11 creative tips to help you thrive as a remote worker

11 creative tips to help you thrive as a remote worker11 creative tips to help you thrive as a remote workerRemote work offers numerous benefits from saving on commute time to being able to throw in a load of laundry on a break. And while therbeie are some unique challenges to remote work, its possible to make your work situation mora productive and fulfilling than ever before - it just takes a bit mora planning.Consider these 11 tips for thriving as a remote worker1. Work outside your home at least once or twice per weekTake advantage of the flexibility of remote work and change up your scenery occasionally. Try working at your local coffee shop or even working outside by creating a Wi-Fi hotspot from your phone. Switching up your schauplatz for a few hours every week can help prevent restlessness and boost your productivity.2. Relocate to a city you loveThriving as a remote worker can be possible in a city you love. Remote work can open the door for you to live anywhere in the wor ld, at least in theory. If youre feeling adventurous, capitalize on the flexibility of working remotely by finally making a move to your dream destination, whether that means moving back to your hometown, a beach town, or even another country. Its up to you. If youre a remote worker, the world is your office3. Stay active while you workWorking at home allows you to get up and move while working - something you wouldnt typically do in your cubicle. If youre listening in on a conference call, go for a walk around the neighborhood or do some lunges. You could even do a 10-minute yoga routine to hone your productivity and no one will even notice. Thriving as a remote worker means staying healthy.4. Create an ergonomic workspaceTo call sitting the new smoking is a strong yet accurate way to describe the harmful effects that sitting all day can have on your body. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make your workspace even more ergonomic - adjusting your monitors and your keyboard, for example. If your company has the budget, you may even want to think about asking for a convertible desk that allows you to stand for a portion of your workday.5. Use tech to collaborate with coworkersCollaboration is a huge part of any type of work, and thanks to technology, its easier than ever to collaborate remotely. For instance, to interact with coworkers more during meetings, turn on your video (instead of just audio) - itll help you put faces to the conversations going on. Likewise, implement other collaboration applications and technologies, such as Google Docs, Slack, or Trello to work more effectively with your coworkers.6. Make occasional visits to the office, if possibleAlthough remote work has many benefits, face-to-face interaction with coworkers is invaluable, and you cant completely replicate it remotely. According to Gallup, employees are most engaged in their jobs when they spend 60% to 80% of their time working remotely, so consider working in the office peri odically to strike that balance if you live nearby. When youre in the office, take time to go out to lunch with your coworkers or at least have a few minutes of watercooler talk.7. Designate a specific space and time to workCreating separation between your work and home life allows you to unwind when the workday is over. Establish set working hours and a designated workspace. Ideally, your workspace would be somewhere separate from the rest of your home (not the bedroom or living room). Dont forget to set expectations with your family, roommates, and others - explain that when youre in your workspace, youre at work and should be treated as such.8. Take breaks and use them wiselySometimes you may not feel like you have time for a break, but taking a few minutes away can actually increase productivity and prevent burnout. Schedule breaks into your day and use that time to be away from screens. You could go for a short walk, call a friend, grab a snack in the kitchen, or start a load of laundry.9. Establish a morning routineWorking at home eliminates commute time, giving you more free time in the morning. Use this extra time to improve your morning routine. Successful people often meditate and exercise as a part of their morning routine, for example. Setting aside time in the morning to do meaningful tasks can help boost your productivity and increase your willpower.10. Dont neglect your professional developmentJust because youre working remotely doesnt mean you cant advance in your career. Take the initiative to attend professional conferences and local networking events, get a professional certification, or grow your network on LinkedIn. Doing so can enhance your professional skills and lead to even better opportunities in the future.11. Tackle your most challenging tasks firstDont allow working from home to become a distraction. Use to-do lists and prioritize your tasks to ensure that youre focused and efficient throughout the day. Completing your toughest ta sks at the beginning of the day - sometimes referred to as eating the frog - can give you a feeling of accomplishment that can propel you through the rest of your day.Implementing these strategies can help you get the most out of working remotely and capitalize on all the benefits telecommuting offers.Monique Serbu is a freelance digital journalist specializing in business, marketing, and technology topics. Her work can be seen on VentureBeat, MediaPost, and the Stanford Blog. In her spare time, she likes to spend time outdoors hiking and hanging out with her Cocker Spaniel.This article was originally published on FlexJobs.com.

