Coronavirus and work What you need to know

Coronavirus and work What you need to know by Amber Rolfe The coronavirus pandemic is affecting all aspects of people’s lives…And that includes work. In addition to concerns about social distancing, self isolation, or fears that you or your family will be exposed to the illness, you may also be worried about the impact it’ll have on your income.  Should you be working from home? What if you get sick? Will you still get paid?  To help you deal with the situation, and to ensure you’re keeping yourself and your colleagues safe, here’s everything you need to know about coronavirus and work:  How to avoid the spread of coronavirus at work  If you’re still going into work, it’s important to ensure you’re following the correct procedures when it comes to avoiding the spread of COVID-19.  Employers have an obligation to ensure workplaces are fully equipped with cleaning supplies, soap, hand sanitiser, and anything else you may need to keep yourself, your colleagues, and your workspace clean. Your organisation should be providing regular updates on this, but to find out more, get in touch with your HR team.  Generally, here’s what you can do to keep yourself (and others) safe:  Regularly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 secondsUse hand sanitiser if you don’t have access to soap and water  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow (instead of your hands) when you sneeze or cough  Avoid touching your face, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands  Put used tissues in the bin immediately after using (and wash your hands)Only travel on public transport if you need toIf you get symptoms at work, make sure you tell your employer and go home immediately and self-isolate for 7 days.  To find out the most up-to-date tips and advice on how to protect yourself against coronavirus, visit gov.uk.What is self-isolation?Self-isolation involves isolating yourself in order to protect everyone else from the virus. This means staying at home, avoiding public trans port, and not going to work or school.  If you start to feel ill with flu-like symptoms, you’ll be required to self-isolate for 7 days initially. If you still have a temperature after 7 days, youre advised to stay home longer, until it subsides. Anyone you live with will also need to self-isolate for 14 days from the day you first got symptoms.  If possible, you should ask friends or family to go out and get food and other essentials for you, or order online or by phone. You can still go outside to exercise, as long as you do it within a safe distance from others.  What is social distancing?  Social distancing involves avoiding contact with other people wherever possible.  It’s particularly important for vulnerable groups such as over-70s, pregnant women, or those with long-term health conditions or weakened immune systems.  To reduce the spread of infection, the government advises everyone to stay away from busy public places, including pubs, offices, clubs, theatres, and other social venues during this time.  This also means working from home wherever possible, working more flexibly (e.g. changing your start and finish times to avoid busy commutes), and changing face-to-face meetings to video or phone calls.  When should I self-isolate?  You should self-isolate if:  You start to display flu-like symptoms (i.e. a new, persistent cough and/or a temperature)You are or have been in close contact with someone who has the virus  You’re awaiting test results for CoronavirusYou have returned from any of the affected countries since 19 February (even if you don’t have any symptoms)What if my colleagues get sick?  If someone you work with has been recently diagnosed with coronavirus, you should self-isolate for 14 days even if you don’t have any symptoms.  If a colleague appears unwell but is still attending work, you might be concerned about them spreading their illness to others. Whilst you can’t force them to go home, you can take extra cleanliness mea sures (such as regular hand washing etc.) to protect yourself.  If you’re concerned about the people around you not following the proper safety precautions you can also mention this to HR, who will be able to reinforce the importance of cleanliness without naming names.    Should I avoid shaking hands?  Shaking hands is commonplace in many workplaces but with the risk to your health at an all time high, you might want to avoid it.  With many people touching their nose and mouth without even realising it, or perhaps not washing their hands as well as they should, it probably isn’t worth the risk of transmission.  To be safe, you’re well within your rights to suggest an alternative to a handshake.Can I take time off to care for someone who is sick?  If someone relies on you for help (e.g. an elderly relative or neighbour) and they get coronavirus, you’ll be able to take time off to take care of them.  The exact amount of time you’re able to take will depend on your individ ual situation, and will be something you discuss with your employer. Legally, they don’t have to pay you, but some may choose to. To find out if you’ll get paid, check your contract or workplace policy.  If a dependant who lives with you begins to show symptoms (e.g. your child), you’ll be required to self-isolate along with them for 14 days, and you’ll receive statutory sick pay.  What if my employer needs to close my workplace?  Your employer might decide to close your workplace temporarily to reduce the spread of COVID-19.  This could mean that you’re not able to work, or that you’re required to work remotely.  If your job doesnt allow you to work from home, or the business needs to close completely, you may be asked to reduce your contracted hours, or use your holiday for the duration of the closure. You’ll still be paid for this time, unless otherwise stated in your contract.  If an employer decides to ask its staff to take holiday, they’ll have to inform them t wice as many days before the amount of days they have to take (e.g. 10 days before for 5 days off).  What if I have to work from home?  If you have to work from home, it’s important to ensure you have everything you need to carry out your job effectively.  This may involve:  Taking your work laptop (or other devices) homeEnsuring you have a working camera and microphone for video calls  Gaining remote access to work filesInstalling remote working softwareSpeaking with your manager and/or HR to set up any reasonable adjustments you may needSetting up a workspace at home    Tips for working from homeIt can be difficult to stay productive while working from home, especially if it’s the first time you’ve done it.  To make sure you’re doing your best work (and your wellbeing isn’t suffering), here are our top tips for working from home:  Get dressed  Create a dedicated workspace  Write daily to-do-listsWork set office hours  Take regular breaks to avoid burnout    Stay connecte d with your colleaguesActually go outside (even if it’s just in the garden)    How to work from home  10 office organisation ideas that will transform your cluttered workspaceWill I get paid if I have to take time off due to Coronavirus?  You’ll get paid Statutory Sick Pay from day 1 instead of day 4 if you’re affected by Coronavirus.  If you’re not entitled to Statutory Sick Pay (e.g. if you’re self-employed), you can apply for Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).  What happens if I am asked to take unpaid leave, or lose my job?  COVID-19 may mean some people lose their jobs, or have to take unpaid leave.  If this happens to you, it’s important to check what you may be owed whether it’s a ‘statutory guarantee payment’ from your employer, Jobseekers Allowance, or anything else that could help you supplement your income.  To find out more, check your employment contract and/or visit ACAS.  And for those looking for work? Don’t panic. Not on ly are there thousands of new jobs added to reed.co.uk daily (including remote jobs and temp work), there’s also a growing number of opportunities to help support the health and social care sector with 111 call handlers particularly in demand.  Want to make a difference? Apply now.  Still searching for your perfect position? View all available jobs now.  *All information was correct at the time of writing. Please visit gov.uk  for more details.References  https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-responsehttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/https://www.acas.org.uk/coronavirusFind a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communica tions about jobs and career related topics. COVID-19 and work Features Life At Work

