Are Unlimited Holidays a Cure for Burnout

Are Unlimited Holidays a Cure for Burnout The workplace epidemic of ‘burnout’ is on the rise and experts have suggested that unlimited holidays may provide a solution. Perkbox recently conducted a survey of 1,342 working Brits to reveal opinions surrounding unlimited holidays and the impact that these policies are having on the fight against burnout. Perkbox’s study shows that this initiative is indeed backed by many. 39% of employed people see unlimited holidays as either a great or good idea to help them switch off. This figure rises to a staggering 70% at the C-suite level. What’s more, when looking at how long it takes people to switch off from work on vacation, it becomes apparent why unlimited holidays may be necessary. On the one hand, 30% of people take 1-2 days to switch off from work, the results revealed, whilst almost 1 in 5 (18%) take 3-4 days. On the other, the most popular amount of holiday to take off in one go was 5-6 days. It’s therefore clear that employees’ vacation time is often cut short by thoughts of the office or uncompleted tasks signaling that limited holiday policies may no longer allow for enough time to fully recharge and combat burnout year-round. In terms of being a ‘cure’, 1/3 agree that unlimited holidays help to alleviate stress and burnout and that more holidays are needed to compensate for intense day-to-day working schedules. As for whether the policy actually works, 26% believe unlimited holidays have decreased the number of sick leave days taken, rising to an impressive 37% of the C-suite level. Whether unlimited holidays can actually cure burnout or are simply a means of hiding it, is yet to be proven. But for the benefits to be reaped by employees, the thought appears to be that workplace leaders must communicate such policies with genuity in the company 26% of respondents believe that unlimited holidays don’t help alleviate stress and burnout in the workplace unless workplace leaders ‘show that they really mean them’. Madlena Pozlevic, Employee Experience Lead at Perkbox says: “It’s clear that employees can find it hard to switch off from work on holiday. Factors such as the ease at which we can communicate with work, heavy workloads and the growing expectation of high performance, are leading to a rise in burnout and the need to be strict with ourselves when taking time to switch off and de-stress. Employees should feel entitled to have a strong work/life balance, but for any policies aiming to achieve this, such as unlimited holiday, to genuinely work, they need to be utilised. What’s more, with the results of this study clearly showing that C-suite Execs are in agreement with the policy, it’s vital that these leaders communicate such thoughts with the whole company clearly to avoid anyone from ever feeling like an ‘office slacker’ when using them.” About the author:  Perkbox  is a platform that provides a unique employee experience, enriching the personal and working life of employees. It offers a suite of products including a platform with access to best in class Perks,  Perkbox  Medical,  Perkbox  Recognition, and  Perkbox  Insights. It serves companies of all sizes from SMEs to large companies such as Whole Foods, Nando’s, Caffe Nero and Levi Strauss Co. Headquartered in London, with offices in Sheffield and Paris,  Perkbox  has raised over £11.0 million in funding from the leading European venture capital firm Draper Esprit

Make an Employer Want to Hire You - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Make an Employer Want to Hire You - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career People hire and promote those whom they like. Regardless of talent, to get anywhere in your career, it’s imperative to make an employer want to give you the job. The clearest paths to this include talking in terms of their interests, making them feel important, and obtaining the ability to see things from the recruiters or hiring manager’s point of view. If your ability to get ahead rests on connecting with the interviewer, let’s take a look at what makes a hiring manager or sales  headhunter tick and discuss how to ensure that you leverage the relationship to become a top choice. Below are five ways ways to increase your odds of the hiring manager liking you on a personal level and becoming more apt to make you the job offer you want. 1. Ensure your facial expressions are welcoming, yet strong. The number one way to show an interviewer that you are warm, friendly and engaged is to simply smile. As people, we attribute all kinds of good things to people who smile at us, such as happiness, attractiveness, sociability and success. Your interviewer will have a similar perception. Good eye contact projects strength and confidence. It will assist you in establishing a mutual understanding a.k.a. sharing a common perspective. Conversely, a lack of eye contact will tell interviewers or recruiters that you may not be sharing the full story with them. 2. Stop focusing on what you want so much and begin giving the employer what they want. In order to do so, we must ask ourselves what exact traits do employers want in those whom they are hiring? Among other things, employers make job offers to applicants who can show they are: a. Autonomous b. Knowledgable c. Reliable d. Intelligent 3. Make the interviewer feel important. Show enthusiasm for the job. Be excited to be in the office, listen to every word the interviewer says, do your research on the company and display sincere appreciation for the employer’s time. A simple, “I know you’re busy and I appreciate your time,” will more than suffice. 4. Sincere compliments make hiring managers as well as recruiters warm up to you. If you’re like any other human being, 95% of the time, you spend thinking about yourself and your needs. When we stop and begin to think about the desirable attributes of an employer, you make a significantly better impression. There is always something special about an organization and job where you are interviewing; you simply must discover them. When you uncover those strengths and simply recognize those positives, employers will lean to your way of thinking more readily. However, be cautious, as insincere flattery will have the opposite of the desired effect. 5. Talk in terms of what the employer wants. When going for any job, understand that hiring managers and employers are worried about their own problems. Just like any job seeker, you are going to have your needs, though once you figure out what the recruitment parties’ desires are and determine ways to solve those issues, your requirements will be met in full. There are two highly effective methods in order to uncover what your prospective employer really wants. The first is to carefully read the job description; the second is to intently listen to what they are saying and read in-between the lines. In the End These tactics are not intended to trick an interviewing into choosing you. You might be able to convey your strongest attributes while being highly attuned to your interviewers goals for the job, but if youre interviewing to be a technical scientist in accelerator physics and you just got your BA in Communications, youre not primed for success. But all things being equal with your own background and the skills the job requires, these basic interview techniques will astronomically up your chances of securing the next interview, and finally a job offer. It isnt every job seeker who arrives at an interview primed to make the most of it on these intangible interpersonal levels, so make the most of that and set yourself apart.

