Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom Where Frances Power Down Law Came From - And What It Means

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom Where France's Power Down Law Came From - And What It Means The year was 1998. I had just graduated from college and was working as an entry-level account coordinator in a large PR agency in New York City. I worked hard, but my days ended at 6PM when I left the office. Within the next year, though, Ethernet access at home had become a reality. Suddenly, I was expected to be on call for my boss for any and all client needs. I was irate. I felt I did not make enough money for this. I had experienced the freedom of a solidly eight-hour workday, and I wanted that freedom back. It would never happen. Over the next several years, diffuse working hours would become so pervasive that France â€" as a country â€" felt the need to strike back. In this post, we’ll talk about France’s brand new law limiting required employee communication outside of designated work hours. We’ll discuss the particulars, as well as whether or not the policy can be effectively enforced. Introducing “The Right to Disconnect” On the first of this year, France’s “right to disconnect” law went into effect. The law obliges organizations with more than 50 employees to initiate “switching off” negotiations with their workforces. The goal of the negotiations is for everyone to agree on employees’ rights to ignore work-related requests outside the boundaries of regular work hours. If employer and employees cannot come to a satisfactory compromise, the organization must publish a charter that explicitly defines employee rights with respect to out-of-hours communication. The measure was introduced last year by France’s labor minister Myriam El Khomri. According to the Washington Post, El Khomri received the idea from a report by Bruno Mettling, a director general in charge of human resources at telecommunications behemoth Orange. Mettling explained in his report that a “right to disconnect” policy would benefit employers as much as their employees, whom, he said, are likely to suffer psychosocial risks from a ceaseless communication cycle. Concern for Working Populace Prompted Law It’s not an empty claim. As reported in Le Mondeand later in the Post, a recent study found than approximately 3.2 million French workers are at risk of “burning out,” defined as a combination of physical exhaustion and emotional anxiety. According to an article in the Guardian, a study published by French research group Eleas showed that more than a third of French workers used their devices to do work out-of-hours every day. About 60 percent of workers were in favor of regulation to clarify their rights. Another study out of the University of British Columbiafound that participants who were assigned to check their email only three times a day were less stressed than those who could check their emails continuously.And Colorado State Universityfound that even the anticipatory stress of expecting after-hours emails might have a negative effect on employee well-being. Although France is known for its “official” 35-hour workweek, for many firms it’s in name only. Many French employees continue working remotely long after they leave for the day. In fact, now that France has a record-high unemployment rate of nearly 11 percent, the 35-hour workweek law has been called into question. The “right to disconnect” law was part of a larger set of labor laws introduced in France last spring. The set was designed to combat some of the unintended negative consequences of the 35-hour workweek. One companion proposal, according tothe Telegraph,would give companies the right to renegotiate longer hours and to pay less in overtime to employees who stay longer. Another proposal would make it easier for firms to hire and fire employees. The “right to disconnect” legislation was the only one of the proposed laws that did not generate widespread protests and strikes in France. France is actually not the first nation to enact such a law. In 2014, Germany’slabor ministry passed legislation banning managers from calling or emailing their staff outside of work hours except in an emergency. You can immediately spot the loopholes in that one. What constitutes an emergency, especially when you have a Type-A boss? Nevertheless, according to the BBC, the law prompted several German companies to reduce the burden of overwork. Car manufacturer Volkswagen blocked all emailsto employees’ Blackberries after-hours, while competitor Daimler said it would delete emailreceived by employees while they are on vacation. For the rest of the piece, check out QuickBases Fast Track blog.

