The first reaction most people have to the idea of working under pressure is dread. We've all been there, caught between a rock and a hard place with the need to deliver. These are people who can work under pressure quite well. Some even thrive on it. The ability to work under pressure is a learned skill that has one overarching goal: Relief from feeling overwhelmed so you can focus and engage the work efficiently. Avoid obsessing over the large tasks at hand. Instead, break into parts and give…

"A positive workplace" brings to mind a relaxed atmosphere, honest communication, a sense of humor, mutual respect and appreciation, and valuing of differences (diversity) among employees. But positive workplaces with these values don't just happen. They don't stay that way either without nurturing them like garden. That's every employee's job, not just the role of manager. Here are a few ways you can play like role so your workplace is as productive as it is positive. 1) Recognize your biases,…

Having a positive attitude does not mean that you are dismissive of problems and concerns while others who are pessimistic are more mature and realistic in the face of undesirable circumstances. A positive attitude is driven by a belief that successful outcomes and solutions to problems are often influenced by optimism. A person with a positive attitude is a learned skill, valued by employers, and often mentioned in performance reviews. If your attitude is easily affected by circumstances, try…

Employers today are becoming more aware of the mental and health benefits to their workforce by examining the "built" environment. How we work, where we work, and the conditions that surround us in the workplace all impact our wellbeing. Many organizations are seeing the importance that biophilla plays in today's world of work. Biophilic design is an approach to architecture that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature. 

Researchers indicate that even having a plant or two on…

We all want to work around people who are enthusiastic. Like all attitudes - even negative ones - enthusiasm is contagious. Enthusiasm 's ability to lift up others makes it a soft skill valued by employers. So how do you maintain real enthusiasm when stress and job strain rule? Don't see enthusiasm as a temporary state of mind or dependent on others. Instead, recognize enthusiasm as part of your personality and a resource that helps you cope with stress and positively influence your…

Neurodiversity refers to differences among employees regarding how they think and process information. People with autism and those with ADHD are example of the neurodiverse. The world of work is rapidly seeking to accommodate and support these employees with broad program of inclusiveness because of the strong value they bring to organizations. If neurodiversity is new to you, read the U.S. Department of Labor 's blog "America's Workforce, Empowering All" at https://blog.dol.gov to learn more.…

It's easier to give criticism than to accept it. However, openness to criticism can help advance your career. This is why the "ability to accept criticism" is frequently a part of performance reviews. Make accepting criticism easier by understanding that defensiveness I like a "mental reflex." It naturally rejects criticism. They key is mastering control over this impulse. Do so by recognizing that everyone feels defensive when criticized. It's inescapable. Recognize also that rejecting…

Some outstanding work habits take decades and hard knocks to learn. Practice these work habits and watch your indispensability grow.

1) Do more than what's asked. How to do it: When given an assignment, put yourself in the boss's shoes. Use empathy. For example, ask, "What will management above my boss additionally want in this report that was not requested?"

2) Avoid more mistakes. How to do it: Don't ignore the small voice of warning in your head that says, "I better get clarification on...,"…

Everyone reacts to workspace clutter differently. Some employees even report working more effectively around a bit of it. But if that is not you, realize that research exists to explain clutter 's effect on productivity, and it's not good. Clutter distracts. All that stuff around you - mail, sticky notes, scattered supplies, food, gadgets, personal items, files - they all compete for your attention even if you aren't engaged with them. They contribute to distraction, cause you to lose focus,…