All Articles Tagged "employee"
An Open Letter to People With Jobs…Who Don’t Want to Work
Good evening customer service employees of the world,
You know, it wasn’t long ago that I worked in retail. I know the struggle of the customer service worker trying to make a little money (post college, I was trying to make as much as possible actually) and maintain as much dignity as possible. I had spent most of high school and college waltzing around in itchy dress pants trying to sell overpriced cheap jewelry at Claire’s, risking my life trying to pull down California King sized comforters for ungrateful customers at Linens-n-Things, and trying to let women know that the bra that was giving them double boob DOES NOT fit at Victoria’s Secret. I had been called stupid, been made to think that selling bright sweats to spoiled teenagers in the suburbs was the best I would do with my life, and had enough panties that weren’t on sale thrown at me as a cashier to know that dignity was a hard think to keep intact as a customer service worker. But despite all that, I worked for my little minimum wage and didn’t let people keep me from giving good service, getting promotions and getting paid at my gigs. Maybe that’s why I’m so confused/perturbed about the alleged customer service I’ve been seeing lately from folks. Girl at Aldo, this one’s for you.
I was just in your store on Sunday trying to find a gift for my mother and trying to possibly find some cheap sandals for this hot weather that’s slowly creeping back in. I was tired as all get out post church, but still in a good mood. A sale sign can do wonders for a gal’s mood. But anyway, I asked you, young woman with the big hair and face full of makeup, if I could get a pair of sandals in a 9 1/2. Knowing how busy retail kids can be, I was even nice enough to apologize for interrupting you. In response you said that was fine and proceeded to put a few shoes back and walked away to help others, and to, I assumed, call in my request. In that time, I actually started to think the sandals were still a bit overpriced, even on sale, and that unless they looked stellar on my feet, I would probably pass. But you didn’t even really give me the opportunity to try those jokers on.
After about 15-20 minutes you walked past me multiple times, didn’t even look in my direction as you moved around the opposite side of the store. At first I understood that you were probably busy…and then I realized you were playing with my time. You did more floating around the store trying to look busy rather than actually being busy. While trying to pass the time looking at purses with my friend, you walked near me, smirked and kept walking. I proceeded to stop you with the quickness to finally get it all out there: “Uh, excuse me, are those sandals still coming out?”
You made somewhat of a confused face and then said, “Oh, I forgot!” Thinking about the fact that I wasn’t in love with the shoes, and you clearly weren’t trying to get them for me, I said, “That’s fine, nevermind on the shoes.” I was expecting a quick “I’m sorry,” and then I was going to be on my way. But instead, your response was the following–with a dose of attitude: “Cool.” *proceeds to shrug and quickly walks away*
Why Work Fulfillment Doesn’t Equal Success
Turns out the many unfulfilled employees that go to work each day may end up ahead of the few that find true fulfillment and purpose in work. According to CNN Money, research shows that people who have the freedom to be their complete selves at work and can connect what they do to a larger purpose, are by and large happier than the average employee. Unfortunately, happiness does not always lead to success.
The report goes on to state that happiness equates to a deeper connection to how the work is conducted. These people may care more about the mission of the organization than their supervisor, and this can make them difficult to work with. They take the job very seriously as it embodies who they are, and this overenthusiasm make create hard to handle employees. In their minds, asking them to compromise on an idea or strategy is also asking them to compromise on everything they believe in. Subsequently this can create work tension.
Unlike the enthusiastic employee, the average employee simply cares about keeping their job and a professionally friendly relationship with their boss and fellow employees. In essence, they are simply following orders to get work done. In some instances, as long as the work is done correctly and on time, the average employee can make a better worker than the overly committed one.
It can be a conundrum for those that actually enjoy what they do and those still searching for the work they enjoy. What’s the point of searching for job fulfillment if the passion you finally find in work only becomes a hindrance?
What makes it even worse is that being a bit more open unprofessional by providing certain details about your personal life may lead to a better work life as well. The employee that chooses to work hard instead of fraternize with the rest of the work crew may be seen as “anti-social” and the person no one wants to work with. Meanwhile the guy who has told the entire office his sad, tragic life story may receive more sympathy and easier treatment.
