Sexual Harassment In The Workplace

Sexual harassment is one incident in the office that can affect the social,emotional, psychological health and eventually the performance of an employee. It should not be taken lightly and proper structures should be put in place to aid free flow of complaints and handling of this issue.


Sexual harassment simply doesn't go away on its own. It may begin as something small, but it is an issue that rapidly develops into a large problem. For example, imagine one day your boss makes an inappropriate comment to you one, and you simply ignore it. By ignoring it, your boss may think that it doesn't bother you, so she/he will continue it. Since she/he already has boundary issues, she/he may then take it to the next step, touching you in subtle ways, such as standing closer than you're comfortable, rubbing your back, or brushing his or her hand across a part of your body. Without doing something to put a stop to this behavior, it will only continue to get worse because the harasser will believe that you don't have a problem with it. 


The longer it happens, the greater the risk of moving from sexual harassment to sexual assault or rape. This example clearly shows how vital it is to stop sexual harassment before it gets out of control.


If an employee feels sexually harassed there are some things that can be done to make the situation better:
Keep a journal:Begin writing the events down as soon as they begin happening.
Talk about it :Let people you trust know what has happened to you. 
Confront the harasser


Every employee should be aware of what sexual harassment is, and should be alert to its presence in the workplace, trusting their feelings about the issue, and not being afraid to take action to resolve it if it is present.




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Three Minutes of Exercise A Week Could Prevent Diabetes!

Just one minute of exercise a day could prevent diabetes, researchers claimed yesterday.

Performing short cycle sprints three times a week could be enough to prevent and possibly treat type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when blood sugar levels build up to dangerously high levels due to reduced insulin function, often caused by a sedentary lifestyle.

Dr Niels Vollaard, who is leading the study at the University of Bath, says:

 “Our muscles have sugar stores, called glycogen, for use during exercise. To restock these after exercise, the muscle needs to take up sugar from the blood. In inactive people there is less need for the muscles to do this, which can lead to poor sensitivity to insulin, high blood sugar levels, and eventually type 2 diabetes. We already knew that very intense sprint training can improve insulin sensitivity but we wanted to see if the exercise sessions could be made easier and shorter.”

Dr Vollaard, who is also part of the team said: 

“We know of no quicker and easier way of getting the muscles to use glycogen than with the short sprints we used in our study. These sprints break down as much glycogen in 20 seconds as moderate endurance exercise would in an hour. This is completely new. No one has ever found a programme this easy and short to provide health benefits. At the moment it has only been done in lab conditions but it would be easy to create a bike that does this in a gym setting.

It could even be done in the workplace.”

So if you spend all your day at the office seated behind a PC with practically no activity, you should consider getting a stationary bike where you could break down glycogen from your muscles and mop up excess blood sugar!

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Important Points to Note About Organizing Office First Aid

Important Points to Note

Ø  Every organization should have at least one staff that has gone through first aid training theoretically and practically.

Ø  Every office should have a first box, and depending on the population, two or three offices could share one.

Ø  Check your first aid box in six months if it has not been used to check expiry dates and the condition of your materials.

Ø   Replace materials as often they are used.

Ø  Warning/Safety signs are helpful in preventing accidents. For example, place signs on your glass doors, pointing to stairways, a dead end or an elevation on the floor.

Ø  Emergency buttons can be placed strategically to ensure speedy response to emergencies.

Ø  Have first aid Handbooks within the reach of every staff.

Ø If you are not sure what to do, don’t do anything. Just all for your in house first aider or the ambulance.

Ø Always avoid contact with body fluids like blood or serum, wear protective gloves.

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Why this Job?

You are satisfied with your job when you achieve the fullest measure of contentment with what you do and everything about it. Do you love what you do? Do you love how you do what you do?

Job satisfaction leads to the elimination of tension and boredom in the workplace which will improve your efficiency in your organization.

