Low-Income Workers Are Getting More Raises

Low-Income Workers Are Getting More Raises Low-income workers have struggled to make ends meet in the wake of the recession, particularly as they found themselves left behind the rest of the nation’s recovering employees. But their prospects could be on the rise. Americans who find themselves in the bottom quarter of earners are seeing their wages increase at the highest rate since 2009, the Wall Street Journal reports. The push comes from increased competition for workers, minimum-wage increases in cities like Seattle and San Francisco, and major corporations like McDonald’s and J.P. Morgan Chase announcing that they would give raises to their lowest-paid employees. In the second quarter, weekly wages for full-time workers in the bottom quarter of earners â€" those who make about $13 an hour â€" increased by 3.1% from the previous year, according to the Labor Department. That increase outpaces that of median earners, or those who make about $20 an hour for their full-time jobs. Video Player is loading.Play VideoPlayMuteCurrent Time  0:00/Duration  0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type  LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time  -0:00  SharePlayback Rate1xChaptersChaptersDescriptionsdescriptions off, selectedCaptionscaptions settings, opens captions settings dialogcaptions off, selectedAudio TrackFullscreenThis is a modal window.Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.TextColorWhiteBlackRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentBackgroundColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyOpaqueSemi-TransparentTransparentWindowColorBlackWhiteRedGreenBlueYellowMagentaCyanTransparencyTransparentSemi-TransparentOpaqueFont Size50%75%100%125%150%175%200%300%400%Text Edge StyleNoneRaisedDepressedUniformDropshadowFont FamilyProportional Sans-SerifMonospace Sans-SerifProportional SerifMonospace SerifCasualScriptSmall CapsReset restore all settings to the default valuesDoneClose Modal Dia logEnd of dialog window.PlayMuteCurrent Time  0:00/Duration  0:00Loaded: 0%Stream Type  LIVESeek to live, currently playing liveLIVERemaining Time  -0:00  Playback Rate1xFullscreenClose Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.Close Modal DialogThis is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. The raises also coincide with larger pay increases. In July, wages for private-sector workers equaled their largest annual growth rate since 2009. There are also fewer workers available for less desirable jobs: The jobless rate has held steady at or below 5% this year. While higher wages tend to increase a company’s costs, they can also make it easier to attract better prospects and decrease turnover â€" which in turn reduces hiring and training costs and bolsters a company’s image. A case in point: When Nationwide raised the minimum wage for its lowest-paid workers last September to $15 an hour from $10.50, said it did so in order to retain its talented employees. Other companies have followed suit. In an op-ed last month, J.P. Morgan Chase chief executive Jamie Dimon announced in a New York Times op-ed that the company would increase minimum pay for 18,000 workers to at least $12 an hour. Starbucks chief executive Howard Schultz said workers could expect a minimum 5% raise this year. McDonald’s, Wal-Mart and Gap have all made similar announcements in the past few years.

5 Benefits Of Working For The Federal Government - Work It Daily

5 Benefits Of Working For The Federal Government - Work It Daily Now is a good time to work for the United States federal government as more than a quarter million people have been hired by the government over the last three years. USA Jobs, the primary portal for federal job seekers, is even launching a streamlined application service for college students and recent graduates called Pathways to better assist them with finding government work. While this is certainly welcome news in a weak economy, one might wonder why there is so much interest in government jobs in particular. By way of an answer, here are five benefits of working for the federal government. 1. Job Security Increased job security is a valuable commodity, especially in an uncertain economy, and the federal government provides it. Compared to public servants, private employees are at a much higher risk for being terminated; in fact, they are three times likelier to be terminated by their private employer than are employees of the federal government. 2. High Compensation Increases Federal employees receive competitive salaries with the added benefit of high compensation increases. From 1951 to 1991, the average state and local government employees received $1.37 in compensation increases for every $1.00 received by the average private employee. Federal civilian employees received $1.91. Since 1980 the pace has increased, with average state and local employees receiving $4.78 for each $1.00 received by private employees. 3. More Vacation and Holidays Over the course of a career, state and local government employees and federal civilian employees receive nearly 1.5 years more in paid vacation and holidays than the average private employee. The average state or local government employee as 9.9 more paid vacation days and holidays than their private counterparts, a figure that increases to 13 for federal employees. Increased vacation time means that employees are properly compensated for their work hours and given ample time and resources to properly recharge so as to better function in their jobs. The government tends to offer its employees more paid sick and personal days as well. 4. Generous Health Benefits The Federal Healthcare Benefits Program, or FHBP, provides the widest selection of health care plans of any U.S. employer. Though government health care benefits tend to pale compared to those offered by private employers while an employee is working, most government health care plans provide superior benefits to retirees than do private health care plans. 5. Generous Retirement Benefits Speaking of retirement, federal employees tend to have the option to retire earlier than their private sector counterparts and have access to superior retirement plans through the Civil Services Retirement System (CSRS) or the Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS). Under both plans, retired employees receive an annuity, complemented by Social Security benefits and participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which offers 401(k)-type investment options. Retired federal employees also have the option of continuing health benefits at the same monthly cost that they paid before retirement. Logan Harper is the social media outreach coordinator for the online MPA degree program at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, School of Government â€" one of the top MPA programs in the U.S. He also loves television, travel and technology. Follow him on Twitter @harperlogan. Working federal government image from Bigstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!

