Workplace Designs for Millennials Baby Boomers, Alike

Workplace Designs for Millennials Baby Boomers, Alike The ongoing debate of how different, yet remarkably alike, millennials and baby boomers are continues to intrigue everyone. What can folks in their fifties and sixties possibly have in common with twenty-somethings?There is common ground to be found between the two generations in many ways, such as caring about community, wanting to be respected, and looking for ways to save money. But other trends are emerging as well: similarities in the world of interior design.Photo Credit â€" Pixabay.comLet’s take a look at a few design trends currently blowing up the workplace and home office redesign markets, and see how the different generations compare.Is Smaller Better?evalGenerally speaking, millennials don’t want to waste space or energy. They prefer sustainable, smartly-designed, and functional urban and downtown offices over huge warehouse or stripmall-based office buildings in the suburbs.Working from home is a popular option among millennials, as well, so we won’t discount the h ome office, here.Meanwhile, boomers have already owned the huge real estate office buildings popular in the good-old days of the eighties and nineties when everything bigger was considered better. They’ve already been-there done-that.It makes more sense now to downsize to smaller office workspaces that are often shared and designed with an open floor plan because they enjoy collaborating and frequent conversation. However, it’s important to note that open floor plans don’t jive with everyone Born in the 50s, baby boomers know all about the ranch style mid-century home. That’s just the way homes were built back then. Open design, hardwood floors, and sleek, less bulky furniture was in style.This open design has carried over into the workplace, with mixed results. Although more open space encourages collaboration and a shared sense of urgency and transparency, more introverted people and those used to having their own office space often find open office plans to be oppressive and disruptive of their workflow.Therefore, it’s considered best practice to provide plenty of quiet work space for employees more easily distracted by noise who might appreciate the change of scenery.As mid-century has gained popularity over the years, these spaces are better described as modern or contemporary with large glass windows and stainless steel railings, but still with that mid-century feel. Buildings from the fifties are known for being livable.eval“Especially in the multifamily market and among millennials, there’s big demand for design that’s simple, unpretentious and, above all, functional,” according to National Association of Home Builders blog. Part of the reason for this is simple economics, and part of it is form and function.The “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” motto carries a lot of weight when it comes to mid-century furnishings as well, since it’s easier to find retro styles from the fifties and sixties in usable shape than vintage forties desks and chairs.Maybe baby boomers were ahead of their time. Or maybe what was once cool is now cool again â€" with a twist.Numerous contemporary designers are creating throwback mid-century-style furniture and wall hangings. As Coco Chanel said in 1965, “fashion passes, style remains.” In other words, fashion comes and goes, style goes on forever.Age-in-Place Movement MillennialsRetirees would much rather live in the residence of their choice for as long as possible, which is the heart of the term “age in place.”Meanwhile, a growing number of millennials are choosing to move back in with their parents, who are probably young boomers. The percentage of millennials age 18-34 living with their parents has increased every year since 2005, according to a survey by Goldman Sachs.At one point in our history, it was considered embarrassing to move back in with mom and dad. That’s not the case anymore, with one in nine boomer parents saying their kids returned to the nest in the past year .Millennials are also finding ways to help older baby boomers in their places of work and are even starting businesses based on boomer needs in a peer-to-peer type of relationship.College students will live in an older adult’s age-in-place-equipped smart home for free in exchange for helping them with household chores, doctor’s appointments, and technology, for example. Rather than encourage unpaid labor, how can older and more seasoned professionals support younger workers, rather than take advantage of their inexperience? How can we design work spaces for a range of generations, personality types, and work styles?We can start by learning from and listening to each other, rather than assuming that our way is the best way.Multigenerational work spaces can become the norm, rather than the exception, when we take a step back and try to see situations from other people’s points of view. Empathy is important, then, not only when it comes to marketing to our customers, but also whe n it comes to relating to our colleagues.The bottom line is that more workers, regardless of which generation they supposedly belong to, are seeking out meaningful workplace cultures and flexible work schedules. This includes the ability to work from home and socially responsible company cultures.All generations, including Generations X, Y, and Z, should factor into our discussions. At the end of the proverbial day, we should attempt to understand our similarities, rather than seeking out our differences.evalFor decades, older adults were known as big-time consumers, but that sort of lifestyle has given way to streamlined, simple and practical interior designâ€" the same characteristics that entry level workers value.The positive influence of the latest design trends, coupled with a burgeoning awareness of different employee needs in the workplace, is a win-win for all generations.

