Telecommuting is Prospering in America

Telecommuting is prospering in America as the new working trend of being disconnected from the physical office space to one being able to work at home.

Therefore, a huge savings in money for smaller office space for businesses, plus many other savings by letting the employees telecommute.

And, a huge savings for the employees on transportation, clothes, and lower insurance rates are possible since one is not driving to work. Savvy Companies are frugal that uses employees as Telecommuters.

Employees, who work from home, stay connected by their computers with video---live-stream when a staff meeting is necessary, or a conference call or memo from the boss is necessary. We are living in a world of high technology with Skype and VolP calls sent through one’s computer---so the savvy bosses will use it to communicate with employees who work at home.

Many companies believe if the employees are not under their care, custody and control that productivity will disappear.

And, this outdated way of thinking lacks trust, and without trust in your employees you will be the loser. It is just the opposite for many home workers, they experience less stress without the long commute to work, because many drive an hour or more to work and then home again.

Telecommuters are more productive and have higher retention rates in many cases than the in-office workers.

Less stress means one’s mind is more creative, focused without the distractions of office conflicts and office-politics.

Yes, it is time the American Businesses reevaluate their costs of: office space, electric, insurance, cleaning services, office equipment, phone bills, and etc. And come into the 21^st Century to explore all the avenues of the future and how they can reinvest their saving by their employees telecommuting.

Just think a boss from his office can operate a business with the correct technology and save at the same time. There are so many companies that do not need in-office employees who are office workers, data entry workers, receptionist, answering service centers, computer programmers, customer service reps., insurance, medical clerks, and the list goes on.

Large Companies that are hesitating about telecommuting can start with a small group; and then create a plan to expand.

It is only good business sense to a larger profit by being frugal and saving the company and the employees money.

© BEPH 2013 All Rights Reserved

Dating Co-Worker is it Good or Bad?

Professional career minded employees do not date their co-workers in small offices, or small companies. Most small businesses are privately owned and located in small towns to large cities. So the location and numbers of employees varies depending also on what type of company.

In large businesses with many floors one might speculate the risk is better. And what do I mean by risk---exactly that---one faces many perils in dating a co-worker in a small business environment. So, given more space between their workplace areas on different floors is better for both.

Never date your Boss; this is a big taboo---it is like jumping off a career cliff---one might land in the unemployment line. And, this means in a small or large business in small town or big city---it is a bad idea.

This is your decision of course and I am not one who will stand in the way of true love, however, I can share with you my knowledge and experience of what happens in small and large companies on this subject.

We will for the sake of anonymity name this person Helen. Helen’s resume’ showed her as a very skilled legal secretary and she spoke four languages.  A head hunter hired Helen from another firm to work in a larger one. Her immediate Boss and his wife had separated, which was something Helen did not know and did not seem to want to know anything personal about anyone in the legal corporation.

Being new some of the women invited her out after work for a drink to find out as much about her as possible. They were not labeled as the office gossips; but it never hurt to know your competition in business. Especially, since she was working for a very handsome attorney who was a full partner in the firm.

Helen was a very attractive career minded person and was one who never gossiped or share much about herself. Then as the weeks flew by Helen was working late with her Boss almost every night. Well, if that was not enough for the office gossip, Helen accepted a few dates on several weekends with an attorney from her old firm.

We will call him Jake, and to prove the truth is more twisted sometimes than fiction. Jake was good friends with Helen’s Boss’ wife---they grew up in the same neighborhood. Well, we know how people talk sometimes who wants to brag a little. It seems he was bragging to Helen’s Boss’ wife about her husband’s beautiful legal secretary---however, he did not add he was dating Helen.

Long story short---Helen’s Boss and his wife went back together and his wife insisted that her husband get another secretary. So Helen was temporarily out of a job, but she obtained a good reference from her Boss who let his wife dictate to him about whom should work for him.

So, all of Helen’s dedication at the firm did not matter now, because her Boss terminated her and it was not her fault. She had worked less than 90 days. Helen got to the bottom of what happened and obtained her own attorney and sued for everything she lost in her future benefits and stock options, since she signed a contract for a year. This taught her a lesson in savvy dating even in the same field as one’s Boss, because the results proved the same as dating in a small office.

