Life At Work

Is My Boss Gaslighting Me?: How To Recognize Gaslighting In The Workplace

Gaslighting can have a devastating effect on you in the workplace. Though everyone wants to believe that their workplace is a safe, inviting environment, the truth for many is that the office can be a toxic environment filled with toxic people. Sometimes that person can end up being your boss. If your boss is gaslighting […]

How To Give Your Boss A Gift (With Examples)

Our complete guide to finding a good gift for your boss, and how to best give it to them without looking like a big weirdo.

How To Write Effective Meeting Minutes (With Examples)

Meeting minutes are a record of what happened in a meeting. They aren’t a transcription — they don’t cover everything that was said or done —but they highlight the key points so that everyone can remember what was discussed. Meeting minutes are also important to update people who weren’t able to attend the meeting. Usually, […]

3 Sample Leave Of Absence Letters (And Do’s And Don’ts of Writing)

Writing a leave of absence letter requires you to first look into company policy, then you must articulate your reasons and know exactly how much time you want to request off. It is also helpful to discuss the situation with your supervisor before you draft your letter to ensure a smooth exit.

How To Handle A Boss That Hates You (With Examples)

What to do when your boss doesn't like you, or even hates you, and you don't know why.

Sample Memo: Format And Examples

A memo is a type of communication to share news, updates, or any other relevant information.

How To Respond To A Compliment (With Examples)

Responding to compliments can be surprisingly awkward. With a little training and practice, though, you can become a gracious and poised receiver of compliments. In this article, we’ll give you instructions on how to respond to a compliment at work and at home, as well as example responses to refer to. We’ll also explain why […]

What To Do After You Make A Mistake At Work (With Examples)

When you make a mistake at work, take responsibility for it, apologize, and work to remedy it.

How To Deal With A Condescending Co-Worker (With Examples)

When dealing with a condescending co-worker it's important to know that it's not about you and they may act like this towards everyone.

4 Tips For When You Can’t Stand Your Coworker

When you can't stand your coworker, start with empathy, confront the problem directly, connect with them, and reflect on what upsets you.

How To Apologize For A Late Reply (With Examples)

There’s going to come a time when you respond to a work email late. It happens to everyone. Knowing the proper way to respond to those late reply emails can help ease any tension it has caused with your coworker. Whether you got busy and couldn’t respond or you forgot about the email your coworker […]

How To Write A Memo: Format And Examples

Being able to use an appropriate memo format is a key skill to have as a professional in virtually any industry. Memos are a powerful tool for communicating with colleagues, supervisors, and subordinates, and using the correct memo format will help you get your message across more effectively. If you’re wondering how to write a […]

What To Do When You Don’t Fit In At Work

Our complete guide for what to do when it feels like you just don't fit in with the people and culture of your workplace.

How to Write a Professional Out Of Office Message (With Examples)

To write a professional out of office message, briefly explain why you're out, when you'll return, and who they can reach out to during your absence.

How To Write A Professional Email (With Examples)

Writing a professional email correctly takes skill and practice. There’s an art to crafting a professional email. Even if you can’t say what precisely makes for a polished email, you probably recognize the difference between a well-written message and an abrasive, confusing one. Whether you’re getting used to writing professional emails for the first time […]

Top Email Etiquette Tips When You Need To Say “Sorry For The Delay”

Forgetting to respond to an email can happen from time to time, and you may be wondering “Should I apologize for a late email?” Saying sorry for the delay in an email is one of the best ways to maintain your reputation and relationships. Whether you forgot to respond or you haven’t had time to […]

How To Write A Friendly Reminder Email (With Examples)

There may come a time when you don’t get an answer to your email or you have to send an email to remind people of important information, so it’s important to know how to write a friendly reminder email. These emails are also great when the response you’re looking for is time-sensitive, like when you’re […]

How To Write An Appeal Letter (With Examples)

To write an appeal letter, make sure to first research the organization's appeal policy, address it to the appropriate recipient, and explain the situation and what makes in unfair using polite, but firm, professional language.