4 reasons why you should create a separate email just for your job search

4 reasons why you should create a separate schmelzglas just for your job search4 reasons why you should create a separate emaille just for your job searchMost people dont think about it, but its always a good idea to create a separate email account just for your job search. In a time when were constantly bombarded with emails about everything from sales, to job postings, to birthday parties, and work requests, creating separate email accounts can make a big impact on your productivity and sanity. Here are four reasons why you should create a separate email just for your job search.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moraYour old high school email account shouldnt be on your resumeLets be clear Your old high school email account (i.e. your old AIM username) should not be onyour resume. If you have an email along the lines of doglover101 or hottamale3000, its important that you create a n ew email account to use for professional emails. Create an email with your first and last name, or some combination of your initials to create an account that is acceptable to use on your resume. Your friends might not mind that you use an old email address with a silly username, but potential employers will. Make things easy and create a simple email address to use for all things job search.It allows you to prioritize emails accordinglyFinding a job is hard. Theres no way to get around it. This gets amplified when youre trying to juggle your job search, your current job, and other responsibilities like family, friends, and self-care. Creating an email account that you only use for your job search allows you to prioritize emails accordingly so you can be sure to see job search emails quickly after they come through.When it comes to finding a job, its important thatall emails you send are timely, clear, and are free from errors. By creating a separate email just for your job search, you create separation so that you can prioritize emails that come specifically to that email. The email about the big department store sale can wait, however, an email from a potential employer cannot. When all of your emails end up in one inbox, its easy to get overwhelmed by sheer volume or simply miss an email within a sea of messages. If you create a separate email account just for your job search, youll know exactly when you get a high priority email, and can ensure to respond quickly, professionally, and efficiently.It will free up your everyday email inboxDepending on how you go about your job search, you may be getting emails when new jobs become available. This is a great tactic to help you stay abreast of new opportunities, but it can begin to clutter your inbox. By creating a separate email solely for your job search, you can free up some space in your main email account. Doesnt it sounds nice to have an inbox that doesnt have a million unread messages in it?It removes an y potential conflicts that could arise from using a work emailA lot of people use their work email to apply for jobs and for personal use which can cause a huge issue. Companies can legally look at employees work email to monitor activity and ensure it aligns with company policies. It might sound violating, but the truth is that if youre only using your work email for work purposes (like you should be) they cant find anything personal. If youre applying to other positions from a work email, chances are that you are violating some sort of code of ethics, and youre likely sharing personal information such as why youre interested in leaving your current role. This kind of information can be used against you.If you feel like this is unheard of and dont feel like your company is paying attention to these details, youre likely wrong.A recent survey conducted by Alfresco, a digital business platform suggests that 98% of companies monitor their employees digital activity, while 11% of emplo yees arent aware that their company captures digital activity at all.Specific results showed that 87% of companies monitor email, 70% look at your web browser history, 55% monitor Slack or Chatter, 41% check your work voicemail, and 34% look at Facebook or LinkedIn.If youre trying to create a mora organized email inbox, one of the easiest ways to start is to create a separate email account just to use for your job search. This will give you a professional email address to include on your resume, will help you prioritize job search related emails, will help you organize your current inbox, and will ensure that you keep your current work email and job search emails separate.This article first appeared on Writestylesonline.com.Michele Lando is a certified professional resume writer, personal branding expert, and founder of Write Styles. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals application pa ckage and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles provides resources to enhance your resume, professional appearance, and boost your confidence. Michele strives to help others gain the confidence to put their best foot forward in a personal and professional light.

