by Fronetics | Jul 3, 2015 | Blog, Leadership, Strategy, Talent
In 1983, the year that Chevy Chase loaded his movie family into the Griswold’s station wagon in National Lampoon’s Vacation, Americans took an average of 20 vacation days. Now, the youngest member of the Griswold family is back on the big screen in 2015, this time taking his own family on a vacation. If Americans’ recent use of paid time off is any indication, reports suggest he’ll see a more open road than his father. Plummeting to an average of 16 vacation days in 2013, the time that Americans spend away from work has fallen precipitously over the past decade. And neither workers nor employers are benefiting from this marked decline.
Source: Project Time Off, Oxford Economics, 2014
You Need a Vacation
Occasionally escaping daily routine is central to both the physical and mental health of employees, and taking time off has been proven to boost work performance and productivity. A 2011 Harvard Medical School study found that sleep deprivation costs American companies $63.2 billion a year in lost productivity. Ernst & Young conducted an internal study of its employees in 2006 and found that for each additional 10 hours of vacation employees took, their year-end performance ratings from supervisors (on a scale of one to five) improved by 8%. What’s more, retention rates were significantly higher among vacationers.
Wish You Were(n’t) Here
Given that the Center for Economic Policy and Research reports that the United States is the only advanced economy in the world that does not guarantee its employees paid time off, it’s unlikely the use of vacation days will increase without some type of policy reform. With American employers not legally required to give workers either paid vacation time or paid holidays, a high number – 77% of private sector companies offer paid time off and paid holidays as part of employee compensation packages. Not surprisingly, though, as employee wage increases, so does the likelihood that they will receive time off; half of low-wage workers typically receive paid time off whereas more than 90% of high-wage workers receive paid time off.
Unplug and Unwind
Harris Interactive reports that people like the idea of more time off. Specifically, 50% of workers who receive paid vacation time in the top 10 cities in the US say they would be willing to sacrifice a workplace benefit for more paid time off. Ironically, although employees say they want more time off, 57% don’t take off the time they already receive. Each year there are 175 million vacation days which American workers are entitled to which are not taken. Even when employees actually do use their time off, they don’t spend the time unplugged. 47% of respondents in a recent survey by Pertino reported that they feel less stressed on vacation if they can stay connected to the office. The same study found that 59% of Americans regularly work, check email, take a phone call, and do other work related tasks while on vacation. But, aside from increased productivity upon their return, employers have another incentive to encourage employees to unplug while away. The Pertino survey found that 77% of those who work on their vacation do not have access to their office network. Because of this, employees use unsanctioned or unsecured cloud services (32%) and/or bring their work computers and files with them on vacation (35%). Public Wi-Fi hotspots are commonly used by vacationers, creating an opportunity for company data and/or log-in credentials to be stolen.
While there are certainly many factors at play in the 2013 job satisfaction study published by the non-profit research group Conference Board, it’s worth noting that back in 1987, when the average American worker took 20 days of vacation, job satisfaction stood at over 61%. Now that Americans have cut back on days away from the office, job satisfaction hovers slightly above 50%. There’s no definite way to tell if Americans could move the needle of job satisfaction by loading up their cars and hitting the open road, but it’s a good start. Let’s start making vacations work for us.
Fronetics Strategic Advisors is a leading management consulting firm. Our firm works with companies to identify and execute strategies for growth and value creation.
Whether it is a wholesale food distributor seeking guidance on how to define and execute corporate strategy; a telematics firm needing high quality content on a consistent basis; a real estate firm looking for a marketing partner; or a supply chain firm in need of interim management, our clients rely on Fronetics to help them navigate through critical junctures, meet their toughest challenges, and take advantage of opportunities. We deliver high-impact results.
We advise and work with companies on their most critical issues and opportunities: strategy, marketing, organization, talent acquisition, performance management, and M&A support.
We have deep expertise and a proven track record in a broad range of industries including: supply chain, real estate, software, and logistics.
by Fronetics | Dec 30, 2013 | Blog, Leadership, Strategy, Talent
career resolutions
After the ball has dropped and after the champagne has been drunk, the New Year will begin. Forty-five percent of Americans will start the New Year with at least one resolution. Whether or not you are typically a resolution-maker, the New Year is a great time to evaluate your career and set goals.
