Happiness and productivity at work go hand in hand. According to research done by author Jessica Pryce-Jones, the happiest employees are 180 percent more energized than their less content colleagues, 155 percent happier with their jobs, 150 percent happier with life, 108 percent more engaged and 50 percent more motivated. Most staggeringly, they are 50 percent more productive too. Read the full article here
Do you agree with what this research suggests?
What motivates employees most depends mostly on your age, but also where you live. In a recently published study by Kelly Services’ Global Workforce Index, it was found that 61% of Americans most desired a profit sharing/incentive based pay structure. Of working professionals between the ages of 18-29, 39% of respondents said they would be motivated to work harder if their pay was influenced by reaching performance targets, compared to 30% of workers between the ages of 48-65. The overwhelming majority of American workers (86%) said that employers should be responsible for their employees’ health and well-being, while 34% thought health insurance was the most important benefit.
Most intriguing is the divide between generational workers; here’s a rundown of key findings, sorted by age, from the study, including info-graphs. To read the study in its entirety, click here! (http://www.easyir.com/easyir/kellyservices/KGWIGlobal_Benefits_Perks.pdf)
- Aside from salary, the highest rated benefit for all generations is training, but it is much more important to Gen Y and Gen X.
- Approximately half of all generations rate employer-provided health benefits as “very important.”
- Roughly 80 percent of all generations think that employers should take some responsibility for employee health and well-being.
- Well over half of all generations believe that employers should provide an incentive or reward to employees for adopting a healthier lifestyle, changes which may include quitting smoking, losing weight or taking up exercise.
- The employer-provided health benefit that is most attractive to all generations is health insurance, while gym access or discounts are relatively popular with Gen Y.
Melody Yaghoubi
Interactive Resources
Be careful at your next networking event or job interview where alcohol is served. A recent study by researchers at the University of Michigan and the University of Pennsylvania found that merely holding an alcoholic beverage can be hazardous to your (perceived) intelligence. The researchers coined a term for the observed bias: “The Imbibing Idiot Bias.”
According to the study, “Job candidates who ordered an alcoholic beverage in simulated interviews were perceived as less intelligent and less hireable than those who did not, even when the boss had ordered an alcoholic beverage first.” (Read a copy of the study here)
If you are at a networking event or dinner interview, order a non-alcoholic beverage to make the best impression. Although dinner interview etiquette commonly advises the interviewee to base his or her drink order off of what the interviewer orders, we advise job seekers to pass on the alcohol, because it will allow you to keep a clear head (and avoid the imbibing idiot bias).
Stephanie Urban
Interactive Resources
Did you know that 5 states don’t even have a minimum wage? Mint.com recently put together an infographic of the History of Minimum Wage. It’s pretty interesting, take a look:
Budget Plannerfrom Mint.com
Forbes.com recently wrote an article about how business leaders are judged by their body language. The author, Carol Kinsey Gorman, MD, explains that there are two sets of body language cues that followers look for in leaders: warmth (empathy, likability, caring) and authority (power, credibility, status). She goes on to explain the body language mistakes that women leaders tend to make, which includes “head tilting,” flirting, and weak handshakes.
Watch this video or read the full article to see the interesting list of body language mistakes (and improve your body language for your next meeting or interview)!
Stephanie Urban
Interactive Resources
New York, August 2010 - The Execu|Search Group today announced that it is celebrating its twenty-fifth year providing recruitment, temporary/consulting and retained search services to the City of New York and the Tri-State Area.
On August 1, 1985, The Execu|Search Group was founded as a recruitment firm focused on serving accounting firms, boutique hedge funds, and private equity funds. Over time, the firm evolved into a full-service Recruitment, Temporary/Consulting, and Retained Search firm, servicing several practice areas in the City of New York and the Tri-State Area.
“I am proud to celebrate this milestone as it represents our resilience in an ever-changing marketplace,” said Edward Fleischman, CEO of The Execu|Search Group. “I credit this landmark achievement to our people: our staff, clients and candidates over the past twenty five years; and to our unique ability to find and provide the highest caliber talent available.”
Originally a one-man office in Manhattan, The Execu|Search Group now employs 115 people who work out of the firm’s New York City Headquarters and three additional offices in Bridgewater and Parsippany, New Jersey, and Purchase, New York. A cutting-edge leader in the recruiting industry, The Execu|Search Group was the first regional firm to have an interactive website for job seekers, and is now spearheading the industry with its use of social media.
“The Execu|Search Group is moving forward with a focus on further expansion along the northeastern corridor,” said Fleischman. “We look at the past with pride and look forward to The Execu|Search Group having another successful 25 years of growth.”
From commuting and coffee runs, to long days at the office, having comfortable shoes is important. The following 5 shoes (and their brands, in general) are my top choices for working women who care about comfort and appearance. Do you really want to get caught commuting in Crocs?
Stephanie Urban
Interactive Resources
Bloomberg Businessweek has released it’s annual list of the Top Cities for New College Grads. With 30 cities on the list, the Southern region hosts the most cities on the list, including #1- Houston. New York City was ranked number 12 on the list.
Pictured (from Businessweek): The Top 4 Cities for New College Grads
1. Houston
2. Washington D.C
3. Dallas
4. Atlanta
Businessweek compiles the list by reviewing AfterCollege entry-level job postings, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on each city’s average annual pay and unemployment, and the cost of living in each city. Click here to see the complete list.
Stephanie Urban
Interactive Resources
It’s another rainy day here in New York City! I know you can buy a $4 umbrella from the “vendor” on the street- but if you work in a city with unpredictable summer showers, it’s probably time to invest in a NICE umbrella that won’t blow inside out during your commute! Here are a few great umbrellas for you to consider!
Stephanie Urban
Interactive Resources