Bleep Test Results Do They Matter

Bleep Test Results Do They Matter One popular form of job related fitness assessment, is the Bleep Test. Used by some of the most esteemed organisations in the country, including the Police Service and Fire Service, the Bleep Test is the ultimate examination of a candidates fitness and stamina. However, in recent years there have been several complaints over the effectiveness of the test, and whether it really works. In this blog, we’ll investigate and ask the question, how important is the bleep test? And how can you improve your bleep test results?What is the Bleep Test?Also known as the Multi Stage Fitness Test, the Bleep Test is a very simple exercise which tests your physical stamina. You will start at one end of a straight, 20 metre track, and your aim is to reach the opposite end of the track before an electronic bleep sounds. As the test progresses, the time between these electronic bleeps will get shorter and shorter, therefore requiring you to work harder the longer the test goes on. If you fail to reach the other end, you will generally be given two more attempts to catch up with the bleeps. If you fail this, then you will be eliminated. Depending on the test that you take, there are a maximum of 21-28 levels, although you won’t be expected to reach these. The average male achieves between Level 7 and Level 9, and the average female achieves between Level 6 and Level 8 on their bleep test resultsWhy is it effective?At this point, you might be wondering quite why the Bleep Test is so effective. It’s such a simple concept, and from an outside perspective, it might even sound easy. Do not be fooled.Firstly, the Bleep Test is a massive test of your mental stamina. Mental and physical stamina are intrinsically linked, it’s about having the will to fight on and not give up. Think about someone who works for the Police or Fire Service? Would they give up simply because they are tired? No, they would not. Their job is to protect the public, and this takes real courage and determinati on. Such organisations do not want weak minded candidates who cannot handle hard work. The Bleep Test is about pushing yourself to your limits, and really separates those who are willing to do this, from those who aren’t.Physically, if you haven’t endured shuttle runs before, then you will need to practice beforehand. The impact of prolonged shuttle runs can have a significant toll on the body, and you will really struggle with this if you aren’t someone who exercises regularly. The Bleep Test results are specifically designed to measure your VO2 max oxygen intake, which in other words just means that it’s a test of your endurance.Why is not effective?Despite the comprehensiveness of the Bleep Test in measuring a candidate’s fitness levels, there are still some complaints. Firstly, there is a widespread belief that the bleep test currently used by the Police Service in particular does not really challenge fitness levels. This is not down to the test, but to the level that candidates need to reach. Along with strength tests, the minimum required from aspiring police candidates stands at 5.5 for the bleep. When you look at the fact that the average male achieves a minimum of level 7, and the average female achieves a level 6, this is quite shocking. This is added to the fact that many people believe that the Bleep Test results should not be given as much importance as they  currently are, in the general scheme of selection processes. While endurance is very important for Police, Prison Officers and Firemen, there are also other equally important factors that should be given just as much weight. These people believe that ruling a candidate out because of their endurance levels is unfair, and damages the process.Final VerdictSo, what’s the final verdict on the Bleep Test? In our view, it’s very important. While it’s true that there are more important elements than how many times you can run back and forth between 2 points, the Bleep Test is about s o much more than your physical stamina. It’s a test of mental fortitude, an examination of how far you can push yourself and how far you are willing to go to succeed. These are all essential qualities, particularly when it comes to saving lives. There is an inarguable link between your attitude to the test, and your attitude towards hard work and perseverance, and that is why we are firmly pro Bleep Test.Other Products You Might Be Interested InTaking the Bleep Test soon? We have the perfect package for you! Our Bleep Test CD is an exact replica of the test used by organisations such as the Police Service and the Fire Service. By taking this test before the real thing, you will significantly increase your chances. The only way to succeed, is practice practice practice. You can do this with The Bleep Test: Multi Stage Fitness Test! This entry was posted in Testing. Bookmark the permalink. Jordan Cooke CV Mistakes To AvoidStructured Interview Questions: How To Pass

