Admit It, You Sent A Work Email From The Bathroom

Admit it, you sent a work email from the bathroom this morning.

If you did you, aren't alone. About one in five professionals admit to doing work in the restroom. This newly released "Life at Home" report comes to us by Swedish furniture maker Ikea. The report says that between 16 and 17 percent of the 1,000 people surveyed in New York City admitted to working in the bathroom. Ikea surveyed roughly 8,000 people in eight cities globally on diverse morning habits including getting ready, time spent working, cuddling and reflecting.

The Today Show covered the study and several of the anchors admitted to sending emails from the loo. Natalie Morales and Carson Daly readily admitted to doing work from the toilet, and Matt Lauer confessed to possibly sending an email from the washroom. Daly also filled the audience in on his bathroom conference call tips.

Going to the work bathroom can be challenging enough. The next time you get an email from a client or your boss, you've got to wonder if that was typed out in the bathroom. You might also give people a second glance if they head to the restroom with smartphone in hand.

At least Manhattanites aren't the only professionals bringing their work to the loo. In Stockholm, 17 percent of those surveyed also admitted to working in the bathroom. In London, Moscow, Mumbai, Berlin and Shanghai, 10 percent did.

Ikea's report findings also included:

• New Yorkers spend 16 minutes per day grooming. That's nearly 2 additional minutes more compared to other cities surveyed. No one said being beautiful was an easy task.
• About 56 percent of people from NYC do not consider themselves "morning people." This explains the need for the venti-size coffee in the morning.
• 57 percent of New Yorker's think self-reflection is important. Remember that the next time someone steals your cab or steps on your toe on the subway.

Other interesting gems include the fact that people in the Big Apple tend not to eat breakfast at home, compared to the other cities surveyed. Yet when they do sit down to a meal, they are more likely to use their PDA than any other city (aside from Moscow).

Before you type out your morning agenda from your work stall, make sure to Purell before and after you hit send.

How to Navigate FMLA Leave

Are you starting a family or taking care of a sick family member? There are career steps you need to address before you take your leave.

Before you leave, do this. Speak in "us" language, not in "me" language, and have solutions in mind before you sit down with your boss. Every company and employer handles family leave differently, so do your research and get up to speed on the typical practice of your office. Anticipate what your employer's fears are and be prepared to mitigate them from the outset. Your leave can have a potentially negative impact on your employer, so you have to help them ease into it. There's no set time frame, as every office operates differently.

Customarily, two weeks is the common norm for anyone leaving a position. Be fair and honest to your employer about your wants and needs -- before you officially leave. Remember, The Family and Medical Leave Act could be an option for you (aside from quitting altogether). If you are covered, you are entitled to an unpaid but job-protected leave for twelve weeks. This includes birth of a child, taking care of a sick family member, adoption of a child, personal health conditions or military service.

Another method to slowly ease yourself out of a job but keep positive ties to your company is to learn how to pitch working from home as a win for your employer. Consider all your options (working part-time, taking a year off or telecommuting) and then ask for your ideal schedule. With the push to create family-friendly work environments, employers are more flexible than ever as long as you demonstrate you can and will produce great work.

How to handle a resume gap. Not all employment gaps are due to layoffs or getting fired. You may have taken time off to take courses, have kids, freelance, or travel, and all of those things can make you a better candidate for the job. List the courses you've taken and explain how they will help in this new position. Talk about your freelancing experience and what you learned and accomplished during that time. Discuss the volunteer programs you've been a part of, like the PTA or Cub Scouts. Share your travels with your prospective employer. At the very least, they may find comfort in knowing you've "been there, done that" and won't be taking off to travel the world again!

Never let go of your network. While you might not be 100 percent in the industry right now, you should always stay in touch with your former colleagues and clients. Whether it's liking a post they shared on LinkedIn, attending networking events, reaching out to them via email or even meeting for coffee every few months. Maintaining your relationships will offer insight into how the industry is adapting and keep you abreast of the changes and developments. These tools and industry know-how can serve you well when you are ready to test the waters again.

