Workplace: Bye-Bye Tradional Vacation, Hello Working Vacation

By April Masini
August 1, 2007 (Posted at 6:43 am)

There are several reasons why Americans are taking less tradional vacations and more longer weekends and working vacations, here are a few:
*Work defines us. Americans define themselves by their jobs and their careers more than anything. They value their jobs and careers more than they value vacation time. Given that, it makes perfect sense that […]

Dating: Do’s and Don’t For First Dates

By April Masini
May 26, 2007 (Posted at 12:04 pm)

First dates can be ignitable chemistry or real duds — and the trick is that sometimes the ignitable first dates fizzle out and fade away while the real duds just take longer to get going and slowly boil. Here are some tips to make first date conversations get you where you want to go — […]

Workplace: Overlooking Bad Employment References

By April Masini
May 14, 2007 (Posted at 10:40 am)

Every employer has had one — a candidate they love who interviews perfectly, but doesn’t get great references. Recently I received a question from a reader who asked me what risks they would be taking if they hired someone over the advice of a reference, and what they could do to determine if a […]

Today’s Workplace: Working Fathers and Business Travel

By April Masini
May 8, 2007 (Posted at 3:12 pm)

The whole term “working fathers” is almost laughable. When did fathers become anything but working fathers. Of course, there are the bums, but really — most fathers are good, caring, providing dads to their children. And that means that they’re working fathers!
And for that matter — when did mothers become anything but “working mothers”? […]



Workplace: Home Office Pros and Cons

By April Masini
May 7, 2007 (Posted at 3:08 pm)

Working at home can be liberating. You set your own schedule. You take the projects and clients that appeal to you. And with the advancement of technology and the internet, the convenience factor, and the low start up costs, the prevalence of home-based businesses is on the rise. No more capricious bosses, no […]

Health / Futness: Lunchtime Workouts

By April Masini
April 30, 2007 (Posted at 3:07 pm)

Lunchtime is a great time to catch a workout. Here are some great ways to fit a workout into the lunch hour.
* If you work near a gym, join it! Take advantage of any classes and equipment there.
* If you’re lucky enough to have a gym in your company’s building, what are you reading this […]

“Not Me” Thinking? Try Thinking Again

By Erika B. Webb
April 26, 2007 (Posted at 8:00 pm)

My boss. I’ve written about her here before. To recap, she’s more controlling than the channel changer. She’s obsessive to the point her lips are in a permanent shrivel from concentrating on her own perfection. She never, by the grace of God, had kids. She said she didn’t want them but you’d never know it […]

Workplace: Reducing Employee Absences

By April Masini
April 20, 2007 (Posted at 2:22 pm)

It’s not realistic to expect employees at 9 to 5 jobs to be able to do everything that needs to be done to maintain a healthy home, without taking “personal” days — days off from work that are used for personal matters rather than sick time off from work.
If employers understood that by taking care […]



Money Isn’t Anything–Peace is Free

By Erika B. Webb
April 18, 2007 (Posted at 7:15 pm)

One of the biggest fears most humans share is of economic insecurity. People drink and drug over it. They develop ulcers and other physical problems. Some become workaholics with no time for their families or the pursuit of happiness. Many have jumped out of windows or put shotguns into their mouths and pulled triggers, ending […]

Workplace: Tips for Defusing a Customer Dispute

By April Masini
April 5, 2007 (Posted at 12:16 pm)

1. Chances are one person in a dispute is going to get angry or angry first. Try not to react to the anger. Stay focused on the problem and the solution.
2. If someone’s anger is impeding your ability to do your job, transfer them to a manager or someone trained to work with angry people.
3. […]