How to Achieve and Maintain Job Satisfaction

1.     Ensure You are in The Right Job

What are your preferences? What are your interests? Are you an extrovert or introvert? Do you prefer dealing with people directly or dealing with things? Some Lawyers deal with people directly while others prefer developing legal documentations. They are both lawyers but with different interests and strengths.

If you love your profession but not your job, you may have to change your method and “adjust” your job description. You may even be a doctor; you love helping people, but the hospital environment is not just working for you. You may function better in a community or public health setting. It all lies within your preferences and strengths.

2. Ensure You are Consistently Improving Yourself

Probably when you got this job, it was the best fit ever. Everything just fell in place; your skills, interests and strengths…but now you feel bored and dull. What could have gone wrong? All you need is more “wood in your fire”.

To maintain your zeal you have to keep feeding yourself with information on what you’re passionate about. Study more about your career and venture into new areas. Take up new challenges and try new methods in your field. I don’t know of any top chef who doesn’t take up the challenge of coming up with new recipes.

You can’t keep doing the same things the same way, day in, day out, you’ll get bored! Try something new, do something extra. You’ll be better for it.

The brain has an instinctual urge for new experiences; learning helps your brain grow and thrive.

3.     Ensure You have Personal Retreats

The path of self discovery should be a deliberate road you choose to walk. You need to take time off to reflect; on yourself, your job and your life in general. Give yourself an appraisal! That will not happen on regular work weeks, so I’ll advise you do this during your leave. If you can take up to three breaks off work, every year, that would be great.

During this retreats you will come up with amazing ideas to improve yourself, relate with others and execute your job or business. You may even come up with a solution to that nagging issue in your office! During these times of self reflection, acknowledge also the little blessings in your life, including your workplace.

Having time to reflect helps you reason and analyze better without distractions. This job may actually be the right one for you!

In whatever job situation you find yourself you must realize that a high remuneration will never give you the contentment you so desire. Satisfaction is an inner desire that needs to be fed from inside. It comes from doing what you were born to do.

What were you born to do?

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Pregnant in the Office? 5 Points To Remember

Being pregnant in the office means different things to different women and even employers. However, I insist that pregnancy is not a disease and its better you are in the right frame of mind during this period.
Some women don't have a hint of morning sickness, while a few are in and out of the hospital. About 70% of women experience morning sickness in the first three months. But which ever category you fall into, if you choose to continue working here are a few helpful hints to remember.

Inform your Employer: don't wait till your "bump" starts showing before the cat is let out of the bag.Inform your employers and let them know how committed you are to remaining on the job. It's also a good time to let them know if you plan on quitting when the baby comes. Whatever the situation, give them time to plan.

Morning Sickness: Let your colleagues and supervisor ( if they don't already  know) that you may be a little "harassed" for about three months, but it shouldn't bother them. Keep towels and mouthwash in your car and office drawer for "pukes".

Remain Focused: Avoid reeling out complaints about body aches, swollen legs, fatigue and all other stuff. You don't want to give the impression that you are handicapped. Save those complaints for your doctor (and hubby). Get as much information about body changes when pregnant so you understand what is going on.

Exercise: Moving around every few hours would help to ease muscle tension and improve blood circulation. Avoid standing for prolonged periods, excessive noise and vibrations, heavy lifting and exposure to harmful chemicals(depending on where you work)

Ante-Natal:Remember to attend ante-natal regularly, always inform your supervisor ahead of time.

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Violence in the workplace

Violence in the workplace

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How to Pick the Right Shoes to Wear to the Office

Village Naturals Foot Essentials Refreshing Foot Soak 20 oz
                                                                 
Here are a few things to consider when choosing your office shoes:

• Your office may not not have laid down rules for footwear, but opened toe shoes are generally classified as "un corporate".

                                                                                                                       

• Bear in mind that your feet should not be the first thing people see  in the office. Pick a shoe that doesn't draw attention to your appearance.
• Your office shoe should match the kind of work you do. If you stand for long periods during work, a pair of flats with an arch will do. Wearing heeled shoes when you can for long periods can lead to back pain and foot pain of course.Moderately heeled shoes are accepted for office and not stilettos.No matter how casual your office is flip flops are unacceptable.

