How Offices Are Changing After COVID

COVID has caused us all to rethink the way we do things. Where we spend time, who we interact with, and how we interact with each other are all things to consider. Nothing is what it used to be, and we all have to adjust to a new “normal.”  This goes for the workplace too.

According to the AP News, “The coronavirus already changed the way we work. Now it’s changing the physical space, too.”

Offices are changing

Offices Are Changing

Offices are changing after COVID; there are new ways of doing business, holding meetings, and structuring offices. It’s necessary to keep employees feeling safe and valued.

Here are some of the things you can expect to see when returning to your office:

Private Workspace

Employees don’t want to spend time in a shared office space, especially if that space is small and enclosed. Offices are restructuring their layouts to spread workstations out and even shift schedules to reduce the number of people in the office at one time. 

Guard shields are also being installed between desks in a shared space to keep employees socially distanced. Employees are rotating days they work in the office and days they work remotely to reduce the number of people within the office space.

Video Meetings

To reduce the number of people gathered together in a conference room, companies continue to hold video meetings, both with company employees and clients. This allows everyone to feel a little safer and maintain a safe distance.

Mask Mandates

Some companies require masks to continue to be worn within the office, even if you’re vaccinated. They feel this helps protect everyone who works in the office and everyone those people come in contact with. We could be wearing masks for a long time to come, to get used to it.

Vaccinate or Get Tested

Many companies require employees to either get vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID testing. Some companies are even bypassing the testing option and requiring all employees to be vaccinated. 

Be prepared. If you don’t want to get vaccinated, then you may need to continue to work remotely or find another job.

Higher Cleaning Standards

With the heightened awareness of COVID and the concern of quickly passing germs along, many companies are upping their cleaning game. They’re sanitizing more, requiring more hand washing, and making adjustments to reduce the spreading of germs. 

This also means they’re reducing employee benefits like the shared coffee machine and snack basket in the break room.

Health and Wellness Policies

Through the pandemic, many people suffered from mental health issues. Being disconnected from other people and quarantining was difficult for many, and the fear of catching COVID has heightened stress levels. 

Companies are starting to take their health and wellness practices more seriously to provide mental health solutions for their employees. This may include gym memberships, classes, or handouts on ways to reduce stress. You can expect your company to take your health and wellness much more seriously.

Offices are changing after COVID, and we may never see a return to what they were before, but many companies are looking for ways to improve what they do to take care of their employees. This is a change in the right direction.

If You Need Help With Your Career

If you find yourself in a situation where you need career advice and want to talk about navigating it and planning for your future, reach out to Rachel Schneider with CareerFind for a free intro call.

By |2021-08-26T12:15:54-05:00August 26th, 2021|Work Happiness|Comments Off on How Offices Are Changing After COVID
Read More

Six Tips To Handle A Narcissistic Boss

Working with a narcissist is one thing, but it is a whole new ballgame when you have a narcissistic boss. Narcissists are very skilled at exploiting opportunities, taking credit for other people’s work, conveying confidence and expertise, and all-around making themselves appear more capable than they may be.

All of this means you’ll often find them in positions of power within companies. So, chances are you may likely end up working for a narcissistic boss at some point.

Narcissistic Boss

 

Tips to Handle A Narcissistic Boss

I paired up with Houston-based psychotherapist, Kristy Hildebrand, to talk briefly about what narcissism and narcissistic personality disorder are and to assist in developing a list of tips to handle a narcissistic boss and help you succeed in your job.

1. Educate Yourself

Most successful people want power, recognition, a sense of achievement, and a good image in their career field. Sometimes to achieve our goals we set aside our feelings. This can be considered a
narcissistic part or aspect of a person’s character structure. When an over-investment is made and the feelings are denied by the individual it leaves them less vibrant, compassionate and connected. Most of us have some amount of narcissism.

A boss with a narcissistic personality disorder is on the extreme with a very high investment in image and a lack of empathy, feeling, and self-awareness. They will deny their own as well as other’s feelings except to use them for manipulation. Their identity is set in the belief that they are better and more deserving than you.