Words do Matter In Workplace Communication - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Words do Matter In Workplace Communication - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Since the 1970s, communication experts have been citing research results released by Dr. Albert Mehrabian on the related value of three vital components of human communication: words, tone body language. Mehrabian’s report reinforced reports released in the late 60s by the Journal of Consulting Psychology and the Journal of Personality and Psychology. That research claimed that in a very limited scope of interpersonal communication that the message conveyed was impacted 57% by the body language of the communicator, 38% by the tone and only about 7% from the words. This communication model is now called, “The Mehrabian Myth.” I believe, in most every context, words have significantly greater impact, as a recent client experience points out. My client is the CIO of a major division at her company. The division she oversees is named CCIS for Central City Information Services. She and I have been working together to create a more engaged, motivated workforce in a public governmental setting. To do so we’ve created formats for employees to interact more, share ideas and make higher-level contributions to the future of their division. It’s been a refreshing approach after years of stagnancy in the division and its leadership. After a recent coaching session, my client decided to change the name of her division to be more inline with what she wants it to become. It’s a subtle change. So subtle it will not even change the division’s acronym of CCIS. The new name will be Central City Innovation Services. Notice the difference between what “information” and “innovation” conveys. Providing information services in the public sector (or any sector for that matter) is reactive. This is what this division has been facing for years as it tries to react to the requests that come in from other departments and divisions in their city. My client wants her division to become proactive, bringing ideas for innovative city services to their internal customers and stakeholders. Just one word shifts the focus and the expectations for 36 employees in this division. Making this shift do not require any tone or body language to make it 100% understandable, inspiring and motivational. That’s the power of one word, by itself. Leaders must start paying more attention to the words they use to make their messages more powerful, inspirational and motivational.

