How to deal with incompetent co-workers Unfortunately, every company comes with lackluster employees, so author Karen Burns has 5 tips for dealing with the incompetence around you at work. Some things you can do include keeping records of communications, avoiding the urge to complain, politely making your issues known, trying to help and utilizing any of the co-worker's possible strengths. Full Story: The Seattle Times (tiered subscription model) (2/18)
With an increase of single mothers in the workforce, managers and employers can use these 4 workplace changes to ease new mothers back into work, writes Ashley Stahl. An encouraging community, space for pumping, updated maternity leave policy and a reintegration period would give new mothers the support they need to get their careers back on track, she advises. Full Story: Forbes (2/18)
Employers create private areas in open-plan offices Open-plan offices have raised privacy and noise concerns among workers, and some companies have responded by creating more private spaces such as huddle or focus areas, phone booths and lactation pods, where people can get a reprieve or work quietly. Many employers have created wellness rooms for all employees, allowing for a variety of activities, including taking a nap. Full Story: The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (2/18)
Your Next Challenge
Tips for improving office meetings with speaking roles One way to keep office meetings productive and give everyone opportunities to contribute is by assigning roles, according to David Komlos and David Benjamin. By designating members, critics or observers, everyone is free to speak without judgment as their respective role to make the most of the meeting. Full Story: Quartz (tiered subscription model) (2/19)
Balancing Yourself
Tech boundaries yield health, productivity for exec As Mathilde Collin's stress grew from her constant connection to work, her co-founder was diagnosed with cancer, and Collin hit a wall that forced a new relationship with technology. The software CEO says she boosted her mental health and productivity by keeping her phone free of work-related apps, leaving her laptop behind for vacations, and working from home with only a notebook and pen one afternoon a week. Full Story: Inc. (2/18)
It may seem counterintuitive to take a break when there's work to do, but doing so can benefit employees, writes UPS Store executive Michelle Van Slyke. Going for a walk or chatting with a colleague can lead to new ideas, Slyke writes. Full Story: Entrepreneur online (2/17)
The Water Cooler
Ship's discovery dispels Bermuda Triangle theory The SS Cotopaxi, a coal ship that disappeared in 1925 en route from Charleston, S.C., to Havana, lies off the coast of St. Augustine, Fla., and is not a victim of the Bermuda Triangle as commonly stated. A documentary of the discovery recently aired on the Science Channel. Full Story: LiveScience (2/14),Esquire magazine online (2/9)
Sharing SmartBrief on Your Career with your network keeps the quality of content high and these daily updates free.
Refer 10 new readers to receive one year of digital access to The New York Times. Experience groundbreaking reporting, commentary, documentaries and more.
