December 2009 - Posts

Admin's Assistant
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:12 AM

Should you buy a Blackberry?

Technology is changing more and more every day, and the cell phone industry is no exception. Nowadays a cell phone is more than just something you use to make phone calls. Today’s cell phones are multipurpose tools that help you stay connected to the world around you. One of the most popular devices is a Blackberry. But is a Blackberry right for you?  

A Blackberry allows you to make calls and send text messages just like other phones. But a Blackberry is much more than your standard cell phone; this is why they are often called “Personal Digital Assistants” (PDA) or “Smartphones.” This singular device is your gateway to keeping track of all your day-to-day items. The major draw for many workplaces is the feature of “push e-mail.” What this means is that the moment your e-mail account receives a message it is also immediately sent to your phone, keeping you in the loop and ready to answer any questions. Unlike most phones, where you have to log in and wait for a connection to get your e-mail, a Blackberry is “always on” when it comes to e-mail, so there’s no waiting.

 

Blackberry phones started out as e-mail clients that allowed users to stay on top of their business. However, like other mobile devices, they are evolving with the times. The integrated address book and to-do list keep your personal agenda and contacts right in the palm of your hand. Most Blackberry devices today also have cameras in them and can even play your favorite music. In an effort to become the ultimate all-in-one device for the person on the go, many feature web browsing capabilities as well as navigation programs so you can always find what you are looking for the moment you need it.

 

The standard Blackberry design features a large screen with a trackball for menu navigation as well as a full QWERTY keyboard just. There are flip-phone Blackberry devices that are smaller and feature a typing method similar to “T9Word.” More recently, Blackberry released a new model with a touchscreen. No matter what your preference, there’s a Blackberry for everyone.

 

With all of these wonderful features and options, it’s no wonder many businesses either require employees to get a Blackberry or provide them with one. If you’re looking to always stay connected while on the go, a Blackberry may be just the thing you’re looking for.

by tinadh | with no comments

Filed under: Admin’s Assistant

Climbing the Ladder
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:10 AM

Can you say “no” and still work your way to the top? 

Let’s face it—most of us are on the receiving end of workplace assignments. And, the reality is that we almost always end up accepting them. But you really should make an effort to say “no” some of the time even though your inner voice is telling you accepting would be the right thing to do for your career. When it comes to the quality of your work and your sanity, the right thing to do is make sure you don't over-extend yourself and end up performing a large number of tasks with mediocre or disastrous results.

 

How do you determine what projects to commit to and what’s right to pass on? This decision should depend on your actual workplace duties; you should weigh each request against your workload and decide whether agreeing to them would move you closer or further away from completion of your other assignments.

When you arrive at a juncture where you must refuse a request, there are several ways to say no without bruising feelings, appearing inconsiderate or sabotaging your career. By saying no in the proper way, you’ll be able to proceed with no guilt on your conscience.

 

When you do say “no” it may require some diplomatic phrasing. Here are some examples:

 

“I’d like to help out with this, but it’s not really my area of expertise.”

 

“Sure thing! But I’ll need to have some extra time to learn how to complete your request. Is this what you’d like for me to do?”

 

“I’m really flattered that you’re asking, but I have to be candid—I’m probably not the best choice for this particular project.”

 

“Can I research this a bit before I give you an answer? I’d be uncomfortable taking this on unless I was sure that I could learn enough about it to complete everything properly.”

 

“My plate is full right now, but in order for me to complete this project, I’d be happy to shuffle some things around to learn more about it. But I’ll need some help in deciding how to prioritize everything.”

 

If a project already falls within the realm of your job description, completing the work is just a matter of finding time. But if you’re assigned work that’s not something you were hired to do, it’s an opportunity to discuss why it benefits the organization and whether you’re the best person for the project. That’s a sure sign of true commitment to success for your organization over your own professional ego.

 

Spreading yourself too thin can be a difficult habit to break, but it’s an essential step in getting out of your own way so you can accomplish your career goals and successfully climb the corporate ladder.

 

Do you feel like you can say no in your job?

by tinadh | with no comments

Filed under: Climbing the Ladder

Renew You!
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:08 AM

How to set up a company wellness program 

Many companies have started a wellness program which offers their employees various health services to encourage a healthier lifestyle. Since employees perform better when they are well physically and mentally, a wellness program can increase productivity, reduce absenteeism and improve performance. Here are some suggestions on how to get started with a wellness program in your office:

 

Wellness Newsletter

A wellness newsletter can offer articles and tips promoting healthy living. The newsletter can include everything from ways to stay active to how to avoid the flu bug. To add interest, try adding fun, entertaining articles as well. Solicit reader feedback, and as you learn more about what your employees want to see, you can tailor it to their liking.