How to Deal with a Horrible Boss ... Professionally! IM HIRED

How to Deal with a Horrible Boss ... Professionally! When hiding from your boss becomes more of a full time job than your actual job. We have all had them, we have all hated them and we are all glad when that days comes where we never have to speak to them again the horrible boss. You might even love your job but the sight of your manager makes you want to hide in the stationary cupboard for fall to long and any time theres a work trip that needs going on youre the first with your hand up because the manager at the other site couldnt possibly be as bad as yours. Now I dont want this to escalate to the point where you are reinacting the plot of the film horrible bosses, sneaking it to your boss house to mess with their stuff and plotting their demise. This post is all about handling that manager in a more professional manner. (So please refrain from bulk emailing pictures of your boss round the office with funny captions) I get it, when you dont like your boss its hard not to have a strange sort of teacher pupil relationship with them, where you feel they are being completely unreasonable but instead of responding maturely, you kick off or just act passively aggressive for the rest of the day. Now by the end of this post I am not expecting you to become best friends with your manager, going on lunch dates and tagging each other in memes out of work. I am just hoping to get you to a level of mutual respect and a professional working relationship. Noticed I used the word mutual; this has to be two way. What do you do? 1. Figure out what makes them a bad boss Its important we know the reason for the problem so we can resolve it. Were they unrealistic in their expectations, did they lack communication or were they just completely unprofessional constantly making jokes at your expense. Remember that although great if you have a fantastic friendship with you boss, this isnt about you liking everything about them. You are always going to have people in the workplace that you dont share the same interests with and you probably wouldnt speak to if it werent for work but this is about professional relationships which do work differently to best friends. 2. Try talking to them about it Now this isnt about confronting your boss in some sort of rant where you voice all your opinions and completely insult them in the process. This is about taking time to sit with you manager and explaining the best way in which you work. Every person has different ways they prefer to be managed and having a conversation might help your manager realise you work in a different way. Before any meeting write all your concerns down and discuss them point by point with your manager, think about your wording and only raise work related issues. Its not appropriate  to say you hate their fashion sense or you think they have a boring voice. If you dislike your manager it is easy to get a bit childish in your opinions but keep them to yourself. Dont get side tracked by them talking over you or dismissing anything you raise; tick off your list to ensure everything is covered on your end. 3. Dont react negatively Do you ever get to the stage where you are at breaking point and you just want to react in spectacular  style. All youre doing by reacting negatively to them is making yourself look bad, so if your manager shouts at you, dont swear at them or shout back. Have the up hand by rising above them and being the more professional of the two. If you do the latter, others will notice that it is the manager not yourself acting inappropriately. 4. Escalate it   If a manager isnt willing to respond to your concerns or even take time to communicate effectively with you regarding any issues then it is time to escalate  your problems. Its best to start with an informal chat, maybe with another manager that you have a good relationship with or a member of HR. Just someone who can give you an objective view and a ear to listen to your issues. However, remember to not spread gossip throughout the office so avoid having these types of conversation in the open or with other colleagues. 5. Have evidence   We all have periods where we just dont like our managers, their presence just annoys you and you wish you could be your own boss. Now none of that is grievance worthy but if you have a bad boss that affects you and your work with their behaviour then compile some examples of when they have done this. We all have the right to feel comfortable at work and if you dont then you need to do something about it. All Jokes Aside   A terrible boss can have an affect on you, whether that be at work or even in your personal life if you feel stressed about their actions towards you. Although there are obviously some fantastic bosses out there, when you get a bad boss it can seems like there is nothing you can do about it. But just because they are more senior than you, doesnt be any means mean they are untouchable, so take action. If you have experienced a horrible boss and want some advice on how to deal with it, drop me a message and Ill be happy to help.

