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Archive for the ‘Healthy Practices’ Category

6 Ways To Promote Health In The Workplace

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Smiling medical doctor woman with appleIt’s not easy running a business. You have a lot on your plate on a daily basis. And one of the most important daily tasks you have is ensuring the health and safety of all those who work for you. Without a staff that is comprised of positive-minded, well-rested, energetic members, your company is bound to endure some hardships. And, of course, the last thing you want is to have any of your employees endure an illness or injury.

It would especially be unfortunate and detrimental to your company if your employees become ill or injured while on the job. So while motivating your team members towards productive work days is always a necessity, it is equally important to keep in mind that you should be promoting health and wellness on the job. That way, you can ensure a strong and productive team that is happy to work for you.

Here are six ways to promote health in the workplace:

1. Advocate exercise. One of the most popular excuses that people give for their lack of exercise is that they have no time. By offering facilities at your place of business, you give people reasons to lose that excuse. On Inc.com, Lauren Lastowka offers up an alternative to providing gyms and showers, if doing so isn’t possible. “Implement and promote a lunch hour walking club and offer incentives for employees who participate,” she suggests.

2. Encourage better nutrition. Do you have vending machines at your place of work that include an array of chocolate bars and potato chips? If so, lose them. Food that promotes poor health is not doing your company any favours. Not only should you offer healthy options at your cafeteria but according to Dr. Jeffrey Brown in a special to Financial Post, you should “offer incentives for reaching health and weight goals.”

3. Find ways to minimize stress. Stress is bound to occur on any job. But the less of it you’re able to put on your employees, the better they’ll be able to perform their duties. “Unmanaged stress has been linked to heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep trouble,” reminds Lastowka, “At the workplace, it can lead to inefficiency, job dissatisfaction, and absence from work for related health conditions.”

4. Make drinking water available. If you don’t have water fountains set up at your place of work, bring in water coolers. The importance of staying hydrated cannot be understated. Dr. Brown insists that you “educate staff to stay hydrated by drinking 8 oz. of water each working hour. Discourage caffeine, sodas and energy drinks in the office. Provide clean-filtered water. I recommend reverse-osmosis filters, which are cheap and effective.”

5. Have a doctor make “work calls”. You’ve heard of “house calls” before, right? Why not implement a similar practice at your office? “One of the most innovative trends in workplace wellness has been that of the office doctor’s office,” informs Lastowka, “On-site health clinics give employees the opportunity to schedule office visits for routine care without taking time off work. And they seem to be successful.”

6. Open up the windows. There are few things worse than a dank, congested and musty workplace. Be sure to let in fresh air and sunlight to brighten up the moods of everyone on your team. “Sunlight refreshes us, triggers are feel good chemicals, strengthens our joints and bones, and helps our immune system,” says Dr. Brown, who goes on to mention that “Sick Building Syndrome is an increasing cause of illness and lawsuits.”

6 Steps To Creating The Perfect Cover Letter

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Cover Letter Word Cloud Concept with great terms such as interview, resume, summary and more.It’s always important to make a good first impression. And, most often, when you are looking to secure a new job opportunity, your cover letter to your resume represents your first impression. It’s a good idea to remember that your hiring manager is looking to find out more about you, not just what you’re capable of doing on the job. So creating a cover letter that is as personable as it is professional is a wise choice.

Of course, writing a cover letter can be considered a tough task if you haven’t done one in a while. This is especially true for those who have experienced long layoffs from work due to illnesses or injuries. For more information about Independence Incorporated’s Resume Preparation services that assist with both resume development and appropriate cover letter creation, please don’t hesitate to call us at 204-478-6644 or email info@indep.ca.

Here are six steps to creating the perfect cover letter:

1. Address the hiring manager directly. Showing that you’ve done your research about the company you are applying to demonstrates your attention to detail and your dedication to securing the job. Be sure to find out the hiring manager’s name in order to properly address that person in your letter. “If this person’s name isn’t in the job listing, take the extra effort to call or email the company and find out,” suggests Vivian Giang on BusinessInsider.com.

2. Get to the point. Telling your life story isn’t necessary. Your best bet is covering all of the necessary details that relate to the reason you are applying for the job. On Monster.com, Caroline M.L. Potter recommends that you also include where you saw the ad for the position and who recommended you to apply for it. Keep in mind that recruiters have many cover letters to read. Cutting to the chase will help you to gain favour.