How to Prepare for a Pre-Employment TestÂ

How to Prepare for a Pre-Employment Test   Are you getting ready for a pre-employment test in an interview process? Pre-employment testing is a standardized system many companies use to collect data about potential employees during the hiring process. The tests allow employers to verify the accuracy of information the hiree supplies, better understand their capabilities and adequately measure their criteria. Depending on which test employers use, the assessment can also help determine how well the hiree will perform in the workplace. Various pre-employment tests have gained popularity recently due to their accuracy, reliability and, most importantly, their capacity for allowing recruiters to quickly filter and manage large pools of applicants. Every corporate job opening attracts roughly 250 applicants, yet only one will receive a job offer. Pre-employment testing speeds up the overview and interview process by eliminating candidates more quickly. About 82% of companies  use  some form of these tests to accelerate the otherwise long and arduous process. How Do You Prepare? Whether youre applying for jobs or are currently going through the hiring process, odds are the company will request you take one of these pre-employment tests. Even though many job seekers believe theres no way to improve their score on these assessments, studying and advanced preparation can help you achieve a better outcome â€" and even score the job. So how do you best prepare to take a pre-employment test? 1. Familiarize Yourself The first step in preparing for a test is to determine which exam youll be taking. There is a wide variety of pre-employment testing criteria that generally fit into three categories â€" aptitude tests, personality and skill tests. Aptitude tests: These tests measure learning and application skills, problem-solving and critical thinking. These talents are more difficult to assess based solely on a resume or interview, so employers often implement this test to better understand a candidates ability to perform well on the job. Personality tests: Exams like the Caliper or Myers-Briggs assessments paint a better picture of a candidates behavioral traits, character and learning abilities. These are more difficult to study since there are no right or wrong answers. Rather, your honest answers help you and employers know whether your natural personality is a good fit for the positions and the company culture. Skills tests: These tests, on the other hand, do have right or wrong answers and indicate your skill level in typing speed, literacy, numeracy, attention to detail and similar abilities. 2. Relax Once you determine which kind of test youll take, try not to obsess over it or worry yourself into a frenzy. Keep in mind most employers use numerous systems and assessments to get to know you and understand your competency. So, the pre-employment test may only be a small part of the process â€" not the sole determinant in whether theyll hire you. References, cover letter, resume, interviews and background checks all come into play during the process, especially for those applying for senior positions. If the company calls you in to take a pre-employment test, try to remain confident. Being visibly collected and confident will leave a much more positive impression on your potential employer than if you seem frenzied and defensive. Get a good nights rest beforehand, arrive early and begin the test with a positive attitude. When you finish, youll know you did the best you could. 3. Be Honest One of the best ways to prepare for a pre-employment test is to keep an open and honest frame of mind. This advice especially applies to personality tests. The more naturally and truthfully you answer questions, the more accurate the results will be. The last thing you want to do is lie about having stellar presentation skills and then have to present at a meeting when you score the job. This practice would make your new career much more difficult, and your performance would likely suffer. A hire whose skills and personality dont fit the job description wont last long at the company. So, lying about your criteria will impact both you and your employer negatively. After all, the cost to replace a worker is often around one-third to one-half the employees former salary. Replacing managers can even  cost one to two times  the prior workers wages. To avoid the hassle of firing and rehiring, simply answer test questions honestly. Remember, if the job is meant for you, youll get it. Both you and your new employer will be better for it. 4. Practice Performing at your best requires preparation. The test will include both simple and difficult questions interspersed throughout the exam, and each one is worth the same amount of points. Taking practice tests beforehand will allow you to identify the more difficult questions that may require more time to answer. You can then respond to the questions you feel more comfortable with first and save the hard ones for last, thus increasing your overall score. Additionally, practice tests will familiarize you with the general format and types of questions on the exam. Most evaluation tests will be extremely similar to one another, so thinking about how youd answer the questions before taking the final exam will allow you the opportunity to come up with better answers and give you an advantage over the competition. Studying the company and the kinds of qualities they seek in applicants is also a must, as well as identifying which skills the job requires â€" these factors will give you a better look into what the test is likely to entail. 5. Time Yourself Whether youll be taking the pre-employment test online or in person, there will likely be a time limit to how long you can take to complete it. Aside from reading instructions and scoring systems carefully, you should allow yourself a certain amount of time to answer each question, depending on how long you have to take the test. Save time by answering the easiest questions first and skipping the ones that take longer to answer. Then, use the remaining time to go back and solve the more challenging problems. Divide your time wisely when you take practice tests. Youll learn to keep a better eye on the clock and score as many points as you can. Practicing with a timer will also reduce your stress when it comes time to take the real test, allowing you to answer more easily and confidently. Take Pride in Your Results Like anything in life and your career, studying hard, being yourself and trying your best go a long way in making your dream job a reality. With these tips, you can know that â€" whatever happens â€" you finished your pre-employment test with results you can be proud of. This guest post was authored by Alyssa Abel Alyssa Abel is a college and career writer who offers advice on strategies to success. Read more of her work on her blog,  Syllabusy.