Here are nine career resolutions everyone should make.
Get out of dodge
If you are miserable in your job take the time to sit down and determine why you are unhappy. If you are unhappy with your current position but you like your company, reach out to your boss and/or HR and determine if there is another position within the company that would be a better fit. Finding a new opportunity within your current company is often easier and quicker than finding an opportunity at a new company. However, if your current company is not a good fit or if there are no growth opportunities, find a new job. Just like there are other fish in the sea, there are other jobs out there.
If you decide it is time to find a new job, use all tools at your disposal. For example, network, brand yourself, use a recruiter, and/or work with an executive search firm.
A word of caution – find a new job before you quit your current job. Finding a job can take time.
useful reference Official statement Wiht 50% Discount The Best Quality lob wig With The Best Cheap Price , Up To 50% Off Why not check here hop over to these guys buy hublot , A wonderful gift for a good man is luxury Dig this see this website Great paintings of flowers by famous artists With The Best Cheap Price , her explanation short curly lace front wi More Help . , click this link here now straight blonde wi hop over to this site Basics anchor .
Network, network, network
I recently wrote about the importance of networking and quoted Kathryn Minshew, founder and CEO of The Muse and The Daily Muse. who offered this sage advice: “Network Your Face Off.”
Why network? A recent study found that a 50 percent increase in network size accompanies a 3.8 percent increase in salary with respect to the average. Studies have also found that the majority of jobs (between 49 percent and 80 percent) are landed through networking. Networking also brings opportunities that benefit and feed your career, professional development, and personal interests. What’s more, networks make you happier and smarter.
Brand yourself
Like it or not, you are a brand. First impressions are no longer face to face. Rather, first impressions are now comprised of information which can be gathered via a quick search of the Internet. A first impression can be, for example, inclusive of your LinkedIn and Facebook pages, your personal blog, your Instagram page, your Twitter account, your Klout score, your pins on Pinterest, and anything else that may have made itself onto the Internet. Because of this, that 7 seconds you used to have to make a first impression when you enter the room is gone – chances are that the first impression was made long before you arrived. The reality is that when you walk into that room you are likely being evaluated against the first impression that was made prior to your arrival.
If you want to be successful you need to take steps to build and enhance your brand.
Work for someone smart
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Expedia, Inc., believes that there is one constant: great, smart people stay great and smart. Because of this he recommends “find[ing] the smartest and most competent person around you and work[ing] for that person. It doesn’t matter if the move is lateral, down or up. Just get yourself working for that great person. Don’t ask for much; just work your ass off.” Why? Khosrowshahi points out that by doing this you will learn a lot, be challenged, and you will grow both as a person and as a professional. Moreover, “smart people tend to get promoted. When they get promoted, you’ll tend to follow them as they rise in the ranks (assuming you’ve done a great job).”
Optimize for the next 1 to 2 years
Don’t get hung up on mapping out a five or 10 year career plan. Instead, optimize for the next one to two years. Khosrowshahi, again, offers words of wisdom: “Look for the right opportunities, stay flexible, have some idea of what direction you are headed in, but don’t lock into a long-term direction because chances are that the world will change up on you.”
Get active
Exercise not only improves your health, but research has also found that a regular exercise routine can make you happier, smarter, and more energetic.
And interested in a leadership position? The Wall Street Journal reported that data compiled by Center for Creative Leadership found that “Executives with larger waistlines and higher body-mass-index readings tend to be perceived as less effective in the workplace, both in performance and interpersonal relationships.”
Try something new
Not only is the world always changing, but there is also a big bog world out there – a world full of opportunity. Look at the technology used by your colleagues and your competitors. Is there something they are using that you aren’t? LinkedIn or Twitter for example. What about something new and exciting outside of the office? Is it time to give skydiving a try?
Trying something new requires courage. You will find that courage begets courage. You may also find something new you enjoy.
Work-life balance
Research by the Families and Work Institute found that 55 percent of respondents reported feeling overwhelmed with the sheer amount of stuff on their plate. A survey conducted by Monster found that 80 percent of respondents are not happy with their work-life balance.