Ancient Roman Concrete Stands the Test of Time

Ancient Roman Concrete Stands the Test of Time Ancient Roman Concrete Stands the Test of Time Ancient Roman Concrete Stands the Test of TimeRoman structures still standbuildings, bridges, arches, roads, piers, and breakwatersthanks in large part to the concrete and mortar that the Roman engineers designed. Amazingly, even in corrosive saltwater environments, Roman concrete harbor structures have remained strong and intact for mora than 2,000 years.Romans made concrete by combining lime with volcanic ash to make a mortar and then mixing in fragments of volcanic rock (the aggregate). This werkstoff was used to build many impressive structures, including the Pantheon and Trajans Markets in Rome, as well as large-scale piers and breakwaters along the coastline designed to protect busy shipping harbors.Compare this spectacular longevity to modern-day Portland cement, which, even when reinforced with rebar, might last 100 years in a marine environment.So what did the Romans know that we do nt?To find out, researchers from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) and the University of Utah analyzed samples of Roman concrete from harbor structures in Italy at Berkeley Labs Advanced Light Source (ALS). Their findings were recently published in American Mineralogist.An ancient pier is still standing in a bay in Italy, and researchers have studied samples of the concrete to explore the secrets of its long-lasting strength. Image J.P. OlesonA Unique Mineral ChemistryThe researchers, led by Marie Jackson, a professor of geology and geophysics at the University of Utah, examined thin sections of the concrete under an electron microscope to map the distribution of minerals. They also used X-ray microdiffraction methods to learn more about the chemistry and structure of the minerals occupying the microfractures. X-ray microdiffraction measures an average signal from many tiny mineral grains, providing high resolution and fast data collection.We can go into the tiny natural laboratories in the concrete, map the minerals that are present, the succession of the crystals that occur, and their crystallographic properties, said Jackson.The team was surprised to discover high concentrations of zeolite, phillipsite, and tobermorite occupying the porous spaces in the concrete, many of them created by the dissolution of other minerals, such as feldspar.Jackson theorizes that the steady percolation of seawater into the Roman concrete reacted with the lime and the volcanic ash to create these interlocking minerals that occupied void space, making the concrete stronger. The long, plate-like crystals of tobermorite also created an unusual flexibility within the submerged concrete that increased with time.In contrast, anti-corrosive Portland cement mixes are formulated to be inert and unreactive with seawater, yet start to deteriorate far earlier.Contrary to the principles of modern cement-based concrete, Jackson said, the Romans created a rock-like concrete that thrives in open chemical exchange with seawater.The walls of Trajans Markets in Rome have stood the test of time and the elements for nearly 2,000 years. Image Marie Jackson / Berkeley LabFuture PossibilitiesJackson has searched ancient Roman records for the formula to this concrete with no success. The exact formula remains unknown. However, Jacksons team is experimenting with different combinations of seawater and volcanic ash to make a modern-day concrete with these unique properties. It is possible, too, that fly asha problematic byproduct of coal-burningcould be a worthy substitute for the volcanic ash component, which would be an immense environmental benefit.A modern equivalent of Roman concrete would be ideal for seawall structures and other marine applications, as well as for encasing high-level wastes in cement-like barriers that protect the surrounding environment. Widespread use of this concrete would also reduce the construction industrys dependence on Portland ce ment, the manufacture of which requires high-temperature kilns that emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide.However, added Jackson, before Roman concrete recipes can be widely accepted by industry, test structures must be built and evaluated long-term to see how they perform compared to similar structures built from steel-reinforced Portland cement.I think people dont really know how to think about a material that doesnt have steel reinforcement, Jackson said. Mark Crawford is an independent writer. For Further DiscussionContrary to the principles of modern cement-based concrete, the Romans created a rock-like concrete that thrives in open chemical exchange with seawater.Prof. Marie Jackson, University of Utah