How to Regroup After a Long Weekend - Classy Career Girl

How to Regroup After a Long Weekend Have you ever felt unorganized or frazzled upon your return to work after an extended vacation?   Trying to get back into your routine after a long weekend or extended vacation can be an overwhelming task.  Follow these 3 steps to help you regroup after a long break and be prepared for your first  day back from vacation. How to Regroup After a Long Weekend or a Vacation   1. Before you leave the office… You should make a to-do list to use when you return to the office.  Do this while your mind is clear and focused.  Take a look ahead and check the calendar for any upcoming due dates or meetings.  Clear off your desktop, store loose documents, file folders, and respond to any last minute emails.  This way, your desktop will be  clean and clear for your return back to the office.  Then take some time to set up your out of office email message and voice mail with the specifics of your time away from the office.  Let your colleagues know how they can assist you while you’re out.  Let people know by email and phone that you will not available. This will help manage everyone’s expectations. 2. Before you leave home… Decide on what you will wear the day you return to the office and get it ready.   This will definitely make life easier if you have a long travel path or a red-eye flight.  Doing this will alleviate the stress of when you return, if your outfit is hanging up and ready to go.   Secondly, keep your work tote or book bag organized and ready for the day you return.   Finally, keep your transit card, work ID, and office keys in a centralized location at home.   These are items that should always be left at home unless you are traveling from work or school.     While you are traveling, avoid checking your emails.   Checking your emails prohibits you from really relaxing and enjoying yourself!   If anything comes up before you return, send yourself an email reminder so that you see it as soon as you return to the office. [RELATED: How to Convince Your Boss You Need a Vacation From Work] 3. Before you return to the office… If possible, use your remote access to check your email before you return to the office.   Going through your email ahead of time in a calm environment helps ease your transition back to work.   This action will reduce your stress and anxiety if you can complete it before returning back to work/school so there are no surprises.   Secondly, make sure you arrive early on your first  day back in the office or school.   This allows you to get back into the “work / school” mindset before anyone else arrives.   Then you can review your to-do list as a reminder of what needs to get done.   Now you can hit the ground running and get up to speed like you never skipped a beat! If you follow these simple steps, it will help you get back into the groove of your work/school routine.   Having a solid game plan will assist you in getting back into the office/school mode and alleviate some stress.   Then you will never have the anxiety associated with being out of the office for an extended period of time.