Knowing the traits of a narcissistic personality, as well as developing awareness of the narcissism in all of us, will go a long way in helping you cope with a narcissistic boss.

2. Validate Your Boss and Coworkers

Narcissists need a constant flow of admiration and attention. Point out your bosses’ strengths, compliment them on their work, and give positive feedback. Do the same for others in your work
environment. Build positivity and allies.

3. Manage Your Expectations

While your boss needs plenty of validation from you, don’t expect it to be reciprocated. A narcissistic boss will often under, over, or misrepresent you and your work, depending on what is to their
advantage.

Stay in touch with what you know to be true about yourself and your work. Consider other sources you trust such as peers, previous supervisors, and clients for reliable feedback and validation.

To maintain your self-esteem, confidence, and integrity, represent yourself as accurately as possible. The narcissistic aspect will seek out validation to shore up self-esteem, so avoid looking for validation from a boss that tends toward narcissism.

4. Align Your Goals

Communicate and emphasize to your boss how your goals and activities align with their goals. For your own integrity, self-confidence, and career growth, develop and maintain a clear view of how your actions align with your own goals and the goals of the company/organization as well as your bosses.

Maintain your own documentation of what you are doing at work and how it aligns with the company/organization. Don’t share it with your boss, unless necessary and you have another credible and trustworthy witness in the workplace in on the communication.

5. Minimize Conflict and Confrontation

Narcissists like drama and do their best to create it everywhere they go to draw attention to themselves. They will do whatever it takes to make themselves look good, including manipulating others and putting them down.

Avoid conflict when possible and rely on the sense of self and boundaries you are creating by affiliating yourself with others you can trust.

6. Have an Exit Strategy

Your boss is only interested in their success, and even if you’re aligned with them, they are likely to walk right over you when it serves them. Don’t expect loyalty or credit for your hard work, and don’t expect your boss to play fair. They may like you one day and be your worst enemy the next.

Find ways to manage the stress created when you have a boss that is difficult. Releasing stress and tension will help keep you focused on your work, even as you work to create more options for yourself. Even if your preference is to stay with your current job or company, it is wise to have a backup plan.

A Narcissistic Boss Can Be Frustrating

Working for a narcissist can be difficult, frustrating, and a blow to our self-esteem. Honor all your feelings and emotions and express them to safe others and/or through art, writing, or other means. Keep your options open, as you navigate the current terrain.

If you find yourself in a situation and want to talk about navigating it and planning for your future, reach out to Rachel Schneider with CareerFind for a free intro call.

For assistance with stress management, tension and trauma release or emotional, psychological, and relational aspects of your life, reach out to Kristy Hildebrand at Psychotherapy and Counseling.

You can also follow Kristy on her social channels, Instagram and Facebook.

https://www.instagram.com/kristyhildebrandpsychotherapy/
https://www.facebook.com/KristyHildebrandPsychotherapy
https://www.psychotherapyandcounseling.com

By |2021-08-18T15:57:07-05:00August 18th, 2021|Job Stress, Work Happiness|Comments Off on Six Tips To Handle A Narcissistic Boss
Read More

Are You Thinking of Quitting Your Job After the Pandemic?

Are you considering quitting your job after the Pandemic?  People are quitting jobs at an alarming rate these days and for a variety of reasons. In fact, there are so many people leaving their jobs after the pandemic that this period in time has been coined “The Great Resignation.” According to an article on Bloomberg Businessweek, “The numbers are multiplied by the many pandemic-related epiphanies—about family time, remote work, commuting, passion projects, life and death, and what it all means—that can make people turn their back on the 9-to-5 office grind.”

quitting job after Pandemic

 

Employees are quitting because some want better hours, a better work environment, or better benefits. Others want to continue working from home or reduce the number of hours they work. Whatever the reason, opportunities are opening up all over the country as employees are making the decision to leave their job. 

Things to Consider Before You Quit

If you’ve been thinking of quitting your job after the pandemic, there are some things to consider.

Why do you want to quit?

