My introduction to an open floor plan was in high school. I walked into the building and thought, Wow! This is so cool! There were no separate classrooms, no closed doors, and I could see from one end of the building to the other. What a change from the claustrophobic school I had come from! Once my classes began however,…
Most of us want to be more productive but how do we go about getting everything done we need to? Do we sacrifice some things to get other things done? Are there activities we unconsciously do each day that make our productivity drop dramatically? Checking Emails too Frequently One of the main time productivity drains during the work day is…
One of my favorite movies is Nine to Five starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. These three secretaries work for a boss who they refer to as a “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot.” Now, I can’t imagine that any one of us would think of our bosses in this way however, this movie makes a strong statement that…
Though many leaders have heard of empowerment, there were still those who struggle with actually handing over the reins. It is not uncommon for a leader to feel insecure causing them to cling to familiarity as it is what they know best. However, insecurity can also force leaders to keep information and skills to themselves, ensuring they are important and irreplaceable.…
Early in my management career, I was involved in a merger of two large companies. The officers of the new company stood at the front of the room that sat over 1000 employees of our Northeast Regional Office. As these men excitedly spoke of the next phase that would merge two well-known companies, there was clapping and cheering. The very…
Though it is important to pay employees what they are worth, there are also times when employees would rather receive fringe benefits or “perks” in lieu of a higher salary. This form of non-wage compensation is a great addition to your employee’s normal salary and best of all, most of these benefits are deductible by the company and non-taxable for…
Today’s leaders know their employees want more than to plod along in a 9 to 5 job. Some employees want to see tangible results from their efforts and expect recognition of work well done. Others want more responsibility and advancement opportunities. Knowing what your employees expect from you is important for the success of your business. You can’t walk into…
When I was visiting with my sister last weekend, we were discussing how much she enjoyed working at home. I mean, absolutely loves it! Her employer was hiring and needed space in the office for the employees. My sister, a tenured employee of 30 years, jumped at the chance to work remotely. Many businesses, hoping to reduce their property footprint,…