Are you happy with your work-life balance? If you are not, take stock of what is on your plate. Write a list of your priorities. What can you eliminate, shift, or even outsource to find better balance?
Take a vacation
57 percent of American’s don’t take their vacation time. Each year there are 175 million vacation days which American workers are entitled to which are not taken.
Taking time off is important to both your mental and physical health. Taking time off is also has a positive impact on work performance and productivity. For example, a 2011 Harvard Medical School study found that sleep deprivation costs American companies $63.2 billion a year in lost productivity. Ernst & Young offers another example. In 2006 the company conducted an internal study of its employees and found that for each additional 10 hours of vacation employees took, their year-end performance ratings from supervisors (on a scale of one to five) improved by 8 percent. What’s more – retention rates were significantly higher among vacationers.
by Fronetics | Dec 30, 2013 | Blog, Leadership, Strategy, Talent
career resolutions
After the ball has dropped and after the champagne has been drunk, the New Year will begin. Forty-five percent of Americans will start the New Year with at least one resolution. Whether or not you are typically a resolution-maker, the New Year is a great time to evaluate your career and set goals.
Here are nine career resolutions everyone should make.
Get out of dodge
If you are miserable in your job take the time to sit down and determine why you are unhappy. If you are unhappy with your current position but you like your company, reach out to your boss and/or HR and determine if there is another position within the company that would be a better fit. Finding a new opportunity within your current company is often easier and quicker than finding an opportunity at a new company. However, if your current company is not a good fit or if there are no growth opportunities, find a new job. Just like there are other fish in the sea, there are other jobs out there.
If you decide it is time to find a new job, use all tools at your disposal. For example, network, brand yourself, use a recruiter, and/or work with an executive search firm.
A word of caution – find a new job before you quit your current job. Finding a job can take time.
useful reference Official statement Wiht 50% Discount The Best Quality lob wig With The Best Cheap Price , Up To 50% Off Why not check here hop over to these guys buy hublot , A wonderful gift for a good man is luxury Dig this see this website Great paintings of flowers by famous artists With The Best Cheap Price , her explanation short curly lace front wi More Help . , click this link here now straight blonde wi hop over to this site Basics anchor .
Network, network, network
I recently wrote about the importance of networking and quoted Kathryn Minshew, founder and CEO of The Muse and The Daily Muse. who offered this sage advice: “Network Your Face Off.”
Why network? A recent study found that a 50 percent increase in network size accompanies a 3.8 percent increase in salary with respect to the average. Studies have also found that the majority of jobs (between 49 percent and 80 percent) are landed through networking. Networking also brings opportunities that benefit and feed your career, professional development, and personal interests. What’s more, networks make you happier and smarter.
Brand yourself
Like it or not, you are a brand. First impressions are no longer face to face. Rather, first impressions are now comprised of information which can be gathered via a quick search of the Internet. A first impression can be, for example, inclusive of your LinkedIn and Facebook pages, your personal blog, your Instagram page, your Twitter account, your Klout score, your pins on Pinterest, and anything else that may have made itself onto the Internet. Because of this, that 7 seconds you used to have to make a first impression when you enter the room is gone – chances are that the first impression was made long before you arrived. The reality is that when you walk into that room you are likely being evaluated against the first impression that was made prior to your arrival.
If you want to be successful you need to take steps to build and enhance your brand.
Work for someone smart
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Expedia, Inc., believes that there is one constant: great, smart people stay great and smart. Because of this he recommends “find[ing] the smartest and most competent person around you and work[ing] for that person. It doesn’t matter if the move is lateral, down or up. Just get yourself working for that great person. Don’t ask for much; just work your ass off.” Why? Khosrowshahi points out that by doing this you will learn a lot, be challenged, and you will grow both as a person and as a professional. Moreover, “smart people tend to get promoted. When they get promoted, you’ll tend to follow them as they rise in the ranks (assuming you’ve done a great job).”
Optimize for the next 1 to 2 years
Don’t get hung up on mapping out a five or 10 year career plan. Instead, optimize for the next one to two years. Khosrowshahi, again, offers words of wisdom: “Look for the right opportunities, stay flexible, have some idea of what direction you are headed in, but don’t lock into a long-term direction because chances are that the world will change up on you.”
