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Dealing With an Office Bully

July 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment
My workplace

Image by Arnaud Meuret via Flickr

It seems like the unthinkable. The playground days are far behind you. Many people come to work with a professional attitude and ready to make beneficial interactions with others through the day. However, being bullied in the workplace is not uncommon. Such actions can affect employee relationships by impacting production and creating tension in the office environment. Let’s take a look at how to remedy the situation.

If you have ever been bullied in the workplace, unfortunately you are not alone. Studies estimate than in the United States alone, about 54 million people have experienced bullying at work. Many times, the situation goes unnoticed. bullying is done either emotionally, verbally, or physically. Other times, employees may not come forward due to a sense of embarrassment or even fear. Instead they resort to suffering in silence, cringing at the thought of coming to work each day.

It’s a good idea to encourage employees to document situations where they feel bullied. Sometimes it’s easier to quietly write down incidents, than to face an uncomfortable situation. Once documented, it is important to bring the incident to human resource personnel.  If you are the target of such actions, breach it a clear head and calm demeanor. Be discerning when bringing the subject up for discussion by leaving out names at first. Request with personnel that your discussions about the issue be kept in confidence.

Bullying at the office is a complex situation. Handling it with rationality, tact and clear communication places the situation on the right track to a resolution.

Filed Under: Employees, Office Etiquette Tagged With: , ,

A Healthy Workforce

March 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment

It is important for an employer to make sure that the employees that work together stay healthy and have ways to interact. Healthy employees will likely be more productive and workers that have more interaction than just production will likely enjoy sharing time together.

One good way to engage employees on both of these levels is to offer up some kind of opportunities for healthy interaction at work. By appointing one member of the staff to implement the program, requiring a small amount of their time you can organize different programs that can take place during lunch or at a break time. This type of interaction may be exciting to many of the staff that get little time outside of work for such activities.

these activities can include outdoor activities such as short walks. An organized class like yoga or other healthy body activities is also an option. Many companies choose to organize events like this for outside of work. An example of a good after work event is to organize a softball team or other sports team. There are many cities that have already established leagues and even the smallest companies can come up with players to form a team. If your company is not big enough to fill an entire team or class (from the earlier example) consider joining with another company to make it possible. If there isn’t a league already started in your area consider getting it going. Sometimes the city already has fields that are maintained and ready to be used.

Creating a healthy, interactive workforce is good for everyone. The company can enjoy better productivity and a more engaged staff.

Filed Under: Employees Tagged With: , ,

The Need for Human Resources Training

March 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The prevalence of different types of harassment and discrimination still exist in the United States. Laws have been past to protect workers, such as the disabled. The passage of these laws is only one step in the process of reforming or changing what is going on inside the work places across the nation.

Many people have grown up without the influence or being taught about equal rights, the law, and what is acceptable and suitable ways of treating your coworkers. In order for the culture to continue changing in the various workplaces, both public and private, education needs to accompany the laws that have been enacted.

The history of the American society is not one of acceptance of all people based on gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may not be easy to find slaves in the United States, but it doesn’t change the fact that we need to treat every individual as equal to us, in all ways, regardless of differences that may be seen on the surface.

In public employment, in many cases, employees are required to take classes, making sure that they are educated on the law. It is important that private companies also make sure to explain to employees what is acceptable behavior. Posting the laws on the wall is one step. Having discussions and educating individuals what is acceptable is even better. The process of social change seems to be a slow one. Most people today believe that harassment is unacceptable and they do not want the behavior to take place. Training from human resources on these topics will help continue the change. Harassment laws continue to change, these laws are not so set and understood, such as laws concerning theft. Every Human Resources Department should continue to develop education for a safer workplace.

Filed Under: Employees, Training Tagged With: , ,

Getting a College Degree Online

January 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Finding a job can be tough. There are several things that you can do to enhance your work skills so that employers are impressed with you. Enhanced work skills will land you a better job.

If you want to become a chef, start by practicing your cooking skills at home and trying out new recipes. Or, get a job cooking in a restaurant. Consider going to a culinary arts school or taking cooking and nutrition classes at a local community college.

Some careers require more than on-the-job training. They may require certification or a college degree. A degree will strengthen your resume, demonstrate that you are a capable college graduate, and show employers that you will be a valuable asset to their company.

There are many benefits of getting a college education. Research has shown that a college graduate will earn twice the amount of money that someone will earn who only has a high school degree.

College graduates have more skills. They have learned how to write and communicate effectively. They have critical thinking skills. College graduates will also have more savings. And because they earn more, they have more money that they can put into savings.

In addition to getting a traditional higher education from a brick-and-mortar school, there are a wide assortment of online college programs and degrees. You can get a Bachelor’s degree in business administration, legal studies, nursing, psychology, health science, information technology, and healthcare management.

If you already have a job, you can do your job while you work on your online degree. You can do your schoolwork before you leave for your day job, in the evenings, or over the weekend. You don’t have to take time away from your regular job.

You can also work at your own pace. You can complete your assignments as fast or as slow as you want. You aren’t held back or hurried by the pace of someone else in your class.

Filed Under: Continuing Education Tagged With: , , ,