How to Write a First Person Resume

How to Write a First Person ResumeResume writing is a detailed process that should be performed by individuals who possess the ability to craft concise, succinct and compelling first person resumes. Good writing must be able to engage the reader and gain their attention in order to build rapport and build trust with them. If an applicant is unable to formulate a good first person resume then they will not be able to appeal to their audience of future employers.In order to appeal to the reader and get them to take notice, it is important to make their resume the first thing that they see upon reading the content. The first paragraph of the document must contain a short introduction to the reader in order to give the reader a sense of what they can expect from the rest of the content. A great way to add personality to the material is to utilize effective resume writing skills. These techniques are imperative for writing a first person resume.When an individual draft their first person resume, they are given the responsibility of crafting a concise yet highly engaging article. The first paragraph should be able to introduce themselves to the reader in a manner that leaves them intrigued. This initial paragraph is the one that will tell the reader about the person's knowledge and experience which will greatly help the writer to secure a better position within the company. The introduction should be strong enough to be able to stand alone and remain relevant while having enough information to provide the reader with everything they need to know.The introduction should also provide the reader with some kind of professional statement about the job they are seeking. This is very important because it is the first thing that people will see when they read the resume. A strong professional statement will leave them intrigued and helps to drive the point home that they are indeed an expert at what they are looking for.The following paragraphs must clearly outline what the employer is seeking. This information must come directly from the applicant. It is imperative that the individual focus on one task per paragraph as this helps the resume stand out from other resumes that may come across the reader.The resume must also include a list of all the skills that the applicant must possess. This includes key skills such as those that are used to conduct research, take notes, present, answer questions, answer concerns, explain issues, present solutions, etc. Any task that the applicant must have is listed in the resume.The last major activity that must be included is a summary of accomplishments. This is something that can be given in a bulleted format or in a numbered list if the individual prefers to have more detail. The goal of the resume is to capture the attention of the reader and it is vital that this is accomplished immediately.Overall, the first person should be focused and it should be emphasized that the person's resume is a simple marketing too l that must be developed and presented in order to garner a better position. This process should begin with an introduction and include many bullet points that will help the reader to get interested in the resume. In addition, the individual must provide a professional statement and a detailed summary of what the reader is seeking.

Desperation is Not Attractive

Desperation is Not Attractive Desperation can ooze out of every pore if you arent careful. Ive seen it hundreds of times and I am pretty sure that those that are emitting this fowl aura are un-aware. Jason Alba, author, blogger, entrepreneur, knows the feeling of desperation from his own extended job search. He writes about it in this post,I Smell Blood. Stay emotionally healthy. Keep a balance. Remember, you may never have this opportunity again to spend time with family or friends that need you. Relish in this opportunity. There are definite benefits. Stay physically healthy. Stress can work its black magic on you if you arent careful. Give back and take the focus off of you. Stop being narcissistic. If you havent been donating time to a worthwhile cause, start now. You are in control of your life. You are not a victim. Take it upon yourself to learn new things and get answers to questions. Fill in gaps or voids in your professional development. Be innovative, be a problem solver. All those things you did so well in your last job can be transferred to your search. Leverage your strengths and develop your weaknesses. Now is the time.

Is a Career in Law Enforcement Right for You - CareerAlley

Is a Career in Law Enforcement Right for You - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. One of the most thriving areas of employment today is law enforcement because crime rates in all categories are on the rise. Also, there has been a boost to the law enforcement profession after the 9/11 attack which means this is the best time to get into this profession. Before deciding to make a career in law enforcement, it is always a good idea to check if this is the right choice for you. The list below shows some of the aspects of a career in law enforcement to give you a better idea of what to expect. Career that matches your skills There are many kinds of jobs in law enforcement ranging from a police officer to a federal agent and it is best to choose a field that best matches your skills. If you are up for routine patrols and are willing to respond to emergency calls, then a police officer or sheriff job is the right one for you. On the other hand, if you want to be a translator or want to use any of your specialized skills, then you can consider joining the homeland security or the FBI. Pay Scale Once you decide on a career, it is time to do some research about the law enforcement field. This is a good time to look into the possible benefits that come with the job and see if you are comfortable with the financial aspect of a law enforcement job. Location Another important aspect of a law enforcement career is the location. You can look into the available opportunities in different locations and decide if you want to relocate to any of these places. You can find out about the possible openings through job boards and local career fairs and use this information to decide on a location that would work for you and your family. Further Education and Training Some branches of law enforcement offer education and training as a part of their benefits package and you have to complete a certain period of service to earn these benefits. If you are looking to move out of law enforcement after a few years or if you want to take the advantage of additional training, then you have to choose those branches that offer these benefits for you. Long term goals You should always set your long-term goals before choosing a particular career and the same is true for law enforcement too. Decide where you want to be ten years from now and how you want to retire and the answers to these questions can help you determine if a law enforcement career is the right option for you. In short, a law enforcement career comes with a lot of benefits and it can be a truly fulfilling career for the right person. To find out if you have it in you to become a law enforcement officer, you can look back at the checklist presented above as this will help you to make the right choices. 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. Joey Trebif