Are Tattoos Still An Issue In The Workplace?

As tattoos become more popular, most industries are becoming more accepting of tattoos in the workplace. While most industries are becoming more lenient with tattoos, it will still depend on your company and its policies on whether visible tattoos are allowed. Whether you are fully covered in tattoos, have a few visible ones, or are […]

75 Pet Peeves That Practically Everyone Finds Annoying

Pet peeves are actions or occurrences that annoy people, so knowing what some of the most common ones are can help you avoid unnecessarily irking others.

10 Ways To Stop Saying “I’m Sorry” In The Workplace

If you are someone who find themselves saying “I’m sorry” often at work and you want to stop, there are many ways to stop saying “I’m sorry” in the workplace. While there are plenty of occasions where a heartfelt apology might be necessary, research shows that professionals in all industries, especially women, say sorry at […]

How To Write A Thank You Note To A Colleague (With Examples)

To write a thank you note to a colleague, you should call the recipient out by name and tell them what you're thankful for.

How To Introduce Yourself Professionally (With Examples)

To introduce yourself professionally, consider the context of your environment, use positive body language, give relevant information about yourself, and be curious about the other person or people.

How To Write A Sick Leave Email To Your Boss (With Examples)

To write a sick leave email to your boss, include the reason for your absence, how long you'll be gone, and your availability for remote work.

How To Write An Excuse Letter For A Work Absence (With Examples)

To write an excuse letter for a work absence, follow business letter format, explain why and how long you'll be absent, and include any information that will help them plan for your absence.

How To Write A Congratulations Email (With Examples)

To write a congratulations email, open with your congratulatory message and then add a sentence or two with some additional positive affirmation.

6 Types Of Work Environments (With Examples)

Work environments can make a significant impact on your job satisfaction and productivity. From the location where you do your work to the company culture, it’s important to know which work environments you thrive in and which ones you don’t when you’re looking for a job. Whether you’re preparing for an interview or are simply […]

How To Write A Day Off Work Request Email (With Examples)

To write a day off request email, first write a brief and direct subject time and in the first sentence state your purpose of the email.

How To Write A Transfer Request Letter And Email (With Examples)

To write a transfer request letter, state your desire to transfer, and explain why this change would benefit both you and your employer.

What Is Insubordination In The Workplace?

Insubordination at work is when an employee directly or indirectly refuses to carry out a reasonable directive that has been clearly communicated, understood, and acknowledged. Intentionally disobeying orders shows disrespect for supervisors and undermines their ability to manage, which is why insubordination is grounds for disciplinary action. Whether you’re a manager trying to get a […]

How To Call In Sick To Work (With Examples)

How to call in sick to work, whether you're actively vomiting or just trying to go see the big game.

11 Good Excuses To Miss Work on Short Notice

Despite your best efforts, there will be days when you have to miss work with little to no notice. Illnesses, accidents, or family emergencies are always legitimate reasons for missing work at the last minute. Just make sure you contact your boss as soon as you can, and don’t overuse these excuses. Needing an excuse […]

What To Do When You’re In A Dead-End Job

When you are in a dead-end job you should think about what upsets you about your current position and the reasons you feel that it's a dead end job.

How To Prepare For New Job Orientation

To help prepare for work orientation, you should first do your research and be prepared, call ahead to confirm the details with your new supervisor, dress appropriately, and arrive on time.

When To Get A Doctor’s Note For Missing Work

Providing a doctors not to your employer for when you miss work will determine by the severity of your illness, your company policy, and any local and state laws that may require it.

25 Key Qualities Of A Good Worker

Important key qualities of a good worker include having a solutions-oriented mindset, someone who is reliable and arrives to work on time, and they have strong active listening skills.

