Career

Career

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Wednesday August 10, 2011

What to do if you've been laid off

(ARA) - As the economy struggles to recover, many American workers continue to fear being laid off. And with good reason - with millions of Americans still out of work from one of the worst recessions in U.S. history, the competition to find jobs is fierce.

Regardless of your age, gender or the work you do, it pays to prepare yourself in the event that you are laid off. It's critical to understand what you should do in the minutes, days and weeks after being told that your job has been eliminated.

Here are some tips from FindLaw.com, the No. 1 website on the Internet for legal advice and information, on what you should do to increase your odds of getting back to work in the event of a layoff.

Don't wait. If layoff rumors are running rampant throughout your organization, don't wait to find out if you're part of the headcount or not. Instead, be proactive. Get your resume updated and in shape. Identify three to five people who might be good job references and invite them out for coffee to reignite your relationships. Start looking at various online job boards, attend local professional society meetings - do anything you can think of to kick-start your networking into high gear.

Negotiate your layoff package. Depending upon your position, you may have the opportunity to negotiate your layoff or early retirement package, including compensation, bonus, health-care benefits, stock options and other benefits. It's important to make sure you receive everything you are entitled to, including compensation for unused vacation. It may be useful to employ an attorney specializing in employment law to help you negotiate your package.

Leave on good terms. You may be angry that you've been laid off, but make sure to leave on good terms with your coworkers and even the manager who had to let you go. Any of these people could potentially steer you to a new employment opportunity, and could serve as a job reference.

Know your unemployment benefits. Don't feel ashamed about being laid off. File for unemployment immediately. Benefits vary by state; however, in order to receive unemployment compensation, workers must meet the unemployment eligibility requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period, according to Findlaw.com.

Take advantage of outplacement counseling. If your employer offers outplacement job counseling as part of your lay-off package, take advantage of it to fine tune your resume, practice interviewing and conduct research on potential employers.

Track job search costs. If you are currently seeking employment, it's crucial to keep track of your job search expenses. Some of these costs may be tax deductible. If you've been unemployed recently, you also will need to report your unemployment compensation as income. According to IRS Publication 529, you can deduct expenses such as employment and outplacement agency fees, resume fees, travel and transportation expenses, as well as phone calls.

Don't get scammed. People desperate to find work can be easy targets for scammers. Steer clear of websites and job interviews that come with a fee. Pay attention to where your emails are coming from, and whether or not the businesses sound legitimate. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Get digital. Set up a LinkedIn account that is focused strictly on your career. Executive search firms and corporate recruiters search for potential job candidates on LinkedIn based on keyword searches. LinkedIn and other online networking forums also can help you stay connected with former coworkers and others in your network of friends, family and colleagues.

Take contract and freelance work. In these tough times, consider contract or freelance employment for a set period of time. Depending on the job, these positions typically last anywhere from one month to a full year. Most contract employees are paid by the hour, instead of receiving a salary. You may or may not receive other benefits, such as health insurance, that are typically offered to salaried employees.

Step up and volunteer. It's important to stay positive when you've just been laid off. You need a positive attitude to project to a prospective employer. One of the best ways to re-build a positive attitude after being laid off is to volunteer your time or creativity to a non-profit cause.

career

Wednesday August 3, 2011

Greening your workday from start to finish

(ARA) - Regardless of the size of your workspace - be it large or small - you can take a number of steps to lighten both your environmental footprint and that of your organization.

You can make a real difference by taking the time to consider how work routines influence the health of the planet. By evaluating everyday actions and cooperating with your office manager and colleagues, you can get your office on track for a greener future.

Of more than 1,000 business professionals surveyed for the Tork Report: Healthy People, Healthy Planet, commissioned by SCA and conducted online by Harris Interactive in 2010, results revealed that 59 percent of respondents have started to make small changes to become greener when making lifestyle or business decisions.

You can also work with your facility manager to see what green initiatives are being executed at a higher level and encourage further efforts. Find out if your building is LEED certified or if there is a corporate sustainability plan in place. Your facility manager can also share if third-party certified products are being used in building operations, such as toilet paper, facial tissue and paper towels made from 100 percent recycled fibers.

Here are some ways you can put green into action throughout your workday.

* Commute to work. While hopping in the car may be an easy option, taking public transportation, biking or even carpooling can start off your day in an environmentally conscious way. With high gas prices, it may even help save a penny or two.

* Rethink drinking containers. Before you grab that cup of joe, reconsider the type of drinking container you're using each day. Get into the habit of reusing a mug or glass for water at the office. Avoiding the use of disposable cups can make a big difference and help set a positive standard in your office.

* Get some small indoor plants. If you're lucky enough to have an office with a window, put your green thumb to work and bring in a plant. If you work out of an interior office or cubicle, do a little research to determine which plants can survive without direct sunlight.

* Do you really need a lift? While taking the elevator may be easy, save that energy by taking the stairs instead. Picking this alternative can make a sizable difference in your everyday energy consumption. It's also a great way to get some exercise.

* Watch your printing habits. If you have to use large quantities of paper, suggest your office buy recycled paper and make it a habit to print on both sides to cut use in half. If you've printed off too many copies, be sure there is a recycling bin nearby to dispose of the extra paper.

* Evaluate the restrooms. Take a close look on your next bathroom break to see if one-at-a-time paper towel dispensers are being used. These dispensers help cut down on the use of excess paper and will help your organization save money. Remember to bring this up with your facility manager if they're not currently using energy saving technology.

* Turn off the lights. Avoid leaving the light on in the copy room if it's going to be unused at night. The same goes for other common areas in your office. Be sure to turn off your computer and power strip at the end of your workday and encourage others to do the same.

Take green to the next level in your organization by working with those around you. Your office manager can be a key player in executing office efforts to go green. As the decision maker for purchases and processes for your office, it is important to voice your desire for environmentally conscious practices with him or her.

You can also work with colleagues interested in implementing green initiatives. Establishing a team to drive green programs can be a great way to raise awareness of their importance in your organization, says Josh Radoff, co-founder and principal of YRG sustainability consultants and a member of the Tork Green Hygiene Council.

For more information on how to incorporate sustainability into your way of life, visit www.torkgreenhygienecouncil.com.

environment