Where your colleagues are concerned, it'll also keep you fresh in their minds. Those lunch dates and email exchanges will showcase the fact that you've still been actively involved in the industry -- even if it was from a backseat view. If a job opens up down the line, they'll be more open to recommending it to you. Use LinkedIn Pulse to read the most relevant industry news that your professional community is reading and sharing, so you're in the know when you return to work.

What Photos Should you Share with your LinkedIn Network?

On the heels of announcing that they reached 300 Million members, LinkedIn introduced a brand newmobile feature today. Members are now able to share photographs on LinkedIn with their mobile device.

Why is this so important? We live in a visual world. Being able to express who we are and what we do through photos is essential. Sometimes we don't have the time or the right words to express what we do. The ability to quickly snap a photo while you are in the moment helps illustrate it for you.

We've seen how other social networks have been able to use this process on a personal level. However, having LinkedIn on board will help professionals worldwide tell a different story. While people might be busy snapping photos of art, food, sunsets or funny selfies, LinkedIn is taking photo sharing to the next professional level. They are inviting you to share a glimpse into what you do on a day to day at the office. We spend over 70% of our time at the office – we have a lot more to share with the world than art, food, sunsets and funny selfies.

According to LinkedIn's career expert Nicole Williams, "members who share images with their LinkedIn network are five times more likely to have other members engage with their update. Clicks and pics can be a recipe for professional success."

Not sure what to share? Why not start with a view of your workspace. "Bring the passion and energy that you have for your career to life. Use photographs to capture fun, inspiring or motivational moments throughout your day," says Williams. Snap a photo of your morning cup of Joe, a new product redesign, a powerful quote, a book you are reading or newly color coded files. Turn the cameras on your co-workers and a snap a photo of your Monday morning office meeting, your break room or your new conference space.

Upload Your Own Photo: Did you know that your LinkedIn Profile is 11 times more likely to be viewed if you include a photo? "Rather than using the typical headshot, try having someone take a shot of you in the midst of your work – during a presentation or practicing a big speech – or even in front of oven in your kitchen whites if you're a chef," says Williams.

When you're off site: Most professionals are on the move as opposed to sitting at their desks from 9-5. Exhibit your whereabouts by snapping a photo. You can share an update with your network that you are at the Ohio Marketing Convention, but by seeing photos of the booths, speakers and products in photos helps your network experience it in a much better light.

Act like an expert: The best way for a client or hiring manager to see you as a potential candidate is to see you in action. What better way to show off your expertise than a photo? If you're an architect, snap a photo of blueprints you're working on, if you work for a non-profit snap a photo of a walk-a-thon you managed, or if you're an event director take a photo of beautiful affair you created.

Never Say These 5 Things in an Interview

After sending your resume out, you finally have a job interview. Here are 5 things you should never say or wear during an interview. 

Not: What do you do here?
Fix: If you walk into an interview and you ask the interviewer what they do at the organization that is a fail. First off, you should have researched the company. Secondly, you should have looked up the person you are interviewing with on LinkedIn. Never go into an interview unprepared.

Not: I left because my boss hated me.
Fix: Never, under any circumstances say an unkind word about your boss, coworkers or company. You never want to insert the negative in a job interview.. Always keep things upbeat and positive. Loyalty and trust go a long way in terms of employment. Your new boss wants to ensure you'll use that same digression during your potential career with them.

Not: Over inflating your salary.
Fix: The jigs up. With platforms like Glassdoor and Salary.com as well as industry insight, hiring managers have a general idea of what you are making. If you over ask (and I'm talking more than the cursory 5-10% - you have a big chance of not getting the job. It shows you have unrealistic expectations and have not properly analyzed the market. It's encouraged to negotiate but know what is appropriate.