If you’re looking for better benefits, you want to continue working from home, or you want to reduce your hours, think about talking to your employer before handing in your resignation. Companies are losing too many employees, and they want to hold on to the good ones they have so they’re more willing to make compromises. Talk to your employer about changes you’d like to see in how you do your job. You may find that they’re more willing than you think to agree to your requests.

Will you be able to find another job?

Many companies are reducing their staff and postponing hiring because they’re still unable to function as they did before the pandemic or aren’t bringing in as much business. They don’t have the need for as many people as they did before. Quitting your job before you have another one lined up may mean a longer time of being unemployed. Many experts predict higher unemployment rates later this year, and the market is becoming oversaturated with highly qualified job candidates. This may mean it will become much harder to find work.

Will you lose valuable experience?

As companies shift to new ways of doing business, many employees are learning new skills they didn’t know they needed. You may be learning how to hold better client meetings virtually or rethinking how you do business. If this is the case, leaving your job means you won’t have the opportunity to learn these skills that will serve you later.

What will potential employers think? 

Quitting your job during or immediately after the pandemic can be viewed by potential employers as a lack of loyalty or commitment to your job. This can work against you when being considered for another job. Companies want to hire employees they can count on, not ones who’ll walk out when they’re needed the most.

What if you already have a new job offer?

There are two things you need to consider when thinking about accepting a new job offer. One is the new company in a position to offer you a long-term position. They may be acting in good faith when presenting you an offer only to find that the company is not coming back as they had hoped. You may find yourself laid off shortly after taking the new job. And two, are you up for starting something new. With a new job comes learning new software programs, picking up new skills, working with a new team of people, a different commute, different hours, and different expectations. Sometimes, what you’re already comfortable with is better and easier than starting all over again.

If you’ve been thinking of quitting your job after the pandemic, think long and hard about your options before jumping ship. You may find it’s better to stay where you are.

Do You Need Help?

If you need help updating your resume, practicing for an interview, or organizing your job search information during these challenging times, consider reaching out to Rachel Schneider, CPC at Career Find to assist you.

By |2021-07-30T09:28:05-05:00July 29th, 2021|How to Quit Your Job|Comments Off on Are You Thinking of Quitting Your Job After the Pandemic?
Read More

How To Deal With A Narcissist At Work

Are you dealing with a narcissist at work?  Narcissists tend to be charming people, the type that everyone gravitates towards. They leave you with a great first impression. They’re hard-working, their enthusiasm for the job is contagious, and they’re high-functioning. You can always count on them to get the job done and encourage their team to be successful.

How to Deal With A Narcissist at work

But there’s another side to them. They will lie and manipulate to get their way, and they’ll do it without a shred of remorse. Generally, they can’t be reasoned with because they always need to be correct. They can be short-tempered when they don’t get their way, or someone tries to make them look bad.

Recognizing Narcissistic Tendencies

The first thing you must recognize is narcissism is a personality disorder.  Whether it is a romantic partner, friend, coworker, or boss, being in a relationship with a narcissist can be very hard.  An article on Psychology Today states, “A high level of narcissism, not surprisingly, can be damaging in romantic, familial, or professional relationships.”

With a narcissist, it is all about them, all the time!  For the non-narcissist, it is exhausting to be considerate of others and not receive the same treatment and respect from them.

When dealing with narcissists, having firm, hardcore boundaries is essential to your self-care, making a firm stand against codependency, and protecting yourself. 

Dealing With a Narcissist At Work

So how do you deal with working with narcissists when you can’t leave your job? Here are a few tips for making your work environment better:

1. Establish and Maintain Boundaries

It’s easy to keep saying yes to favors that a narcissist asks of you because they’re so nice when they ask, but this is their first step in manipulating you. Pretty soon, you’ll start to feel taken advantage of with all the favors and requests.

Feeling uncomfortable is an instinct you shouldn’t avoid. A narcissist will try to overrun your boundaries, make you feel guilty, or get angry at you. That’s their problem. Set boundaries for what you’re willing to work with and what you’re not, then stick to it. Don’t let someone else make you feel bad about respecting yourself.

2. Pick Your Battles

Sometimes peace of mind is worth more than winning an argument. Narcissists will try to manipulate you, sometimes by picking a fight with you. Don’t take their bait. 