Interviewing Strategies That Convert to Job Offers - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Interviewing Strategies That Convert to Job Offers - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Regardless of level, education, field, industry, experience or age, the overwhelming majority of American job seekers are apprehensive about interviewing. It’s part of a human being’s DNA to want acceptance from others. Nobody likes to be rejected or judged, though it’s a necessary part of interviewing. However, the ones that dislike it the most use that disdain as a driver and it forces them work harder. Without a doubt, successful interviewing takes place well before meeting the hiring manager. Our recruiters hope the following tips will assist. 1. Throw out the idiom, “practice makes perfect.” Practice makes nervousness and kills confidence. In reality, job seekers who frequently interview do so because they encounter excessive rejection. This hurts confidence and optimism which erodes interviewing performance. The phrase is meant to be optimistic and spur resiliency. Both are traits which our recruitment professionals encourage a job seeker to obtain. However, part of becoming resilient and optimistic is taking yourself out of situations that can potentially erode the aforementioned two traits. Meeting with a hiring manager or recruiter without a clearly defined goal is asking for trouble. It’s more effective to stay home and hone your skills through studying relevant business theories. Interviewing is not a “learn on the job” type of education. Among other flaws with practicing live is that all employers have very unique hiring criteria, personalities, biases, questions and HR processes. Past interviewing experiences do teach to an extent, but they also can mislead. Begin to adapt the phrase, “preparation makes perfect.” 2. Get along then and only then will you go a long way. Deliver during the interview and, when the time comes youll get everything you want. In the end, it’s the most high maintenance job seekers who end up losing. These individuals are already negotiating salary before the interview process begins. Often, these are the people who let setbacks such as a cancelled interview stop their momentum. Due to lack of discipline, their mind becomes impulsive, restless, emotional and irregular in its action. Instead, it’s the patient, yet ambitious people who are favored by employers. These are the interviewees who perceive minor setbacks such as the aforementioned as mere incidents that need to be overcome before a goal can be reached. 3. Learn how to focus. Through concentration a person is able to collect his mental and physical energies into the interview. This is as opposed to the individual who lets his or her brain wander from topic to topic. Concentration will mitigate nervousness and clear any negative thoughts during interviewing. Moreover, it will foster creative thinking and will enable an interviewee to regulate bodily movements that promote nervousness. Among other things, strong posture conveys strength, competency and confidence all of which are factors that are enticing to hiring managers or recruitment professionals. Concentration can be improved through restraining impulsive and emotional state of minds such as anger, passion, excitement, fretfulness, etc. It also helps to associate with those persons that are steady, calm, controlled and contrastive. In the End Regardless of past experiences, it is always possible to turn around one’s ability to impress hiring managers and recruiters. Along with the above strategies, set firm goals, relentlessly improve upon your knowledge, stay positive, yet realistic and learn to enjoy interviewing. When you seek out the positives in anything, you benefit tremendously.

