HEARD IN THE LUNCHROOM

Summer Vacation

If you haven’t gotten around to using your vacation days yet, there’s no better time than the present. According to a recent Robert Half International survey, 36 percent of executives polled said August is the best month for employees to take vacations, while 21 percent named July as the most favorable time for staff breaks. Here are some tips for enjoying a relaxing vacation free from work-related worries:

• Plan ahead. Make your request for time off as far in advance as possible.  The sooner you notify your manager about your intent to take a vacation, the better your chance of securing the dates you want.
• Get backup. Who can keep projects moving while you are out of the office?  Identify a point person to make decisions on your behalf on time-sensitive initiatives.  Offer to return the favor when your coworker is away from the office.
• Stay out of touch … While it may be tempting to check in with the office to make sure everything is running smoothly while you’re away, resist the temptation as much as possible.  You won’t be able to enjoy your vacation if work is on your mind — and neither will the people on vacation with you.
• … Or limit your contact. If your job requires you to check in, do so only when necessary and let people know when you’ll be contacting the office so they can be prepared to discuss any issues. Also, don’t allow yourself to be dragged into additional tasks.  Limit yourself to essential items only.

 

Personal Time

If you feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, you’re not alone. According to a Robert Half survey, workers take an average of 36 minutes a day attending to personal tasks at the office. Often, it’s nearly impossible to avoid attending to personal errands during the workday. While most companies allow employees some flexibility to take care of personal tasks at the office, try to schedule your activities for lunch or either before or after work. If you have a doctor’s appointment, for example, make sure your boss is aware of your commitment, has allowed you to leave for an extended period of time and knows how long you expect to be gone.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

The war in Iraq, the upcoming presidential election and the latest Supreme Court decision: What do these topics have in common? Most people have strong opinions on them, making it tempting to discuss politics at work. But broadcasting your views on the job — like sending an e-mail to 20 coworkers encouraging them to support a particular cause — can be inappropriate. Avoid voicing your political opinions to colleagues even if you know someone is aligned with your point of view.  These discussions are best held outside of the office.

Laughing Matters

Putting your funny bone to work can help your career, according to a survey of executives by Robert Half: 91 percent of respondents said a sense of humor is important to career advancement.  Why the focus on levity? A comic touch shows you don’t take yourself too seriously and helps relieve tension; it also makes you more enjoyable to be around. But before you break out the whoopee cushions, make sure your humor is appropriate for your workplace and never at the expense of others. Here are some do’s and don’ts:

Don’t use humor to criticize. Saying, “I can’t believe your report is on time — what’s the occasion?” won’t win over colleagues.
Do laugh with your coworkers. Joking around with others, within reason, helps you build rapport.
Don’t forward e-mail jokes. Just because you thought it was funny doesn’t mean your coworkers will feel the same way.
Do lightly poke fun at yourself — you’ll put others at ease in your presence and won’t risk offending anyone.

Heard in the Lunchroom^SM is provided by Robert Half, the world’s largest specialized staffing firm and a leading authority on workplace and management trends. For more information, visit www.rhi.com.