The Best April Fools Pranks & Practical Jokes to Use at Work

Funny pranks to pull on your coworkers include sticking someone they use everyday such as a stapler in Jell-O, or bring in a sweet treat but swap it for something healthy.

How To Deal With A Difficult Coworker (With Examples)

When dealing with a difficult coworker it's important to understand the other person and do some self reflecting.

11 Tips To Stop Crying At Work

The first thing you should do to stop crying at work is to take a deep breath and try to calm yourself down.

8 Tips On How To Deal With Difficult People At Work

When dealing with a difficult coworker, stay calm, try to understand where they're coming from, and always treat them with respect.

Personal Day: What Is It? (With Examples)

Personal days are an employee benefit that companies offer in addition to PTO and vacation days.

How to Write a New Employee Welcome Message (With Examples)

To write an employee welcome message, start by explicitly welcoming them and introducing yourself, and move to details about their schedule, dress code, and first-day expectations, as well as any documents they need to bring.

Professional Reasons For Leaving Work Early (With Examples)

Professional reasons for leaving work early depend on your company's policy and culture, as well as your own professional history. However, some common acceptable reasons for leaving work early include medical emergencies, family commitments, and professional development opportunities.

How To Write A New Employee Announcement Emails (With Examples)

When writing a new employee announcement email, you should include the new employees name, their start date, and position with the company.

How To Take Stress Leave At Work (With Examples)

Before you take stress leave at work, make sure to review your company's policy, as well as relevant Federal and state laws, such as FMLA. You should also work with a healthcare provider and carefully decide how much time you need. After this you can talk to your employer and come to an agreeable solution.

75 Get-to-Know-You Questions For The Workplace

Getting to know your coworkers is a great bonding experience and helps build trust with your coworkers.

20 Tips For A Successful First Day At A New Job

To be successful on the first day of a new job, arrive early, dress appropriately, and be curious, positive, and yourself.

30 60 90 Day Plan: What It Is And Examples

A 30-60-90 day plan is a plan for the first 30,60,and 90 days at a new job.

How To Wish Your Coworker A Happy Retirement (With Examples)

When writing a retirement card, consider the type of retirement message that you want to write such as congratulatory, complimentary, or a humorous message.

How To Write A Compelling Business Proposal

Summary. To write a compelling business proposal you should research the clients needs and tailor the problem and solution statement to fit their needs. To make your proposal credible, you should include your qualifications with examples of your work and satisfied customer testimonials. Understanding how to write a persuasive business proposal is critical if you […]

13 Common Networking Mistakes (And How To Fix Them)

When it comes to building your network, you want to do everything you can to avoid burning any bridges. We're here to help you check yourself before you wreck yourself on all of your networking ventures.

What Is Long-Term and Short-Term Disability Insurance?

Short-term and long-term disability insurance are things that most employees want, but they’re often things that people don’t understand. We’re here to shed some light on these different types of insurance. You’ll learn why they’re important. What the difference is. Why you want them. And when you can use them. You’ll also learn why it’s […]

How To Come Up With Healthy Work Lunch Ideas (With Examples)

Our complete guide to coming up with healthy lunch ideas to keep yourself healthy and chock full of those good nutrients.

How To Find A Mentor (With Examples)

If you’ve ever been asked “Who is your mentor?” in an interview and a name didn’t come to mind right away to you, you’re in the right place. Mentors are excellent resources for helping you meet your career goals and succeed in your job, and in this article, we’ll discuss what a mentor is, how […]

How To Plan For A Layoff

The thought of being laid off is a frightening one. Unfortunately, Layoffs are part of life. The unpredictable nature of them can cause a lot of stress because, in most cases, you aren’t being terminated due to poor work performance or even factors within your control. Many layoffs happen because of bigger issues such as […]

Sexual Harassment In The Workplace

Everybody deserves a workplace where they feel safe and free to do their job without the fear of being sexually harassed. Workplace sexual harassment creates a tense environment at a minimum and a dangerous situation at worst. Harassment in the workplace is an issue that once went grossly unchecked. Now, it is becoming more controlled […]