All your holiday and end of year tipping questions, answered

All your holiday and end of year tipping questions, answeredAll your holiday and end of year tipping questions, answeredTis the season to be jolly, and part of that means spreading the cheer. We give gifts to our loved ones, but its also nice to give back to the people who help us all year. They rely on a holiday bonus from us just as much as we rely on their services every day.But among Americans, there seems to be some discrepancy in who to tip, and how much to give. For city dwellers, the answer may be very different from people in the suburbs or country. And everyone has their own threshold theyre comfortable with, in terms of how much pocket change to give away.Theres no one right answer to how much to tip during the holidays, and its okay to be as generous as you want to be. That said, heres a look at some of the professions that often count on holiday tips this time of year and how much is normal to give.HaircareArguably, you should be tipping your barber or hairdresser all ye ar. But the holidays are an especially good time to show youre grateful for your great do with a little extra cash.One in three Americans say theyre tipping their stylists this holiday season, according to a recent Quartz and SurveyMonkey poll. Usually, those tips fall below $50, and about a third of them are going to be between $20-$29.However, if youre feeling especially thankful,its okay to give up to the cost of one salon visit. If youre someone whos spending hundreds on your locks, that may not be practical. It really depends on the context.Postal service and garbage collectionMail carriers actually arent supposed to accept money from the people they serve. As government workers, theyre allowed to take a gift with a $20 value or less, but they cant technically take a tip. So if you want to say thank you to your mail carrier, thats great - buy them a fun or useful present thats around $20. It may not be cash, but its aya to put a smile on their face.Same with garbage collectors - in some municipalities, tipping isnt allowed. If you live in one of those, give a gift. If not, $10-30 should do.ChildcareWhether you use a daycare, babysitter, live-in nanny or other childcare, its a good idea to show the people who take care of your children that you appreciate their help. Some people tip up to thousands of dollars.But exorbitance isnt necessary. For a babysitter, try one or two nights pay for a tip. Give a nanny or au pair the equivalent of a week or two in salary. And at your childs daycare, anywhere between $25-$70 per employee who works with your kid is great.Pet careJust like we rely on others to watch our children, we need someone to look after our pets. After all, Teddy needs his walksDuring the holiday season, its nice to give your dog walker up to one weeks pay and a groomer a tip up to the price of one visit. Only 5% of respondents to the Quartz/SurveyMonkey survey tipped their dog walkers. But when they did, they gave an average of $79.Apartment bui ldingFor people in an apartment, it can make for a nice gesture to tip your staff. Supers and managers get tipped an average of $114, according to Quartz, though anywhere between $20-80 is absolutely fine. Doormen and elevator operators could use a tip as well, ranging from $20-100 (doormen should get closer to $100, while anywhere between $20-50 is fine for an elevator operator).NewspapersYour newspaper doesnt magically arrive on your stoop. Someone delivers it every day, and they could benefit from a tip. Its recommended to give the cost of one months subscription, or $10-30.Cleaning and repairPool cleaners, handymen and people who work for cleaning services also may expect a holiday tip, especially if theyre regulars. A tip up to the price of a single visit, or weekly salary, is good for those who stop in on a erfahrungen basis (handymen can get less, from $15-40). For live-in help, up to a months salary is appropriate.WellnessIf you rely on a personal trainer or massage therapis t, think about paying them up to the price of one session for a tip. They do so much to keep you in shape, and chances are theyre getting a small cut of whatever youre paying their establishment.As we get our holiday bonuses and enjoy the extra padding in our bank accounts, its good to spread the wealth and give back to the people who have given to us throughout 2018. A small tip can go a long way during the holidays, so heres to paying it forward.