Managing the work world has never been easy. Finding the happy balance between passion and simply getting the work done can be elusive, for those that do what they love full-time, this balance is essential to making sure you succeed. For those who can’t seem to separate the work commitment from personal values, it may be best to do the work you love part-time or on a freelance basis.
How to Outsmart the Complainers at Your Job
In every facet of our lives, we have to interface with complainers. These are the folks who always have something negative to say, even when things are going well. Although many of us deal with complaining parents, siblings, neighbors, spouses and friends, I think most individuals would agree that our coworkers are typically the biggest complainers that we deal with on a daily basis.
Of course, just like any form of negative communication, complaining can become a toxin that adversely affects your emotional health. Sooner or later, if you don’t speak courageously against the complainer, the toxin that emanates from their mouth will invade your mind and you will start to whine just like them. In the long run, this will negatively affect your career in terms of advancement and promotion.
The following represents at least five ways in which you can outsmart the complainers at your job.
Windows 8 Strategy Leaked
(Black Web 2.0) — Looks like another employee has accidentally leaked company secrets. Well, not secrets about his own company. It seems one Derek Goode, in possession of slides on Windows 8, posted them online in a public place. Probably by accident, but you never know. An Italian blog then got their hands on the slides and the web has been buzzing ever since. The slideshow covers many details of the new operating system, including information on launch strategy and a Windows App store.
Windows 8 Strategy Leaked
(Black Web 2.0) — Looks like another employee has accidentally leaked company secrets. Well, not secrets about his own company. It seems one Derek Goode, in possession of slides on Windows 8, posted them online in a public place. Probably by accident, but you never know. An Italian blog then got their hands on the slides and the web has been buzzing ever since. The slideshow covers many details of the new operating system, including information on launch strategy and a Windows App store.
The Foursquare Challenge: Employee Incentive vs. Customer Rewards?
(Black Web 2.0) — Next time you’re wondering why you can’t steal the Foursquare title of Mayor from whoever currently holds the crown at your favorite venue, take a look behind the counter. There’s a good chance that the Mayor’s an employee putting in an unbeatable 40 check-ins a week on the throne.
Wal-Mart Gets Creative on Employee Retention
(Ad Age) — In a new addition to its benefits package, retail giant Wal-Mart is offering its U.S. employees a way to obtain discounted college degrees through an online university, The New York Times’ Stephanie Clifford and Stephanie Rosenbloom report. Executives from Wal-Mart told the Times that the point of the program was to help employees become more educated, which would therefore improve the quality of its workforce. But the effort could help the company with a problem that has plagued it over the years: high employee turnover. (The company notes in an SEC filing: “Similar to other retailers, the company has a large number of part-time, hourly or non-exempt employees and experiences significant turnover in employees each year.”)
Need A Loan? Ask the Boss
(Wall Street Journal) — Every year, business owner Jim Fab lends his 25 employees as much as $4,000 interest-free for personal expenses they can’t afford up front, ranging from down payments on homes and cars to funeral and legal fees. Most pay him back – eventually. “I had a guy send me $300 a month for three years after he quit,” says Mr. Fab, whose electrical-contracting company, Fab Electric Inc., has been in operation in Gaithersburg, Md., since 1978.
Why a $14/hr Employee Costs $20
(CNNMoney.com) — You probably cost your boss a lot more than you think you do.
For Jim Garland, who owns a corporate aircraft cleaning and support services company, a $14 per hour worker has a true cost of $19.63 per hour, or about 40% more than base pay. This so-called “loaded rate” includes fixed expenses — federal and state taxes, health insurance, workman’s compensation, uniforms, and paid time off — along with soft costs like the time spent training a new hire.
Why a $14/hr Employee Costs $20
(CNNMoney.com) — You probably cost your boss a lot more than you think you do.
For Jim Garland, who owns a corporate aircraft cleaning and support services company, a $14 per hour worker has a true cost of $19.63 per hour, or about 40% more than base pay. This so-called “loaded rate” includes fixed expenses — federal and state taxes, health insurance, workman’s compensation, uniforms, and paid time off — along with soft costs like the time spent training a new hire.