23 Team Building Activities Your Team Will Love

When you hear the words “team building activity,” you might groan a bit. Thoughts of trust falls and other corny office stereotypes might fill your mind. Team building exercises get a bad rap, but if you put a little thought and effort into them, you can transform them into something fun, useful, and effective. Join […]

What To Do When You’re Overqualified For The Job

Applying for a job you’re not qualified for is one thing but applying for a job you’re overqualified for is a whole different situation and it can be a tricky one. Interestingly, both situations can have a great outcome, or there could be a very bad one. In this article, we will go over why […]

What Are Cross Functional Teams?

Cross-functional teams are a great way to integrate a company horizontally across teams and allow for collaboration outside the typical project norm.

How To Create An Employee Handbook

An employee handbook can prevent a myriad of misunderstandings between you and your employees and serve as a record of established policies and procedures. The actual act of writing an employee handbook, however, can feel daunting. To help you with this, we’ll explain the purpose of an employee handbook and what goes into it, and […]

Why You Might Be Unhappy At Work

The average adult spends most of their time at work for most of their adult lives. Spending 25 to 30 years working means doing something you should love, but unfortunately that’s not the case for most people. If you are unhappy at work, know that you aren’t alone, and around half of the country’s population […]

Documentation In The Workplace

We refer to records and documents almost daily to help us understand situations and make good decisions. Just like you want to have thorough documentation of things like your financial accounts or your professional experience before you make a big decision, keeping accurate records of things that happen at work can be extremely useful. While […]

How To Start A New Remote Job

For many people, getting a remote job can be a dream come true. However, starting a remote job is also significantly different from starting a new office job, so it brings a unique set of challenges. Whether this is your first remote job or you’re a seasoned remote worker switching to a new role, we […]

What Is Corporate Culture?

Even with great products and strong management, a company cannot be successful without an effective company culture. Company culture influences all aspects of employee behavior, from C-suite executives down to the regular staff. A poor company culture results in disengaged employees and high turnover, while a strong one unites all individuals under shared values and […]

10 Signs That You’re A Control Freak (And What To Do About Them)

A single control freak looming in a work environment or relationship can negatively impact the experience of everyone who has to deal with their tendencies. Being controlling is one of the most despised qualities that a supervisor or co-worker can have because people hate to be micromanaged. It trickles into their lives and often ends […]

How To Combat Cell Phone Use At Work (With Examples)

Cellphones have become apart of our everyday lives. Most people don’t go anywhere without it in their hand or in their pocket. Employees having their phone on them at work can lead to the temptation of scrolling on social media making them distracted at work. Implementing a cell phone usage guideline into your policy can […]

How To Write A Rejection Letter (With Examples)

When you’re looking for potential candidates for an open job position, the inevitable downside is rejecting applicants who may not be qualified or fit for the job. Depending on your organization, you should consider sending rejection letters to those who do not qualify for the job. Although it may not seem important, sending a rejection […]

How To Take Notes At Work

Are you an efficient notetaker, or are you wasting time and not getting all the information that you can? There are some ways you can improve your note-taking and become an efficient learning machine. Use these note-taking techniques, and you’ll have better study notes, better notes at work, and be better informed. Key Takeaways: Taking […]

What Is Company Culture?