4 Office Layouts That Are Better Than Open Floor Plans, According to Harvard

4 Office Layouts That Are Better Than Open Floor Plans, According to Harvard A workspace trend that first gained momentum during the startup craze of the mid-aughts, the open-plan office now seems ubiquitous across a wide range of industries. The specific layouts and amenities associated with behauptung layouts vary from company to company, but these environments typically all include large communal tables or rows of desks, a kitchen space, an area with couches or comfy chairs, and a complete lack of walls or clear boundaries separating the workers from each other. In theory, this feels like an excellent way to foster team unity and to encourage face-to-face interactions between colleagues.However, a recent study by Harvard University may refute these assumptions. According to Inc., Harvard researchers discovered that open-plan offices reduced face-to-face communication by a whopping 70 percent, which in turn resulted in adecrease in productivity. Inc. editor Geoffrey James minced no words regarding his opinion of open offices, decrying them as the dumbest management fad of all time. And although open offices are highly in-vogue these days, James may be correct about their less-than-effective structure, which allows for constant distractions and interruptions due to a lack of clearly defined spaces.If youre looking for an alternative to an open office that promotes a productive atmosphere and positive in-person collaboration, we have a few suggestions. The following suggestions are compromises between a traditional everyone-in-separate-offices layout (which may be cost-prohibitive) and an open-plan workplace.1. Team Clusters/OfficesWhile offering everyone individual offices may elend fit your companys budget, devoting office spaces to small work teams allows workers to stay in close contact with their direct collaborators and, at the same time, eliminates the sometimes-chaotic nature of a totally open office plan. Creating discrete areas for teams also offers t he opportunity for workspace customization teams and individuals can decide how to decorate and structure their own offices or enclaves, giving them the ability to make their environments conducive to their needs and their workflows.2. Multi-Environment OfficesA recent roundup by Snacknation proposed a promising middle ground for companies who arent well served by the open office, but who dont want to make a full-scale shift to enclosed workspaces. Their suggestion, the multi-environment office, urges companies to use the flexible square-footage of their former open offices to their advantages by sectioning off areas of the room and designating a specific purpose for each new region. For instance, if employees want quiet enclaves where they can take phone calls, create phone booths along a wall for that express purpose. Or, if a standing-desk area is of interest, set up a few and encourage employees to sign up for their use. Snacknation points out that inexpensive, DIY methods (like using wooden frames or screens in lieu of full-scale walls) can be used to break up the large open office and make it more functional.3. CubiclesIf movies like Office Space can be believed, the cubicle represents the ultimate corporate tyranny, encouraging companies to dehumanize their employees and turn them into mere cogs in a machine. But, of course, we cant draw all life-related wisdom from Mike Judge comedies (tempting though it may be). In reality, the cubicle model may hold merits now absent in the Age of the Open Office. Fortune Magazine contributor Kabir Sehgal makes the following argument in favor of cubicles Cubicles actually absorb and reduce sounds, and their walls cut down on visual distractions. All this makes it easier to perform better at your job. For example, cubicles seamlessly integrate technology by incorporating power and data management in panels, so you can easily plug in and situate your monitor without disturbing your colleagues. Moreover, cubicles give a rchitects and designers flexibility when designing office spaces. He does mention that cubicles can be pricey, which may discourage budget-conscious companies from considering them. However, because cubicles provides workers with environments that encourage higher productivity, Sehgal argues that their cost becomes a fair trade-off for stronger results and happier employees.4. Work-From-Home FlexibilitySay your company cant afford to redesign its open office space, but you as a manager notice a worrying slump in work quality and consider your offices distracting atmosphere a contributing factor to this downward spiral. Offering your employees the ability to work from home for a specified number of days per week (or allowing flexible work-from-home schedules) can be a low-priced way to solve this issue. Of course, its not a feasible option for all workplaces, but if your field of work can be effectively performed by remote employees, its a possibility worth considering.