Avoid Heartache by Speaking Up - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Avoid Heartache by Speaking Up - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Do you have the stamina for speaking up in regard to what’s on your mind? Or do you prefer to keep quiet and make the best of all situations? A well-seasoned business professional suggested that when you continue to bite your lip, you eventually bleed. The bleeding comes from inside and it may be in the form of extreme aggravation that could well lead to health issues. When you feel strongly enough about a situation, it is within your right to try to salvage what you are able. Moving forward, there are guidelines for speaking up that will increase your odds for being heard. The bigger vision is to seek a win for everyone involved. And the better approach is to ask questions rather than make strong statements, but do so kind-heartedly. Your first step is to reflect on why an alarm rang loud and clear in your head. Examine the ramifications in regard to what just transpired. Next, consider your perspective and steps you might suggest that would produce a better result for all those involved. Create and prioritize a list of possibilities as they relate to the better outcome for all participants. Should there be only one solution that truly stands out among the rest, examine it from all angles. Question yourself as to why this is the best route and the improved benefits that may be derived. Once you fully understand the benefits of what you are requesting, you are then best positioned to present and negotiate your idea to those involved. For example, should someone offer you an opportunity for an exciting joint venture but another on the team wants to kill the idea, it’s up to you to save the opportunity. Learn where the objections are coming from in order to fully address them and provide a satisfying solution. On occasion, you may not win but at least you win mentally knowing you have no regrets for not having tried. In the event you do make your case, and win, you step into your new role as a stronger leader. Little wins eventually translate into bigger victories. Speaking up is the path that develops your leadership capabilities. As you determine the areas that attract the most interest and bring in the larger clientele, begin suggesting and implementing complementary venues. Once your new venues prove successful, hiring others to assist you in growing business is mandated. Recognizing the process you went through to prevent heartache by speaking up, hire people who indicate they are of the same mindset. A diverse team offering multiple perspectives will provide the best opportunity to drive your business bigger and better than previously thought possible. It will become evident that a thought collective produces bigger business, and bigger business brings about the need to broaden the original thought. Ask yourself, is it time to go on stage as a speaker; is it time to take your knowledge international; or might it be time to establish a 501C to further help communities in need? Speaking up will lead you to the highly rewarding Smooth Sale!

How to Create a Resume in the Unix Shell Script Format

How to Create a Resume in the Unix Shell Script FormatIn this article, I will show you how to create a resume in the Unix shell script format. Many people, when they are trying to get a job at a big company, use the Unix shell script format for their resumes. The reason is that they find it easier to read and understand.A resume is typically five pages long. When you read a resume, you do not have time to check every line of text. So in order to cut down on errors and mistakes, a common way to create a resume is to use a format that is already full-text and fully compliant with all the necessary requirements to be accepted as a legitimate application for employment.When you use the Unix shell script format for your resume, you can create a resume in just one afternoon. You can create the resume yourself, or you can hire someone else to do it for you.To create a resume in the Unix shell script format, you will need to know some basic Unix commands and syntax. Once you learn these comm ands, you can work on your resume as you see fit. Once you have your resume in place, you can start contacting potential employers.When you make your resume, you should create an introduction at the top of the page that gives a summary of what your resume is all about. Make sure the introduction explains what skills, qualifications, and goals you have, and explain why your potential employer should hire you.Use some of the information you learned about the Unix shell script format when you are creating your resume. Give a short explanation of what type of program you are familiar with, and why you should be hired. Finally, include your contact information and the name of the person to whom you want to present your resume.The Unix shell script format is a standard that is quite simple to follow. There are instructions included with the file format that will help you become familiar with the format. Once you become familiar with the Unix shell script format, you can write your own res ume by following the instructions in the program.This resume is really easy to create, but most people find it helpful to use a good program to help them create their resumes in the Unix shell script format. Once you have your resume completed, you can send it out as many times as you like, or hire someone else to do it for you. Either way, you will receive thousands of resumes for your consideration every day.