Every company has a unique atmosphere that’s generated from a combination of its core values, long-term vision, practices, and overall work environment. This ingrained distinctiveness is the organization’s company culture. A business’ company culture is felt by everyone who works with them and greatly impacts their ability to attract top applicants when hiring. Evaluating and […]

10 Tips To Avoid Distractions At Work

Whether it’s hearing the sound of a notification on your cell phone or thinking about that new video game you picked up last night, it can be difficult to stay focused during a boring or stressful workday. Cutting out distractions improves workflow, but can also improve your fondness for your job, both of these being […]

Telecommuting: What Is It? (With Examples)

As technology advances, it has become easier than ever to telecommute to work. With the rise of remote and telecommuting, it’s important to know exactly what it is before applying to those jobs. In this article, we will discuss what telecommuting is, provide examples of telecommuting jobs, and go over the advantages and disadvantages of […]

50+ Google Tricks You Should Try

For the past twenty-two years, Google has been here to help people answer even the most basic questions, such as the time or weather. However, there is more to this search engine than meets the eye. There are over sixty tips and tricks to what has become one of the most vital tools in many […]

How To Say No (With Examples)

Do you have a hard time saying no? It’s a common issue, especially for women, who are often conditioned to appease others. So how do you break free of this and learn to say no when it’s what you really want to say? Learning to say no plays into your personal and professional life. When […]

Ageism In The Workplace

The working age in the United States is steadily growing, especially as many Baby Boomers opt to keep working even part-time as they move into retirement age. However, working at an older age can oftentimes bring a negative stereotype to light for many older workers. For many, fighting for equal standing or an ‘old person’ […]

How To Make A Business Voicemail Greeting (With Examples)

In today’s world of digital messaging, email, and text messaging, your business answering machine message might be an afterthought. However, you’d be surprised how many people still prefer to use phones and speak to a person directly or leave a voicemail message that can be returned at a later time. That’s why your business needs […]

What Is Unconscious Bias? (With Examples)

As humans, we’re always prone to developing unconscious biases that shape how we view the world and other individuals. It doesn’t matter how open minded you are as a person, unconscious bias is always there. These unconscious biases can manifest into many negative patterns in the workplace, such as accidental stereotyping and discrimination. For these […]

How At-Will Employment Works (With Examples)

You may already have a general understanding of what the term “at-will employment” means. However, you probably aren’t aware of the many nuances and exceptions associated with the practice. At-will employment has grown increasingly common over time, making it important to understand these nuances and exactly what your rights are as an employee or employer. […]

What Is A Digital Nomad (And How To Become One)

The average person will spend 3,750 days of their lives at work. While the idea of nearly four thousand long and back-breaking days paid to the debt of employment feels heavy, the consistency of that time is up to you. You can pay your dues whether those 90,000 hours are spent working within the confines […]

How To Handle A Lazy Coworker

You log in, open your work assignments for the day, and see, once again, that your coworker has not done their share. You cannot move forward with your assignments, and you feel your workflow interrupted as you contemplate whether to reach out or to just do the assignments yourself. This frustrating story is a reality […]

101 Questions To Ask Yourself In Life

Asking yourself questions every day is a great way to achieve personal growth. The kinds of questions you ask yourself during different experiences, situations, and events can significantly impact the way you live your life. The questions you ask can determine what your mind chooses to focus on, which results in certain thoughts, actions, and […]

Tips For Working In An Empty Office

What to do when all your coworkers are out on holiday (or whatever reason they might be missing).

How To Get Along With Your Boss

Having a perfect relationship with your boss is the ideal working situation. Unfortunately, not everyone is going to get the perfect relationship with their boss. While you may not have the perfect boss, you can have a positive, healthy relationship with your boss that integrates personal and professional growth. All it takes is for you […]

What Is Career Development?

A person’s career is rarely a single goal but rather a series of steps that lead down a path. First, an individual must analyze the things that they enjoy and are good at to decide what profession they want to pursue. Then, they need to develop their skills in this industry by going to school […]

What Is A Hostile Work Environment? (And How To Deal With It)

Most people think that once they are out of high school they won’t have to deal with bullies anymore. Unfortunately, toxic coworkers can become workplace bullies and make you miserable at your job. The sad fact is that racism, sexual harassment, and bullying are more commonplace than you would think. In fact, the Workplace Bullying […]

How To Deal With A Micromanaging Boss

Our complete guide to dealing with a boss who micromanages your every move.

