What Office Design Keeps People Happy

What Office Design Keeps People Happy This year, the office cubicle turns 50 years old! Love it or loathe it, it can’t be denied that cubicles revolutionised the design of offices all over the world. With an eternal struggle between privacy and interaction at the workplace, it looks as though office design has gone full circle since the emergence of the white-collar age. Privacy vs. Interaction: Back when white-collar work began to boom, managers believed that to maximise efficiency, workers should me arranged on aligned desks in a large, open-plan offices, with managers in their own private offices overlooking the  office workers. This design was first used by F.W. Taylor (1856-1915) and was inspired by scientific management a technique used in labour factories that emphasised economic efficiency. No doubt, this office design soon went out of fashion as managers realised it was hindering motivation. The beginnings of cubicle design: This is  what prompted Robert Propst, of Herman Miller Furniture Design studio, to come up with an alternative solution to office design. Here he came up with Action Office a design that gave workers a makeshift office space, with storage and privacy in a bid to boost productivity. Propst believed that workers needed autonomy and independence and cubicles seemed like an efficient way to achieve just that.  Propst introduced vertical office  shelving systems, which were groundbreaking at the time, and managers began to notice Propst solutions. Super-efficient cubicles: Propst took  the cubicle design even further and this is when super-efficient cubicle design came into play. Im sure this is what we all think about when we hear the word cubicle a  dreary symbol of an office job you hate. The 70s saw the rise in these  fabric covered wall cubicles which made sound proofing simple and cost-effective, but also made workers  question their sanity.  The design was revolutionary companies went crazy for the groundbreaking solution and it still remains popular to this day. In 1985 it was even named the most successful design of the previous 25 years at  the World Design Conference. Is open plan best? More recently, companies have been dismantling their cubicles and opting to go back to an open plan environment this time  in a more team-orientated layout. Having a  cool open-plan office has become popular in more recent years. But which design actually increases productivity? Surprisingly, a study carried out in 2013 found that productivity actually dropped by 6% when an office opted for an open plan design. However, a reason for this could be that more people are sharing ideas meaning the work that is being carried out is to a higher quality. Another unusual statistic from a study carried out in 2014  reveals that 54% of open-space office workers would actually prefer to have a private cubicle. The perfect office design: Realistically, the perfect office design (probably) doesnt exist.  An office design that works for your company may not work for others and vice versa. Advancements in technology means that work doesnt have to be done sat down at a desk with a desktop computer. More companies are embracing this and bringing in alternative interiors to match the ever-changing working landscape. Having an alternative, fun office space means that work-life is more fun, which in-turn leaves workers feeling happier and more fulfilled with daily office life. And as the cliche goes, a happy worker is, of course, a productive one. So what design is best? Let us know in the comments below! RELATED:  How to Boost Workplace Productivity

Small Business Development Center - Job Hunt - Need a Job Or Want to Get Hired?

Small Business Development Center - Job Hunt - Need a Job Or Want to Get Hired?Any entrepreneur who is serious about making it big in business should have a small business development center and a competent resume writer in place. These two key components in a business' success is essential for the company to get where it wants to go.The success of a small business relies on having a strong and well written professional resume that showcases the potential you have for succeeding in business. Whether you are trying to break into the business world or you just want to improve upon your current financial status, having the perfect work resume will greatly increase your chances of getting the job or promotions you are hoping for.One of the main reasons why this piece of paper is important is because you will have no formal education or experience in the field you are applying for. You can't rely on your education, experience, or personality. That's why a good, well written resume needs t o be done by an expert to ensure you have what it takes to get the position you are applying for.This is why a good resume writer should be a part of your small business development center. This is where they can help you get a quality job for your skill set and qualifications. Your resume writing will be one of the first things prospective employers to see and that is why it is critical that it is written with precision and in an easy to understand way.Having a great resume will also put you ahead of others with your qualifications for the job you are trying to get, which is why a small business development center should be your first stop when applying for a position. The same resume must be reviewed by multiple people who are familiar with the company and its business practices. In many cases these professionals have been hired to develop resumes specifically for your company and will know the ins and outs of creating a perfect one for you.There are many advantages to having a go od resume developed for you by an experienced professional in a small business development center. First off you will have a professional quality resume. Many employers today are checking out new employees and hiring them right off the bat without having to spend much time on the process.A great resume not only showcases your experience, but it also outlines what qualities you have to offer a company. You can make sure that your resume does not only highlight your skills, but it also shows how you are qualified to handle the job. This is how you can get ahead of the competition and make sure you get hired before anyone else has even looked at your resume.A great, high quality resume that you have created yourself is something that should be created in a small business development center. This is one of the best ways to ensure that you are getting the job you want and deserve.

