expensive.


Employee Safety Importance

Each month hold safety meetings to discuss any important issues concerning employee safety in the workplace. Make up a list of safety questions that each employee must know the answers to. When they get an answer right, put their name in a box and every few months have a drawing. Don’t be afraid to reward your employees for doing a great job. Maybe if no one has been hurt on the job in six months have a pizza party. Let your employees know that you are proud of them and how they have work safely abiding by good safety practices. Another great idea is make one person in charge of safety. Make sure that this person is very well educated on workplace safety. If your employees have questions they can go to that person. Sometimes it is necessary for safety rules to change make sure that everyone is well informed about the changes taking place. Let your employees come to you with their concerns; they may have some wonderful ideas on how to make the workplace safer. Never ever be afraid of change, change is the only way to make things better.

If you would like more information on this topic OSHA’s website provides lots of very valuable materials on this subject and many others. Even if you are a small business OSHA has plenty of info for you. Here are a few facts from OSHA’s website. Employers with more than ten employees must have emergency action plan. The plan must require commitment from both the employer and the employee. OSHA will conduct an inspection to make sure that the plan is running smoothly.
(workplace-safetytips.com)

Job , Jobs , Career

Every employer is responsible for complying with Health and Safety standards and regulations found in General Industry (29 CFR Part 1910)

Or in Occupational Health and Safety Standards for the construction Industry.

All states have a Health and Safety Act.

All companies what to prepare a complete Health and Safety Program in writing for their business. The program will provide their employees the safest workplace possible for the company’s most valuable assets -EMPLOYEES. Their health and safety is an important aspect of your business.

We realize that not every situation you encounter will be covered in the program you write but it shows your employees that you want to offer them a safe work environment.

Accordingly, employees must use common sense when addressing these situations. When in double, ask your supervisor.

Here are some tips for your Health and Safety Program.

1. Provide a company policy statement indicating this company’s commitment to establish and maintain a Health and Safety workplace for all of it’s employees.
2. Establish an initial inventory of potentially hazardous equipment/materials and to eliminate any unsafe working conditions or practices.
3. Establish a regular Health and Safety inspection program to identify and correct any new potentially hazardous situations.
4. Develop and institue an ongoing employee Health and Safety Training program to establish safety standards for every job.
5. Provide necessary personal protective equipment and instructions for all equipment’s use and care for Health and Safety objectives.
6. Enforce all health and safety rules, and require all employees to comply with these rules as a condition of employment.
7. Establish investigation procedures that will promptly and thoroughly document every accident and near-accident to determine the cause and provide corrective action for your health and safety program.
8. Establish and maintain all health and safety records and reports as directed by your state occupational Safety and Health Act or also known as Health and Safety Act.

Be sure that these records are maintained in an office protective filing cabinet in case you would have to access these records years later for any claims arising from employee accident records. The Health and Safety Department is sometimes housed in Human Resources (HR) office, other times located in the Security Department and sometimes offsite. It is important that you know when these records are moved, that they are not destroyed and someone knows how to access all the health and safety information for your company. This would include training, safety committee meeting and accident reports.

(workplace-safetytips.com)




Job , Jobs , Career

Ladder Safety

Ladder safety must always be taken seriously. Each year in the U.S more than twenty thousand people are rushed to the emergency room due to ladder related falls and accidents. Ladder accidents and falls can result in severe injury and in some cases even death. The proper precautions must always be taken. Everyone should be taught how to use a ladder in the right way. If an employee is not trained properly on how to use a ladder they could fall of the ladder, smash fingers, and other body parts. They could also injury other employees. If you follow this list on ladder safety tips, you and your team will be better protected against ladder accidents.

• It is always important when using a ladder to always follow the instructions that come with the ladder. Using a ladder may seem simple but there might be things that you are missing. Always read the directions.
• When going up or down the ladder make sure that you place your foot firmly on each rung. Hold on tight to the ladder. Never face out when coming up or down a ladder.
• If possible have two people. One to go up and down the ladder and the other to supervise.
• If you need to get something down from up high, it is always a good idea to have a person on the ground that you can hand stuff down to.
• Always take your time when using a ladder. If you are in a rush you are more prone to accidents and falls.
• Never lean too far to any side. If something is out of your reach get off the ladder and move it closer.
• There should never be more than one person on a ladder at any given time.
• It may seem like fun to play around and make jokes on a ladder but falling of a ladder is never fun. Do not horse play!
• Ladders have weight limitations for a reason. Always check to see what the weight limitation is before getting on to a ladder. If you are too heavy or if you are getting something down that could cause too much weight on the ladder, the ladder could break and you could be seriously injured.
• Make sure the ladder is always steadily on the ground. If not steady this could cause the ladder to fall over or could cause you to fall off.
• Never stand on the top rung of a ladder. You could easily lose your balance and fall.
• Do not place a ladder in front of an open door. Make sure door is locked or blocked off in some way.
• After the ladder is set into place make sure all the locks are locked.
• Always use the right size ladder for the task you are doing.
• When working with any kind of electrical equipment always use a wood ladder. Never a metal one.
• Make sure that any metal ladder you are using has slip resistant coating in good shape on each rung.
• If using a straight ladder put it at a 75 degree angle on the surface you most climb.
• Remember to never leave a ladder unattended.

