Why a four-day workweek may not be the best idea

a lady stressed at work

You may be rejoicing at the thought of a four-day workweek, but there are some reasons why you may want to think twice.

While it may seem like a dream come true, a shorter workweek could have some negative consequences. For instance, a four-day workweek could lead to lesser efficiency. At worst, it could even lead to burnout and an increase in job dissatisfaction.

So before you accept that four-day workweek job offer, be sure to weigh the pros and cons.

You are more likely to get burned out

When you’re stretched thin, it’s hard to maintain your focus and energy level. You may find that you’re less productive overall when you’re working shorter weeks.

Another thing to consider is that you may end up taking on more work in the evenings and on weekends to make up for the hours you’re not spending at work. This can be taxing, both mentally and physically.

Finally, there’s the issue of flexibility. If your company transitions to a four-day workweek, but you still need to come in for occasional meetings or events on the fifth day, are you being penalized? Will you be able to take off-in-lieu during the week if needed?

These are things to think about before cheering too loudly for a shorter workweek.

You may be expected to be available 24/7
an incoming phone call on an iPhone

Image Credits: screenrant.com

Imagine this: You’re all excited because your company is considering or has already transitioned over to a four-day workweek. You think this is the best thing since sliced bread and can’t wait to tell all your friends.

But then you find out that even though you’re only working four days, you’re expected to be available 24/7 to reply to emails and text messages. What? That’s right, your boss wants you to be available on your days off given the break on Friday.

So much for having time to yourself! Suddenly, the four-day workweek doesn’t seem so extraordinary after all.

You may feel more pressure to work more hours each day

Here’s the thing—even if you get that coveted four-day workweek, you may find that you’re working more hours each day. That’s because you may feel more pressure to get everything done in a shorter period.

Now, we’re not saying that a four-day workweek is a bad idea. We’re just saying that you need to be prepared for the possibility that you may be working just as hard, if not harder. And if that’s the case, then what’s the point?

Although a four-day workweek may seem like a dream come true, it may not be as amazing as it seems. You may feel overwhelmed with all the work you have to do in four days and get burnt out by the end of the fourth day. Thus, instead of rejoicing over a four-day workweek, think about the downsides before you sign that contract.

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Why being too friendly with your employees can backfire

socializing with colleagues

You may be thinking about being friends with your employees, but before you make any decisions, it’s good to understand the possible risks.

Friendship is a two-way street, and while being friends with your employees might seem like a good idea, in theory, in practice it can boomerang. Read on for reasons why being too friendly with your employees can backfire.

You may be taken advantage of

Your employees might start to feel like they can take advantage of the relationship, and they may not feel the need to work as hard because they know you’re not going to fire them. They may also start to rely on you too much, and when you eventually have to lay someone off, it would be devastating.

It can foster a false sense of trust

You might be tempted to think that if you’re mates with your team, they will be more likely to go the extra mile for you. But the thing is, if you cross that line and don’t maintain some boundaries, it can have the opposite effect.

What often happens is that a false sense of trust develops, and employees may feel like they can come to you with any problem or complaint, without consequence. And before you know it, you’ve got yourself a dysfunctional work environment where people are unhappy and not performing up to their potential.

So it’s better to maintain some distance and not be all buddy-buddy. That doesn’t mean you can’t be friendly, but make sure there’s a clear boundary between personal and professional relationships.

It can make you seem unprofessional
colleagues drinking beer after work

Image Credits: entrepreneur.com

After all, you’re the boss, and you need to maintain a certain level of authority. When you let your guard down and act like a friend, it can undermine your authority and erode your verbal credibility.

Another reason why being too friendly can backfire is that it can create an atmosphere of informality that can build up chaos. Employees may feel like they can cut corners and take liberties with you. And when that happens, everything goes down the tubes.

So be nice, but remember that you’re still the head of the company!

It can make setting boundaries difficult

Imagine you’re the boss. You’re sitting in your office, and your phone rings. You pick up, and it’s one of your employees, asking for an early, urgent leave for the 5th time in a month.

Now, imagine the same situation, but this time, you’re good friends with that employee. It’s a lot harder to say no, isn’t it? When you’re friends with someone, it’s much more challenging to set boundaries and be the disciplinarian.

And that’s why being too chummy with your employees can backfire. It can make it tricky for you to be the boss your team needs you to be. You might find yourself constantly saying yes to their requests, and that’s not good for everyone.