thisCLICKS Announces TeamTxt for Customized Group Texting

thisCLICKS Announces TeamTxt for Customized Group Texting thisCLICKS Announces TeamTxt for Customized Group Texting Since most people are texting more than they talk, employee communication needs to adapt in order to be as effective as possible, says Chad Halvorson, CEO of thisCLICKS. With 174 million Americans texting daily, and 97% of those texts being opened within 15 minutes of being received, its hard to argue that human communication has shifted. Although text communication is booming, not all mobile communications are equally popular according to Mogreet, a leading text message marketing firm, 88% of emails are never even opened. Halvorson continues, If you have a crucial time-sensitive message for your employees, texting is absolutely the most reliable option.In addition to TeamTxt, When I Work also includes its standard 2-way messaging service which sends automated text messages to employees for purposes such as schedule updates, upcoming shifts, and work requests. Trial a ccounts of When I Work start with 25 free TeamTxt credits with future credits available beginning at 3 cents per message.Since When I Works launch two years ago, weve seen that the text messages are incredibly valuable to our customers. Managers feel more confident in the accountability of their staff, and employees appreciate being contacted through their preferred medium, Halvorson says.

The Low Down on J Crew Resume Dress Revealed

The Low Down on J Crew Resume Dress Revealed The lengths of cocktail dresses may vary from over the knee to some inches over the ankle, with long sleeves to no sleeves and are offered in a number of colours and fabrics. The option of maxi dresses is unbelievable. You also dont need to wear a dress Maxi dresses are perfect for casual wear in addition to for more formal occasions and you may easily adapt them with accessories to produce your own unusual style statement. The fantastic debate in the style arena is the thing that defines cocktail attire. Stick to heels if youre able to. Bring a tailored jacket or cardigan beside you in the event you get cold, but wearing it isnt a must. You will be provided a aufgussgetrnk shirt you will wear over your tank for reveal. A denim shirt is a great alternative for a casual-but-smart look because it is a dress shirt but made of denim. The blazer also comes in a range of colors. The blazer from Uniqlo is created from a synthetic mater ial thats intended to wick away moisture. The Bizarre Secret of J Crew Resume Dress Selection varies by store and on the internet. Offer cannot be combined in combination with staff discount. It may not be combined with any other shipping offer. Offers cant typically be combined with different offers. Using J Crew Resume Dress Great for the office or any after work activities you might have. Learning how to do a resume when dont have any work experience is quite a bit easier if youre able to demonstrate some seasonal or short-term work experience. Discuss how you determine the customers wants and convince them of the advantages of your goods or support. Wherever you are the effortless access of the dress aids in nursing your son or daughter. The New Fuss About J Crew Resume Dress The fact that each woman should have a cocktail dress may be the most recognised rule of style. In any event, be certain that you check if all the sisters are wearing a particular color and kee p away from it (usually they will inform you if theres a particular color not to wear). A dress may not do the job for your workplace, but similar can be achieved via your regular work clothes. Everyone might have just the proper black dress for each and every occasion but not everybody knows the way to wear it right as a way to look strikingly impressive in a gathering where everyone else is also wearing a stunning black dress. Also, in case you have an excessive amount of ornamentation already on the dress, obtaining plenty of jewelry will offer you a congested appearance. When it is real or just costume jewelry, it offers a distinctive touch of magic to a very simple dress. Usually skinnier belts work best since they wont take a persons attention away from your entire outfit. Scroll around, and youll come across a lot of girls styles to fall for. For additional information visit www.childfundpassitback.org. Thankfully, it is possible to now channel all three at the exact time and at a reasonable price, no less. First item has to be obtained at regular price. Bear in mind, it isnt the price that matters its the look and caliber of the products. Now youre networking and building contacts in the business Furthermore, make sure you talk about exceptional benefits that your business provides that others dont make available. The providers skinny ties seem modern and are the perfect size to coordinate with the suits lapels. Our business formal expert dress code must give rise to workplace harmony. The Basic Facts of J Crew Resume Dress You ought to be dressed for the chance of in-the-moment einstellungsgesprch. Prepare for common interview questions Asking the perfect questions in your interview is essential to making the very best impression. Concentrate on feeling good and youll make your interview a success. A job interview is your opportunity to produce a fantastic first impression on your prospective employer. Changing disciplines or begin ning to work expects a letter that details your skills that would cause you to be an excellent fit for work no matter experience. In case you have any part-time work, that will go a ways towards a fantastic experience section. Though its a relaxed environment, its still true that you need to appear polished. You are going to be requested to offer certain examples of when you have proven the necessary competency in your work. The trump in applications You do have now an amazing CV, but theres another element you may use. Some stores provide free alterations when you buy a suit, or you might want to come across a tailor to adjust a suit you already have. The absolute most stylish garments could be inappropriate for formal settings. The online electronic welcome website, Evite, even has a completely free layout you may utilize thats just for garments swap occasions.

3 Ways to Invest in Your Startup Team - Spark Hire

3 Ways to Invest in Your Startup Team - Spark HireAs an entrepreneur, it is normal to be concerned with keeping cost low. However, as Entrepreneur points out, you shouldnt overlook investing in your people even in the startup phase. As you are adding staff to your gruppe, make sure that you are taking into consideration different ways you can invest in your employees and let them know that they are valued.There are several key things to keep in mind when considering where to invest your money. You may not be able to do all of these things initially, but by incorporating them as you grow you will show your employees that you value their contributions.1. Flexible SchedulesIn todays workforce, offering flexible work schedules can be more valuable than many other benefits. In some ways, offering this benefit to your employees may be easier for you in the startup phase.The investment dollar is low here, while at the same time you are proving to your employees that you trust in them to do their job.Offering flexible work schedules as well as the ability to work from home is a great perk that you should consider offering to your employees.2. HealthcareAs a new startup, you may be cringing when thinking about the cost involved in providing healthcare coverage to your employees. However, even the smallest amount of coverage is a benefit with todays looming healthcare costs.Check into healthcare companies that cater to small businesses and startups such as Liazon. While healthcare can become a large cost, you can tailor it to your small startup so that it is affordable and beneficial to your employees.Dont forget, it is in your best interest to make sure that your employees are healthy.In addition to healthcare plans, consider offering a gym membership to your employees. This can be as simple as working with your local gym to sign up for a local business account, maintaining a certain number of memberships for your company. I have had experience in the past with local ar ea gyms that have allowed a certain number of member cards to the business, with different employees taking turns using the cards.3. Team EventsLet your employees know that you care not only about their well-being but also their happiness at work. Be sure to plan events to help build a team player mentality across your office. These can be simple events such as a company cookout outside of your office building (check with any property manager or landlord for approval first). Purchasing food for burgers, chips, and beans while preparing the food on a small grill can be just what your team needs to have a good time. You would be surprised how much your employees will appreciate these small acts of generosity.Also, plan to celebrate team birthdays and anniversaries once a month. Purchase a cake and ice cream and have a small gathering at your office one afternoon a month in celebration.Team events can be very affordable for a startup and a great way to show your employees that you care about them and value them.What are some other ways you show your team that they are valued? Please share your tips below in the comments.Image monkeybusinessimages/BigStock.com