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Working remotely can be challenging, in terms of motivation and communication.  It also can be a great opportunity for personal growth, as well as heightened productivity.  When I started working from a home office nine years ago, it was a drastic change from driving to an office and wearing professional attire five days a week.  I heard endless jokes about working in my pajamas, taking afternoon naps, and lollygagging through the workday.

In reality, I dressed for work – including doing my hair and makeup – every day, my productivity increased, and I stayed engaged with my counterparts at our headquarters and branch office locations.  The downside:  I sometimes forgot to take lunch until late afternoon, and I had to fight the urge to wander into my office and “do a few more things” before bed. Continue reading “Don’t Wear Your Pajamas: 7 Tips for Remote Workers”

New employees are inundated with information on their first day at work.  Although they’re excited to learn about their new employer’s company and culture, as well as their job responsibilities, it easily can become information overload.  Typically, new team members must complete new hire paperwork, review an employee handbook, enroll in benefits, tour the office, and meet their teammates on their first day of work, as well as learning some basics of their new job.

When a company is growing quickly, or if a position has been open for an extended time, employees may be stretched thin, making it difficult to make time for and focus on welcoming a new team member. Continue reading “Invest in a “Great First Day” Experience for New Hires”

As you look back on 2018, what would you change?  Consider this question on both a personal and a professional level, and take a moment to write down at least three things for each.  We often say, “If I knew then what I know now…” – well, here’s your chance!  Do a mental review of the past year, and literally list the things you’d change if you could.

Learning

Would you have taken a class or pursued continuing education to help you perform your job more efficiently?  Perhaps you’d select a mentor at your company or in your industry, and meet with him or her on a regular basis to expand your knowledge, or simply brainstorm together.  If the thought of your commute or other downtime has you rolling your eyes, consider audiobooks or podcasts, to build some enjoyment and learning into each day.   There are even apps for your phone that will allow you to learn a language by investing a few minutes per day. Continue reading “2018 in Review: What Would You Change?”

Just a decade ago, webinars – conducting seminars online instead of in person – were a hot new tech advance.   As a cost-effective means of communicating information to a large group of people, the concept was unbeatable.  Suddenly, participants could watch, listen, and even interact in seminars without having to travel.  Registration fees, if any, were ever-so-reasonable in comparison with the cost of traveling to an event, even just across town. Continue reading “Webinars Are Dead. Long Live Webinars!”