Make Sure That Your 2020 Resume Is Updated With New Information

Make Sure That Your 2020 Resume Is Updated With New InformationIf you are a small business owner, one of the first things that you should consider doing is updating your current resume and all of your other resume material with updated information. Many businesses offer candidates the opportunity to submit resumes that will be checked in conjunction with all of their other materials to make sure that they are not out of date.This is a common practice for many businesses but it is also extremely important for small business owners as well. The last thing that you want to do is waste valuable time looking for a job and finding out that you are not considered a candidate for that position because of an outdated resume. The same thing goes for any other companies that need information about their employees or their applicants.The process of updating your resume with new information can seem daunting at first, but it is really quite simple. There are a number of places online where you ca n go and find current information on this subject. The most important thing to remember when trying to update your resume is that you should never use the same information that you used last year on your new resume.You may find yourself having to use information from the year before. In addition, if you want to update your resume, you should avoid using information that is available through the internet. Just because you can get information from the internet does not mean that you should, as it is possible that the information that you have could be outdated and no longer valid.In addition, any specific work experience that you have must be changed or removed to keep the information current. If you don't have the specific experience that you want to include, you should consider leaving it out of your resume completely and then send it to a resume writer to give you a new listing of accomplishments.One of the most important things to remember about changing the information that you h ave on your resume is that it will take some time. Sometimes, information is not updated quickly enough for businesses to notice until they receive a new resume and other times, it may be too late. For this reason, it is always best to try to contact the company to find out what they expect to see on your resume before you start to rewrite it.The best way to find out what is going to be on your resume is to simply ask the company to add new information to your resume. The worst that will happen is that you will be told that you will have to wait a few days before you are given new information to work with.