10 Interview Tips to Land Your Dream Job (and One Way to Ensure You Never Get It)

10 Interview Tips to Land Your Dream Job (and One Way to Ensure You Never Get It) Getting your dream job is never easy  but there are a number of things you can do to increase your chances during that all-important interview. Here are ten tips to help you blitz that interview and land your dream job. Oh, and one way to ensure you’ll get a rejection letter in the post the next day! 1. Be Prepared Interviews are stressful enough without struggling to pull out suitable verbal answers. Make sure you go to the interview prepared by being familiar with your C.V. for those tricky competency questions. Research the company and the role specifications in detail so that you can illustrate a clear understanding of what it is they expect you to do in the position. If you know who your interviewer is, give them a quick Google too, or check out their profile on LinkedIn or their company website. Finally, if you’re required to take something with you such as a portfolio or presentation, then give yourself plenty of time to get it done â€" after all, this is your dream job you’re applying for! 2. Dress to Impress You probably only get one chance at this, so dress to show you’re suited to the role. An element of tidiness is needed so no jeans or sportswear please, otherwise you may come across as not serious enough about the job. 3. Be Punctual Always be on time for an interview if not early; it’s better to be too early than to arrive late. However, if you’re having a bad run of luck and get delayed in your journey, drop your interviewer a courtesy call to let them know why you’re late and that you’re on your way. 4. First Impressions Count It can take just three seconds for an interviewer to form an opinion about you as a person. If you’re nervous, take a few deep breaths before you enter the room, and make sure you give them the right impression by smiling and looking at ease. Offer a polite greeting with eye contact before settling down to the formalities. First impressions count. 5. Be Positive Nothing shows you would make a brilliant employee better than being positive about your skills and abilities. Negative comments about yourself have no place in an interview, so make sure you’re upbeat to show you’re capable of handling the work. 6. Remember Body Language The way you present yourself in an interview can count for a lot so consider your body language throughout. Keep suitable eye contact when addressing a question, and sit with an open posture with no crossed arms. As well as sending subconscious signals to your interviewer/s, this will also make you feel naturally relaxed. 7. Listen Carefully and Speak Clearly Nerves can have unwanted effects in an interview, so make sure you focus on listening carefully and ask the interviewer to clarify anything you’re not sure of. Pace yourself when talking so that your replies clear â€" it’s okay to take time to think through the answers before you give a response, so long as it isn’t an awkwardly long pause! 8. Ask Questions “Do you have any questions?”. This is the familiar point at the end of the interview where you have the opportunity to make sure that the position is actually what you want. Prepare three to five questions in advance (steer clear of salary questions in the first interview), so you can answer yes (or no!) straight away when they offer you the job. 9. Finish with the Perfect Handshake A dry and slightly firm handshake is needed to seal the deal. Make sure you do this with comfortable eye contact and a smile to indicate you’re grateful for this opportunity. 10. Ask for Feedback Didn’t get the job this time round? Don’t despair â€" it is very likely another wonderful opportunity is on the horizon. Ask the interviewer for feedback, so you can improve your technique and skills for the next time. Don’t be afraid to ask to be notified of future opportunities within the company, and be prompt at thanking your interviewers that do offer feedback. The Deal Breaker Those are my top ten tips to being the perfect interviewee, but there is one bugbear of interviewers the world over that you should avoid like the plague. What is it? Being impolite! It’s okay to show a strong, forceful personality if that’s who you are, but being rude or disrespectful is not a good trait in any employee and certainly not an interviewee. This doesn’t just apply to your interviewer â€" mouthing off about an ex boss or even the taxi driver that brought you â€" that isn’t going to put you in a good light to your potential employers! Looking for more info, check out this  Career Geek guide to interview etiquette  to ensure you make the right first impression.

