Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Practicing fairness in the workplace: Challenging manager favoritism

Imagine you work for a company and you’re good at your job.

You do your work diligently, meet deadlines, and go the extra mile to help your team.

But then you realized something strange: your manager is paying more attention to a colleague who isn’t as qualified as you are and seems to be doing less work.

The more you pay attention, the more you realize that this colleague is getting preferential treatment. They’re always the first ones to get new projects, they’re being consulted on decisions that should be made by people with more experience, and they seem to have a personal relationship with your manager.

What do you do?

Signs of a manager practicing favoritism

For one, you feel like you’re being treated unfairly.

Additionally, if you see your manager socializing with specific employees outside of work, or if they’re constantly helping that same few with their work duties, that’s another sign of favoritism. If you suspect that your manager is playing favorites, speak up.

Challenging their behavior can be tough, but do what’s right for you and your career.

Discussing the issue with your boss

Image Credits: businessinsider.com

If you’re feeling like you’re being unfairly treated at work, discuss the issue with your boss. But before you do, gather your evidence and plan out what you want to say.

When you bring the issue up, be sure to diplomatically state your case. It can be easy to come across as resentful but stay professional. And remember, you’re not accusing anyone of anything—you’re bringing up facts.

If your boss is receptive, he or she will be happy to discuss the issue with you and try to find a solution. However, if your boss is defensive or unwilling to listen, that’s a sign that you may need to plan your leave.

Taking action against biased decisions

If you’re the victim of your manager’s favoritism, it can be understandably difficult to take action.

After all, this is the person who has the power to approve or deny your requests, and you don’t want to make things worse.

That said, you have a right to be treated fairly at work, and if you feel like you’re being discriminated against, there are steps you can take.

First, try to identify any unconscious biases that might be at play. These could be things like your manager favoring employees who share the same educational background or who share the same hobbies.

Once you’ve identified any possible biases, speak with your manager about your concerns. It’s possible that they’re not even aware of their bias, and a discussion could help to resolve the issue.

If speaking with your manager doesn’t lead to any changes, it might be time to escalate the issue to HR. Remember, you have a right to a fair and supportive workplace, and HR can help to ensure that you’re being treated fairly.

There’s no question that managers can wield a lot of power in the workplace. But what happens when they start playing favorites? If you feel like you’re being overlooked for promotions or assignments, and you know that it’s because your manager is playing favorites, take action. It’s not fair when someone abuses their power, and you don’t have to put up with a toxic work environment.

Achieving the dream: How to be the boss everyone wants to work for

So you want to make a good impression on your team?

Following these tips will help you create a positive and productive work environment—and (hopefully) be the boss that everyone wants to work for.

Establish trust and respect

Start by establishing trust and respect.

People have to feel like they can trust you before they follow your lead. And respect is earned by being fair, consistent, and communicative.

Be sure to treat everyone with respect. Believe in yourself and your team, and always stand up for what’s right. And when there’s a mistake, own up to it.

Communicate openly and often

You want your team to feel like they can come to you with any question or concern, no matter how big or small.

The more open and communicative you are, the more they can trust and respect you. Make sure to schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your team members, and be sure to check in with them to see how they’re doing and what challenges they’re facing.

And if there’s something you need to share, do it promptly—no one likes feeling like they’re being kept in the dark.

Set expectations and provide feedback

Image Credits: TLNT.com

Setting expectations for your team and providing feedback will help them understand what you’re looking for and how they can improve.

Make sure that your expectations are clear, reasonable, and achievable. Nobody wants to feel overwhelmed or undervalued, so be sure to set the bar at a level that everyone can reach.

When it comes time to provide feedback, be specific and actionable. Your employees can only improve if they know what they need to work on. And remember to give credit where it’s due—recognize your team’s successes, no matter how small.

Empower employees to act autonomously

This means giving them the freedom to make decisions without having to check with you first.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you should just give your employees free rein. You should still provide guidance. But it’s wise to trust your employees to make decisions on their own.

This approach can lead to better decision-making because employees will take more ownership of their work. And it can also boost morale because employees will feel valued and authorized.

Show appreciation for individual efforts

Recognizing individual efforts can be done in several ways, such as through rewards, public recognition, or simply saying “thank you.”

When you take the time to show appreciation for what your employees do, it helps create a positive work environment where people feel appreciated. This, in turn, can lead to increased motivation and productivity.