If it’s an argument not worth fighting, walk away. And if you strongly feel the need to say your piece, know that you’ll likely do so without being truly heard. Narcissists hear only what they want to. They will try to twist your words, call you names, and manipulate you into believing that something is your fault. It’s usually best not to engage them in an argument.

3. Document Everything

If you have an encounter with a narcissist in your workplace, your best course of action for the future is to document it. 

If it’s through email, save the email. When it is in person, immediately send yourself an email to your personal account describing what happened in as much detail as possible and with as many exact quotes as you can remember, and describe the situation that led up to the encounter. Then save that email. 

One encounter may not be enough to report the coworker, but a documented history of bad behavior will go a long way.

4. Report to HR

After several encounters, report the situation to your company’s HR department. Show them that you’ve been keeping detailed documentation of every situation and that you’re not willing to work under the current circumstances. Let them know that you expect them to deal with the situation immediately.

5. Take It One Step Further

If your company’s HR department is unwilling to do anything, it is your right to report your work situation to your state’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Working with a narcissist who mistreats you is considered a hostile work environment, and they take such claims very seriously.

Just make sure to cover your bases by informing your HR department that you plan to report your company if they don’t do anything. You will need to allow your company the opportunity to address the situation first.

Protect Yourself From Narcissists At Work

Working with a narcissist can create a challenging and difficult work environment for everyone involved. Protect yourself by setting boundaries and documenting every encounter.

If you find yourself in a situation like this at work and want to talk about how to navigate it and make a plan for your future, reach out to Rachel Schneider with Career Find for a free Intro Call.

By |2021-07-30T09:26:57-05:00July 20th, 2021|Career Success|Comments Off on How To Deal With A Narcissist At Work
Read More

How to Deal with Disability Discrimination

Are you dealing with a form of disability discrimination? In a world where everyone is trying to be more politically correct, it’s hard to believe that discrimination is still something that people deal with every day. 

Unfortunately, discrimination of all kinds is still very prevalent in the workplace; sometimes it’s obvious, other times it’s not. But disability discrimination is often something that can be seen and felt by everyone.

Disability Discrimination

Just because you have the knowledge and experience to do the job, and you have the ability to do it better than someone else, does not mean you’ll automatically be selected.

Signs of Disability Discrimination

How do you know if you’re being discriminated against for a disability? Here are a few signs:

  • Another employee is offered a project or job even though they’re less capable and have less experience.
  • You’ve been overlooked for promotions and projects because your boss thinks you’re not up to it, or it might be too much of a challenge for you.
  • You’ve been left out of important meetings or company activities because they didn’t think you could manage it; your disability would make it hard for you to attend.
  • You’re consistently being asked if you need help to handle your job because of your disability.
  • Co-workers have made insensitive jokes at your expense and embarrassment.
  • Accommodations are not being met to help you do your job or access your place of employment (i.e., ramps, handicap accessible restrooms, devices to help the hearing impaired, tools to help with vision impairment).
  • If you’re deaf, co-workers turn away from you when they speak so that you can’t read their lips, or they don’t provide closed captions for video communications.

What You Can Do

If you’ve experienced any of these forms of disability discrimination, you have rights, and you can force your company to make changes. Here are some things you can do to fight back:

  1. Don’t Make Assumptions

Don’t assume you’re being overlooked for your disability. Look deeper into the issue. Did someone else get the promotion because they were better qualified or learned a new skill that is beneficial to the position? Try to be objective and look at the big picture, not just what you’re feeling in the moment.

  1. File a Claim

If the discrimination is against you specifically for your disability, file a claim. The Americans with Disabilities Act is on your side. 

First, make a claim to your company’s HR department. If it’s not handled there, you can take your case further, but you’ll need proof that you reported the discrimination to your employer and gave them the opportunity to correct it. 

If your employer does not correct the situation, you have the right to report them to your state’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Field Office.

  1. Don’t Provide Ammunition

Do not give them ammunition. Don’t complain about your disability or offer them any reason to think you’re not capable of the job. Always do your best work, show up on time, and be proactive about getting work done. Prove that you are qualified and capable.