What Everybody Dislikes About Writing Gs Resume and Why

What Everybody Dislikes About Writing Gs Resume and Why A Secret Weapon for Writing Gs Resume Tailoring your resume for each particular federal job announcement may be the key to your success. Your experience should deal with every essential qualification in the job announcement. As an example, when you score work interview you may go back to them for interview prep. If you cant offer certain examples of when you demonstrated every one of the TQs, you should probably decide on another announcement. Understanding how to write KSA for federal jobs will really boost your odds of being asked to a work interview. Because want to get the job. Be explicitly clear regarding the job that youre seeking. An individual should begin with the trendiest job and after that go on to the initial one. The Writing Gs Resume Trap It is not difficult to read, and they are able to get the search phrases and qualifications EASILY when theyre reading hundreds of applications. The USAJOBS search e ngine can be rough. The benefit of the resume builder is that you obtain a consistent federal cv, which are available by means of a recruiter working with a keyword search. Each and every work schrift needs different sort of resumes. Choosing Good Writing Gs Resume Resume is not merely a document. however, it defines you and is the very first important key that ensures your prospective employer takes interest in you. Have a peek at these examples to select which format is most appropriate for you. All programming skills ought to be highlighted together with the familiarity of the computer computer software. Making a career change is a difficult decision for the majority of people, especially if youre already mid-way or more into a career in another area. A. Functional resumes have often been known as problem solving resumes in they enable you to organize your resume by functional skills instead of purely chronological purchase. What to Expect From Writing Gs Resume? You need to make sure that the HR specialist can clearly observe the one-year specialized work experience thats near the announcement. Skills and accomplishments should be broken into specific regions of expertise. Some jobs might just have a single KSA while some need you to fill out 5 or 6 KSA questionnaires. Federal jobs often need you to have experience in a particular kind of work for some period of time.

Affordable Ways to Show Employee Appreciation - Spark Hire

Affordable Ways to Show Employee Appreciation - Spark HireAs a small business owner, your employees are the lifeblood of your company, and you probably feel especially connected to them. Unlike a large corporation, you know your employees on a more personal level. Therefore, you more easily recognize their efforts and achievements. Unfortunately, unlike a large corporation, you may not be capable of grand gestures acknowledging these efforts and achievements. Perhaps you cant provide a sizable bonus, a gold Rolex, or a fancy lunch but you can express employee appreciation in other ways. At the end of the day, your employees dont really care how you say thank you. They just care that you say it at all. Studies show 69% of employees would work harder if they felt their bosses appreciated them. So employee appreciation comes back around to your companys prosperity and overall job performance.So, even though you may not have the funds for a showy display of gratitude, there are more aff ordable ways to display it. 1) Plants FlowersWho doesnt love a little greenery? Not only are small potted plants or colorful bouquets an aesthetic plus-rechnen to the workspace, but they are the traditional displays of gratitude and celebration. A small plant or bouquet of flowers wont run you more than $10-$15.One of the best greenery gifts is a small potted bamboo plant. Not only do these symbolize health and good fortune, but they last forever. With minimal tending, a bamboo plant will continue to grow and flourish for years (much like your employees dedication). Much like plants, employees thrive on good care and attention. Show them youre willing to provide that 2) Tokens Trinkets Maybe you cant afford an engraved designer watch, but you can get your employees a shiny little something Invest in some pins, charms, or keychains. They can be personalized with your companys logo, the employees name, and their achievement. Best of all, when you order in bulk, many manufacturers of fer reasonable discounts. The beauty of these trinkets is that your employees can carry them everywhere they go, on their keys and in their wallet. For years to come, theyll think of your gratitude and your company when they look at that small jeton of employee appreciation. 3) A Simple Thank You CardNever underestimate the effectiveness of a Thank You card. These give you an opportunity to truly express your feelings about that employees hard work, and outline all of their achievements in detail. Furthermore, a card will usually never run you more than $5. To take it a step further, pair the card with a small gift card (doesnt have to be more than $10) to the employees favorite coffee shop. After all, everyone needs some caffeine to get them through the work day, so theyll be sure to appreciate it. 4) Potluck Party This is the best option if youre looking to reward and thank all of your employees at once. Potluck parties dont require any money to throw, because youre asking everyon e to bring a dish (saving you money on buying food for the office). The beauty in this event is the time off you give your employees to eat, relax, and bond. Give your employees a half day, and spend the rest of the day enjoying good food and hanging out. Your employees will be grateful for the leisure day youve given them to reward their efforts, and its a great opportunity to do some team building. Get your employees to build stronger connections with one another by sharing some good food and good company. Offer to bring the main dish, and transform your office space into a smorgasbord. If the way to the heart is truly through the stomach, youll be sure to have the loyalty of your employees for a long time to come.About the AuthorEllie Batchiyska is a writer for Checkworks, an affordable online check ordering service for individuals and businesses looking to save money.