3. Don’t go overboard. Remember that the purpose of your cover letter is to pinpoint reasons why you should be considered for the job. It is your personal request for consideration. So you don’t need to go over the details that are already listed on your resume. “It’s a professional document, so don’t go too over-the-top,” reminds Giang, “Yes, trying to figure out ways to be creative may be difficult, but don’t go overboard out of desperation.”

4. Be complimentary. Naturally, your cover letter should endear its reader to you. But you’ll also want to include reasons why you’re interested in the company you’re applying to work for. “Compliment the organization on what they have done right and what you admire about them,” advises Potter. That way, you will prove that you’ve taken the time to look into and get to know the company.

5. Stick to the “one page rule”. You don’t need to make your cover letter any longer than one page. To reiterate, its intent is not to tell your life story. Sticking to the important facts and highlighting your strengths are what is necessary. “Your cover letter is an introduction to yourself,” says Giang, “It’s supposed to show that you have strong communication skills. Be brief and concise.”

6. Include a call to action. Of course, you can assume that your hiring manager wants to meet you in person. But, it’s best that you state your intention of doing so. Potter advises that you express your enthusiasm for the job position and the interview. Giang agrees that you should be proactive. “Tell the reader what you’re planning on doing next — for example, calling in a week or two to follow up,” she advises.

Good luck!

6 Steps To Securing A Successful New Job Experience

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Depositphotos_63778287_xsBeginning a new job can be an incredibly exciting experience. However, your first day in a new environment, surrounded by new people and with a new responsibility to take on important tasks can also be pretty nerve-wracking. This is especially true for those who have been away from any job positions due to long layoffs. For those who have suffered injuries or illnesses that have kept them out of the work force for some time, starting new jobs can be downright scary!

At Independence Incorporated, our Return To Work Program ensures that all return to work issues are dealt with in a comprehensive and proactive manner. It has been very successful in helping clients feel comfortable when they begin their new job positions. However, there are also a number of simple steps that one can take to get better assimilated to a new career. Reducing anxiety is a big part of being successful when starting a new job.

Here are six steps to securing a successful new job experience:

1. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You’re new on the job. Your employers and co-workers are likely well aware. Not only will asking questions better acquaint you with your new position, but it will help you to develop new relationships at work. This should make for a more comfortable working experience. According to Cheryl Cirelli on LoveToKnow.com, you should “ask what your responsibilities will be as well as any specific requirements that the company may have.”

2. Show enthusiasm for your new position. Remember that since you’ve successfully landed your new job position, it’s important to put in the work so that you keep it. Display the kind of energy that employers love to see. It will help you move up in the company eventually. Just don’t be too eager! On Levo.com, Betsy Smith warns that “asking about other opportunities (too early) may cause people to question your loyalty and enthusiasm.”

3. Get acquainted with your new company. It’s important to do your research. Before beginning your new position, you should endeavour to learn as much as you can about the company you’re working for. Being familiar with the brand will help you to be a top representative of it. Cirelli insists that you thoroughly review the materials you are given when you start the new position. “You may also want to check out the company’s website and get acquainted with it,” she advises.

4. Dress the part. Quickly become familiar with the dress code at your new place of work. But seek to dress professionally so that you carry with you a sense of dignity and respect for your role. It’s bound to leave an impression on those who see you at work each day. “Learn how to be a casual professional,” recommends Smith, “Some office environments are extremely buttoned up, while others are far more relaxed. I’ve worked in both, and what I’ve seen is that one type of person always prevails—the casual professional.”

5. Arrive early. The last thing you want is to show up to a new job late. Tardiness is frowned upon no matter what type of industry you work in. Do yourself a favour and plan to leave home early, especially during your first week, so that you know how long it takes to get to work, on average. “Know before you start your job how long your commute will be and if you need to find parking or take mass transit to your job,” reminds Cirelli.

6. Make friends. This one can be tricky. How do you know which employees will make the best co-worker friends? Smith recommends that you make notes about the people you meet on the job, and never be afraid to introduce yourself. For those that you feel the most comfortable with, make efforts to greet them again. “Send each of them a personalized email saying that you enjoyed meeting them and you hope your paths cross again,” she suggests.

For more information about our Return To Work Program, please don’t hesitate to call Independence Incorporated at 204-478-6644 or email info@indep.ca.