Question: “I often feel like an outsider in my office. I am 61 years old, slightly overweight, and have gray hair. All my co-workers are in their 20’s and 30’s. The whole group goes out for “happy hour” once every six weeks. My boss’s boss came up with this idea, and he always attends. I usually avoid these get-togethers, because I don’t feel comfortable with the youngsters. Recently, a good friend said that this is a mistake. She believes my colleagues and managers will think that I’m snubbing them. I had a pretty good time at one happy hour, but I’ve skipped the last two. Do you think I should start going?” — Old & Gray
Jonah’s boss always tells employees to “think outside the box.” But when they do, top executives always turn them down. How can you convince the boss to try your ideas? Start by not selling an innovative big idea. Follow these steps:
“Corporate social responsibility” has become a popular concept and buzzword, driving many companies to reach out to the communities that surround them. Admins often lead those efforts. Example: At Imperial Sugar Company’s sugar refinery, admin Charmaine Ordeneaux recently co-chaired a fundraising effort for the American Cancer Society.
Even if you’ve given a new employee all the information he needs, ask later in the day whether he has any questions. It’s tough to absorb everything all at once at a new job.
When polls open nationwide next Tuesday for the 2010 mid-term elections, chances are, some of your employees will want to take part of the day off to cast their ballots. Must you let them? In most states, yes. Here’s our state-by-state guide to voting leave laws.
Here are five feng shui tips for a harmonious and productive office: 1. Position your desk so that you’re facing the entrance of your office or cubicle. 2. Move your desk to the right or left of the door … 3. Make sure you have proper lighting. 4. Increase the air quality in your workspace by adding plants. 5. Choose office colors to reflect the kind of energy you desire.
When possible, walk with a visitor to his destination in your office, or have the person he is meeting come to the front desk to greet him and take him back.
When you are interrupted just as you are trying to finish a task, quickly ask the interrupter to wait a moment. Completing the task now will be faster than returning to it later.