How to Own Your Performance Review
By Tamra Chandler
Mention "performance review" and even the most unflappable employees feel sparks of dread or resentment. No one likes to see his or her hard work and contributions reduced to a mere number or rating.
Most managers don't like the performance management process either. But there's good news: Performance reviews are beginning to change. Nearly 90 percent of respondents to a 2015 Deloitte Human Capital survey said they plan to replace their performance review systems in the next 18 months. The best news? At least 6 percent of Fortune 500 companies have eliminated performance rankings altogether, including Accenture and GE. This trend was noted by CEB, a global company that provides best practice insights to other businesses.
Our Value Doesn't Lie in Our Busyness
By Linda Sasser
We all have days, weeks, and sometimes seasons where our projects and commitments exceed our capacity. The question is, how do you handle it? You have two options.
1. You can continue to rush around, frazzled and hectic because you have too much on your plate. (This does nothing to lower your own stress level, and it likely raises the tension and anxiety of those around you.)
2. You can raise your hand and ask for help.
You see, many of us have tricked ourselves into believing that the busier we are or the more overwhelmed we are with commitments or work, the more important we are.
Promote Workplace Optimism
By Shawn Murphy
You and your team deserve to enjoy work. The workplace should be a positive influence on people and their lives.
Yet for too many, it's just not the case. In one study, 48% of employees frequently feel a lot of stress in their work. This adversely affects their well-being. Boutique consultancy Root found that 68% of workers feel that their managers are more focused on their own success instead of inspiring their employees.
The workplace has become lopsided--too much negativity and not enough optimism.
What is a "Joint Employer"?
The definition of a "joint employer" has changed. Dramatically. If you're using temporaries or contractors, find out the potential impact of the NLRB's Browning-Ferris decision on your business and how to protect your company.
Companies throughout the U.S. have watched the Department of Labor and the IRS crack down on the use of independent contractors in recent years. Some said it was only a matter of time before enforcement began to focus on temporary staff members as well.
That time is here. In a recent decision, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) walked away from thirty years of legal precedent to make radical changes to the definition of a "joint employer." Here's what to know about the Browning-Ferris decision and how to protect your own company.
Ready for Some Summer Fun? (yeah, but it's APRIL!)
Summer may still be several weeks away, but lining up ideas now gives you something to look forward to and smart planning can also save you a ton of money. If you're ready to maximize your fun on a minimal budget get started today:
Enjoy Dining Al Fresco on The Cheap
Who doesn't love to sit outside and enjoy a nice meal or a cocktail or two in the summer? However, dinners out can be an expensive proposition. You can use apps like Yelp to find restaurants in your area that offer outdoor seating for happy hour (which often comes with discounted appetizers) or weekend lunches.