  1. Be a Professional

Maintain your professionalism. Present yourself as knowledgeable in your job and confident in your abilities to do it to everyone you work with, co-workers and clients alike. 

  1. Keep Records

Keep a written record of every instance of discrimination. Save emails and notes that refer to your disability.  Create a document listing date, time, place, and parties involved for any verbal discrimination along with your notes of what was said, by whom, and how it was handled. This can help you later if you need to file a formal complaint.

You deserve to be treated fairly, and you have that right. 

Don’t put up with discrimination; fight back.

Do You Need Help?

If you need help updating your resume, practicing for an interview, or organizing your job search information during these challenging times, consider reaching out to Rachel Schneider, CPC at Career Find to assist you.

By |2021-07-30T09:26:44-05:00June 22nd, 2021|Career Success|Comments Off on How to Deal with Disability Discrimination
Read More

Top Tips For Class of 2021 Entering the Job Market In A COVID World

Graduates entering the job market in 2021 are faced with new and unusual challenges. When companies shut down or moved their workers to remote work due to the pandemic, the job market changed and now looks very different than it did just a few years ago.

Entering the job market

Many people are still working from home and may continue to do so for a long time to come. Meetings are online through video chats. And collaborative work is done through apps and software programs instead of around a workstation.

Top Tips For Entering the Job Market

While some may thrive in this kind of job market, others may struggle. Here are the best tips for 2021 graduates preparing to enter the job market.

1. Prepare For A Long Job Search

Hiring and onboarding new employees is slower than usual right now. With many department heads working from home, it’s taking longer than expected to process applications, schedule and conduct interviews virtually, make offers, and onboard new employees.

Be patient. If there’s a job you’re interested in, talk to the HR manager to find out the timeline for filling the position. Don’t assume the worst if it takes longer than expected. According to a Forbes article, “Think of your career as a marathon—not a sprint. ”

2. Prepare To Work From Home

Working remotely is more common now, and many companies are choosing to reduce their overhead and continue to let employees work remotely on a permanent basis. Recognize that this may be a job requirement and start preparing for how you’ll manage that.

You’ll need a quiet workspace where you won’t be interrupted, a computer, and a strong internet connection at the least. Some companies will require you to install their own software and join online work sites for collaboration with coworkers. Remember working from home can contribute to promotions and success too.

Be honest with yourself and potential employers regarding whether you can comply with their requirements for working from home.

3. Do Your Research

With some companies struggling to get back to their full earning potential, you may be offered a lower salary than you’d expect. Do your research and find out what the starting salary is for a position you’re looking for, set up job alerts through work search sites, and keep your options open.

This may be an excellent time to learn some negotiation skills as well. While your salary offer may be lower, you may be able to negotiate extra time off or additional benefits in exchange for a higher salary.

4. Apply For Help

With the hiring process taking longer than usual, you may find yourself in a financial bind. Federal, state, and local governments are offering a variety of relief efforts to help.

You can find help with financial aid, food and meals, delayed rent and mortgage payments, and deferred student loans.

5. Consider An Interim Job

Consider looking for an “in-between” job to get you through. Many retail stores and restaurants are in desperate need of staff, and the income can help you get through until you find a permanent job.

Plus, having some kind of job experience on your resume and proving that you’re willing to work even if it’s not your ideal job will impress your future employer.

The 2021 job market is unique for recent graduates with little or no experience. Take your time, do your research, and find a temporary job to hold you over. The right job will come along; it just may take a little longer.

Do You Need Career Search or Interview Help?

If you need help updating your resume to include all of your qualifications, practicing for an interview, or organizing your job search information during these challenging times, consider reaching out to Rachel Schneider, CPC at Career Find to assist you.

By |2021-06-14T17:34:34-05:00June 8th, 2021|career search, Job Search|Comments Off on Top Tips For Class of 2021 Entering the Job Market In A COVID World
Read More
Load More Posts

© Career Find. All Rights Reserved. | 281-816-6400 |

Design: jriley creative | Programming: Nilzon Designs