Choosing to disclose a disability at work comes with a host of possible outcomes. Many who have hidden disabilities strive to keep them that way, fearing they’ll be treated differently if their co-workers are aware. Accommodations are required under the law but may be viewed as a burden by the employer and even though mandated, often are denied. If you find yourself in this position, what should you do? Liz Schumer for the New York Times thoughtfully explores this topic in her article, How to Disclose a Disability to Your Employer (and Whether You Should)
Category: Human Resources
Money Talk
Many of us shy away from discussing our salaries with others. Employers often forbid this practice, although it’s illegal to do so in the private sector. Another reason we may feel uncomfortable talking about money is that we see it as self-worth, not just an amount we are paid to do a job. Tim Herrera for the New York Times, Smarter Living, encourages these discussions as a way to expose pay discrepancies.
“I can remember in the not-too-distant past having been discouraged from talking about wages,” Ms. Cornell said. She added that years ago she learned through a conversation about salaries with a male co-worker that he was making about $50,000 more than her, and that there was “no objective justification for the disparity in pay, but he had been in the position for a longer period of time.”
Herrera encourages co-workers to not be afraid of these conversations but to approach them with genuine interest and the idea of mutual benefit.
Why You Should Tell Your Co-Workers How Much Money You Make
What Would You Do?
Ever witnessed a co-worker being harassed on the job? What would you do in that situation? Did you know that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects workers at companies with 15 or more employees from sexual harassment that creates a hostile work environment? Read more from Rob Walker, for the New York Times, aka, The Workologist who shares his insight and the facts about questionable work situations.
How to Respond When a Colleague Is Harassing Women
When I Grow Up…
Have you ever reached a crossroads and wondered what you should be doing with your life? Tim Herrera for the New York Times offers these five tips to help you along the path.
–Start by looking backward
–Decide what ‘meaningful’ means to you
–Build a personal “board of directors,” a financial cushion, and take time to reflect
–Find a sponsor, not just a mentor
–Collect experience and be generous
In the article, 5 Tips to Help You Figure Out What to Do With Your Life, Tim delves deeper into each of these categories, defining the roles of a sponsor verses mentor and gives insight into ways to construct your own group of trusted confidants. A recommended read for anyone currently pondering their future.
Interview Questions
Ever had an interview that felt like an interrogation? Most managers agree that this time should be a way to learn more about the prospective employee and to offer them a safe space to ask questions about the company. Often, similar questions are used in this process but they might not always mean what you think. Rich Bellis for FastCompany, offers his advice for what interviewers actually hope to hear when they ask these questions. The Secret Meanings Behind Four Of The Most Common Interview Questions.
Calling All Creatives
Work conferences sound like a boring proposition? Then check out the latest one coming to Austin, Texas. The Creatives Meet Business Experiences (CMBXP) will combine creatives from many fields with their business minded counterparts in an effort to foster new partnerships and offer affordable access to content. Want to be part of this innovative, new concept? More details in this article from Culture Map Austin, Austin’s newest conference connects creatives in a whole new way.
Talk, Talk
Every been tempted to confide in one of your team members about a work issue, or felt it necessary to share the personal problems of another employee with the group? According to Liz Ryan for Forbes, this is never a good idea. Ten Things to Never, Ever Tell Your Employees offers a straightforward look at best practices for management and communication in the workplace. Everyone is human, but when functioning as a manager, it’s important to remember that guarding yourself and your employees should be your first priority.Pink Collar?
As more and more traditionally male, “blue-collar” jobs disappear, a new trend of “pink-collar” work is on the rise. This is causing an interesting divide in the workplace where unemployed men are not willing to move into these jobs such as health aide. One that takes soothing and calm, a “woman’s touch,” one man quipped in the article, Why Men Don’t Want the Jobs Done Mostly by Women. Even as factories continue to close or automate, men are not seeking these types of middle-skill jobs. Although lack of training and need for extra schooling play a part, researchers and sociologists are finding that the biggest reason is how the jobs are viewed. At this point, many employers are turning to rebranding to encourage more men to apply. One such ad in a hospital compared the excitement of being a surgery nurse to the rush of mountain climbing.
Overtime and Fair Pay
Ever sat at work on a weekend or late in the evening wondering why you didn’t qualify for overtime? Salary threshold rules have not been adjusted for inflation since 1975 and currently reflect a maximum amount of $23,660 per year. The new proposed changes to the law would raise this limit to $47,476 per year, allowing a larger segment of the salaried population to qualify for paid overtime. As this legislation is coming at the end of President Obama’s term, it remains to be seen how it will fare with a new administration, but for the moment this is one more step toward fair pay for a whole new set of employees.
Making Overtime Fair Again
Are You Effective or Just Busy?
Ever have that feeling that your day will never end? Smartphones and other electronic devices make us available 24/7. Keeping our minds spinning, and making it seem that our time is constantly filled. In the Entrepreneur 360 article, 5 Ways to Stop Being Busy and Start Being Effective, four simple steps explain how we can accomplish work in the most effective way and help shed the constant feel of busy-ness.
- Don’t say yes to every task.
- Create time for your family and friends.
- Prioritize.
- Do not let others distract you.
Give it a try, and let us know how it works for you!