Are You A Fantasy Football Player?

Do you spend time at work managing your fantasy football team?

If so, you could be one of the millions of people costing employers as much as $1.1 billion weekly in lost productivity during the National Football League season.

According to Challenger, Gray & Christmas , the Chicago-based employment research firm that tracks corporate office trends, participants spend 10 minutes per day, or almost an hour a week, drafting players, setting rosters and plotting strategy at the office. A conservative estimate of weekly lost productivity ...about $500 million .

So what's a boss to do?

Nothing.

Employers should see fantasy sports as a positive influence in the workplace.The potential damage to morale and loyalty resulting from a ban could be far worse than the loss of productivity caused by 10 minutes of online team management. Companies that not only allow workers to indulge in fantasy football but actually encourage it by organizing a company league are likely to see benefits... and happier employees.

You're Not Alone

A New York Times Poll reveals the depth and trauma of joblessness.
Call it what you want — being laid off or downsized, getting dismissed or fired, receiving your pink slip or your walking papers, losing your job hurts and it can have a profound effect on your emotional well being. Among a variety of life-altering events, such as death in the family, divorce, and serious illness, losing your job ranks among the highest in stress-causing situations. However, I always say, the best time to be out of work is when everyone is out of work, which is now!

The official unemployment rate is 10.2%, however, unofficially 25% of America is out of work if you count those who have exhausted their unemployment benefits, students without a work history, employees on strike, disabled employees, retired workers, etc.

If you suddenly find yourself out of work...

1. Apply for government unemployment benefits right away. I can't tell you how many times people hold off applying because they think they're going to get a job right away. The delay may cause your benefits to be affected.

2. Determine how long your financial resources will last.

3. If you had your health benefits paid for by your employer, find out if you can still maintain those benefits through COBRA(The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act).

4. Career Check- if layoffs are rampant in your field you may want to consider a change in a field that is growing. You may need some professional advice.

5. Take this forced "time off" to spruce up your skills...update your resume, and network with contacts.

Most of all, understand it's a difficult time for everyone, not just yourself, so try not to get overwhelmed with self-pity. Maintain a daily routine that includes looking for work, going to the gym, and even taking time for friends and family. Get support for how you're feeling through internet discussion groups, and try to keep forging ahead. In time, things will change... they always do.

Absences, Tardiness and Excuses

We've all made up one or two excuses why we're late to work....I just wasn't "feelin' it" this morning.....I was up all night arguing with God...a raccoon stole my work shoe off my porch. Perpetual lateness can be problematic in the workplace. In fact, Twenty percent of workers said they arrive late to work at least once a week, according to a February 2009 CareerBuilder.com survey of more than 8,000 workers. Twelve percent said they are late at least twice a week.But how do you deal with being late can make the difference in keeping your job or getting a pink slip. Know your employers Policy! Make sure you follow protocol as to who receives the message. If there's no policy, ask questions before the inevitable. Typically, the answering machine is NOT the best medium... find a reliable human being. If you're going to be late -Call Ahead...Give an ETA ..Call in and leave a message with the receptionist, or co-worker, if that is acceptable. Make sure you follow protocol as to who receives the message. Follow employer guidelines regarding tardiness,but remember excessive or perpetual lateness can result in losing your job! Problems arise when your employer has an important deadline and is expecting you. If your excuse is legitimate, you still may need a note. An employer can fire you for lateness or absenteeism as long as they don't violate your federal or state protected rights. Normally, however, the employer will give you a warning before you're discharged, allowing you to straighten up your act, but it's certainly not required. So before you say, "my route to work was cut off by a presidential motorcade", buy two alarm clocks, and prioritize...after all, if you don't get to work, you don't pay the bills.

Are You A Party Crasher?

Most recently the "Party Crashers" at the White House claim they were invited guests. Some analysts cry, "no harm no foul", because a crime wasn't commited and no one was hurt. What does this have to do with the workplace? Have you ever violated company policy and made the same claim? Have you ever used your laptop in your company vehicle while driving and not incur an accident? Are you a secretary and perhaps you mailed the incorrect information to the wrong party, or did you forget to pay for an item at work before consuming it? So, does that old saying, "no harm, no foul" apply to you, or did you get fired? Did you make mistakes at work and did it cause you to be fired when it should only require a reprimand???