 

Stay Active

Send out e-mails or post signs encouraging people to participate in a variety of activities. Try offering activities that will appeal to a majority of employees and that everyone will have the opportunity to participate in if they choose. For example, if your company has a walking path, set up a group to go walking during part of their lunch hour. For smaller offices that require employees to take staggered lunches, create two groups. Check for local benefit walks in your area and see if you can get a group together to participate. Talk to a local gym in your area and see if they have free day passes or if you can get a corporate discount rate for your employees. Encourage employees to use the stairs rather than take the elevator. If most employees from your office sit at a desk during the day, provide a list of desk exercises they can do. See if you can offer employee incentives for participating.  For example, you might allow people who walk or bike to work to arrive 15 minutes late and leave 15 minutes early.

 

Germ-Free Tips

Especially during the flu season, post tips reminding employees how to stay well. Provide disinfecting products for people to use around the office and keep hand sanitizer in convenient locations. The more these products are readily available, the more likely they are to be used.

 

On-Site Health Screenings

Make it easy for everyone to get screened. By offering convenient on-site health screenings, people are able to check the status of their health without having to take time off work.

 

Seminars

Invite speakers to come in and discuss different health topics (e.g. how to quit smoking or ways to adopt a healthy lifestyle). You may even be able to have a special guest come in and teach your employees how to prepare quick, healthy meals. Or, set up a time for Weight Watchers to give employees an introduction to the program.

 

Health-Related Handouts

Set up a table in a central location of your office that allows your employees to get more information regarding common health-related issues. Include topics such as allergies, cancer prevention, nutrition, arthritis, stress management, asthma, obesity, etc.

 

In order for a wellness program to be successful, you need to appeal to your employees. Send out a questionnaire and use the feedback to determine which activities or strategies would be successful. Once you start the program, be sure to get feedback and make adjustments as needed.

 

Does your company take an active interest in your well-being? What do they do?

by tinadh | with no comments

Filed under: Renew You!

Family Matters
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:06 AM

Are there legitimate coupon sites out there?  

Whether you want to save a few dollars or cut your weekly budget in half, coupons can help you keep extra dollars in your wallet, and finding coupons online is easy!

 

If a store has a Web site, there’s a good chance the store has a coupon at CouponCabin.com. Before you buy something online at Target, The Home Depot, drugstore.com, or many other stores, check CouponCabin.com for a coupon. You simply click on the link for your store of choice, and you’ll receive a discount code. You then shop the store online, and at checkout use the discount code provided from CouponCabin.com.

 

BeFrugal.com is a great resource for coupons for online purchases or printable coupons you can take to the store with you.  Like CouponCabin.com, online stores like Amazon.com, Borders, or Kohl’s have coupons at BeFrugal.com. You can also review your grocery list before you head to the store and print the coupons you’ll need for brand name groceries.

 

There are many stores that carry coupons specific to their stores, too. For example, you can print coupons on the Web sites for Jewel Osco, Walgreens, CVS, and Petco. Meijer’s Web site is Meijermealbox.com, and you can use the site to plan meals as well. Check a store’s Web site before you go to the store – chances are you’ll find coupons or other offers that can be used in the store or online.

 

Occasionally store or coupon Web sites will ask for an e-mail address to send other coupons or offers to you. You might want to create a separate e-mail account for these coupons and offers. This way, you can keep all of the offers together, and you can avoid filling your email inbox to the maximum. You can create an e-mail address for free at mail.com.

 

With a little bit of effort, you can find a lot of coupons to save you a lot of money!

 

Do you know of any other helpful coupon sites?

by tinadh | 2 comment(s)

Filed under: Family Matters

The Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed-Out Adults)
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:04 AM

 

Rise and Shine: Getting Enough Sleep

 

Are you and your family getting enough sleep?

 

When it is time to get up in the morning, do you hit the snooze button to get another 5 or 10 minutes of sleep? Do other family members need repeated prodding to get out of bed? Do the adults in your family rely on coffee, cola, or other forms of caffeine throughout the day to stay alert?

 

Studies show that sleep deprivation is rampant, and we are getting less sleep than previous generations.¹ Kids are getting much less sleep than is recommended.² Most of us are getting up at about the same time in the mornings as adults and children always have—it’s that everyone is going to sleep later. Some blame too many scheduled activities, too much stimulation and too much caffeine. Others blame our “24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week” lifestyle, which makes it possible to do almost anything at any hour, including watching TV, shopping, catching up on work, and emailing friends.