How Many Job Changes in a Career is Normal

How Many Job Changes in a Career is NormalHow Many Job Changes in a Career is NormalFor anyone with a resume filled with a slew of job titles and positions, the common question from interviewers, recruiters and hiring managers can get a bit repetitive. Why did you leave your last job? While there are plenty of great answers to help you navigate ansicht choppy waters, there may come a point in your career when you worry about the impact of too many prior positions. And what even counts as too many in todays modern job market?Theres a common bit of advice that states the average worker will have seven different positions over the course of their career. Where exactly this figure originates from is a bit of a mystery and experts in the field of labor statistics pretty much agree that the random figure isnt an accurate measure across the board. Although increasingly uncommon, some workers choose a company or position and stick with it their entire careers while others flit from job to jo b, racking up a dozen or more changes.According to a survey by Future Workplace 91 percent of Millennials expect to stay at a job for less than three years. While you may be tempted to chalk this figure up to the flightiness of the younger generation, the reasoning behind modern workforce entrants expecting a shorter term is a bit more complicated than the whims of the age. Here we delve into the whys of the boom in short job stays and the impact numerous positions on your work history may have on your ability to score a future job.More than a Modern TrendThe penchant for shorter stays at a given company isnt something that has developed overnight. Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor show that in 1996, 9 percent of workers had been with their present employer for 20 years or more. Recent figures show that number dropping drastically post-recession. In addition, modern job seekers seem to be trying on for size a greater number of initial positions before settling on a long-t erm career or company. Most analysts agree that the reason for this trend has less to do with age and more to do with changes in thinking about total compensation and the overhead of a large workforce, post-recession. With increasing costs of healthcare, the concept of pensions all but gone the way of the dinosaur, and a focus on efficiency and eliminating excess costs, many companies have tightened the purse strings when it comes to bonuses, raises, and internal promotions. This, in turn, has led to employees having to seek different jobs with outside companies in order to get that bump in salary or responsibility.What Can You Do to Be Prepared for Questions re Job Changes?Given the increase in job-hopping employers and employees both have to get comfortable with the fact that todays newest hire may not be the long-term solution to your employment needs. Employers should recognize that in order to retain quality candidates they may need to make bigger strides in compensation and ot her methods for increasing employee satisfaction with their position.For prospective employees, be prepared to address the whys and hows of numerous job moves. While employers should be more understanding based on current trends, this wont stop them from quizzing you if you have a history of not short-terming your prior job positions. Be prepared with facts regarding your departure from previous positions and the characteristics youre looking for in a long-term career. Assurances in these areas will help your employer get comfortable that you can commit to a position, if its the right one.

