Trouble in the Workplace

Copyright © 2006 Bookkeeping R Us

More and more I am hearing about problems in the office revolving around people issues. We are all familiar with sexual harassment and discrimination of various types. But what if you are experiencing feelings of discomfort due to actions that fall within the cracks. Such as inappropriate language or jokes of a sexual or racist nature? Perhaps your boss is asking you to handle tasks in a way that you know border on the not quite right side of an issue or even down right illegal. And he/she makes it clear that you are expected to do as you are instructed. Is the accepted culture of your company making you feel isolated? Do you get “punished” for not attending company social functions? These and many other situations sometime make it difficult to stay in a company. There is often no workable solution - the culture of a company comes from the top down and if the top guy or girl is not the most respectable or moral person than mostly likely most of the rest of your co-workers will fall short of your expectations. And since, like you, in an interview and through out the beginning of you joining the company, everyone will be on their best behavior, it might be some time before you realize just what you have gotten yourself into.

So what is a person to do? You have just four choices: 1. Go along with everyone else’s bad behavior
2. Try to get everyone to change
3. Lead by example
4. Find a better place to work

Number one is never a good idea. It is too easy to fall prey to bad behavior and before too long this behavior becomes a natural way for you to act.

Number two never works. A leopard will not, can not change it’s spots. The only way people change is to recognize their faults and make a personal effort to improve.

Three is a great way for you to be however, it probably will not make a dent in the office behavior. In fact, you might even end up more isolated.

Four is the only real solution to save your sanity.

I would love to hear from you about your experiences and how you solved them. Please share your stories, you might just help out someone that is suffering through a bad situation.

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Decorating Your Work Space

Copyright © 2006 Bookkeeping R Us

No matter what size your office space putting your personal stamp on it will turn it into a environment that will add to your productiveness. Now we can’t use all the options available to us in our own homes as you can’t change the color of the walls or the carpeting for example, but you can add little touches that make your office, cubicle or even desk your very own. After all we spend at least a third of our lives in our work places and you deserve to be inspired by your surroundings.

One thing to consider is whether any of your ideas may be offensive to co-workers or conflict with the company’s taste or marketing plans. Do not use your space for making political, religious or moral statements no matter how innocent you may think they are. The office is not the place for personal beliefs to be aired. And even though you might think that a poster showing a sports figure promoting a particular beverage or product is cool, if the beverage or product is in direct competition with your company or it’s clients it is not appropriate and may even get you fired. Better to stay away from advertising items in any form - you can’t make a fatal error if you do.

So what can you do? Posters, Art Prints, Mouse Pads, and Mugs of just about any type (excluding nudes or partial nudes of course) can adorn your walls and desk. And if you don’t have a wall, then a smaller size that can be hung on a cubicle wall, or stood up against a cubicle wall or even put into a frame that can sit on your desk or bookshelf will work. Of course pictures of your love ones and pets are fun and will perk you up whenever you glance their way. Calendar art, whether hung or set upon your desk is also an option. Or maybe a taspery or wall hanging will do the trick. Be creative, there are so many ways to display fun, enlighting and colorful art.

Raven Studio has a great selection of framed prints, posters, mugs, tees and other wall decor and fun stuff for your office, yourself and gift ideas. If you are looking for unique, sometimes edgy art, one of my clients, Gallery Proper of Robert J. Orsillo, has recently taken their brick and mortar store to the web. The art work is more expensive, but you get what you pay for. You can find them at www.orsillogallery.com.

Do you have a window? Plants of all types add softness, color and oxygen to your space. And many of then will thrive under florescent light even without a window. Look for plants with directions stating they need little direct light. But if you add plants, make sure you take care of them – light needs, watering, food. Cactuses are great for those who forget to water – they can go for a long time without water just don’t over water them. And if you should like to try a flowering plant, remember most flowering plants require a great deal of sunshine. And be careful of your choice. One woman I know thought it would be great to force some narcissius bulbs in her cubicle. And when they bloomed in the middle of winter they were a great treat. However, they really did not smell very nice and did not stay on her window sill for long.

Don’t forget items like your daytimer and mouse pad. These items can also add to the ambiance of your space.

And one more item - look down at your floor. Is it attractive or do you just hate that rug? There are so many expensive area rugs to choose from - why not have some fun and comfort at your feet. Not only will an area rug add color but it will add cushioning and perhaps warmth to your space. Most offices are carpeted with very neutral colors so almost any design and/or color will be fine.

What is important is that you make the space where you spend so much time a place that is comfortable, warm and inviting. You will find it makes your work day more enjoyable and as a result more productive.

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Copyright © 2006 Bookkeeping R Us

In case you are wondering, yes I have survived year end. But there is still so much to do. However, the 1099’s and W2’s are done and mailed. And the company’s benefit plans have been defined, set up and employees are enrolled. We have a fully functioning trial version of the program we are evaluating and so far, it’s better than good - it’s great. Changing software is a big investment not only in money, but in time as well. Any advance work you can do pays off. We have been checking references and have had an on site demo with our software investigation team. Hopefully we won’t be going too far into the new year before we change. Well, back to the books. Remember it’s your job to bring balance to the world at least in a financial sense.

From a Controller's Desk | No Comments »