Pros Cons of Unlimited Vacation Time for Employees

Pros Cons of Unlimited Vacation Time for Employees Two weeks of paid vacation a year? How about unlimited vacation time? These days, the latter question isnt as audacious as it sounds. Companies around the world including Virgin Group, Netflix, Groupon, Glassdoor, HubSpot many others offer their employees unlimited vacation time. If this vacation policy goes as expected, Virgin Groups Richard Branson plans to recommend it to his companys subsidiaries as well as companies all around the world. While this policy has its supporters, others inquire how effective it will end up being in the long run. Each company will have to weigh the pros cons of implementing this policy company-wide: Pros: Avoid the year-end scramble:  Many companies require their employees to take their vacation time within a twelve month period. If employees are trying to save their vacation time for unexpected events, they could end up having leftover days at the end of the year. This can lead to the employee regretting they didnt take the vacation time during an earlier time of the year. In order for these employees to not feel like they wasted their vacation days, an unlimited vacation time policy can allow the employee to take time off when they feel like it so they can then feel truly satisfied with the days they took off. Loyalty is encouraged:  A happy employee is a loyal employee. Loyalty in turn lowers turnover rates. While unlimited vacation time is not the sole factor to employee loyalty, it can be a positive contribution towards it. Hire the best:  It is difficult to hire the best of the best when a limited vacation policy turns away applicants. Instead of picking an applicant based on who will accept an unflattering vacation package, a company will be in high demand if they have unlimited vacation time as a perk. With the influx of many applicants, the employer can now do extensive background checks to pick the best of the best. Morale is improved:  Employees can get very concerned about leaving work early for personal business or pleasure. Taking out the concern they will be disciplined on their return (or using up a valuable vacation day), an employee will not feel guilty about taking the time off nor will they feel the need to make up an excuse for their absence (for example: I had a doctors appointment.) Better team dynamic:  In the past, an employee felt compelled to cover for their co-workers when they were absent. Implementing unlimited vacation can encourage co-workers to collaborate better since they know their fellow team member will cover for them when they need to take time off. It may not feel like an obligation for co-workers to cover for each other but more like a collective effort. Cons Choice overload:  Just like a person can be overwhelmed by choosing which vacation destination to go to, they can just as easily be overloaded with choosing which vacation days to take. Too many choices can lead to no choice at all; a quandary that could frustrate and immobilize an employee. Comparison gauging:  If an employee does not know the normal amount of vacation time to take, they can feel guilty if they take more time off than their peers. If they avoid that guilt by taking even less time off than their peers, those peers in turn can take off even less time as well. Down the road, this can lead to dissatisfied employees with poor work ethics. Adding flame to the fire, these employees may be too afraid to speak up to their supervisor about this concern in fear of losing favor with him/her. Reverse coercion:  It can be argued employees will choose not to take much time off because they were offered unlimited vacation time. In any company, an employer keeps track of a workers performance behavior. He/She gives the opportunity for workers to outperform their colleagues to get rewarded in return. If an employee reasons he/she will be rewarded for not taking time off, all the employees may constantly try to one-up each other until they convince themselves they will be rewarded for not taking any time off at all. If co-workers are trying to out-do each other on a very extreme scale, this can lead to a stressful environment that ultimately turns bitter workers away from the company. What will be the determining factor of unlimited vacation times effectiveness? The answer is time. The companies that decide to test this new concept on their employees will have to see if there are any adverse (and unforeseen) consequences with its application during a specified time frame. If there are fewer negative issues than their current vacation policy, n the company may decide to permanently implement unlimited vacation time for all of its employees. However, due to each company being unique and consisting of a wide variety of personalities, each company will have different results when testing unlimited vacation time on its employees. Therefore, the effectiveness of this vacation policy will not be universal for all companies around the world but by a case-by-case basis for each individual company. Author: Brian Anelante works in the marketing department at mobilehealth.net, an occupational health organization that specializes in Employee Screening. Mobile Health sees 200,000 people a year for Employee Screenings and we are the leading occupational health provider in New York City.