Should You Use a Recruitment Agency to help Further your Career

Should You Use a Recruitment Agency to help Further your Career Should You Use a Recruitment Agency to help Further your Career? Whether you are feeling a bit stuck in a rut at work and can see no good career progression opportunities ahead for you, or you know for sure that your job is going nowhere, should you consider using a recruitment agency to help give your flagging career a bit of a leg-up? Firstly, let us take a look at some of the benefits of finding a new job through a recruitment agency. They can offer individuals great opportunities, whether you are looking for a career boost or you are re-entering the workforce after a break. You will see why it can be a great idea to use the services of a professional recruitment agency.Flexible career opportunitiesA lot of forward thinking recruitment agencies have realized that the face of the modern workplace is rapidly changing. This has meant moving away from the traditional 9-5, Monday to Friday office hours in recent years that used to be standard practice in most workplaces. Instead, modern recruitment agencies are now more accommodating towards flex ible working arrangements.Having more flexible working patterns means that those wishing to return to work after taking a career break to raise their children for a few years can now find high-quality jobs that offer more flexibility for them to work around their childrens needs.Most employers used to take an all or nothing approach about offering positions in their company. You either had to return full-time or not at all in most cases. This often resulted in the company losing out because they were losing valuable workers with years of knowledge and experience and then face having to train up other staff members to achieve the same level of competence as the previous team member.A lot of part-time work in years gone past was also created to fulfill more low-level tasks where the staff member was never really challenged or even valued or appreciated for their contribution. Many parents returning to work after a break and looking for part-time hours were expected to take lower grade jobs or suffer a cut to their salary as a consequence.Luckily, things have changed a lot these days and most large employers are taking on highly qualified and experienced staff in responsible roles that now offer more flexibility to accommodate the needs of their family commitments. This can include job-share positions and roles that allow you to work part of the week from home so you get a better work/life balance.Identifying suitable rolesAnother positive benefit from using a recruitment agency is that many will help you to find and apply for a more suitable role. Modern recruitment agencies go a step further by supporting you throughout the whole process of finding a new job to you getting settled into your new role. They can often be there to help you with your CV and interview techniques as well as help negotiate a good salary or flexible working conditions to go into your employment contract. With a professional recruitment agency at your side, you can ensure that your jo b seeking efforts are conducted thoroughly. Even if you come out of an interview and are convinced you fluffed it up because you forgot to mention something important, your agency will be able to follow up your interview by contacting the client and filling in any blanks you think you missed. This can help the employer to get a clear overview of your skills and experience, even those that you forgot to mention due to interview nerves or lack of time.Make sure you stand out from the crowdAs a recruitment agency, they are there to help their clients find the right job candidate. The job market is a very competitive environment, especially at the moment, so it does pay you to work closely with your recruitment agency to put your best front forward. With an average corporate job vacancy attracting 250 applicants, it is the job of the recruitment agency to whittle down potential applicants to get a shortlist of around three to five people that they could take to the client for their cons ideration.Remember that it is a recruiters role to find the best possible candidates for a client, not to find a job for every candidate they have on their books. You should never take it personally if you get overlooked for a position because it is a very challenging business. What you can do is to ensure that you have perfected your CV and that it comes over as clear, informative and concise.To do this it would be wise to use an impressive looking, professional CV template that has been put together to create a positive impact. Using a well-crafted CV template will save you lots of time preparing your CV, but it will also act as a visual reminder or prompt to ensure you include all of your relevant information that a recruiter is looking for.Get useful feedbackShould you be rejected for a job that you consider perfect for you, seek some feedback from the recruitment agency to find out any weak areas that you can focus on improving. This can help you to polish up your knowledge and experience and make you stand out better from the crowd for your next interview.Professional recruitment agencies carry a lot of industry knowledge, so take advantage of their advice and guidance to help further your career. They know exactly what their clients and other employers are looking for in a candidate. They can be your secret weapon for helping you boost your career opportunities and keep you climbing your career ladder. previous article Free Cyan Splash Resume Template next article Instant Magnifier Resume Template Freebie you might also like6 Online Gigs You Can Do During Coronavirus Outbreak (To Offset Your Lost Income)

