Work Environment

As we discussed yesterday, workers often turn to toys on their desk to relieve stress and boost creativity. Some objects, however, are more than playthings; they have special meaning to the owner. Consider these cases:

• Ten Things Your Boss Never Wants to Hear [Ragan.com]
• Work Flexibility Improves Romance and Relationships [FlexJobs]
• How Bad Credit is Sinking Job Hunters [CBS News]
• Seven Reasons to Stand Up at Work [Jobacle]
• Signs That It’s Time to Break Up with Your Job [Glass Door]

Yesterday, we began examining whether or not it is appropriate for co-workers to talk about their salaries. While the general consensus seems to be “no” (or at least “watch out if you do”), here are a few other thoughts:

Curious to know what a colleague makes? As tempting as it might be to ask or to join in a conversation others are having about money, experts generally agree it’s best to resist the urge.

We’re smack dab in the middle of a severe flu season, so right about now you (and everyone else in your office) is probably obsessive about the potential spread of germs around the office. And yes, the worry that you could be out of commission for a week or more if hit with the flu is a valid concern. However, there are other less obvious health conditions that may be harming your career—and you may not even realize it.

• Is Your Job Search Like a Bad Super Bowl Commercial? [Youtern.com]
• Where I Work: Workspaces of 5o Successful People [LinkedIn]
• How to Dress for Success [Jobacle]
• Tips to Kick-Start Your Job Search After a Layoff [Glass Door]
• How to Stay Ultra-Productive at Work [Lifehack]

While elements such as salary and opportunity for advancement may be major factors in employee retention, a good perk or two can contribute to positive feelings about an employer. Google, which has been named Fortune’s “Best Company to Work For” four years straight, is known for its subsidized massages and large outdoor sports facilities that make it easy for workers to relax and stay in shape.

Bloodshot eyes, liquor on her breath, unpredictable behavior – a colleague sure seems to show symptoms of a problem with alcohol. Deciding what to do, however, is tricky. You may be reluctant to invade privacy or be a “snitch,” but her behavior can impact your own performance and the company’s success.

Hitting a mid-winter slump? Perk up your performance with these suggestions from career advisor Vicky Oliver, author of 301 Smart Answers to Tough Business Etiquette Questions and The Millionaire's Handbook: How to Look and Act Like a Millionaire Even If You're Not:

1. Do an office makeover.

Rearrange your furniture, change your office artwork, or get a new desk lamp or ergonomic chair.

2.  Keep busy; fight boredom.

While it used to be standard to work 9 to 5, fewer workers are putting in those precise hours due to increasing flexibility in work arrangements. Some people may shift their hours earlier or later to accommodate childcare needs, while home-based employees may never even work the exact same 40-hour schedule twice.

Most people utilizing flexible schedules do so for a better work-life balance or to cut the cost and time involved in commuting. Employers too can benefit from these set-ups by having extended hours of office coverage and possibly increasing morale among staff members.