(workplace-safetytips.com)


Job , Jobs , Career

Why is safety in the workplace important?

Why is safety in the workplace important? This is a question that I think many managers find themselves asking themselves a lot. There are many reasons why safety in the work place is very important. There are two major reasons that will be talked about here. The first is about employees being comfortable and confident in their jobs. The second reason has to do with cost of work-related injuries and illness.

When a person goes in to work at a new job for the first time, they automatically assume there work place is a safe environment. After they start working for the company and they find unsafe working conditions this can cause employees to become reluctant of their jobs. People always want to feel safe no matter what it is that they are doing, whether it is driving in their car, walking down the street, or if they are at work. If an employee is constantly worried about safety hazards when they are on the job, this will undoubtedly interrupt their work performance. How can an employee concentrate and focus on their job when they are thinking about falling off the ladder because the ground underneath of the ladder is so unstable? If your employees are not comfortable and confident in their work environment you will lose productivity.

The cost of work place injury is no joke. A simple injury such as stitches can put a nice dent in the bank account. If a person is seriously injured there are many things that will cost you money. If an employee must take time off from work because of work related injury, there will be workman’s compensation to pay for. Your premiums for workman’s compensation will also go up. Other employees will have to pick up the extra work which could result in overtime and more money lost. There is also possibility of further injury if another employee has to fill the spot of the employee that was injured. The person taken the other employees spot might not have time to receive the proper training needed. You will also lose time and money filling out all the paperwork that goes a long with workplace injury. As soon as the injured employee has recovered, get then back to work as soon as possible. The faster they return to work the more money you will save. A lot of employers a reluctant after a work-related injury to have the employee return again. They are afraid of repeat injury, but don’t be more than likely it won’t happen again.

Injuries that occur over a long period of time can also be a real money drainer. When employees are constantly doing the same repetitive motions injury can occur over a long period of time, especially if safety precautions are not being taken. Two very common problems that happen are back problems and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Always make sure your employees have proper training and are executing the training correctly. Surgery and time off for work for such things can be pretty costly.

Always remember to keep a watchful eye for safety hazards around your business. Things may seem fine but safety problems can appear out of nowhere. If you come across a safety hazard fix the problem immediately. The faster it is fixed the less likely hood of injury and money lost. Remember when it comes to safety be a perfect role model to your employees. If they see it is top priority to you, they will make it top priority themselves. (workplace-safetytips.com)

Job , Jobs , Career

Safety Jokes

in the workplace can bring a little fun and excitement into the hum drum of normal office life. Each week bring in a new safety joke and post it in the break room. Let your employees laugh a little. Still it is important to make your employees understand that safety is no laughing matter. When it comes to safety in your business it most always be taken seriously. Here are a few safety jokes to get you started on your weekly safety jokes.

The Peeing Accident

A man on a construction site 30 floors up had to go to the bathroom. He approached his foreman and told him that he was going down to use the facilities. The foreman told him he was crazy. By the time he got down and back he’d lose a half hour of time.

The foreman pushed a plank out over the edge of the building. He stood on one end and told the guy to go out on the other end and pee off. He told the man that they were 30 floors up and that his piss would turn into vapor before it reached the bottom. So the guy decided to take his advice.

Suddenly the foreman’s cell phone rang and he jumped off the board to get it, allowing the peeing man to fall to his death!

At the inquest an electrician who was working on the 27th floor was asked if he knew what happened. “Not really, but I think it had something to do with sex.”

The coroner said, “Sex, why do you think it had something to do with sex?”

The electrician replied, “I saw the man falling with his cock in his hand screaming, ‘Where did that cocksucker go!’ ”

Go to Work

Hung Chow calls in to work and says, “Hey, boss I not come work today, I really sick. I got headache, stomachache and my legs hurt. I not come work.”

The boss says, “You know Hung Chow, I really need you today. When I feel like this I go to my wife and tell her to give me sex. That makes everything better and I can go to work. You should try that.”

Two hours later Hung Chow calls again: “Boss, I do what you say and I feel great. I be at work soon. You got nice house.”

