There is a lot of talk about the H1N1 “swine flu” virus. Two surveys provide a glimpse into how many of us go into work even when we are sick and legislation is currently being considered that would mandate paid sick leave for U.S. employers.
Out of 605 U.S. respondents to a recent Society for Human Resource (SHRM) management poll, 48% said that during the past 12 months “they felt they had to” report to work sick or else their work would not get done. One out of 10 respondents said they feared they would be subject to discipline for staying home.
Monster.com conducted a poll in May 2009 and nearly 12,000 U.S. workers responded. Although results are not scientific, 71% said they report to work even when ill; 33% because they fear losing their job, 38% because their workload is too busy. Respondents to both surveys also said they cannot afford to take a day off or didn't want to use a paid vacation day.
A bill (H.R. 2460) sponsored by Rep. DeLauro has been referred to committee and it would “allow Americans to earn paid sick time so that they can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families.” The legislation as introduced by DeLauro would require employers with 15 or more employees to provide up to seven days of paid sick leave. There is a related bill in the Senate (S.1152).
I’m not convinced that mandated paid sick days will address the desire to keep employees from reporting to work sick. I think it is more of a cultural issue in the workplace. What do you think?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
LinkedIn: Undergoing a Change
Like many people, I consider LinkedIn to be the “business” networking site – the place where you try to present yourself as a professional with a goal of making business connections and keeping in touch. On the other hand, Facebook or MySpace is where I expect to find pictures of a personal nature, political commentary, silly games, and a declaration of social opinions and musical interests. In many ways, these networking sites provide entertainment and an easy way to communicate with friends and family.
LinkedIn gives me the opportunity to meet fellow business people and stay on top of current issues. I can get involved in on-line discussions and I can learn more about an individual by reviewing their profile. I belong to a number of “groups” and I get e-mail updates from those groups. It seems that lately, many of these updates are sales pitches in disguise. Companies are attempting to sell their consulting services and trying to enlist me in their training programs. Individuals that I have never met are soliciting for jobs that I don’t have available. Don’t get me wrong, I love capitalism, the free market, and I believe it all revolves around selling. But, I get the impression that the people behind the disguised sales pitches are desperate. I think that LinkedIn has lately been touted as a job board or classified advertising medium and its value is currently changing. I wonder how long it will remain of value to the business community as a networking site.
LinkedIn gives me the opportunity to meet fellow business people and stay on top of current issues. I can get involved in on-line discussions and I can learn more about an individual by reviewing their profile. I belong to a number of “groups” and I get e-mail updates from those groups. It seems that lately, many of these updates are sales pitches in disguise. Companies are attempting to sell their consulting services and trying to enlist me in their training programs. Individuals that I have never met are soliciting for jobs that I don’t have available. Don’t get me wrong, I love capitalism, the free market, and I believe it all revolves around selling. But, I get the impression that the people behind the disguised sales pitches are desperate. I think that LinkedIn has lately been touted as a job board or classified advertising medium and its value is currently changing. I wonder how long it will remain of value to the business community as a networking site.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Looking for Work?
The unemployment rate is still high, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. So, what will potential employers see on your resume if you have been out of work for the past year? If you’re a recent college graduate, chances are you didn’t find a job after getting that degree. You’re not alone, but how will your resume stack up against the resumes of others?
Managers may understand why you have a “gap” in employment, but if you have been active in other ways, you look better compared to candidates that have been focused only on cleaning out their garage or working on their tan. Differentiate yourself from others by filling the “gap” with meaningful activities. Spend time on projects for a non-profit organization, volunteer to coach a kid’s sports team, write a regular newsletter or blog about a subject that is aligned with your career goals. Add skills to your resume by going to your local library and getting the information to teach yourself a foreign language or a technical skill that will add to your toolbox. There are many options and it is always good to start with the things that are important to you and could be important to your next employer.
Managers may understand why you have a “gap” in employment, but if you have been active in other ways, you look better compared to candidates that have been focused only on cleaning out their garage or working on their tan. Differentiate yourself from others by filling the “gap” with meaningful activities. Spend time on projects for a non-profit organization, volunteer to coach a kid’s sports team, write a regular newsletter or blog about a subject that is aligned with your career goals. Add skills to your resume by going to your local library and getting the information to teach yourself a foreign language or a technical skill that will add to your toolbox. There are many options and it is always good to start with the things that are important to you and could be important to your next employer.
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