Sharing a Hotel Room With the Boss on a Business Trip

Sharing a Hotel Room With the Boss on a Business Trip Q: Can I get out of sharing a hotel room with my boss on a business trip? I took a new position (event planner) earlier this year and relocated from across the country. During my interview, my boss mentioned we had one international event for 2016. No big deal. Now, she has booked a second international event and is on track to book a third in 2016. Planning an international event is incredibly challenging and time consuming. I also wasn’t aware I would be traveling this much for work and traveling outside of my comfort zone. I moved here to work here â€" not in Europe. My issue is that my boss told me we would be sharing a room internationally for five days in February to do a wedding. I find this totally inappropriate and invasive of my privacy and space. If I am being required to travel internationally for work, I should at least have private accommodations. I am an adult â€" there isn’t a reason I need to sleep in a room with another adult, especially when the client is paying for our accommodations. When I expressed concern, my boss said, “Well, sister, it isn’t up to you.” The client signs a contract stating they will cover those costs….. and these are high-end events with very large budgets. I’m concerned about traveling and now concerned that every time we travel we will be sleeping together and I am feeling helpless. I want to have an adult conversation about this by also not come off as demanding. Please help. A: So, there are some industries where adults share rooms on business travel â€" academia and some nonprofits, for example. There are other fields where it would be totally unheard of and ridiculous. I don’t know which is true for event planning, but I’d guess it’s not typical. (Any event planners want to confirm that?) I’d say this: “As you probably gathered, I was surprised to learn that we’d be sharing a room in Europe, and I want to make sure that my expectations are in sync with reality going forward! Is this typically how we’ll do rooms when we travel, or is this an unusual circumstance?” It’s possible that you’ll hear that this one is unusual for some reason (maybe the wedding is already over-budget, or who knows what). Or you might hear that yes, this is how it will always be. If the latter, then you can decide if it’s a deal-breaker for you, or something you’re willing to deal with even though you don’t like it. While you’re at it, do you want to get more clarity on the international travel aspect of the job too? It doesn’t sound to me like she misled you about that (saying in your interview that she had one international event for 2016 isn’t the same as saying “and that’s the only international event I expect to book”). But if it’s really out of sync with what you want to be doing, it would be good to find out now how much international work you can expect to be doing, so you can decide if you’re up for that or not. And last … Totally aside from the issue of sleeping arrangements, what’s up with your boss’s dismissive and kind of rude response when you raised the accommodations issue earlier? If that was a one-off, then fine â€" but if it’s typical of how she talks to you, that would concern me. Q: How do I respond to questions about why I’m not spending the holidays with my family? It’s the time of year where many people in the office are discussing holiday plans. I have an unusual family background and am not spending the holidays with my family. Some coworkers are more inclined than others to try to find out the reason why. Can you suggest a way to redirect the conversation? I’ve tried phrases like “My family doesn’t handle the holidays very well,” but I don’t even want to give that level of detail. I would like to be open with my colleagues, but this is still a sore spot for me and I’d rather not be known for my family drama. (I’m very early to my career and to this company.) A: Yeah, “my family doesn’t handle the holidays very well” is too much personal information in response to what’s probably just a friendly and fairly generic inquiry. Instead of talking about what you’re not doing, can you instead say what you are doing? (For example: “I’m joining friends for a big blow-out feast and then we’re watching an X-Men marathon.”) If people insist on knowing why you won’t be with family, just say, “Oh, just made other plans this year” or “it didn’t work out this year” or “it’s hard to get us altogether” or something else similarly vague. And then immediately change the subject by asking about their plans â€" “so what do you have planned?” People like to talk about themselves, and if you ask a couple of follow-up questions, they’ll probably let it go. These questions are adapted from ones that originally appeared on Ask a Manager. Some have been edited for length. More From Ask a Manager: Do I really have to attend my office holiday party? My office wants us to chip in to send our CEO’s family on a ski trip My boss thinks I should share a hotel room with a stranger at a conference Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayMuteCurrent Time  0:00/Duration  0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type  LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time  -0:00  Playback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions and subtitles off, selectedAudio TrackFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal DialogEnd of dialog window.PlayMuteCurrent Time  0:00/Duratio n  0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type  LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time  -0:00  Playback Rate1xFullscreen

Allies To The Out-Of-Work - Work It Daily

Allies To The Out-Of-Work - Work It Daily The holiday season has passed. The election is over. Unfortunately, that means the fact that 25M+ people are still out of work, many of them on a long-term basis, has fallen back into obscurity. All across this country, there are talented people whose confidence has been crushed. The chronic job search has left them confused and defeated. We want to do something about it. Today Is The First Day Of The Allies To The Out-Of-Work Fundraiser Harnessing the power of the micro-fundraising site, Indiegogo.com, we launched a campaign today to raise $10,000 that will give 100 long-term unemployed people a full scholarship to our Job Search Accelerator Program (JSAP). This program is helping hundreds of people find work. However, it’s not something we can give away for free. So, we are hoping to get donations from those of you out there who: A) Have been out of work recently and know how hard the job search really is. B) Know somebody long-term unemployed and want to sponsor them. C) Care about getting Americans back to work and on their feet. You can learn more about the program (and donate) by click the botton below: DONATE NOW ? For the next 3 weeks, we will share stories of those who have applied for a scholarship (see the application form here), so you can see how important it is that we get them the help they want and deserve, but can’t afford. In fact, here is one such story. Meet Dan: What's the hardest part about being unemployed long term? The hardest part for me is getting others to see the great value that I can provide. I have been unemployed for almost one full year. I have been to several interviews and have had a few second round interviews but still can't seem to find a job. What have you been doing to look for work so far? I have been searching the job boards, company websites, talking with my network of professional friends on Linkedin, working with recruiters and just about anyone who would listen. I have also been reading articles from Careerealism (which I find helpful). Why do you feel our Job Search Accelerator Program can help you? I don't know if it will work for me. I want to leave no stone unturned so I am willing to give it a shot. The worst that can happen is that I learn how to search for a new career in a different way. Comments Allies to the Out-of-work really sound like something that could help others like me you want to get back into the workforce but are struggling. On behalf of all us long-termed unemployed, Thank You for the opportunity! I hope you’ll consider donating so that Dan and many others can get the help they need. We are grateful for any size donation! And, if you do donate, we have some fabulous perks available. See here… Thank you for taking the time to read this and we hope you will spread the word via your favorite social channels. Sincerely, J.T. O’Donnell Founder, CareerHMO Your Turn If you're interested in helping out job seekers in need, please donate to Allies to the Out-of-Work and help them get back on their professional feet. Learn more here... DONATE NOW ? Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!