How Do I Find the Best Career One Resume Writing Service?

How Do I Find the Best Career One Resume Writing Service?Career one resume writing service is the most intelligent and appropriate career advisory service. What's more, it helps you in each step of the way. In this article, I'll be discussing some useful tips that will surely help you in finding and submitting a great resume for the jobs you are going to apply for.One thing that everybody has in common is that they want to work in a job that they really like. The important thing to remember is that you should always start with your resume, for it is what will make the decision of the employer as to whether or not you will get the job or not. A resume can make the difference between success and failure. A competent career one resume writing service can help you build up your resume by answering all the basic questions that you might have.The job market is volatile. There are lots of professionals who are looking for the right job. This is why it is important to be aware of the latest trends and buzzwords. One of the job skills that you must include in your resume is the ability to write. It is necessary that your resume must be written in a professional manner that is easy to read and comprehend.Career one resume writing service is the best service to contact when you need a resume professionally designed. You will be able to choose from a wide range of excellent samples and add your personal touch to these samples. A resume that has a sense of professionalism is certainly the most recommended when applying for a job.Resume writing service is always glad to suggest the best candidate for the job. You must ensure that you have all the details ready for the interview. An effective job is the result of good knowledge and skill. A resume with quality content will make an interview go well. That is why it is highly recommended that you create an effective resume that you will submit to the employer.If you intend to search for resume templates online, you will find it really simple to do so. A quick search on Google, for example, will provide you with a large number of websites where you can search resumes. The good thing about all these websites is that they provide free samples. Since all these websites are completely legal, you can expect them to be genuine. Therefore, you will be assured of an authentic resume.Resume templates are available from the various online job search portals, such as Craigslist. After searching through these online sites, you will find a number of them. Resume templates can be helpful for everyone. However, remember that the best resume service will be able to create a resume for you in an efficient manner. Once you know that your resume will be submitted to an employer, you should research all the necessary information so that you will know how to craft a resume.As it can be seen, many people are interested in hiring a career one resume writing service that provides high quality resume writing services. However, it is essential that you go through this article with care so that you can choose the best possible one. Using the internet as your medium is surely a huge advantage that is open to every applicant.

Have you ever quit a job without having a new one lined up - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Have you ever quit a job without having a new one lined up - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Have you ever quit a job without having a new one lined up? Why did you quit? Then what happened? Ive done it myself once. I was working really hard as a developer, when one seriously under-qualified manager called me unprofessional in a meeting. I stood up, left the meeting and resigned the next day. Everything worked out fine for me I went out on my own and became an independent consultant and went on from there to co-found an IT consulting company where we treated people right and now I make people happy at work :o) What about you? I have a suspicion that if youre reading this, youre thinking of quitting. In that case, remember that March 31st is International Quit Your Crappy Job Day. Check out the site it is packed with information for anyone considering whether or not to quit their job. 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