What Is A 9/80 Work Schedule? Exploring Examples, Benefits, And Challenges

Over the past few years, employers have been exploring new schedule options to try to provide more flexibility to their employees. This article will explain everything you need to know about a 9/80 work schedule, as well as provide you with examples of its benefits and downsides. Key Takeaways A 9/80 schedule typically includes nine-hour […]

What Is Bereavement Leave?

Unfortunately, everyone will lose a loved one at some point, and when someone close to you passes away, it can be surprisingly exhausting. Between grieving, making funeral preparations, managing your loved one’s legal documents and belongings, and trying to handle your regular responsibilities while figuring out how to navigate this new normal, it’s all but […]

Engaged Employees: Everything You Need To Know

Engaged employees keep productivity high, problem-solve, and overall, find ways to improve efficiency. And yet, Gallup research has found that only about 15% of employees worldwide and 34% of employees in the United States are truly engaged with their work. While these numbers may be alarming to employers, they show that there’s a lot of […]

What Is Job Satisfaction And Why Is It Important? (With Tips + Statistics)

The nature of jobs might seem simple: You work to get paid. However, the functionality of the workplace relies on more than just the promise of pay. The role of job satisfaction cannot be understated. In this article, we’ll cover the value of job satisfaction in the workplace, what to do when you’re not satisfied […]

Oh No, I Hate My Boss. What Should I Do Now?

You’re not going to like everyone you work with all the time, and sometimes your boss is going to be the person you end up hating. While hate is a strong word, many people feel unheard, overwhelmed, and even taken advantage of in the workplace. In fact, a staggering 64% of Americans report unhappiness in […]

How To Make And Use A Daily To-Do List

Our complete guide to creating and maintaining a daily to-do list for all your work and personal needs.

Work Hours Calculator

This calculator calculates the hour difference between two times in a day. It is accurate to the minute and provides the time period in total hours and minutes, decimal hours, and total minutes. You can use this hours calculator to help generate an invoice, time sheet, or time card. If you’re always wondering “how many […]

Hardest Working Countries 2023

Hard work is an American ideal, but the United States isn’t technically the hardest working country in the world. In fact, the typical American worker works an average of 38.7 hours per week. That might seem like a lot, but the United States only ranks as the tenth-highest working hours among developed countries. From workplace […]

How To Show Respect In The Workplace

Respect is the foundation of any stable relationship, including the relationships you build and maintain at your job. For optimal efficiency and effectiveness, respect is essential in the business world. Employees can’t work to their full potential if they don’t feel respected and valued by their peers, superiors, and subordinates. If you want to promote […]

What To Do If You Get A Warning At Work

As an employee of an organization, you may experience some kind of disciplinary action during your time there. Receiving disciplinary action is a more common occurrence than you may believe. Its purpose can be anything from correcting behavior to reprimanding inappropriate actions in the workplace. Depending on the process, warnings should typically follow a discussion […]

How To Deal With Bullies At Work

Our complete guide to handling workplace bullies, and what to do if you find yourself overwhelmed.

Burnt Out At Work: What It Is And What To Do About It

Having a bad day or week can be normal for everyone, but it’s not normal when it’s all the time. Dreading going to work and not caring about the work you are doing everyday can be the result of burnout. Addressing the root causes of burnout will help you get out of your funk and […]

How To Brainstorm At Work (With Examples)

Whether you need to come up with a snappy social media caption or develop an entire onboarding process for a company, brainstorming is often the best way to solve a problem or reach a goal. Key Takeaways: Brainstorming is a problem solving method where ideas for a problem or goal are considered without judgement before […]

How To Deal With Passive-Aggressive Coworkers

Just as you can’t pick your family, you also don’t usually get to pick your coworkers. If you find yourself having to deal with someone at work who is regularly passive-aggressive, it can be difficult to know how to respond politely while not encouraging the behavior. To help you in this, we’ve compiled some information […]