Sunday, September 30, 2012

Top Tips for Office Time Management

In times of economic crisis, a successful workplace needs management more than ever. Thus, when it comes to avoiding stress on the job, it's important to do things efficiently so success can eventually see its way through.

A clean and tidy work environment is the foundation a business has to achieve the best possible performance. A systematically organized desk has many advantages: short workflows and no unnecessary searching. The key word is this: frequency of use. Within reach, you should have one of everything that is needed constantly and nothing else! Pencils, paper and notes and a compulsory labor shelf are a must for any well-stocked desk, as well as a constantly updated to-do list. An order system with files for drawers or shelves for creating space is also needed.

In our fast paced society, stress is unavoidable. Just the thought of constantly moving must be accessible to all. The unpleasant side effects such as headaches or back pain can reduce your working life but how can you avoid the stress at work? The most important criterion is positive thinking, because situations are often overstated. Try to move the situation into perspective and do not waste your precious energy on negative thoughts. Physical fitness is another important factor, because anyone who regularly plays sports is less susceptible to stress.

Saturday, September 29, 2012

What Confined Space Training Entails

Confined Space training is necessary for all employers and employees that are undertaking work under these conditions and can be a valuable investment to avoid accidents and injuries to your employees. This would be awful enough, but also lose you money and slow down productivity.

A confined space in this context is defined as any space that is enclosed and the person is exposed to hazardous substances or dangerous conditions. This can include lack of oxygen or exposure to substances that are harmful. Such places can be found as chambers, silos, trenches, pipes, sewer, wells, manholes, storage bins or tanks. The Confined Spaces Regulations Act of 1997 states that if there is any other way of performing the work that would have to be undertaken in a confined space, then the employer must ensure that this is done.

Performing work in these places can turn from safe to dangerous very quickly. This is why training is very important. By learning how to identify hazards early on as well as being able to use safety and protection equipment correctly can help save workers from accidents and subsequent injury. Many companies also provide their employees with measuring devices that can notify them of dangerous gasses and low oxygen levels. However, if the workers do not learn the appropriate use for the tool they are given, they are a waste of money and time. Notifying the training company beforehand of what equipment your workers have available will make it easier for them to incorporate this in their training schedule.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Business Growth Requires Extraordinary Executives - Celebrations

"Me, a cheerleader? This is a big operation and we all know our responsibilities. Our job is to work, not party."

In most organizations, executives celebrate annual results and sales teams celebrate new accounts. But celebrations that occur among the vast majority of employees are usually limited to occasional cake and ice cream on birthdays.

Many executives have seen that when people are allowed to have parties or special lunches, work assignments are put on hold while the planning takes place. A common feeling is that the best part of celebrations is when they are over so that people can re-focus on the jobs for which they are paid. This thinking is based on decades of conditioning and has become quite "ordinary".

Executives who want their company to be extraordinary, however, should consider the following truth:

Celebrating progress and success brings more of it.

The Rationale:

1. People like to be part of a winning team. And winning brings celebrations. It is difficult to imagine a winning sports team that does not celebrate. If celebrations were not allowed, athletes would be less motivated. There is a good reason why teams usually win more often when they play at home. The crowd cheers them on and encourages them to perform even better.

2. Celebrations lift spirits and bring life to a company. When cheering is regularly heard in the halls of a company, people rarely feel disrupted. In fact, they feel energized. Great performers, who can easily work anywhere, want to be part of organizations that are full of life and success.

3. When people celebrate achievements, they instinctively feel proud and want to do what it takes to succeed again. It is only human to want to succeed. And since celebrations commemorate success, they serve as catalysts for more of it. Every executive wants their company to achieve its goals, so creating a culture of celebration helps yield consistent accomplishments, year after year.

4. Celebrations cause people to become attached to a company with their hearts, which results in ultimate performance. When people celebrate, their emotions take over. And emotions are much stronger than either money or fear. Organizations full of people who are emotionally attached to their goals, their teams and their company, will considerably outperform competitors who expect their people to execute because they are being paid.