Writing Dates For Resume - Effective Way of Displaying Your Time Spent

Writing Dates For Resume - Effective Way of Displaying Your Time SpentWriting dates for resume should be an essential part of your resume. Resume is the most effective means of communicating with potential employers and prospective job offers. If your resume doesn't contain good information about you, it is almost impossible to get a job interview.Dates should be included in your resume so that it stands out and it gives the employer a clear idea of who you are and what you can offer. Most of the resumes that I have seen do not have dates in them and it shows that the person is careless about the information they give. Therefore, it is very important to make sure that your dates are interesting, timely and relevant.Dates are also an important factor that indicates the amount of time you spent on certain job. Therefore, in a resume, it is very necessary to include dates when you spent your days there. If you write such things as 'Campus (X)' then the chances of getting the same job ar e greatly reduced.You have to remember that you can always modify the dates according to your own specifications. Sometimes a person feels like taking some weeks off during the summer vacation. This might sound weird but it is always possible to modify dates on your resume and the employer will accept it.It's better to have more than one dates. Sometimes the dates might be important for another position. In such cases, it is better to include both the dates in the resume. Another thing you can do is add some supplementary dates on your resume.A supplementary date should include the reason why you have decided to take the additional date. Sometimes, the reasons might be relevant. If you are planning to move to another country then you should mention this date on your resume. On the other hand, if you feel you cannot accept the extra dates and you want to make your time with the company during the holiday period, you can do so.Date for resume is just a tool and the important thing is that you know how to use it properly. You should try to find a style of writing dates for resume that suits you and will help you in getting a job. If you go in for a style that is not suitable for you, it won't help at all.What you should do is study the best writing of other people who have written resumes. Most of the times, you will find the best examples of resumes online. Through these samples, you will get the ideas for your own resume.

5 Factors That Make a Great Boss - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

5 Factors That Make a Great Boss - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The best bosses are the ones who can turn a good organization into a great company. They are the individuals who consistently push their employees to become better, more engaged and enable them to adapt to oncoming changes in the corporate landscape. Instead of suppressing employees, top-tier bosses encourage smart ideas, open conversation and creativity. They reward the employees who deserve recognition instead of promoting those who simply agree with them. Regardless of industry or size of company, studies have showed that the best bosses share common traits that lead to consistent success. Below, you’ll find 5 of them. The Common Traits and Qualities 1. An understanding of how to build confidence among employees. First-rate bosses don’t allow their subordinates to blame circumstances or environment for their failures. They maintain an energy that is optimistic and focus on possibilities rather than problems. This “can-do” outlook becomes contagious. As a result, employee motivation and confidence continually increase and so does everyone’s success rate. 2. Fanatic discipline. The best bosses set high, but attainable performance benchmarks for the employees at the company as well as themselves. Relentlessly, they pursue these achievements regardless of whether they must work around the clock to meet those goals. Outstanding bosses don’t let intimidation or harsh business environments dictate their actions. They are unwavering in their quest to preserve profitability and prevent bad habits from forming within the group. 3. Consistency. The most effective bosses are the ones who don’t get sidetracked by chasing the “next big thing.” Instead, they make firm decisions as to the course of the organization and, thus are able to define clear roles and tasks that the employees must engage in. They never leave the overarching goals ambiguous and stick to a pattern of operation that works. Under a first-rate boss, everyone knows where they stand. 4. Strength. The best bosses project strength and have the ability to get things done. Their employees look to them for advice because they possess the expertise and character that it takes to succeed. They are less concerned about being the most popular and more concerned with their commitment to progress. 5. Strong loyalty to the company and those within the organization The best bosses are the ones who are concerned less for their own personal greatness and put the company’s needs first. Their ambition comes from wanting to make the organization money as opposed to being strictly focused on personal wealth. Instead of requiring outside recognition for their achievements, they quietly produce extraordinary results and set a positive example within the company. In the End When you work for a manager who is a top-tier boss, you are rewarded for performance rather than favoritism. You grow both personally and professionally while working under them. They give your position a sense of meaning and your job becomes less of a job and more of a passion.