Encourage a healthy work-life balance

This doesn’t mean that you have to offer unlimited vacation days or let people work from home every day, but it does mean being understanding when someone needs to leave early for a doctor’s appointment or take a mental health day off.

Remember that your employees are people, with lives outside of work. And when they’re happy, they’re more likely to be engaged at work. So do what you can to support your team in their efforts to maintain a healthy balance.

As we close, how can you make sure that you’re the boss everyone wants to work for? Here’s a quick recap before you go: establish trust, communicate openly, set clear expectations, give employees autonomy, show your appreciation, and walk the talk on a healthy work-life balance. Did we miss out on anything?

Should you get eyelash extensions for CNY 2023? Here’s what you need to know

So, you’re thinking of getting eyelash extensions for CNY 2023?

Extensions can be a great way to add length and volume to your lashes, but you should know a few things before making your decision.

Let’s explore them.

Are eyelash extensions safe?

Your safety should be the number one concern when getting lash extensions.

It’s okay as long as the lash artist you go to is certified and licensed. They should also be using products that are safe for your eyes and lashes.

Benefits of eyelash extensions

First, eyelash extensions can speed up your makeup routine.

No more fumbling with clumpy mascara. With extensions, your eyes will look amazing even without any of those on.

Furthermore, eyelash extensions can replace other eye makeup products too. If you’re not a fan of wearing eye shadow or liner, extensions can give you all the drama and definition you need without any extra fuss.

Third, eyelash extensions are customizable. You can choose the length, thickness, and curl of your extensions to create a look that’s perfect for you.

How to prep before the appointment

Image Credits: aucklandlashandbrows.co.nz

Remember to shower before your appointment. Since you want to avoid getting your lashes wet after the session, it’s best to get yourself scrubbed before you head out.

Also, make sure you have a clean face. This means that you should remove all of your eye makeup, as well as any lotions or oils. If your lashes are coated in any of these products, the adhesive won’t stick correctly and the extensions will likely fall out prematurely.

Different types of eyelash extensions

Not all lash extension types are created equal—there are a few distinguishable types that you should be aware of before you make your decision.

Synthetic lashes are the most common type of lash extension, and they’re made from a variety of materials. They come in an assortment of lengths and thicknesses so you can customize your look.

Mink lashes are the next most popular type of lash extension made from actual fur. Thus, you can expect it to be lightweight and natural, though it may not sit well with animal advocates.

Silk lashes are another option. They’re made from silk or synthetic-based silk fiber, and somewhere between synthetic and mink lashes in terms of weight and price.

How to care for your eyelash extensions

When you finally have your new lash extensions on, know how to take care of them so they last as long as possible.

Here are a few tips:

Keep your lashes clean. Gently brush them with a lash brush or Q-tip every day to remove any dirt or debris.
Avoid wetting them for the first 48 hours after getting them done. This includes no sauna or swimming.
Avoid using mascara on your extensions, as this will make them brittle and more likely to fall out.
Use an eyelash curler gently on the tips of the extensions to help them stay in place.

If you’re on the fence about getting lash extensions, we hope this article has helped you make a decision. As with any beauty treatment, there are pros and cons so weigh them all before making a decision. If you decide that lash extensions are right for you, go get that appointment, and we hope you love your new look for the new year!

Comparison trap: How to avoid comparing your child with others

It’s hard not to compare our children, especially when we’re constantly bombarded with images of “perfect” kids out there.

But is the comparison fair to our children—or ourselves? We can’t expect them to be exactly like their friends, or even their siblings. So why do we compare them?

There are a lot of reasons why the comparison is harmful to both parents and children. Below, we will explore some of the ways comparison can damage our relationships with our kids.

Why comparison steals joy from parenting

When you’re out and about with your child and you see another parent with a kid that’s a little “better behaved”, it’s natural to compare.

You may not even realize you’re doing it, but if you’re not careful, the comparison trap can steal your joy from parenting. The thing is, every child is unique. They grow and develop at their own pace, and there’s no magic age that makes a child “good.”

Why comparing your child with others is dangerous

You might be tempted to compare your child with other kids at school, or with the neighbor’s toddler who can already speak. But doing this is dangerous, and can have long-term effects on your child’s self-esteem.

Here’s why: when you compare your child to others, you’re telling them that they’re not good enough. You’re implying that someone else is better than them, and that’s a hard thing for a child to hear.