Not: Not wearing the right clothes.
Fix: Do your homework. Understand the company culture by studying the type of office environment they envision. Don't show up to a start up in a three-piece suit and don't show up to a PE firm in dark jeans and a blazer. You need to look the part. Look like you could easy blend into the team.

Not: You admit to being desperate.
Fix: No hiring manager wants to hire someone who has bounced around from interview to interview. They want to know that you are a strong candidate who is passionate about the position and the product. They want to know your strengths, ideas, and insights. Keep your interview track record under the table. Lead with confidence and understanding of the company.

 

This Mother Daughter Business Bridges Gen Y Gap

What do health, wellness, philanthropy and professional and personal development have in common? They are all the foundation of Elevate Gen Y, a company that offers live events and programming to millennials. Elevate Gen Y is run by mother/daughter duo Sharon Ufberg and Alexis Sclamberg.

After graduating from college, Sclamberg (like many young women) was clueless about what she wanted and went to law school by default. She earned her law degree and found herself in the same unsure situation -- now with a ton of debt.

After reading self-help books, listening to personal development webinars and finding nothing relating to her quarter-life crisis, she talked to her mom about the generational issue of finding life direction at a particular phase of life.

"It was immediately obvious that this was our chance to work with one another to put our hearts and passions together to create something amazing," Sclamberg says. Her mom spent over 30 years as a health care practitioner guiding people to live more empowered and healthier lives.

"I wanted to learn how to make wise decisions (not just practical ones)," Sclamberg adds. "My generation needs community, inspiration, empowerment. We need to feel like we're not alone in this crazy time that is your 20's and 30's."

So Elevate Gen Y was born.

The company creates live events and online programming for women in their 20s and 30s to inspire and empower them to live happy, healthy, meaningful lives and back to their community and the world. They, in term, are inspired by the email they receive from women about connections they've made and how the program has changed their lives.

The mother and daughter seem to enjoy their work together and are ready to embark on "The Borrowed Wisdom World Summit, a 12-week interview series featuring self-help experts, world-renowned doctors, celebrities and more. "We've spent years searching and have found the very best experts to help listeners get a life they love," says Sclamberg

What's the biggest piece of wisdom they've borrowed so far?

"People are very generous and willing to help you if you are brave enough to ask for what you need," says her mom.

What Suits You? Finding Attire That's the Right Fit For Your Industry

It takes about six seconds to make a first impression, and what you're wearing is a huge nonverbal and often subconscious way of ensuring the interviewer/client/coworker thinks you're a great fit. But before you reach for that bulky suit on the rack, think again.

These days, women can let go of the boxy power suits of the 1980s. Women wore these suits to blend into their environment, to subtly tell men that you were one of the guys and part of the team. Suits gave women power and confidence.

These days the modern suit is much different--it's all about fit. Stay away from blazers with shoulder pads and try on a style that cinches around your waist. What's paramount now is dressing for your industry. Every office, field and work environment is different.

If you're in finance or law, for instance, chances are you need to stick to a suit. However, stay on trend. While the pant suits you wore the 80s and 90s might still fit, that doesn't mean they are still the right fit and doing you any good at the office. In fact, they're most likely aging you. Take a look at what the senior women are wearing and take your cues from them. You can insert your style by adding a dash of color with your blouse or a statement necklace.

Corporate finance or law are also industries that tend to favor suits over other, more casual getups. Find one that complements your specific field. Remember, fit trumps quality. Visit a tailor to shorten a sleeve or (if they're a fit for your office) hem a skirt.

Before buying another shirt because it's on sale or accepting your older sister's hand-me-down blazer, think before you put it on. Does the fit, quality, and style truly compliment your professional brand? You'd never submit a report that was disorganized or create a PowerPoint that was all over the place. Extend this attention to detail to your work wardrobe.

Should you Take Your Dog to Work?