I share this with all the career women who might not stop and survey the lay of the land---this is very important to know where you stand and to look ahead for any issues. Make sure you protect yourself as well as your career when dealing with small and larger businesses. And, never gossip with anyone---walk a straight line to secure the least amount of work related issues.

If one is contemplating dating a co-worker first make sure it is not against the company rules. Check the “Employee’s Handbook” and then check with Human-Resources. Dating at work is a big issue one needs to to really think about all the positives and negatives before making the decision. After doing your due-diligence and feeling comfortable about it---I wish you the very best.

© BEPH 2013 All Rights Reserved                                       

Appalling Bosses are Costing Owners Millions

Why experienced loyal employees are quitting their jobs?

Millions of Americans remain unemployed and yet approximately two million Americans quit their jobs each year. While over 32% that are working are pursuing other jobs. What is going on? Could it be appalling bosses and poor management? It is true appalling bosses are costing owners millions.

People are quitting their jobs because of bad bosses or supervisors and poor management. It makes one wonder about what decade this start in? When will companies wake-up to the fact their managers and supervisors should always act professional in all business affairs. This means certified, well-trained with proven skills and experience. And, know how to treat all employees equal, fair, and with respect.

Appalling Bosses (Managers and Supervisors)

The trouble begins when dedicated employees become mistreated for various reasons, the boss is having a bad day, he or she is having marriage problems or etc. He or she raises his/her voice and/or tells an employee: “Not now, I do not have time to talk to you today.” And, this is after informing the employee: “My door is always open, so there is no reason I cannot be informed of issues right away.”

Or, a promised raise that never comes, or if the deserving employee asks for a raise and the boss rudely responds: I would love to give everyone a raise, but it is not possible. The employee did not ask for a raise for everyone, just for him/her. What an unprofessional way to handle a key employee. And this happens all the time by uncaring bosses who do not even try to give this person more money.

A manager or supervisor who walks around the office finding fault and embarrasses the employees, talks in a loud and demeaning voice and slams things around is an unspeakable person to work for or with.

Promises made in staff meetings-- but are never carried through---by the manager or supervisor. A person whose word is not their bond, and soon no one believes them---the boss becomes a bad joke that is not funny when the employees bear the stress from it all.

What the Employee Does Next

What happens next is this loyal employee updates his/her resume’ and starts job searching, and gets snapped up right away. Word in the business world gets around about the brilliant and dedicated employee who’s dissatisfied with their present job; and headhunters are watching out for them, as they have feelers out with people who will report to them.

This happens more often than people think, and working with a self-centered boss who sprouts platitudes just because it sounds great in the staff meeting is a weekly affair. Employees make fun and talk about their boss, but that does not solve the issue.

Millions of dollars are lost because of large turnovers in companies, the new employees need training, but even skilled ones cannot productively replace ones that worked there for years. So, why isn’t this issue nipped in the bud, because the actual owners hear a different story from the managers or supervisors, which is not always the truth.

Owners Responsibilities--- (The Buck Stops Here!)

This leaves the Owner/CEO/President of the company scratching his/her head and feeling powerless. However, to save millions, keep experienced employee, with little turnover, save money on training new people; the owner needs to show up in his/her business when unexpected and conduct  his/her own staff meeting.

The business belongs to the owner, therefore, one’s livelihood, it’s their right to inform all the employee of the issues costing the company money, and if any employee needs to speak to their immediate boss and cannot do so, then give them the number to call after work. 

And, let them know you are serious about this---and if anyone else puts in their resignation; leave instruction to send it directly to you--- the owner. However, before it gets to this point---call this number after work and we will talk. I will not let my experienced employees walk out the door because of a bad boss or poor management.

Be a hands on owner---and it does not mean every day, but made surprise visits without notice to the managers and supervisors. Show up and visit while the weekly staff meeting is being held. It is sad that when someone’s paid a great salary to conduct and perform as a manager for the owner---they do a dreadful job.

© BEPH 2013 All Rights Reserved