9 First Job Mistakes Even Successful People Made -The Muse

9 First Job Mistakes Even Successful People Made -The Muse9 First Job Mistakes Even Successful People MadeOne of the things that distinguishes successful people from everyone else is their ability to rebound from failure. Which means that bouncing back from a mistake is one of the most important skills you can learn in your career- and the earlier the better.But you already know that.When you reflect back on your first job, along with all of those heart-warming firsts (Your first paycheck Your first big save Your first time running point), you also remember all of those things you had to learn by messing them up the first-time around.And thats OK. Looking back now, you know that, everybody makes mistakes isnt just something people say to make you feel better. Its the truth.Bearing that in mind can help you even now, regardless of how far along you are in your career. Remembering how far youve come- and that everyone you work with has made mistakes and felt the very same way- can help you break out of an I suck rut. Want proof were all in this together? We asked our LinkedIn followers to share the mistakes everyone makes on thier first job- and their answers had us all nodding our heads in agreement. Oh, and if theyre still plaguing you, we have fixes too1. You Didnt Ask Questionselend asking questions. Industry jargon can be overwhelming, if not intimidating, but you dont ask because youre afraid to look stupid.ChantalOdds are you didnt speak up, because you were worried people would judge you and didnt want to to look like a rookie. But now, you know even the most experienced people ask questions when theyre confused Its a sign of a confident and curious person.Seriously Studies show asking questions makes you look smarter.(And if acronyms are still tripping you up, heres a cheat sheet to the 123 most common ones)2. When You Did Ask, You ApologizedPeople shouldnt feel guilty about asking questions. A question is often followed with an apology. Questions are ve ry important to gain context, direction, and knowledge...DamianDid you regularly follow up a question with Im sorry for asking? By now you know its nothing to apologize for And if you still struggle with this, try switching it out for, Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. This two-word swap will make you- and your co-workers- view the conversation that much more positively.3. You (Thought You) Asked Too ManyAsking (whats perceived by others as) too many questions. Being curious is a good thing Its a matter of you phrase the question and deliver it. There is a difference between coming across as unsure of yourself vs. eager to learn.HelenYou mightve felt like only a nuisance would ask so many questions. But, if youre noting a theme, its that thats not a bad thing However, if youre at a place where your co-workers seem annoyed or too busy to help, one option is to ask them if they can point you to resources that would hold the answers youre looking for.4. You Emailed E veryoneIncluding too many (or perhaps the wrong) people on emails.ZacMuse writer Kat Boogard has a simple rule of thumb Listing someone in the To field means you expect a response. In contrast, if you CC that person, youre simply keeping him in the loop on your message to others. (And if you want to understand CC vs. BCC vs. Reply All, check this out).5. You Sent Back One-Word RepliesPlease dont reply to every email, from everyone, only saying, ThanksBrianYou used to fire off a quick reply of Thanks thinking the other person would appreciate how fast you got back to them. But now you know that people prefer a useful response, even if it takes a little longer. So, before you hit send, double check youre reflecting on what the other person said (and answering any questions or attaching requested information).6. You Forgot Peoples NamesGetting someones name wrong. It happens.KerryIt does happen- perhaps even to this day. Whether the other person corrects you or you later learn you were calling them the wrong name all meeting, fixing its pretty simple. Apologize (without dwelling on it), and get it right from there on out. It sounds like this Oh, Im sorry. Thanks so much for correcting, me, Janet. As I was saying... 7. You Pretended to Know More Than You DidStating you know something when you really dont, and then youre asked to do it by your supervisor. Its OK to say, I dont know.JoanneBy now you know I dont know can be a powerful phrase. It shows your manager youre courageous enough to be honest and can identify when youre not an expert at something. (If you still dont feel comfortable saying those exact words, sub-in one of these three phrases in its place.)8. You Undervalued Grunt WorkNot fully understanding (or misunderstanding) the purpose behind a task or project. Sometimes seemingly menial work is very important, and its crucial to get it done correctly...CassieToo often, people look at certain tasks as simply paying your dues. And while those projects may not be flashy and exciting, you can now see how they played a role in the scheme of things. Transfer that knowledge to newer people on the team. When you assign a low-level task, take the time to explain how it contributes to the bigger picture. Not just that, but rolling up your sleeves and pitching in matters even today. Show that you are a dependable team player by giving your all, even to projects that arent glamorous.9. You Didnt Speak Up When You Were Overloaded...While its good to be willing to perform a variety of tasks, eventually one needs to recognize when they are either out of their depth, or simply have taken on too much. If youre afraid to say no, be willing to ask your boss which of your tasks should be your priority.KristinEven seasoned professional struggle with their workload, so if you learned this one early on, youre ahead of the game. At any stage, you dont want to stay silent when youre overworked. Take Kristins advice and have a talk with your boss where you discuss your workload and ask them to help your prioritize.Admitting a mistake is something I respect from new hires. Everyone makes mistakes Its how you handle it that shows what kind of employee youll be in the long run...BrittanyAll told, one of the biggest mistakes people make is hiding from them. If you cant admit something went wrong, youll never learn from it. So, be honest about where things got off course (earlier in your career, as well as today), so you can keep moving forward.Did we miss a big one? Let me know on Twitter.