You may be perceived as playing favorites

Playing favorites (even if you think you’re not doing so) can create tension and resentment in the workplace, and make it tough for other employees to feel like they can approach you with their concerns. Others may feel like they’re being “left out” or that they’re not good enough to get into your good books.

So how do you strike the right balance? Well, first of all, make sure that you’re being fair and consistent in your treatment of all employees. Secondly, try to be less personal and more professional in your interactions with them. And finally, remember that it’s crucial to maintain some social distance so the lines are not blurred.

While it can be tempting to be friends with your employees, you must maintain a certain level of professionalism. Being too sociable can backfire in several ways. As mentioned earlier, it can blur the line between boss and employee, which can lead to confusion about who is in charge. It may also make some individuals feel uncomfortable, for fear of offending you. Ultimately, it’s good to note that being too friendly with your employees can lead to overall confusion, and is best avoided.

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How to Score Major Savings When Shopping Online

Online retailers are becoming increasingly creative these days with their flash sales and discount vouchers.

Thus, hunting for the best price online can seem like a chore. However, if you are a savvy deal hunter, you can use these clever shopping tips to earn discounts with minimum effort!

#1: CREATE A SHOPPING LIST

Have a clear idea of what you desire before shopping online. Create a list to stay focused and to steer away from unnecessary items. By listing down your potential purchases and prioritizing your needs, you can achieve your financial goal.

Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best. You need to consider quality and sustainability. For instance, purchase a laptop because of its specifications and not its price tag. There is no harm in shopping around to get the best price!

#2: COMPARE THE PRICES

Speaking of shopping around, you can get great deals by comparing prices online. Check different websites when shopping or use price comparison websites.

There are lots of price comparison websites, which consist of search functions to help you quickly uncover the lowest price. A website you can visit is iprice.sg.

#3: FOLLOW YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS

Similar to reading newsletters, companies often use social media to provide exclusive promotions and deals to their followers. You will be the first to hear about these deals, which is a key factor when deals are available in limited quantities.

You can also join giveaways and contests when you follow your favorite brands on social media. Who knows? You might just get your favorite products for free!

#4: TIME YOUR SHOPPING ACTIVITIES

Do not check out your items on a tempting, lazy Sunday. Most stores roll out their discounts and deals on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Be vigilant these days.

It is a different story for airline tickets. Tickets are most expensive on Mondays and cheapest on Sundays. According to Airlines Reporting Corporation, Sundays offer the cheapest round-trip tickets.

#5: PUT A WAITING PERIOD FOR YOUR ITEMS

To increase awareness about shopping, consider putting an item in your cart and letting it stay there for a day. The waiting period will allow you to contemplate whether you want to purchase the item or not. Moreover, some brands will email you regarding your abandoned cart and provide you with better options or discount coupons.

Not all brands do this. Just be sure to enter your email address to stay updated.

#6: ESTABLISH AN ONLINE SHOPPING BUDGET

If you are building up your savings or having trouble with money now, you need to create a shopping budget. Having a plan in place will help you avoid temptations such as “buy one take one” or “free shipping with no minimum amount spent”.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Remember that your budget is closely tied to your shopping list. The essential items needed to be bought online should be prioritized. Create categories for your shopping list and prioritize items that are necessary for your household goals. Then, set aside cash for your wants or nice to haves. See how things fit into your overall budget.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Tips for parents: How to handle school refusal

a father and daughter on the way to school

As a parent, you want what’s best for your kids.

You hope they will get the education they need to succeed in life. But what do you do when they start refusing to go to school?

It can be a challenging problem to solve, but we’re here to help. In this article, we will discuss some of the causes of school refusal and offer tips on how to get your child back on track.

Defining school refusal

Well, first it’s important to define what “school refusal” actually means. It’s not just kids who are trying to skip class. School refusal can refer to a wide range of issues, from kids who are struggling with anxiety to those who are dealing with bullying or academic pressure.

If your child is refusing to go to school, it’s necessary to talk to them and find out why. Sometimes the problem is something that can be addressed and solved relatively easily. But other times, it may be a sign that your child needs more help than you can give them on your own.

What are the consequences of school refusal?

There can be a lot of them, depending on the situation. For one, your child might fall behind in school and eventually start to struggle. This can lead to a lot of stress and frustration for both you and your child.