Resume Writing Services in Kochi - An Overview

Resume Writing Services in Kochi - An OverviewResume writing services in Kochi are available for all types of professionals who are planning to apply for a job abroad. A professional resume writer in Kochi has the potential to provide quality service. The best type of person to get help from is a business professional, the ones who have a lot of experience in this regard. He/she is able to make use of his/her personal network and also travels to various countries to meet the professionals needed for the specific service they provide.If you want your resume to stand out among the rest, then you need to use the services of an expert resume writer in Kochi. He/she should be capable of writing a resume that is unique and original. This can be done only if you use the services of a professional. Also, the professional needs to be able to convert your academic qualification into something that can help in getting a good job in any organization. The most important aspect of your resume, whi ch can help in securing a good job overseas, is that it must be written in a way that people will be able to quickly recognize it.The first step that you should take if you want to hire a professional resume writer in Kochi is to search for one who can be of some assistance to you. You should search for someone who can make a fair assessment of your educational qualification. The professional resume writers in Kochi can offer you advice on how to convert your qualifications into something that will help you land a good job.Many people go to various local educational institutions to find a place where they can take up their studies. Some of them may not be able to find the places where they can study as they were unable to convince the college authorities that they needed to go there. Those who are not fortunate enough to find the right places to study, may find it hard to attend college as the cost of the education could be exorbitant.There are those who work as tutors for the child ren who do not have a place to study and so they turn to the teachers who are employed at the schools offering degree courses. If you need help in finding such schools in Kochi, you need to get in touch with the education authorities in the locality and try to find a place where you can take up your studies. There are many people who have had great success in this regard.Those who have bad academic records might have some issues in their educational career. They could also have failed their board exams. These graduates may need help in finding suitable jobs. The resume writing services in Kochi can help them get a job where they can find a place to live in and also gain skills.There are many students who travel to countries like United Kingdom and US for higher studies. They come to Kochi as they find it convenient to live and study here. Since they have a limited time to learn and find a job at the same time, they are likely to consider these countries for their stay in those count ries. Thus, they use the services of the resume writing services in Kochi to prepare a resume that can help them land a job in the UK and the US.The different services offered by the professionals in Kochi include writing the CV, applying for the jobs and working on the cover letters for both the job seekers and the employers. They also give career advice to their clients. Thus, they can provide you the best results in the form of a good career.

How To Create A Green Business

How To Create A Green Business Global warming is already having an incredibly noticeable effect on our planet, and people are now changing their consumer habits by choosing eco-friendly brands and showing a green business preference.   However, this applies not only to today’s consumers but also to the modern workforce. The infographic by 4imprint.co.uk clearly shows that employees now value green companies above their non-sustainable counterparts. The research found that 1 in 10 UK employees appreciate a business that cultivates an eco-friendly ethos, and 87% of employees feel that it’s important to work for a green business. Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable and straightforward ways to make your business more eco-friendly. You can start by upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and switching any traditional incandescent light bulbs with LEDs. You should encourage your staff to save electricity by switching electronic devices off at the wall when they go home for the day or whenever they’re not in use during the day. It is also possible to purchase sustainable office products such as recycled paper, compostable pens, and reusable water bottles. If youre looking for eco-friendly promotional products for your next event, then take a look at the range of products online. How To Create A Green Business

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese 6 tips for handling a pregnancy and a career