Last month I had the opportunity to visit my friend's office. She works at a very relaxed and laid back PR firm--they even let you bring your dogs to work. As a dog lover (who hasn't owned a dog for years) this sounded like heaven. I walked into the office and my first thought was: how cute! My second thought was: how does anyone get any work done? After spending the day at this pet-friendly office, I have some points to consider before you bring Fido to your office.Allergies. Before you enforce a dog-as-the-office policy, understand that dog allergies are a real thing. Survey your staff and ask them if they are allergic or even afraid of dogs. You don't want to alienate someone just because you want to bring your dog to the office.

Doggy day care. Dogs can be, well, dogs. They are messy and sometimes have accidents--and when they do, the owner need to take care of it ASAP. I had a client inform me that she brought her young pup to her workplace, and he scurried into the CEO's office and pooped under his desk. She wasn't able to clean it and blamed it on a large rodent. Don't let yourself get tangled up in a lie.

Puppy distractions. If your dog isn't well behaved, don't bring him into work. You'll be spending more time reprimanding him than actually getting your work done. Conversely, even the best-behaved dogs can be procrastination tools. You pet him, Instagram him, introduce him to coworkers...before you know it, it's 5:00 and you haven't accomplished anything at work.

Positive attitude. Having a dog around can boost morale, especially on intense project days. Playing with a dog for few minutes can increase your energy and motivate you. However, you should time these breaks carefully. As mentioned above, five minutes can easily turn into an hour. However, dogs do increase camaraderie in offices--they are great conversation starters.

8 Companies That Let You Being Your Dog to Work

If you are anything like me and want a pet, but your long work hours would mean leaving him home alone, these eight companies might be the best places for you to work. They understand that pets are a big part of company culture and work life balance. Let's take a look:

Google – The search giant's dog-friendly policy can be found in their Code of Conduct: "Google's affection for our canine friends is an integral facet of our corporate culture. We like cats, but we're a dog company, so as a general rule we feel cats visiting our offices would be fairly stressed out." However, Google makes it clear that this isn't a free-for-all. According to this CNBC article the rules are as follow:

• Employees have to get approval from their managers and work neighbors to make sure everyone's okay with it.
• Dogs aren't allowed in meetings, break areas or on the sand volleyball court.
• A one-strike policy for messes or aggressive behavior is strictly enforced.

Saatchi & Saatchi LA - This award-winning advertising agency's west coast team recognizes how important pooches are at the office. According to Candice Dorsey, the PR Supervisor for Saatchi & Saatchi LA, "We're a dog friendly workplace and anyone can bring their dog, as long as they pass training and are less than 40 pounds. We can bring them to work every day!" Candice also pointed out that in order to accommodate workers with pet-related allergies, dogs are not allowed on any piece of furniture.

Trupanion – This Seattle-based medical insurance provider for dogs and cats was founded by Darryl Rawlings and his pup Charlie. It's only natural that the company gives every employee the option to bring two well behaved pets to the office. Trupanion currently has 227 dogs (and some cats) and around 400 employees. That's a 2:1 ratio – the highest in the country. They even have a dog-walking service and a vet on site.

Kathryn Clappison, Public Relations Specialist from Trupanion, said that the company's "office petiquette" is extremely important. Employees who bring their pets to work minimize distractions through obedience training to keep dogs calm and quiet, silencing squeaky toys, and maintaining coworkers' personal space. Clappison further elaborated that the Trupanion office has been "dog-proofed" and is secured with baby gates or tethers, and the furry friends are always under supervision. "They must be up to date on vaccinations, and pet owners are offered advice on how to keep pets safe and well-behaved during the work day. Any accidents are immediately taken care of by the pet owner, and Trupanion offers cleaning resources to do so," said Clappison.

Build – A- Bear Workshop – This customizable toy company might be seeking some loveable inspiration from the cute pets that roam around their office. Their official office policy states:
"Our furry friends work alongside us at our World Bearquarters (Headquarters) and it is not uncommon to see a birthday cele-bear-ation invite sent to the office pups. All of their four-legged friends join in the fun which always seems to include birthday cake and frosty paws just for the dogs! For safety reasons we cannot have our furry friends work alongside us at our Bearhouse (Distribution Center) every day, but we do reserve several days a year to give our friends the op-bear-tunity to visit."