The Dos and Donts of Professional Networking

The Dos and Donts of Professional Networking The ability to network is not an innate, God-given quality. It is simply the process of developing mutually gratifying/advantageous relationships with like-minded people and businesses and, more importantly, can be learned, honed and developed. Networking is a marketing tool; crucial to the success of you and your business that can take a variety of different forms. From face-to-face business conferences, to less formal coffee or after-work drinks meetings, there are also a wide variety of online and social networking methods including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Blogs. Whether you are at the beginning of your career or a business veteran embarking down a new road, here are a few do’s and don’ts about networking to help you succeed. Benefits of Networking: Networking has the ability to open many windows and doors to anyone at any stage of their career. Meeting and talking to the right people can earn you free advice, awareness of you and your company, word-of-mouth referrals and if done correctly, networking has the potential to gain you credibility, trust, professionalism, knowledge and expertise. Heres a list of best and worst ways of doing networking: DO’S Put your best foot forward There is no benefit sitting in the corner by yourself. Don’t be afraid to say hello to people around you. The chances are they are just as nervous as you. “Elevator Pitch” Be quick, concise and accurate when describing your business. Ensure you engage your listener from the get-go and make it memorable. Business cards Make sure you have more than enough with you as they are a great way to exchange details, as well as allowing you a way of reconnecting the following day. One great little tip is to jot on the back of your card the time and place you met, so your new business contact remembers. Follow up Whats the use of meeting people if you don’t follow up afterwards? Listen and learn This is a valuable lesson in life and not just business. Take time to learn from others’ experiences. Quid-pro-quo You cannot expect to get something without offering anything in return. Offer free help, favors, advice or reduced cost services. Patience is a virtue Networking is developing strong, long-standing business relationships. Don’t expect to reap the rewards immediately. Good things come to those who wait. Prepare questions Anticipate the kind of people you are likely to meet and think about what you would like to ask them, what you would like to learn from them. DON’TS Don’t be timid and only talk to people you already know. Networking isn’t just for the flamboyant big-shots or charismatic colleagues. Don’t only speak to one person The more the better. Don’t be afraid to ask questions Everyone is scared of appearing ignorant or stupid but there’s no need. The vast majority of people will relish the opportunity to peacock their knowledge and expertise, so make sure you ask as many questions as you can. Avoid overzealous self-promotion this tactic is more likely to annoy than build valuable relationships Don’t forget to follow up this is so important, we’re saying it twice. Don’t get drunk Especially at the more informal meet-ups, there is the chance they will be serving alcohol. Even though a little Dutch courage can help the confidence, appearing intoxicated is the worst thing you could possibly do. What about social networking? Social media is also a hugely valuable networking resource. It provides avenues through which to reach out to people you might never meet in person and it also allows you to interact with them on a daily basis. There are, however, a few simple rules you should adhere too for networking success. Where are they? There are many different social media channels, so if you want to build a relationship with someone, you need to establish their preferred communication channel and go to them. Less is more There may be more communication channels than ever before but you have less time in which to grab people’s attention. Brevity is key. Twitter is ideal platform to make this initial connection. Don’t expect a response Open doors without adding pressure. What does your profile says about you? Remember you will be judged by you social media profiles. This is the information that people will form their opinion of you on so ensure your profile is up-to-date, correct and complimentary. Related: How To Start Conversations with Complete Strangers in a Natural Way. Flora Lowther is a writer for Adzuna.co.uk, a search engine for classified ads which makes it easier for users to find the right job locally.