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese 6 tips for handling a pregnancy and a career When I was pregnant with my first child, I was determined to be professional and discreet about the issue at work. I didn't even plan on telling my boss until I was past my first trimester. I was determined nothing was going to change -- just because I was pregnant didn't mean I would do my job differently.Then came the day a co-worker entered my office smoking a cigarette (back in the days when such things were allowed). I took one whiff, and nearly knocked the guy off his feet as I ran for the bathroom, overwhelmed by nausea.My green complexion until noon every day, and the ongoing exhaustion, made it impossible for me to try and keep the issue quiet. Everyone around my office was so supportive of the news, but I still was determined to keep a professional demeanor -- no easy feat when you begin waddling like a duck and the office starts a betting pool on your delivery date.Every woman with a job faces tough choices when she becomes pregnant, even more so in this tough economy. I e xplored the subject in my Gannett column:When a woman finds out shes pregnant, it can be a joyous occasion until she realizes that her juggle to combine motherhood with a career may be just beginning.There are a multitude of issues to address when a working woman is pregnant, from when to tell the boss about the little bundle on the way to how to handle the nausea and exhaustion while working.Then, theres the questions of what she can expect to happen to her career while on maternity leave. Everyone feels differently when they become pregnant. It can be a complicated pathway.Having a child is such a rich part of life, but you have to be realistic about whats going to happen, says Dr. Marjorie Greenfield, an obstetrician-gynecologist and author of a new book, The Working Womans Pregnancy Book, (Yale University Press, $18). Greenfield says that this tough job market can add to the stress for a pregnant career woman, who may worry that although the law doesnt allow her to be fired for being pregnant, that cant stop an employer from eliminating her job. With a 10 percent unemployment rate, pregnant women must plan ahead to make sure that they still have a job when they return from pregnancy leave, she says. One of first things a woman must learn is that just because she is excited about her pregnancy, it doesnt mean everyone else feels the same, Greenfield says.Co-workers who have suffered miscarriages or infertility issues might be bothered by the news, or the boss may be only thinking of it in terms of how it impacts the workplace, she says.Dont take any of this personally. Dont get your feelings hurt by it, she says. You cant assume everyone will feel the way you do.Greenfield says that by coming up with a game plan for the pregnancy and the maternity leave, career women can more successfully navigate the new world of being a working mom. She suggests you: Dont whine. If youre tired or nauseated while at work, plan ways to handle it as discreetly as poss ible. Take a catnap during your lunch hour, and stick to bland foods until your stomach settles. Take vacation time if youre feeling really bad until things settle down. Try to find the time of day when you feel best and use that for your most difficult tasks.. Stay on top of your game. While you may feel a bit distracted during your pregnancy because of all the changes, try to stay sharp and focused at work. Earn the respect and future help of others by pitching in when needed. Take a brisk walk outside when youre feeling sluggish. Start planning. Once you tell the boss (make sure the manager isnt the last to know), follow up the initial news with an outline of how your work can be covered while youre gone. Dont plan on keeping up with your career completely while on maternity leave just checking in via phone or e-mail once a day may be all you can handle. I have a colleague who tells new mothers that if they take care of two bodily functions a day, theyre doing great. Greenfie ld says. Being home with a newborn is no vacation. Be flexible. Once the baby arrives and you return to work, youll need to periodically reassess how your plans are working out for your job and your family. Saying no to people who demand too much from you is OK. Think creatively. Is it possible to work from home sometimes or adjust your schedule? Could you job share, possibly with another working parent? Embrace the guilt. Working moms often struggle with trying to do it all, but they cant. Accept that sometimes youll feel conflicted by your decisions, and move on. Think about all the things youre able to do, such as hold a job and raise a child. That will always be an inspiration to your family, Greenfield says.Do you have any suggestions on how a woman can best handle her pregnancy at work?

Selecting the Best Resume Writing Service

Selecting the Best Resume Writing ServiceIf you are about to search for the best resume writing services in your city, then you should consider your purpose for looking for one. Is it because you need a career boost in order to move up?Then you definitely need to hire a professional. If you just need to get your resume into circulation, you can go through some tips on how to do that. But if you need to enhance your skills and knowledge, then you need to hire the best resume writing service in your area.Of course, there are services that promise to give you an experience in writing resumes but often fail to deliver. They usually outsource to freelancers. They do not only cost much but they do not guarantee quality.It is up to you to check on what the service is offering, or even better, choose to visit their website. It can be tempting to visit some website where you can just take the free trial offer before buying their service. But beware, these sites have hidden charges that will m ake it more expensive for you.A better way to determine the actual cost of their services is to purchase a service for a certain number of copies of your resume, and get a free trial. You can even purchase the full quota if you are satisfied with the service. All the companies offer free trial offers to its customers so that they can show them what they are capable of.Some also offer free trial offers for a fixed number of copies and offer you a better option to compare the costs. This can be a wise idea for those who are on a tight budget. In fact, you can expect to receive the free trial as soon as the website has processed the request.Look for a top quality service that will prove to be an asset in your career. With the help of such service, you can also avoid making a costly mistake in choosing the right job, or in recruiting a candidate, or in any other activity related to your career.These top service should be professional, provide testimonials from clients, and have a great success record. If you need to boost your skills and knowledge, you should hire a reliable service to assist you.