Defined Logic - While this digital experience consulting firm doesn't have an official policy about dogs, their team warmly welcomes any member of an employee's family into the office--even if they have four legs. Bryan C. Galloway, Business Analyst from Defined Logic, explained, "If something comes up and an employee needs to bring their dog into the office, it's not an issue as long as the dog is well behaved and does not interfere in the office. We had one dog that was snapping at everyone, so that obviously didn't work."

Usually, though, they do. Galloway's favorite involved one employee's dog running into the conference room during a meeting, jumping up on a chair, and quietly watching the entire meeting, as if she was ready to jump in with an idea at any moment. "We even included her in the meeting attendance," he said. "Sometimes our personal lives overlap with work and it's great to have an employer who recognizes this and is willing be flexible."

Kimpton Hotels – While this hotel chain extends an invite to guests with furry companions (without an extra fee) they also have a Director of Pet Relations at several of their properties. The program started in 2004 and uses a well-behaved and friendly dog as the "honorary staff of the canine persuasion to help greet guests and test out their pet-approved products.

The hotel has been welcoming pets since 1981; founder Bill Kimpton would often bring his pet to work. According to an article on their website regarding their pet policy, "As with all our employees, we have a pretty intense screening process for our Directors of Pet Relations. Dogs that possess a loving spirit, follow directions well, and know when it's appropriate to engage with a guest and when to give them space are top candidates for the job. A love of the limelight doesn't hurt either, as many of our directors have been featured in articles and on television."

Etsy – This crafty e-commerce company understands how dogs can greatly impact their internal company culture. They have been dog-friendly for almost 10 years. According to Employee Experience Manager Sarah Starpoli, "It's one of the ways we strive to maintain a casual, creative, and inspiring work environment. In addition to sharing meals, riding bikes to our local farm to compost office waste, and volunteering, bringing our dogs to work helps keep spirits high and fosters a sense of community and connection that is paramount to what Etsy is all about."

Zynga – Developing games on a daily basis sounds awesome enough, but being able to bring your pooch to work doubles it. The company is named after the founder Mark Pincus' American bulldog, Zinga, and it's always been a dog-friendly operation. At Zynga, the ratio of employees to pups is about 9:1. According to Colleen McCreary, the Chief People Officer, dogs have always been a part of Zynga culture. Zynga also has an area for doggy bathrooms, aptly named the "barking lot." They also look after your pet's well-being by offering pet insurance and dog food on site.

Generational Differences

 

A Generation Y employee was reprimanded by her boomer-era boss because of the casual way she talked to the president of their firm. You see, this employee spoke to the president the same way she spoke to the receptionist, and believed that treating all of the office staff the same way was a sign of respect; however, her more seasoned boss was horrified by her lack of etiquette and justly let her know.

This scenario points to the difficulty of navigating generational differences in the office, and also to the importance of learning to work effectively with co-workers of all ages. “Generational differences have been named as a major concern in office settings,” says career expert and cofounder of SixFigureStart Caroline Ceniza-Levine. “This is the first time we have four generations in the workplace. Each generation has different defining events, attitudes toward work, communication styles, and other differences that naturally pose challenges in close settings like the office.”

The good news is that young women can bridge the generation gap. Here’s how.

Know what’s in it for you. Overcoming difficult tasks is easiest when you understand the benefits. Fortunately, there’s a long list of motivators for improving multigenerational office relationships. “A successful career is relationship-driven. You need mentors to guide you, a network of colleagues at all levels to tap into the hidden job market of internal and external opportunities, and peers to support you,” says Ceniza-Levine. What’s more, younger staffers can use these relationships to learn more about their company, while more established women gain insight into current trends and technological advancements.