Maintaining Relationships (Even If You Say No)

Maintaining Relationships (Even If You Say No) Maintaining Relationships (Even If You Say No)The weekend before my last week at JPMorgan I apathetically scrolled through my Instagram feed hoping to find something cute or worth liking. A friend at Barnard College had shared a snapshot of her desk, decorated with little cards and envelopes. Remember to write your thank-you cards as you finish up your internships she reminded her online fans. Peering across my bedroom, I noticed an old box of cards from Papyrus. Nervouslypulling it open, I found nothing left and promptly put on my running shoes, and hurried out the door.That night I meticulously wrote thoughtful notes. Some were to my internship managers, others were for individuals who were kind enough to share advice during much needed coffee breaks. Every person receiving a note welches someone who helped to shape my first summer in banking, let alone the corporate world. I wanted to impart a physical reminder of my appreciation, som ething that took time and care, and whose meaning spoke louder than the ping of a new email in your Outlook inbox.Your colleagues are people you depend on. Sure, hard work and a genuine smile impressed during interviews, and focus and a willingness to ask questions contribute to better work (and hopefully great evaluations), but no matter where youre working, the ability to establish a network is like life or death. In the midst of an intense internship its easy to forget that your time with the company does have a limit. And even if you are extended an offer to return, the early relationships you build with others can only accelerate your growth. Your network enriches your experience with more intimate learning, connecting you to the potential opportunities that might fit you better. It also makes work a lot more fun getting to know your co-workers is comparable to making friends in your econ lecture. Theres someone you can simply have a conversation with or even go out with when the works all over.Lets get this straight writing thank-you cards does not guarantee a network. To be honest, getting yourself out there isnt always the easiest thing, but remembering that as interns, people are eager and willing to chat and help you, eases the process. When I began working at JPMorgan in June, I asked my team who they thought I should meet, which lines of business I should inquire about. Through a few courteous email intros and networking lunches, I met with a couple handfuls of people throughout the summer, asked questions (both about work and about them), and followed up like youre supposed to.But I continued to follow up with updates about what I was learning and accomplishing in my role on the Business Banking team. It wasnt all about me though I asked how these people were doing, if they were able to make it out to the beach like they had planned, or read that New York Times article about why students shouldnt go to the university they attended. Little effor ts like this remind people of who you are and the time they shared with you.Flash forward to the end of the summer. Ive sent periodic emails and now my time with the firm is coming to a close. I deliver my thank-you cards in person, shake hands, receive a few bear hugs and promise to stay in touch. And even though I ultimately declined my full-time offer, I had completed my internship on good terms both in my assignments and with individuals I can continue to rely on for advice and future connections. By presenting myself honestly and spending time to form and sustain relationships with those around me, I avoided burning any bridges and can always look to JPMorgan in the future without hesitation.