#81 - Career Expert Series - Resumes LinkedIn Profiles with Brian Howard CareerMetis.com

#81 - Career Expert Series - Resumes LinkedIn Profiles with Brian Howard â€" CareerMetis.com The Career Insider Podcast Apple Podcasts | Android | Email | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | TuneIn | RSSForEpisode 81of The CareerMetis Podcast, we will be hearing again from Brian Howard.evalBrian Howard is a recurring guest on The CareerMetis Podcast and is very knowledgeable about the career management space.He has written a book called Motivated Resumes and LinkedIn Profiles, and Nissar feels that it’s a great resource for anyone entertaining into a job seeking situation.Episode Summaryeval1. Brian kicks off the discussion by describing what differentiates his book from other books in the career management space. He explains a feature in the book called What The Pros Say, where selectively chosen resume professionals share approximately 188 quotes, allowing the reader to get into the minds of leading resume experts with ease.2.He also tells Nissar that the book contains 80 sample resumes, about 40 sample cover letters, and even more job search written communications.3. He also describes how the contributing resume writers each have a section with their contact information, should anyone want to have their resumes professionally written by one of them, as well as a password contained within the book, that can be used on the website to see digital copies of the resumes contained within.4.Brian gives insight on the function of a resume: what it’s purpose is, and what it isn’t. He shares a common mistake that a lot job seekers make with their resume because it’s an easy crime to commit.5. He talks about a resume as a marketing piece, which is easy on the eyes, with adequate white space, instead of being crowded with a blizzard of text.eval6.He shares tips to make a resume more effective in getting a desired reaction from an employer. He explains that accurate contact information, branding words, and highlighted skills and abilities are crucial to making the desired impact.7. He also puts weight on having a concise summary that sheds a light on your ach ievements. He also talks about how important it is to be honest on a resume, rather than stretch the truth or embellishment, and what the ramifications of a lie could be.8.Nissar asks Brian to share his thoughts on employment gaps, and how someone in charge of hiring may view gaps in employment as a bad thing. Brian explains that things have changes in terms of how gaps on a resume are viewed, and although they are generally more accepted today, a gap can still cause issues if it was particularly lengthy, or the candidate was not productive during that time period.9. He also recommends being forthcoming and honest about gaps, and the reasons why they occurred, and explains that often times the employer will understand, and at times overlook the gap.eval10.Brian talks about the various components of a Linked In profile, as well as how to get the most out of them. He describes keywords, and the placement that is the most effective when using them on your profile.11. He gives insights on how the algorithms work, and stresses completeness as one of the criteria that Linked In puts weight on in the rankings.12.He also breaks down how connections work, and why they are valuable on Linked In, as well as how to use them to your advantage to make your profile as effective as possible.Quotes“No other resume book has ever provided such insight from so many qualified sources in one place”“I write at length about strategy and optimization”“A lot of job seekers put too much historical information into a resume”“A resume is more of an appetizer than the main course”“Just be honest and truthful”“Employment gaps on a resume can create anxiety”“Profile completeness is the trump card”eval“The job market is in pretty good shape”Links ResourcesTo learn more about Brian Howard’s work visit his website. He can also be reached on LinkedIn or Twitter.Brian Howard’s book “Motivated Resumes LinkedIn Profiles“ is now available on Amazon.com.evalI ntro Music provided courtesy of Accelerated Ideas (www.accelerated-ideas.com). Soundtrack â€" Siren KickbackEnding Music provided courtesy of Accelerated Ideas (www.accelerated-ideas.com). Soundtrack â€" No Need to Rush