It can make them feel like they’re never going to be good enough, no matter what they do. This can lead to a lot of insecurity and self-doubt in your child, which can stay with them for years to come.

How to focus on the process instead of the outcome

Image Credits: raisingchildren.net.au

When you focus on the process instead of the outcome, you’re able to see your child’s development more clearly.

This is because you’re not constantly comparing them to other children and looking for ways to prove that they don’t measure up.

Instead, you’re able to appreciate the small steps that they’re taking and the progress that they’re making. And when you can do this, it’s much easier to enjoy the journey instead of always feeling like you’re coming up short.

So how can you focus on the process instead? One way is to set goals for your child that are based on their age and development level. This way, you’re not comparing them to other children who might be ahead of them.

Another way is to celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small. This will help you see their progress and appreciate all that they’re doing instead of always focusing on what they haven’t done yet.

Embracing and celebrating individual differences

When you stop comparing your child to others, you make space to celebrate their unique talents and quirks.

You see them for who they are, not who you want them to be. And guess what? When you do that, they blossom.

They become more confident and secure in themselves, and that allows them to take risks and explore the world in their way. So instead of comparing your child to others, take a step back and embrace their differences.

It’s hard not to compare our children to others. We see other children excelling in one area or another and we can’t help but wonder why our child is not as good. We start to question ourselves as parents and wonder what we are doing wrong. But the comparison trap can make our kids feel like they are not good enough and that can lead to low self-esteem. It can also cause them to compare themselves to others, which can lead to envy and resentment. Be proud of your children for who they are and not for what they can do. Encouragement far exceeds criticisms.

Don’t let your remote job create unwanted FOMO, fight it with these tips

You’ve been working from home for a while now and it’s been great.

You’ve got the flexible hours and work-life balance you always wanted, but there’s one nagging fear that’s been hanging over your head: FOMO.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with the term, FOMO stands for “fear of missing out.” It’s that feeling of anxiety and insecurity that comes along with the fear of being left out or not participating in something. And unfortunately, it’s a very real fear for many remote workers.

But don’t worry, below, we’ve outlined some tips to help you manage your FOMO and stay productive while working from home.

Identifying FOMO triggers

The first step in managing your fear of missing out is identifying its triggers.

For most people, FOMO kicks in when they see their colleagues post about all the fun things they’re doing on social media.

It might also be triggered by a work-related event that you’re unable to attend, or simply being alone and feeling like you’re missing out on all the action. Once you know what triggers your FOMO, you can start developing strategies to deal with it.

Fight comparison with gratitude

What’s another good way to deal with feeling left out? The answer is gratitude.

When you’re grateful for what you have, it’s easier to focus on your own life and not worry about what everyone else is doing.

It’s hard to feel bad about yourself when you’re busy being grateful for all the good in your life. So start a gratitude journal, or simply take a few minutes each day to list five things you’re grateful for. It can be anything from the rain to your fluffy cat or your loving partner.

The more you focus on the good things, the less room there is for envy and FOMO to take hold.

How to reduce FOMO-induced anxiety

Image Credits: unsplash.com

There are ways to manage this anxiety and reduce its effects on your mental health.

Here are a few tips:

Make a point to stay connected to your team. Even though you’re not in the office, stay connected to your team via chat platforms, email, or video conferencing. This will help you feel like you’re part of the conversation.
Set boundaries. Just because you’re working remotely doesn’t mean you have to be available 24/7. Make sure to set boundaries for yourself so that you have downtime and aren’t constantly checking work email when you’re off the clock.
Get out and socialize. One of the best ways to fight FOMO is to get out and socialize with friends and family. Schedule regular get-togethers and make sure to unplug from work during that time. You will find that you can start to relax and enjoy yourself more when you’re not constantly worried about what’s going on at the office.

Distinguish between online and offline experiences

When you’re experiencing FOMO, remember that not all experiences are created equal.

Just because you see someone having a great time offline doesn’t mean that you’re missing out on something equally valuable by not being there in person.

So when you start to feel FOMO creeping in, take a step back and ask yourself if the experience you’re missing out on is really something that you would enjoy or if it’s just something that looks good from afar.

At the end of the day, remember that you’re in control of your remote job. You get to choose how you spend your time, and you don’t have to let your remote job create any unwanted FOMO. With these tips, you can fight back and make sure that you’re fulfilled in your position. Take pride in having the freedom to work from anywhere!