• Dark colours like black,grey and brown are top choice. But remember not to wear a black shoe with a brown suit!
• Comfort still remains a priority when picking your office shoes. The well being of your feet are just as important as any other reason for picking a shoe. A good shoe will not impede blood circulation. Once in a while though, you may air your feet, under your desk and do ankle exercises, especially if you sit for long periods. Also very important is to get a pedicure at least once a month and foot massage as often as possible. 

Miracle of Aloe Miracle Foot Repair Cream
Ped Egg Pedicure Foot File, Colors may vary

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Not All Sick Leaves are as a Result of Medical Causes

Stress Relief

Many times staff are absent or report sick it may not necessarily be as a result of obvious cold, flu, fever or any other medical condition.
A new research published by BioMed Central's open access journal shows that "conflicts" and stress at work can trigger sick leave.
So your work environment can either make or mar you.These are important points to ensure a comfortable workplace and so avoid unnecessary "sickness" and absenteeism.

• There should a proper conflict management system in your organisation. "We may not always agree, but that doesn't make us enemies". This should be the mindset adopted by everyone. If there are grievances among colleagues or with superiors or subordinates, there should be a process put in place to help staff get the weight off their chest.
• Everyone should be treated as a part of the team. Everyone loves to be appreciated. Commendations should be freely given and suggestions should always be welcomed.
• Some staff may be square pegs or thorns in the flesh of others. Such people should be dealt with wisely; they may need to go through a private re-orientation.
• Also very important, is to make sure all cadre of staff have access to a psychologist.

The environment we find ourselves will be affected by the predominant mindset of those in that area, and our places of work are no exception.
Let's make our workplaces more friendly!
Village Naturals Therapy Stress & Tension Mineral Bath Soak 20 oz

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How to Give First Aid to a Choking Colleague

First Aid Beauty FAB Essentials Kit ($21 Value) FAB Essentials Kit

Choking  may happen during or after a meal. One may choke on food that wasn’t properly chewed or hurriedly swallowed.

• Call you in house first aider.
• In the absence of one, call the ambulance.
• If the victim is still unable to cough, bend him/her forward (about 45°) while supporting at the waist with your forearm.
• Place your hand flat between the shoulder blades and give five slaps.
• If he/she is still choking, stand at his/her back, make a fist with the thumb one against the abdomen (just below the ribcage).
• Grasp the fist with the other hand and pull sharply inwards and upwards.
• This should clear the obstruction. But, if not continue till the ambulance comes.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream 6 oz

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How to Deal With Neck Pain in The Office

Boss Black LeatherPlus Executive Chair

A nagging pain in the neck can disrupt all your activities in the office and diminish your productivity, if not handled properly and promptly.

Neck Pain is mostly caused by improper working postures. Here are some tips to avoid excessive neck twisting and looking up or down extensively to deal with Neck pain in the office;

• Your Monitor Position: put your monitor directly in front of you except you occasionally use it. It should be at eye level, so you don't have to bend your neck in any awkward position,when working at it.
• Telephone Use: Avoid sandwiching the ear piece between your neck and shoulder, as much as possible, use your hand!
• Your office Chair: does your chair give you adequate support. A good chair should support your whole spine; from neck to waist. You may need to change your chair. An ergonomic chair that has a head rest will be helpful.
• Regular Breaks: Take Regular Breaks off looking at the monitor or perusing documents. If you notice you've kept your neck in a fixed position too long, take a break and roll it around a bit.
• Use a Pillow: Use a pillow to support your back when sitting. Good support for your back will also help your neck, since they are both part of the spine.
• Sleeping Position: Watch your sleeping position, at home of course and not in the office! Bad posture at home will reflect in the office. look out for your bed and pillow also, you may have to change them.

Ergonomic Office Chair - High Back Mesh Contemporary Executive Swivel Chair - BT-6001-GYBK-GG

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