Should You Include Your Social Security Number on a Job Application - CareerAlley

Should You Include Your Social Security Number on a Job Application - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day. Robert Frost When you fill out a job application, you are often asked to include your social security number. However, many people consider their social security number to be sensitive information, and may not necessarily feel comfortable providing it on a job application. Why a Company Needs Your Social Security Number Businesses and companies have a variety of reasons for requesting a social security number from all applicants. One reason why you may need to include your social security number when you fill out a job application is so the company you wish to work for can conduct a background check. Many companies are starting to do background checks on applicants before scheduling an interview. Background checks can be done using your first name, last name, and date of birth. However, a social security number may yield more accurate results. While a background check can be done using your first and last name, as well as your date of birth; a social security number often yields more accurate results. The Pros and Cons of Including Your Social Security Number Not all companies make it a requirement to include your social security number on a job application. However, not including your number could cost you the chance to advance to a job interview with the company. Many companies and businesses will not consider a job application that does not include the applicants social security number. If you do choose to include your social security number on your job application, you must do so with caution; especially if you are applying for a job online. Before you put your social security number on any job application, do your research on the company to ensure they are a legitimate company, and not simply trying to get your information. Even if you apply for a job position in person, if the company requests your social security number on the application, ask a manager why they need your number. You should also ask the manager if you are required to put your social security number on your application to be considered for the position. If the manager tells you that you must put your social security number on your application, only do so if you feel absolutely comfortable. While more companies are requesting a social security number when you fill out a job application, that does not mean you are required to include it. If possible, try to avoid putting your social security number on a job application until you at least get an interview with the company. A social security number is sensitive information and you should not include it on any application unless it is absolutely necessary. If a company does require you to put your social security number on an application and you are filling out the application in person, ask the hiring manager why you need to include this information. If you are applying for a position online, call the hiring manager and ask what the information will be used for, as well as why it needs to be included on your application. You need to protect your personal information as much as possible. If you do not feel comfortable including certain information on a job application, then avoid it until you get further into the hiring process. Byline Blair Helbert writes articles and runs the social media aspects behind a new site called The Job Headquarters you can read more articles and learn more by clicking here. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook

design - When I Grow Up

What happens if youre not passionate about pottery/art/rock-climbing/design - When I Grow Up As she describes below,  Halley Gray  was my client until she became my strategist. Ill let her tell ya about that transition, but man oh man, does what she say prove my point that  theres not always trumpets  that come with your perfect dream career but its so worth working on/waiting for.   Vintage Typographic Print by InkyCo I’ve wanted to run my own business for an eon before I even knew what I wanted to do. Corporate day job after corporate day job kept proving I’m definitely more a Captain Hook than a First mate Shmee. Mutiny was on the books. Finally I got a break from whatever deity or energy source hangs out in the cosmos. I won a free session with Michelle. Hook. Line. Sinker. Destiny knew my soft spot. We spent a year together exploring my possibilities. Vintage Kimono Handbag Designer. Adventure Coach. Sassy Copywriter. They all pinched and squeezed in the wrong places. The day came when I put it all to one side. I didn’t know. I wouldn’t know. I lost hope. I spent a weekend on a soft gray couch you could get shipwrecked in helping my friend with her business and as I came up with new ways to expand it: national to international, unknown online to known and which products to create she enthusiastically yelled out, ‘You should do this for a LIVING!’ Nothing happened. Till I realized my passion isn’t a career, it’s a mission: to help other people succeed. My personal strength to get them there marketing strategies (read: desirable business growing). Michelle and I blasted thru the rest. She knew I’d get there and let me discover it for myself. My life now? Hard, satisfying, challenging, fun, profitable. MINE. All mine. It’s not easy but it’s totally worth it. Halley tunneled her way out of her day job as an office coordinator to live on the outside as a Marketing Strategist. No way she’s going back, man, no way. Evolve helps businesses succeed online with many a naughty metaphor to make you snicker.