Lifestyle

Tips for Dealing with a Bad Work Environment

tips for dealing with a bad work environment

If you’re unhappy in your job, it may be time to take action. In today’s article, I share tips for dealing with a bad work environment that will hopefully alleviate some of the negative feelings you’ve been facing.  

It’s the last leg of Memorial Day Weekend, and for many of us, that means we’ve enjoyed a three-day weekend in honor of the men and women who died serving our country. Whether spending more time with family, going away for the weekend, or simply just resetting your brain for the week ahead, it is undeniably nice to have that extra day off. But, that extra day doesn’t really matter if you work in an unhealthy atmosphere and always dread going back to work every week. That kind of negativity can not only affect your productivity but your overall mindset as well, which could essentially be holding you back in your career.

In fact, professional solutions agency Willis Towers Watson states “employees suffering from high-stress levels have lower engagement, are less productive and have higher absentee levels than those not operating under excessive pressure,” as shown in their 2014 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey. Leaving your job for another is easier said than done, but it does not mean that improvements can’t be made. Below you’ll find some tips for dealing with a bad work environment.

Tips for Dealing with a Bad Work Environment

#1: Have a Daily Refocus Meeting

If you manage a team or the office as a whole, try to incorporate a daily refocus meeting with the group. By doing so, you can make sure everyone is on the same page with the big picture. Discuss goals and the focus of the day to help keep everyone on track. The objective is to maintain a focus at work, keep everyone positive, and deter people from office pettiness. If you don’t hold a management position, see if your supervisor would be willing to do this and explain your reasons why you feel it is necessary.

#2: Implement a Plan of Action

In the daily refocus meeting, express or suggest a series of steps that staff or coworkers will take to achieve the daily tasks. Again, if you are not in control of this, see if this is something you may be able to work out with your boss.

#3: Assist with Time Management

Some people do not do well with time management, and sometimes this occurs due to a lack of direction or not enough to do. With more time on their hands, it leaves room for work pettiness to happen. When you notice this, follow up with your staff on current projects and make sure they have a clear to-do list. You don’t need to micromanage, but you do need to keep tabs on projects. The challenge is to not overload them while also ensuring they do have enough to do to keep them focused throughout the day.

As the co-worker and not a manager, you can simply be an advocate for the daily office goals by not feeding into the negativity of others. It may get lonely, but you’ll keep yourself focused on what you are paid to do instead of paying attention to unimportant details and office drama.

#4: Take the High Road

Being the bigger person does not mean you are better than anyone else; it simply means that you are looking onward and upward. Remember, too, that we all have our own personal challenges we are facing, so try not to take comments or issues personally. Instead, see how the individual is doing and how you can help them, even if just taking them for lunch to let them vent about their life. Knowing someone cares may be all they need to help them find better outlets or ways of dealing with their problems.

As a former office manager, I have had to hold the position of mediator on more than one occasion in order to improve office morale. If you do not have control of this at your job, you can still avoid overstepping by having a one-on-one meeting with your boss and letting them know how the work environment is affecting your own productivity. You do not need to mention any names in the office, but it may prompt your manager to take action.

However, if you do not have a supportive boss, these are issues that may never be resolved, and it, unfortunately, may be time to look into other working for another company. Hopefully, though, the above advice can help you in your current situation, at least in some aspects.

What tips for dealing with a bad work environment would you add to the list? 

Cheap Weekend Getaway Ideas

cheap weekend getaway ideas

With Memorial Day coming up, I thought it would be fitting to write about some cheap weekend getaway ideas. Because of many places of business being closed for this federal holiday, it makes for a great opportunity to take a mini-vacation. Your bank account may be unfortunately saying otherwise. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy a four-day weekend.

Cheap Getaway Ideas

Many of these suggestions can not only be planned last minute but on a budget as well.