Resume Writing Near Bethlehem PA

Resume Writing Near Bethlehem PAIf you're looking for a way to land your dream job in the field of healthcare, then you'll definitely want to put some time and effort into resume writing near Bethlehem PA. There are plenty of jobs out there that need to be filled, and while many people don't really think of careers in the medical field as being the most glamorous of occupations, it is a growing industry.Though this is a rapidly growing field, many people believe that their career can only go so far before they hit a brick wall and lose the interest they once had for their career. This doesn't have to be the case, however, and there are plenty of ways to get yourself back on track once you've lost the interest for your career.Many people end up not taking a career in the medical field very seriously because they fall into the trap of thinking that medical careers are boring. This is a common mistake, and many people go right back to their normal careers after finding themselves to be bored with them. This is exactly why resume writing in the medical field near Bethlehem PA is important to do.The reality is that careers in the medical field will often involve a lot of adventure and going outside of the traditional box of what other careers are expected to be like. It's a good idea to get back into the habit of talking about your career as if it were exciting again. Once you get people talking about your career, it's much easier to get them excited about it again.It's important to keep in mind that many people find that their career is one that's better suited for their interests. This means that the career of their childhood will often translate into a career that they find more exciting than their current career. Many people in the medical field find that their childhood interests in hospitals and medical practices are just as interesting as the career of the future, but that it is their younger years that lead them to the careers of their dreams.Resume writing near Bethlehem PA is one way to help get you back into the career of your dreams, but it is one that isn't always easy. Because of this, there are many people who end up taking a different route than they intended to when they were younger, and by doing so, they don't find that career to be as fulfilling as they thought it would be.This is the worst thing that you can do, because your career could easily turn out to be one that's fulfilling for you and make you the happiest person on the face of the planet. Instead of falling into this trap, however, get yourself back into the career that you know you'll love, and that is one that you're excited about as well. When you have the passion for a career in the medical field near Bethlehem PA, then you can do anything that you set your mind to.It is definitely possible to get your career off the ground, but it is also very possible to get your career back on track if it has fallen off the path it should be on. By having a career in the me dical field near Bethlehem PA, it is possible to take your career in a direction that you've never dreamed of, but with resume writing in the medical field near Bethlehem PA, you can keep your career moving along at a pace that is comfortable for you and your lifestyle.

Format For Writing a Resume

Format For Writing a ResumeWhen you are starting to look for a format for writing a resume, there are a few things that you should consider. It is usually very important to make sure that the resume is professional and you are completely comfortable with it. The best way to avoid any complications is to read through a resume or to have someone else read over it. Remember that most employers want to interview at least one candidate for the position.This could mean that you have to talk to many people. That is OK. It will not matter much if you send out several resumes. You may find that you need to take a break and get another set of eyes to check them. You may want to keep your resume a little bit of current to be able to make sure that it is current.Using only one format for writing a resume is OK but not a great idea. The reason is that employers will not trust you if they see that your resume is all over the place. However, if you use this format, they may miss the point of what y ou are trying to say. There are a number of good formats that you can use.You should start with an outline to see if this format is what you want. Keep in mind that most people will not put everything in a chronological order. They will not use 'A' as opposed to 'B.' You can add it or take it out, but it is up to you. Make sure that it is relevant to the job that you are applying for.Write about your strengths and add in personal details if they are relevant. This is where the resume should not be filled with numbers. Do not write that you are 'good with people.' That is not a question and should not be answered. Itshould include your personal story.The format should have some sort of header. This will give you a place to begin and stop. Your resume is not going to be finished in a single day. Make sure that it starts on a good note.Do not go to too much detail in the resume. A lot of people do this and they forget that they are trying to get a job. If you are going to do this, then you should spend the time to make it professional. There is no reason for you to go into too much detail because it will be obvious when it is not professional.Once you have made the resume, you should take a few minutes to edit. You can trim some of the areas that do not seem relevant. This way, you can eliminate any unnecessary information and you will be able to focus on what is going to get you the interview.

Do what you like - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Do what you like - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog This video very elegantly frames the choice we all face whether to work for money or to do something we like: Of course, it neednt always be a choice. Studies show that being happy at work will make you more successful. Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Current State of the Job Market - Career Advice Blog for Millennials

Current State of the Job Market - Career Advice Blog for Millennials The US job market surprised us all last month. Growth exceeded expectations with a whopping 295K jobs added in February alone, decreasing the unemployment rate to 5.5 percent. Down from Januarys 5.7 percent, its the lowest point since 2008. So, where are all of the jobs coming from? With 68K new jobs, the Leisure and Hospitality industry takes the cake as the most expanding industry. Information Services, on the other hand, added only 7K jobs making it the least expanding industry. This is great news for the US economy, but theres still one factor deterring recovery: wages. Despite the rapid increase in new jobs, wage gains remain sluggish with minimum wages increasing only $0.03. See it all below: This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 United States License