5 Considerations Before You Hire, Fire or Promote

5 Considerations Before You Hire, Fire or Promote Have you ever made the wrong call about a candidate? As in deciding whether or not to hire, fire or promote someone? As managers, the decisions we make about people are critical to the continued success of our teams and our organizations. Yet, these choices aren’t always clear cut. Even when it seems like a clear case, you could get it wrong. And when that happens, the results can range from embarrassing to disastrous. That’s what happened when the Houston Astros management decided to cut J.D. Martinez from the team, only to watch him become a baseball batting powerhouse… at a competing team. Fortunately for most of us, our people decisions don’t make it into news headlines. But they can still hurt the business and our reputations. So what can you do to make better personnel choices? How to Make Better Decisions About People Keep an open mind It’s easy to rely on old information about someone or impressions formed from the time you worked with them years ago. People are capable of change and growth, and it’s important to keep an open mind about the possibility (and hopefully the probability) that they’ve matured. On the flip side, not everyone continues to learn and grow. So, if your memory is of a young ambitious go-getter, it’s also possible that they haven’t lived up to the hype over the years. Again, an argument for keeping your eyes, ears and mind open for signs of their talent and potential. Give people a real chance When it comes to gathering data on what someone is truly capable of, it pays to give them a real opportunity to demonstrate their skills. If you were a scientist, you would design an experiment that would give the person enough “at bats” to provide valid data. One of the ways the Houston Astros management could have avoided their mistake was to give J.D. a real chance to show his new swing. Instead, they relied on their statistician’s calculation that there was only a “vanishingly small” chance that a 26-year old batter (“middle aged” in a baseball context!) could improve. Therefore, they didn’t give him many opportunities to demonstrate his new abilities live and in-person. Measure the value they add Of course, you want to look at the numbers whether that’s sales, market share, innovations or some other set of metrics. But then, make sure you look behind the numbers. For example, the person on our team who had the largest amount of revenues attached to his name also had the most “house accounts”, which was what we called those long-standing clients who gave us the majority of their business as long as we were competent. On the other hand, there were some hungrier team members who were bringing in new clients. Their revenues were lower on an absolute basis, but they were growing the business franchise and building a more valuable set of skills. It’s important to look beyond the numbers as well. Not everything can be neatly quantified and tracked on a spreadsheet. This is where the intangibles come in. What kind of energy does the person bring? Do they make the team better and smarter by the way they go about their interactions? How do they demonstrate leadership? What’s their character and do they have integrity? Assess your role Managers are people too, and we come with our own tendencies and assumptions about the way the world works. These are the result of the way we’ve been socialized and the experiences we’ve had, and they help us navigate our day without having to consciously think about every move we make. But when it’s time to make decisions about people, those same unconscious ways of thinking and behaving may lead us astray. Take the example in this HBR article of the group of executives that insisted on hiring only from elite universities, which they equated with the best and the brightest talent. When their CFO asked which of them had attended an Ivy League school and only a few hands went up, they realized they had made an assumption that was not only limiting the pool of candidates but also reducing the diversity of applicants. Another aspect of your role is to look at how you may be contributing to your team members’ performance. To what extent could your average performer improve if you became a better boss for them? What have you done to bring out the best in each team member? In some cases, you’ll want to hire or promote the people who you find easiest to work with. But when it’s in the interest of the organization or the team to flex your style in order to keep someone who you find challenging to manage, maybe this is an opportunity for you to grow as a leader. Get input from people you trust If confidentiality allows you to discuss the situation with others, it’s helpful to consult with people you trust to get more data and check your thinking. This is where it’s helpful to have at least one or two mentors who’ve had significant experience in managing people. Before you make the decision, they can help you pressure test the areas where you might well be wrong. The benefit of having these conversations is not just to help you with the decision, but also to add to your own expanding viewpoint and store of wisdom about making better people decisions. And one day, people will be consulting you! Keep learning and growing These five steps can help you make better decisions about who to hire, fire and promote. Yet, there’s always a chance we’ll get it wrong when it comes to managing people. Frankly, most of us will get it wrong more than once. After all human beings are hard to predict â€" that’s what makes life interesting and fun. So, do everything you can to make the right decisions about people. And at those times when it doesn’t quite go as planned, use it as an opportunity to learn, grow and improve. What could you do to make better decisions about people? Leave a comment and let me know.