Find common ground. Multigenerational relationships improve dramatically when you find a way to connect with an older or younger crowd. “Topics such as diet, clothing, cooking, men, movies, TV, and hair never grow old,” says Katherine Crowley, coauthor of Working With You Is Killing Me. Better acquaint yourself with co-workers by discussing these everyday topics over lunch or a coffee break. And if the conversation transitions to work, act curious—not threatened—by your colleague’s background and experience. “Your interest will quell their anxiety,” says Crowley.

Think like them. Different generations communicate in specific ways, so learning to adapt to an older or younger colleague’s style plays a key role in improving your relationship. Start by asking co-workers how they prefer to be contacted: Do they like calls, e-mails, or face-to-face chats? Do they like to get regular updates on projects or do they want you to touch base only after you’ve completed them?

Next, start studying your co-worker’s values and work ethics closely—they’re more similar to yours than you think. “All generations share similar values—they just express them differently, and that’s what causes issues,” says career coach Elene Cafasso. “For instance, older generations honor their family values by working long hours, being a good provider, keeping a job, and funding a college plan. Younger folks honor their family values by working more flexible or less hours, and spending more time with the family. They place the emphasis on being there for them versus doing for them. It’s the same value, just a different expression.”

Don’t count them out. To improve office relations, younger women must value the experience of their elders in the office. This is especially important for women who are managing an older staffer. “When managing an older person, be sure to solicit their opinion. Give them recognition for their unique contributions. Bounce things off of them,” says Cafasso. “It’s very easy to show a person you value them without taking a lot of extra time or effort, or feeling like you’re kissing up to them. And you might learn something in the process.”

Transparency in Your Workplace

 

What words come to mind when you hear…workplace transparency? For me, it means working for a company that shares everything with their employees and is very clear about their goals. Many companies start out trying to have an open work space but as they grow from 5 to 50 to 5,000 it becomes more difficult to include the whole team on this type of openness – although it can be done.

How open is your workplace? Are you comfortable asking what your coworkers are working on, what their salary/bonus is or getting face time with the boss? I was interviewed recently on HuffPost Live about this very issue. Working at a company that is open and attempts to utilize team work is a growing trend. However, if your office hasn’t taken the measures to become fully transparent you should be the one to set the tone.

Learn to Ask: Normally when an employee feels out of the loop it means they most likely haven’t done the obvious and that’s to sit down with their boss. They assume their boss is too busy or not interested in having the one on one. My advice, don’t be afraid and just ask…9 times out of 10 your boss will appreciate it. Schedule a meeting and simply ask to see what has been going on and where the company is headed. This is also a great time for you to see if there is any additional responsibilities you can take on that could lead to a promotion or a raise down the road. If possible, schedule these meetings at least once a quarter. Being clued into the company and having private time with your boss will help you strengthen your relationship and also help you do your job better.

Lead by example: As a boss, you need to be the one in charge of setting the tone of transparency in the office. Whether it’s sending a weekly email update, planning meetings or stopping by an employee’s desk to chat and learn about their projects. Creating an environment that includes open discourse will connect your employees to you, the company and more importantly to each other.

Create Partnerships:  Feedback and knowledge-sharing are essential to any business. Look at your weekly team meeting as a way for you to learn about the different channels in your business and how your coworker’s contacts or methods can help you. Did Steve from digital mention setting up a social media strategy…isn’t that something you wanted to do for your client? Take advantage of these meetings as a time to figure out how your different channels can work together.

Understanding the business: A business will only run as long as the higher-ups translate their intentions to their employees. What are their goals for the company this quarter, next quarter and the years to come? Having an open dialogue about how an employee is essential to that growth will help the company get there faster.

Being Vocal: One of the features employers look for during the hiring process is personality. Employers want people who are honest, eager to learn and can give feedback. You should never dance around the truth or hold back on your opinions. Always speak your mind and don’t wait around for the next meeting or opportunity. The sooner you give your feedback – the sooner you’ll be helping the company.