Last Minute Planning = Last Minute Deals (Sometimes)

It is typically encouraged to plan your trips well in advance to ensure the best deals; however, you can certainly grab some last-minute deals by waiting to book your trip. Try GoLastMinute, which is a travel site that scours the internet for last-minute flight deals. Other common booking sites offer last minute deals as well, such as Expedia, where you can also find hotel and cruise deals. Sometimes it pays to procrastinate.

Book an AirBnB

You don’t necessarily have to fly somewhere to stay in a cool location. Many sweet spots are just a reasonable drive away, and if you have one in mind, you can save money by renting someone else’s home. AirBnB has become an increasingly popular option for tourists traveling on a dime, but you can book an entire vacation home as well through HomeAway. Stay in the mountains in Asheville, North Carolina, visit the Florida Keys, or even rent a home in Paris for your trip. Plus, with these options, you can save money on going out to eat every night by purchasing your own groceries.

Getaway Locations

No matter what part of the states you are in, there are great (and cheap) places that are only a drive away from your location. Here are a few suggestions:

If you’re in the East Coast, consider staying in Atlanta, Georgia; Asheville, North Carolina; Burlington, Vermont; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Dewey Beach, Delaware.

  • Atlanta, Georgia: Along with its awesome barbecue, Atlanta does not charge for you to visit one of its most historic landmarks, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Park. With hotel rates as low as $39.94 over Memorial Day Weekend, you may want to add this to your list.
  • Asheville, North Carolina: I just visited Asheville last spring, and it was not only affordable, but one of my favorite locations to date. Parking is not much fun, but you can walk just about anywhere downtown that you want to go. Plus, you can go kayaking right on the French Broad River outside of town.
  • Burlington, Vermont: If you’re the outdoorsy type, Burlington will not let you down. Vermont is really popular in the fall season, so now may be a good time to visit when tourism is slower.
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The City of Brotherly Love is the host of the famous Rocky stair climb scene at the Rodin Museum, which has a mere suggested $8 entry fee. Take advantage of public transportation to save on gas and parking fees, and visit some of the mircrobrews that host complimentary tours on Saturdays like the Yards Brewing Company.
  • Dewey Beach, Delaware: Dewey Beach is adjacent to Bethany Beach and Rehoboth Beach but is the cheapest option of the two. Hitting it before the big beach season will help you save on hotel options as well. You can, though, try HomeAway and rent someone’s house for the weekend for potentially less. If you’re hoping to go to a beach over Memorial Day Weekend, this is a great option.

For West Coast dwellers, you’ll find  Portland, Oregon; San Antonio, Texas; Carmel Beach, California; Catalina Island, California; and Scottsdale, Arizona are some of the great spots for you to visit during Memorial Day weekend.

  • Portland, Oregon. Portland consists of a vibe that combines an outdoor feel to an urban area. You can visit the International Rose Test Garden, take some distillery or brewery tours, hit up a gallery walk, and more. Not to mention, they have some awesome flea markets you won’t want to miss.
  • San Antonio, Texas: San Antonio is full of free attractions, like the Alamo and their Enchanted Rock State Natural Area. Market Square and the Japanese Tea Gardens are also attractions you can visit without spending a dime.
  • Carmel Beach, California: Drive down Highway 1 to see the rocky beach at Carmel Beach. Visit the small town full of boutiques and restaurants, do an art tour, surf, paddleboard, or go camping. This gem of a spot makes for a one of the many great cheap weekend getaway ideas without hurting your wallet.
  • Catalina Island, California: Believe it or not, now may be an ideal time to travel to Catalina Island right before the busy summer season starts. You may find the best rates during the week, though, instead of the weekend. You can book an average-rated hotel at a little more than $80, according to HotelPlanner. If you miss your chance to visit it now, the fall would be another time to visit due to the lack of crowds.
  • Scottsdale, Arizona: From parks to the arts district, you won’t be bored visiting Scottsdale. Check out this list of ten free things to do here.