New Book Social Networking for Business Success Turn Your Ideas into Income - Sterling Career Concepts

New Book Social Networking for Business Success Turn Your Ideas into Income New Book: Social Networking for Business Success: Turn Your Ideas into Income Two of my trusted colleagues in the careers industry, Miriam Salpeter of  Keppie Careers and Hannah Morgan of  CareerSherpa.net, have recently published a book that serves as a practical guide to teach savvy existing business owners as well as those considering starting new entrepreneurial ventures how to maximize social media tools to make more money. As their press release states, “As corporations shift their hiring practices and on-board more and more freelance and independent workers, everyone will need to begin to think of themselves as independent contractors. Harvard Business Review reports that the 17 million independent workers today is expected to rise to 23 million by 2017. In light of these data, it is crucial for anyone who expects to earn a living to think of themselves as entrepreneurs and prepare to market themselves online.” Enter: Social Networking for Business Success: Turn Your Ideas into Income. This practical guide includes checklists and describes the tools needed to create and maintain a social media presence for you and your company. The authors wrote the book they wished they read when launching their own businesses online. “Social Networking for Business Success  teaches you how to demonstrate your expertise, grow your network of potential customers and clients and get involved in a supportive online community that can lead to or enhance a successful, income-generating business,” says Salpeter. Aimed at both experienced and new social media users alike, Social Networking for Business Success  will help you: Connect with people you don’t know and convince them to reach for their wallets Inspire trust, build partnerships and make more money Market and advertise your business without spending a dime Leverage small details that make big differences in online searches Look smarter than your competition and make the best use of your limited time “Time is money,” says Morgan. “You don’t have time to waste, so we provide exactly the information you need to know to tap into the right online resources for you and your business.” Many of Sterling Career Concepts’ clients have shifted their careers or opened their minds to the idea of running their own business, either full-time, on the side, or to fill a period of time. This book is a great resource to help jumpstart those businesses and add to the bottom line. Check it out in retail book stores or online at Amazon.com. Are you considering starting your own business or changing your career focus? We’re here to help! Benefit from the knowledge and experience of a career professional to help you figure out your next career move.

Job Interviews Arent All About You

Job Interviews Aren’t All About You Job Interviews Aren’t All About You Don’t get ahead of yourself in a job interview. Ask questions, yes. But don’t make it all about you. In some respects, an initial job interview is like a first date. Each person wants to get to know the one a bit. Does she have a sense of humor? Does he share your love of football? Or maybe your enthusiasm for bird watching? You’re in the learning about each other stage. The conversation ebbs and flows, with questions on both sides. You’re not asking how much the other person makes or if her parents are divorced. It’s way too early in the relationship for questions like that. The same principles apply to the interview process. During job interviews both sides should be gathering information. Recruiters and employers want to know 1) if you can do the job and 2) if you’ll fit in with the team, department, and company. You should have questions too. What are the challenges you’ll face? How will you be judged in terms of success? Why is this position open? Does the staff go out to lunch together? The answers to questions like these can help you determine if this job is right for you. Come up with a list of questions before each interview. While you need to understand as much as you can, you also need to make sure you don’t move too fast. Screening calls. Phone interviews. Initial face-to-face meetings are not the right time to inquire what the employer can do for you. Yes, you need to evaluate the job, your potential boss, and the company. However, your goal should be to move forward in the process.   Get an in-person meeting. Get a 2nd interview. And eventually, get an offer. Questions concerning salary, health benefits, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, telecommuting opportunities, etc. should be asked during the negotiating process. This helps you 2 ways. First, employers are interested in how you can help them solve their problems. They are turned off by candidates who seem to be primarily interested in what the company can do for them. Second, once they want you, have extended an offer, you are in a better bargaining position. Requests for a higher salary and work-from-home Fridays will meet less resistance coming from someone they want to hire than from a candidate they just met. Before beginning your job search make a list of your criteria. Determine the salary you want. Decide what benefits are important to you. Remember that the interview process should be a two-way street. It’s just as important for you to evaluate if the opportunity is right for you, as it is for the employer to decide if you’re right for them. Just make sure you don’t make it all about you on the first date. For 10 Questions to Ask before accepting an offer click here.