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Archive for the ‘Work / Life Balance’ Category
Friday, April 23rd, 2010
This week is Telework Week in Calgary and there are several reasons to celebrate - and consider - why telecommuting makes sense.
Calgary Economic Development (CED) is leading a regional telework initiative called WORKshift that profiles and promotes the many benefits of telecommuting for employees. As part of this important program, companies are being invited to evaluate and incorporate flexible work arrangements for their employees.
I am really excited about CED’s leadership in this initiative and support the goal of Calgary becoming a centre of excellence in telework! There are so many benefits to telecommuting - for individuals, corporations and the environment. It’s a business practice that I personally encourage at BOWEN and one that organizations need to consider when looking at cost savings, space planning, sustainability and of course, employee satisfaction.
While there has already been much discussion on how telecommuting can help organizations realize efficiencies, as well as encourage employee productivity and a work/life balance, it also has a lot a merit from a corporate social responsibility standpoint. Here’s a fascinating fact: if there was a 3% reduction in the number of Calgarians commuting to work on any given week day, our traffic gridlock would be eliminated. What a time-saver, not to mention what it would do for our environment. Now that’s something that would help us all out!
WORKshift is the only program of its kind in Canada and it’s just one more way that Calgary is leading the way with its entrepreneurial, can-do spirit. Check it out at workshiftcalgary.com.
Tags: employee retention, human resources, telecommuting, workforce planning
Posted in HR Management, Work / Life Balance | No Comments »
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
There is no doubt that today’s digital world is both a help and a hindrance to a job search. On one hand, there is a world of opportunities at your finger tips. You can research specific companies, look at industry trends or visit a wealth of job sites all from the comfort of your own home, instead of pounding the pavement like the “old days”.
Yet potential employers can also learn more about you than ever before – and perhaps more than you would like them to! A simple Google search can be revealing and anything posted on the Internet is essentially public domain. When you post information online, be it through Twitter, Facebook, Linked In or on a blog, you are sharing personal info that perhaps would be better kept private. Make sure that you are aware of the privacy settings on these social media sites, and if you are in a job search, perhaps you need to edit your content and postings in the event that potential employers do their on research on you.
Here are a couple links that offer a bit more information on privacy, job searches and social media:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchblogs/a/privacy.htm
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchblogs/a/jobsearchblog.htm
The bottom line is, when in doubt, don’t post. In today’s tough job market, it is better to err on the side of caution and be a strong candidate for that coveted job, instead of risking it all with photos and a recap of what you did on the weekend!
Tags: job search, professional profile, social media, social network
Posted in Career building tips, Employment opportunities, Work / Life Balance | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
I am often asked by stay-at-home parents re-entering the workforce how to begin looking for a job, especially if they’ve been at home for a number of years with small children. First of all, I must say that for anyone who thinks that staying at home with young kids is “not working” is dead wrong! As a mother of two active young girls, I know how much energy, resourcefulness and wisdom is required to be at home with children. Stay-at-home parents are amazing (as are working parents who are also doing a juggling act)!
Here are a few tips that can help get you started:
- Try to reconnect with former colleagues. They can become your new network.
- Join a professional association related to your career so that you make new contacts and get on top of industry trends and issues.
- Update your resume! Don’t forget to look at the volunteer work you may have been doing and how these skills can transfer to valuable experience.
- Register with an agency like BOWEN and talk to a recruiter about any additional training you may require to be current in your field.
- Frequently search online. There are a wealth of job postings on-line. Target companies that you are interested in, check out professional associations and job boards too.
- Tell people you are looking for a job because you just don’t know who might know someone who is looking to hire.
Most of all, believe in yourself and what you have to offer. Don’t apologize for taking time off to raise a family. Be proud of this accomplishment and be honest about why you are going back to work.
Tags: employment, human resources, job search, networking
Posted in Career building tips, Employment opportunities, Work / Life Balance | No Comments »
Friday, February 5th, 2010
I firmly believe that with every dark cloud there is a silver lining, and as we begin another year, many will use this time to think of their goals for the future. Regardless of your current reality – and even more importantly if you are in a difficult situation – it’s important to do some “blue sky” thinking.
Wiktionary.org defines blue sky thinking as “thinking that is not grounded or in touch in the realities of the present; open-minded thinking (i.e., as wide and clear as the blue sky)”.
Are you where you want to be in your career? If not, what can you do to get yourself moving in the direction of your dreams? Do you need to join a networking or professional group? Go back to school? Start looking at other opportunities? Find a mentor?
You are the person who can change your circumstances. It may not happen overnight but by taking those first steps in a new direction, you can create a different path.
Tags: human resources, life balance
Posted in Career building tips, Economy, Work / Life Balance | No Comments »
Thursday, October 8th, 2009
As a working mother, trying to balance family commitments with a busy career, I know how hard it can be sometimes to keep all the balls in the air. In fact, if I’m honest, I do occasionally drop a ball or two! I know that there are many working moms (and dads) in the same situation. With school and extra-curricular activities now in full swing, the demands on time are even greater! In today’s softer job market, there are opportunities for employers and employees to find a better life / work balance.
Instead of laying people off, employers can consider offering reduced work weeks or job share situations. This gives employees the security of on-going employment, while also allowing for more time with family members. The reduction in pay can often be countered by a reduction in child care costs.
It can be a win, win situation for everyone!
Another option is to look at a flexible schedule. For many working parents, flexibility is a huge draw to a certain company or job opportunity. The ability to take a day to chaperone a class field trip or volunteer at a child’s school can be priceless.
Finally, employers can save money and keep high-performing employees happy by allowing for telecommuting. In this age of technology, why not let people work from home, as long as they are getting the work done well? I know for myself, a few quiet hours in my home office can be extremely productive - there are fewer interruptions and I can truly keep my focus on the project at hand.
Balancing work and family life is not easy, and things change from week to week, and month to month. However, know that as you may be struggling with balance, you are not alone. In fact, I’d say you are in good company!
Here are few articles with great tips for working moms (and parents):
http://balancing-career-mothering.suite101.com/article.cfm/strategies_for_work_life_balance
http://www.businessweek.com/careers/workingparents/blog/archives/2007/03/worklife_balanc.html
http://www.google.ca/search?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4TSHC_enCA303CA303&q=Work%2flife+balance+moms
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/article757602.ece
Posted in Economy, HR Management, Work / Life Balance | No Comments »
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