 

There was a time, of course, when our activities were limited by light. Now we have light whenever we want it and can take our work and distractions with us wherever we go, thanks to cell phones, computers, and other electronic devices. The price for all this wonderful flexibility seems to be sleep, and we are, as it turns out, paying dearly.

 

¹ “Americans today get less sleep and feel worse, study shows.”

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1355/is_n20_v90/ai_18743102

 

² “Kids 5 and Under Sleep Less than Recommended Amount of Time, USA.”

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/34388.php

 

 

To read more, get a FREE copy of our book, “The Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed-Out Adults),” by Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D. and Brandel France de Bravo, M.P.H. Please visit our Free Gifts page at (web address) to redeem this offer.

 

About the authors

Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D. is the President of the National Research Center for Women & Families, a research and education charity that provides free health and safety information and works to improve policies and programs that improve the health of women, children and families. Brandel France de Bravo is the Director of Public Affairs and Communications at the National Research Center for Women & Families. For useful information about health issues that affect your family and for more information about the National Research Center for Women & Families, visit http://www.center4research.org/

by tinadh | with no comments

Filed under: The Survival Guide for Working Moms (and Other Stressed-Out Adults)

News You Can Use
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:02 AM

How to organize a holiday work party on a small budget 

Budgets are tight and everyone is stressed. So what better way to reward employees after a year of hard work than a party? Even if your business traditionally has extravagant holiday parties, most employees will understand the need to cut back this year. And with a little creativity everyone can have fun for a lot less.

 

The guest list

This is probably the easiest to manage on a small budget. Simply limit the guests to just employees. If your budget allows employees to bring a guest, limit them to just one but don't limit them to only spouses. Single employees or those in a relationship will feel alienated.

 

The time

Probably the best time to have a holiday party is during the work day. Not only is having the party on work time a treat but a party in the middle of the day will save you money. Not only is a luncheon cheaper than a dinner, but you'll save on drinks, too! If you choose to have the party after work, limit the drink selection to wine and beer for a smaller bar tab.

 

The venue

Selecting the right venue will also help you cut back on unnecessary spending. Instead of a banquet hall consider the party room at a local restaurant. If you need to spend less than that, consider transforming a large conference room in your building into a party room with music, strands of lights, holly, and poinsettias. Just make sure the party space is away from workstations.

 

The food

If you choose a restaurant, decide on the menu ahead of time. For large groups, it's better if the menu is limited to inexpensive items like pasta and chicken. If you choose to stay in the office, have the main course catered in and encourage employees to bring appetizers or desserts. Or in both cases, cut out the main course altogether and only serve hors d'oeuvres. Don't forget to provide vegetarian options!

 

The entertainment

Entertainment can be simple and in most cases, FREE! Get a feel for what people would be interested in doing. As long as everyone can participate it can be as easy or as complex as you want from playing holiday music to a Wii bowling tournament.

 

What will your company holiday party be like this year?

by tinadh | with no comments

Filed under: News You Can Use

Editors Note
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:00 AM

Happy holidays, Pen Pal readers! It’s December which means the holiday countdown is on! Have you finished your shopping? Are your holiday meal menus prepared? Is your house cleaned and ready for guests? No? That’s ok, you’re not Martha Stewart!

December is the busiest month of the year for most of us. Our schedules are packed with parties, baking, decorating, working, and family time. It’s no wonder New Year’s Eve falls at the end of the month. We can all use a glass of champagne by then!

 

I’ve put together a list of some tips you might find helpful this time of year.

 

ü       Take a mid-week day off from work to do your holiday shopping. Fewer people in stores means you can get more done in less time.

ü       Sell your clothes to a resale shop and use that money to buy gifts.

ü       Don’t be tempted to buy new wrapping paper. If you’re like me, you have at least four rolls in your basement that you can use up first. Sure, new is fun and trendy, but not necessary. And if it’s old enough, it just may be trendy again!

ü       Bake some of your holiday meals ahead of time and freeze them.

ü       Say yes when someone offers to bring a dish to your holiday get-together. Why not let your niece make cookies for dessert or your sister bring the salad this year?

 

With so many preparations going into the holidays, it’s easy to lose sight of what it’s all really about—enjoying the season and creating wonderful memories with your loved ones. Cheers!

 

Christy Wolf

Editor

 

P.S. Be sure to check out our News You Can Use article this month: How to organize a holiday work party on a small budget.

by tinadh | with no comments

Filed under: Editor's Note