Other Ideas

Of course, you could drive to the nearest body of water, National Park, or state park and camp out for the weekend as well, which is always cheap to do. You could also become a tourist of your own area by trying a restaurant you have not had a chance to go to yet or do a tour of the area hosted by your local tourist bureau.

What cheap weekend getaway ideas would you add to the list?

Cheap Date Night Ideas

cheap date night ideas

It’s the weekend, which typically means (for those of us that are lucky) quality time for relaxing, with family, or, hopefully, with a significant other. But, when on a budget, you may feel trapped in your home. The good news is that you can still enjoy special time together without overdrawing your bank account. You just need some cheap date night ideas, and I am here to help.

It’s been commonly stated that 50% of marriages are likely to end in divorce, but Time magazine showed us the bright side recently in this article titled, “Divorce Rate in U.S. Drops to Nearly 40-Year Low” posted late last year. In the article, Time writer Abigail Abrams shared data showing that the U.S. divorce rate has actually dropped for the third year in a row while marriage rates have increased. While this is great to hear, it does not take away from the fact that marriage, and all relationships for that matter, take work. But, when money is tight, it’s hard to imagine how you can keep the chemistry alive when you feel confined to your house. Because I’ve been there, I put together some cheap date night ideas that you can use with your significant other this weekend:

Cheap Date Night Ideas:

1. Turn Your House Into a Spa.

Couples massages sound fabulous, but they certainly are not cheap. Instead, turn your house into a spa and give each other massages. Play relaxing music, light some tea candles, give some foot rubs and put some bubbles in the bathtub. Have kids? Ask a friend or family member to take them for the night so that you have the house all to yourself.

2. Make That Fancy Dinner at Home

Nothing beats a night out for a delicious and fancy dinner, but your bank account may disagree. There is no denying that it is cheaper to just eat at home. But, you don’t have to necessarily sacrifice the fanciness. If you want to really give that “going out” effect, make a little menu for you and your partner to look over. Make it even more realistic by incorporating a choice of a fish or white or red meat. Include an appetizer and dessert. Peruse your cupboards for items you may already have (spices, herbs, etc.) and base your recipes off ingredients you already mostly have. Then, take a trip to the grocery store together to buy the ingredients you need and cook the meals together. Dessert can simply be a low-cost ice cream or cake.

3. Go Out to a Local Play

Many areas have local and smaller theaters that are just begging for you to attend. You will likely be pleasantly surprised at how much you will enjoy the show put on by local actors. Additionally, you could attend a high school play together. This not only supports the students but gives you another cheap date night idea.

4. Take a Hike

Of course, I mean this in the literal sense. Not only will you be promoting healthy activity together, but spending time in the woods encourages you both to unplug and only focus on each other and the beauty around you.

5. Go Camping

Have an entire weekend to yourselves? Go camping. It is really cheap to go to a campsite and pitch your own tent. Not to mention, camping is also a great way to bond. My beau and I like to make up our own games as entertainment when we go, so we are never bored. Plus, we laugh about the silly things we do or talk about later, which helps to strengthen our relationship even more.

6. Go On a Late-Night Picnic

Keep the adventure and excitement alive by choosing a spot nearby to go on a late-night picnic. You don’t even need much; just picnic on the roof of your car and look at the stars together. If you live near a lake or pond, park yourselves there. Play the 20 questions game, which is where you have an idea, person, or thing in mind and the other person has to guess what it is in 20 questions. You’d be surprised at how fun this simple game can be with your significant other.

7. Go for Breakfast Instead

Cheap date night ideas do not have to occur at night. Breakfast is much cheaper, so you can still enjoy going out to eat together without the added costs. Coffee dates can even be your entire date.

8. Play Games

Dust off your favorite board games and tap into your inner youthful self by playing board games together. You could even invite friends over and have a double-date, if you will, by hosting a game night at your house. Another game option would be to play tennis, basketball or other sports either at your local community center or parks.

The above are just a few ideas to help you save money while also enhancing your relationship. What would you add to the list?