Get active
Exercise not only improves your health, but research has also found that a regular exercise routine can make you happier, smarter, and more energetic.
And interested in a leadership position? The Wall Street Journal reported that data compiled by Center for Creative Leadership found that “Executives with larger waistlines and higher body-mass-index readings tend to be perceived as less effective in the workplace, both in performance and interpersonal relationships.”
Try something new
Not only is the world always changing, but there is also a big bog world out there – a world full of opportunity. Look at the technology used by your colleagues and your competitors. Is there something they are using that you aren’t? LinkedIn or Twitter for example. What about something new and exciting outside of the office? Is it time to give skydiving a try?
Trying something new requires courage. You will find that courage begets courage. You may also find something new you enjoy.
Work-life balance
Research by the Families and Work Institute found that 55 percent of respondents reported feeling overwhelmed with the sheer amount of stuff on their plate. A survey conducted by Monster found that 80 percent of respondents are not happy with their work-life balance.
Are you happy with your work-life balance? If you are not, take stock of what is on your plate. Write a list of your priorities. What can you eliminate, shift, or even outsource to find better balance?
Take a vacation
57 percent of American’s don’t take their vacation time. Each year there are 175 million vacation days which American workers are entitled to which are not taken.
Taking time off is important to both your mental and physical health. Taking time off is also has a positive impact on work performance and productivity. For example, a 2011 Harvard Medical School study found that sleep deprivation costs American companies $63.2 billion a year in lost productivity. Ernst & Young offers another example. In 2006 the company conducted an internal study of its employees and found that for each additional 10 hours of vacation employees took, their year-end performance ratings from supervisors (on a scale of one to five) improved by 8 percent. What’s more – retention rates were significantly higher among vacationers.
by Fronetics | Oct 1, 2013 | Blog, Leadership, Strategy
Vacations are going the way of the dinosaur. I say – bring the vacation back.
The Center for Economic and Policy and research released a report in May on vacations – or lack thereof. It turns out that the United States is the only advanced economy in the world that does not guarantee its employees paid time off. That is right; the US is the only advanced economy that does not legally require employers to give employees either paid vacation time or paid holidays. Given there are no legal requirements, what percentage of private sector employees receive paid time off? Seventy-seven percent of employees receive paid vacation time, and seventy-seven percent of employees receive paid holidays. Not surprisingly the higher the wage the employee receives, the more likely they are to receive time off. Specifically, half of low-wage workers typically receive paid time off whereas more than 90 percent of high-wage workers receive paid time off.
Harris Interactive reports that people like the idea of more time off. Specifically, 50 percent of workers who receive paid vacation time in the top 10 cities in the US say they would be willing to sacrifice a workplace benefit for more paid time off. Ironically, although employees say they want more time off, 57 percent don’t take off the time they already receive. In fact, each year there are 175 million vacation days which American workers are entitled to which are not taken.
So what about that vacation?
Those who do actually use their time off don’t spend the time unplugged. A recent survey by Pertino found that 59 percent of Americans regularly work, check email, take a phone call, and do other work related tasks while on vacation. Surprisingly, 47 percent of those surveyed reported that they are less stressed on vacation if they can stay connected to the office.
Are you one of the 36 percent who are conducting business from the beach?
The reality is that taking a true vacation is important to both physical and mental health. Taking time off is better for work performance and productivity. For example, a 2011 Harvard Medical School study found that sleep deprivation costs American companies $63.2 billion a year in lost productivity. Ernst & Young offers another example. In 2006 the company conducted an internal study of its employees and found that for each additional 10 hours of vacation employees took, their year-end performance ratings from supervisors (on a scale of one to five) improved by 8 percent. What’s more – retention rates were significantly higher among vacationers.
Security is another reason why employers encourage employees to unplug while on vacation. The Pertino survey found that 77 percent of those who work on their vacation do not have access to their office network. Because of this employees use unsanctioned or unsecured cloud services (32 percent) and/or bring their work computers and files with them on vacation (35 percent). Public Wi-Fi hotspots are commonly used by vacationers, creating an opportunity for data, credentials, etc. to be stolen.
Vacations, true vacations, are endangered. Let’s work to bring them back.
