As we go to work every day, we often think about the tasks we need to do and our interactions with co-workers. Most of us may not think much about our health and safety on the job, but we probably should. Colds and other viral infections can spread quickly and can affect productivity, and more [...]
The abuse of prescription drugs—especially controlled substances—is a serious social and health problem in the United States today. People addicted to prescription medication come from all walks of life. The last people we would suspect of drug addiction are health care professionals-those people trusted with our well-being. Unfortunately, health care workers are as likely as [...]
Everyone who has ever held a job has, at some point, felt the pressure of work-related stress. Any job can have stressful elements, even if you love what you do. In the short-term, you may experience pressure to meet a deadline or to fulfill a challenging obligation. But when work stress becomes chronic, it can [...]
If substance abuse is contributing to an employee’s poor performance, ignoring or avoiding the issue will not help the situation. An employee’s use of alcohol or drugs may be the root of the performance problem; however, substance abuse on the part of someone close to the employee also could be the source. Regardless, abuse of [...]
Honesty is the best policy. Make sure your employees know your workplace substance abuse policy and that the policy addresses the use of alcoholic beverages in any work-related situation and office social function. Post the policy. Use every communication vehicle to make sure your employees know the policy. Prior to an office party, use break-room [...]
What is workplace bullying and who is affected? Workplace bullying refers to repeated, unreasonable actions of individuals (or a group) directed towards an employee (or a group of employees), which is intended to intimidate and creates a risk to the health and safety of the employee(s). Workplace bullying often involves an abuse or misuse of [...]
Kinds of workplace conflicts Let’s start by identifying where conflicts happen. Think about the kinds of conflicts that happen around your workplace. Disagreements over turf (who should do what) Disagreements over policy (how things should be done) Conflicts of personality and style Common ways of dealing with conflict These are some of the ways we [...]
Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a qualified applicant or employee with a disability. The ADA applies to private employers with 15 or more employees and to state and local government employers. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) enforces the [...]
Who hasn’t used the ancient method of “time management” known as never doing today what you can put off until tomorrow? But procrastination doesn’t feel good. When an unfinished chore is hanging over your head, it’s like living under your own personal cloud. The next time you are having trouble getting started, ask yourself why [...]
Make a list, prioritize and check things off as you get them done. Review your list from time to time. Is every on that list necessary? Ask yourself, “What’s the best use of my time right now?” Then do it! Be willing to sacrifice “perfection” to get things done. Learn to say “NO” to demands [...]