Have you ever made a mistake at work!? Join us as we discuss making mistakes at work and how to handle terminations from an employee perspective.
Episode 10: Unscripted: I made a mistake! (The episode about mistakes and terminations)
COVID-19: Advice for at work or at home
Everyone is thinking about Public Health and Safety during this time. The Coronavirus pandemic presents unique circumstances that we have not encountered during this generation. Hopefully, we are all willing to work together to communicate and find unique solutions that will help preserve the employee and the employer alike. Here are a few tips:
Employers:
1. Lead With Empathy
Everyone has a level of stress during this time. Be sensitive to that and watch your communication and tone
2. Check with all benefits vendors to see what is available for your employees
i.e. EAP, Short Term Disability, Worker’s Compensation
3. Balance your approach with flexibility and safety
i.e. You may have to bend your attendance and work from home policies
4. Think of out the box solutions like rotational schedules
Maybe rotating staff will reduce exposure if you have to stay open because of the nature of your business
5. Don’t Panic.
It makes things even more stressful and your employees are observing how you lead and handle stressful situations as an organization
6. Check for government assistance to employers, as bills for aid are passed
Employees:
1. Stay Calm and wash your hands (with soap and hot water, at least 20 seconds)
2. Stayed informed and read ALL information distributed by the organization during this time (and ask questions if needed)
3. Make sure you know your rights as an employee:
- Your possible contraction of COVID-19 could be considered a worker’s compensation claim, if you believe it was contracted at work
- If applicable, FMLA may be available to take care of you and your family
- Your employer providing accommodations for you at work if you are concerned about contraction, such as moving your work station or providing you with Personal Protective Equipment (i.e. gloves) while doing your job
- Filing for unemployment if your job temporarily closes and provides no financial assistance (Check state regulations)
- Filing a short term disability claim, if you contract the virus and your job provides no financial assistance (Usually 7 day waiting period applies)
4. Take advantage of benefits provided by your employer
- Telehealth and video doctor’s visits to check on your symptoms
- Employee Assistance Program for counseling services (If you are feeling a little anxiety)
5. Stay put
Your plans might have been to jump ship, but if you are with an organization that is supporting you through this time and treating you fairly, you might want to reconsider for the short-term. We are unsure on what the economy or status of certain businesses are going to be long-term. You definitely do not want to transition to something unstable.
Confidence brings it all together!
We have to admit, for us The Devil Wear Prada is in the Top Ten Movies of all time. Andy showed up to an interview “prepared”, or so she thought. She had the intellect, drive and determination to make it at one of the premier fashion magazine companies. She fought her way through a monologue of why she was the perfect candidate and eventually got the job. Andy struggled at the start, not knowing the industry or the top leaders in the company. Everyday she got more discouraged, her esteem seemed to lessen and she almost gave up. One day she got a pep talk from Nigel and an upgrade in the confidence department. She performed better and contributed more at work.
There are many people who are talented and skillful. Where you are on the confidence scale can be deciphered just by interactions. The people who we most admire have that “it” factor, the glue that brings all of their intellect, common sense and know-how together. They own their presence and it sets them apart. Although, it is possible to have confidence with no skill or talent, but that combination is not much to be desired.
Let’s look at some things that can build confidence:
- The more you know about the company, your industry and the way things work can only prepare you to speak on a variety of subjects and do your job better
- An upgrade in the style department never hurt. When Andy felt better she did better. Nails, hair and clothing being maintained is important and you should do what makes you feel good and sure about yourself
- Surround yourself with people who are positive and encouraging. It doesn’t help when some of the people you spend time with are negative or try to hold you back
- Take care of your mental health – Self-care is essential to you being a whole and healthy person. When you address issues that may create blockages for your progression in life, you are making room for greater self-esteem
- Challenges build confidence. Educating and testing yourself through training, projects and/or new experiences, assist in increasing your confidence. There is just something about accomplishing a goal or milestone you may have been afraid of or thought you could not do, but you did
Your confidence is personal and branded by you, the individual. The core work you do on yourself can only breed a stronger person. So, what things are you doing to work on your confidence in 2020? Success is waiting!