In some cases, school refusal can even lead to social isolation. Your child might start to feel like they’re the only one who doesn’t want to go to school, and this can be damaging to their peer-to-peer relationships. We suggest talking to your child about why they’re refusing to go and see if there’s anything you can do together to help them get back on track.

Tips for parents: How to deal with school refusal
a child eating breakfast

Image Credits: 30seconds.com

Below are some suggestions for parents to help them deal with school refusal:

  • Talk to your child about why he or she is refusing to go to school. It’s essential to understand the root of the problem.
  • Establish a routine and make sure your child gets enough sleep. A lack of rest can make it harder for kids to get up in the morning and go to school.
  • Make sure your kids have a healthy breakfast before leaving for school. A nutritious meal in the morning will give them the energy they need to get through the day.
When to seek professional help

Sometimes, there’s a deeper reason why your child is refusing to go to school, and it’s something that a professional can help you with.

It might be that your child is struggling with a particular subject, or there might be something going on at school that’s causing them uneasiness. It could also be that there’s a problem at home that’s impacting their ability to learn.

Whatever the reason, it’s good to get help so that your child can return to school as soon as possible. A qualified professional will be able to identify the root of the problem and work together with you to find a solution.

We know it can be tough when your child is refusing to go to school. We want to help you through this tough time, and that is why we’ve put together this article. We hope that you have found this post helpful and that it has given you some tips on how to handle your child’s school refusal. Stay positive and keep communicating with your child. If you ever need external help, reach out to your child’s teacher or a professional counselor. They can surely assist you in getting your child back on track.

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What it really takes to thrive in startups

group of people using laptops

So you want to work in a startup?

It’s easy to be enamored by the idea of a more flexible workplace, the chance to be more creative, and the allure of joining a company on the rise. But startups are not for everyone.

In this post, we will take a look at the different working characteristics you need if you want to thrive in startups. We will also dispel some of the myths that often keep people from venturing into the startup scene. Let’s get started!

You’re flexible

If you want to work for a startup, you need to be flexible. Things change quickly in startups, and you need to be able to roll with the punches.

That means being willing to take on new tasks and assignments, even if they’re not in your job description. It also means being open to change, and not being afraid of new ideas or ways of doing things.

You like wearing many hats

Do you have a wide range of skills and a willingness to try new things? Then you will fit in perfectly at a startup. In startups, the team is small and everyone wears many hats. That’s just the reality of the situation. So being adaptable is a vital skill to have.

But it’s not just about being able to wear many hats. It’s also about being able to work long hours and be okay with ambiguity. Because in a startup, things are always changing and evolving. There’s no room for ego or complacency. You have to be willing to go with the flow when necessary.

You need to be a self-starter
a lady drinking tea while using her laptop

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you want to work for a startup, you need to be a self-starter. That means you can’t be someone who needs constant hand-holding or someone afraid to take risks.

You need to be comfortable working in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment, and you need to be able to hit the ground running. In other words, it’s best if you’re not someone who needs a lot of training or someone who can’t work without clear-cut directions.

Startups are all about innovation and creativity, so if that’s not your thing, then it’s probably not the right place for you. But if you’re up for the challenge, then startups can be an incredibly rewarding place to work for.

You need to be okay with change

In a startup, the rules are always changing. The company is growing and evolving at such a rapid pace. Things are always moving and shifting, and you need to be okay with that.

You also need to be okay with chaos. Because in a startup, there’s always disarray. It’s part of the process. You have to not get too attached to any one idea or way of doing things.

If you can’t handle change and disruption, then a startup likely isn’t a suitable place for you. But if you’re okay with those things and you’re ready for a challenge, then a startup could work out to be a great place for steep growth.

You need to be able to respond to swift feedback

When you work for a startup, you need to be comfortable with giving and receiving feedback. This means being able to respond quickly and decisively to any change that comes your way.

In a fast-paced startup environment, there’s no time to waste. Things are always moving quickly, and you need to be able to keep up. If you’re not able to respond to swift feedback, then you’re going to find it challenging to succeed in a startup.

To thrive in startups, you need to be comfortable with ambiguity, enjoy wearing multiple hats, and be okay with a constantly changing environment. You also need to be proactive and take the initiative to make things happen, rather than waiting for someone else to tell you what to do. If you can embrace these working traits, you are likely in good shape to work for a startup and help it grow.

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