You Take the Cake

Have you seen the episode of Seinfeld where Elaine becomes sick of the daily birthday celebrations at the office and decides to boycott any more parties? Do you often find yourself in the same shoes at your workplace? If so, you are not alone.

“Whether it's a birthday, a baby shower, an anniversary or a retirement, getting hit up to regularly contribute a little something for a gift, cake or card can add up — not to mention fray a few nerves.”

The question for managers then lies in how to handle the delicate situation when some employees want to be recognized while others would prefer to skip the day all together. The best solution is to set a few guidelines for those who wish to participate.

· Be selective in who you ask to contribute
· Keep the amount within reason or consider a free-will giving
· Keep it low-key to ensure no one is pressured to contribute
· Look for alternatives such as group gatherings

Each organization will need to find a happy medium that works for them. This decision might be based on company size or culture, so listen to what your employees are saying and take it from there. If it is appropriate to handle special occasions differently from department to department, then let the managers make the call. By staying flexible and accommodating to your employees in these situations, you can have your cake and eat it too!

More tips from David Schepp at The Journal News

Posted by Shelly Paul, Career Management Coordinator, The H.S. Group

Workplace Greetings Not So Welcome

In today’s ever-changing workplace, business procedures seem to be in a constant state of flux, leaving employees asking what is appropriate. From casual Fridays to increased telecommuting, many business practices today are nothing more than skewed reflections of what they once were.

But some changes brought about in the workplace are not so widely accepted. Take, for instance, a simple greeting. Whereas an appropriate business salutation to this point had always been based upon a strong, solid handshake, some individuals in the professional world find themselves caught up in a Hollywood-esque greeting kiss or double cheek kiss once only reserved for movies or experienced in other cultures.

“In many other countries, the practice is the norm. In teaching members about business etiquette in foreign countries, several U.S. organizations say travelers should expect a light hug and kiss in most of Latin America and several European countries.”

If you feel that a business kiss is a little out of sorts for our culture, you’re not alone. There’s just something about kissing a stranger that wreaks of insincerity, and until American business becomes more infiltrated with other cultures, don’t expect this trend to spread like wildfire just yet.

Kisses are awkward in the business world, Maureen Milford, Gannett News Service

Posted by Shelly Paul, Career Management Coordinator, The H.S. Group