Useful Phrases at Work

* I like you. You remind me of when I was young and stupid.
* I’m not being rude. You’re just insignificant.
* I’m already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
* It might look like I’m doing nothing, but at the cellular level I’m really quite busy.
* Thank you. We’re all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
* The fact that no one understands you doesn’t mean you’re an artist
* Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental
* I have plenty of talent and vision. I just don’t care.
* I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
* It’s a thankless job, but I’ve got a lot of Karma to burn off.
* Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
* No, my powers can only be used for good.
* How about never? Is never good for you?
* I’m really easy to get along with once you people learn to worship me
* You sound reasonable…Time to up my medication
* I’ll try being nicer if you’ll try being smarter.
* I don’t work here. I’m a consultant.
* Who me? I just wander from room to room.
* My toys! My toys! I can’t do this job without my toys!
* At least I have a positive attitude about my destructive habits.
* You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
* I see you’ve set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
* Someday, we’ll look back on this, laugh nervously and change the subject

Casual Fridays

Week 1 - Memo No. 1

Effective this week, the company is adopting Fridays as Casual Day. Employees are free to dress in the casual attire of their choice.

Week 3 - Memo No. 2

Spandex and leather micro-miniskirts are not appropriate attire for Casual Day. Neither are string ties, rodeo belt buckles or moccasins.

Week 6 - Memo No. 3

Casual Day refers to dress only, not attitude. When planning Friday’s wardrobe, remember image is a key to our success.

Week 8 - Memo No. 4

A seminar on how to dress for Casual Day will be held at 4 p.m. Friday in the cafeteria. A fashion show will follow. Attendance is mandatory.

Week 9 - Memo No. 5

As an outgrowth of Friday’s seminar, a 14-member Casual Day Task Force has been appointed to prepare guidelines for proper casual-day dress.

Week 14 - Memo No. 6

The Casual Day Task Force has now completed a 30-page manual entitled “Relaxing Dress Without Relaxing Company Standards.” A copy has been distributed to every employee. Please review the chapter “You Are What You Wear” and consult the “home casual” versus “business casual” checklist before leaving for work each Friday. If you have doubts about the appropriateness of an item of clothing, contact your CDTF representative before 7 a.m. on Friday.

Week 18 - Memo No. 7

Our Employee Assistant Plan (EAP) has now been expanded to provide support for psychological counseling for employees who may be having difficulty adjusting to Casual Day.

Week 20 - Memo No. 8

Due to budget cuts in the HR Department we are no longer able to effectively support or manage Casual Day. Casual Day will be discontinued, effective immediately. (workplace-safetytips.com)

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Time Management in the Workplace

Time management in the workplace is a crucial skill that all employees and managers must possess in order to have a thriving business. When hiring new employees it is important you test their time management skills. Give them a few exercises to do and give them an appropriate time limit to get them completely. This shall give you some ideas on what kind of time management skills your new employees have. Time management as a manager and employer are also important. If you think your time management skills are lacking go take a course or find a seminar in your area. In the long run this will save your company a lot of money. Here are some great tips on time management in the workplace to help get you and your employees motivated.

It is important that each and every one of your employees know exactly what is expected of them. Make up list for each employee stating what is expected of them each day. Give a time limit to projects, but remember to be realistic. Sometimes things get hectic and all the work on the list might not be able to be completed. Keep an eye on your employees and make sure that they are busy and not just goofing around. One of the best ways to stop time from being wasted is to clarify the first time exactly what needs to be done. Encourage your employees to carry small notebooks, so they can take notes on different things.

Another very important step in time management in the workplace is teaching your employees how to prioritize. When you make the list of things to do for each employ, put them in order of what needs to be done first and make sure the employees understand this concept. Make sure it is clear what is really important. If you are running retail store and you have an employee doing a project and a customer needs help. That employee needs to stop what they are doing immediately and help the customer.

In teaching your employees as to what is important in your business, you need to know yourself. Be there. Any good business has a well equipped manger on duty at all times. Learn your business inside and out. This will help you to stress the importance of things to your employees. Also if you are there, the employees will feel more of a need to get there job done right and on time. If they see that you care, they will care too.

Making sure all your employees are properly trained is key to time management in the workplace. If an employee does a project and it is not done right, it will have to be done again. If the employee had the proper training, all that time would have not of been wasted.

A huge time management waste is procrastination. Don’t put things off and don’t allow your employees to do it either. If something needs to get done, have it done right away. The longer something is put off the less chance it has of getting done.

Time management in the workplace is essential to any and every business. When time is wasted so is money. Make sure your employees know what is expected of them. Prioritization is another big part of time management. It is also necessary as the employer you know your business inside and out. Training of everyone can never be stressed enough and make sure things are always done right away and never put off. If you follow these simple rules to time management in the workplace, you will start to see a lot more things being completed. (workplace-safetytips.com)

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