How being a mom can boost your job performance

How being a mom can boost your job performanceHow being a mom can boost your job performanceBefore I became a mother in 2010, I had been in the workforce as a salesperson in the medical device field for years. It welches a hyper-competitive market with lots of passionate people who wanted to party, make money and climb the corporate ladder. Which was exactly what I did. My career was everything to me it was my identity. It was who I wanted to be and I was super passionate about succeeding. I eventually worked my way up and was approached about a management position, which was awesome It was what I had wanted and was my next professional goal.So, before I interviewed for the management gig, I did my homework. Excitedly, I spoke to the other managers to really understand what I was getting into. I wanted their candid feedback so I would be prepared for my interview and get an idea of what to expect in this role. I got a lot of a good advice about how to run the business, manage my sal es team and how hire and fire. Pretty basic, right? Until I hit a conversation that surprised me and still stings me to this day, especially because today I am a mother.The advice I was given by male manager was leid to hire female sales reps. Taken aback, I asked him Why? Im thinking, heck, Im a female, why wouldnt I hire other women. He said, Because they have babies and stuff and wont do their jobs. Not only did he advise not to hire women, this manager also confided in me this was a quiet rule between the managers. It was understood. At that moment my future challenges were clearly laid out before me as I knew I one day wanted to become a mother, and yes, continue to work.Ladders is now on SmartNewsDownload the SmartNews app and add the Ladders channel to read the latest career news and advice wherever you go.I did it though. I got the management job and had a baby.In 2017, according to the US Labor Force, women make up 47% of the workforce. And guess what? 70% of mothers work in 2017 vs 11% in 1960. Whats more is mothers are the primary or sole earners for 40% of households with children under 18.How can the stigma of being a working mom still exist when we see momentum in unterstellung numbers?I can personally tell you that becoming a mother made me better at my job and career. It didnt make me go soft, or unfocused. In fact, motherhood made me more assertive and decisive. It made me more strategic and thoughtful in my work. You are forced to improve these skill sets and begin functioning at a higher level previous to children. In speaking to friends that are working moms, they experienced the same.Here are five ways that being a mother can actually improve your job performanceImproved time managementTime management takes on a whole new role in your world when you become a mom. Basically, you learn that you cant control everything and you need to manage your time as such. You are forced to think way ahead of schedule, be ready to manage disasters, and e xpect the unexpected. Think carpool, conflicting ballet classes and soccer games,thrown in with a sick child, pet at the vet, traveling husband, meeting with the boss and a work deadline. All of this makes for complete mayhem and disarray.There was a time in my life that all of these components would have absolutely sent me over the edge, or into a bottle of pinot noir. The flip side to this is that it taught me to manage my time better. This translates well into the working world because our minds become trained to think on point and ahead of time. All. Of. The Time.It teaches us in our jobs to know how to manage time, efficiently run projects, handle the unexpected and continue to make all of it work. Admittedly, I do still pour myself a pinot noir in the evenings, but at least I manage my time around it.Develop Low TMothers develop Low T. And I dont mean Low T in the Viagra sense. I mean Low T in the sense of having a low tolerance for bullcrap. After all, as moms, we have to man age our time differently, which means we have less time for B.S. with the kids. We wont tolerate bullying, stealing or shaming at home, so why tolerate it at work?Having Low T in the workplace helps us sniff out the drama from a mile away, address it quickly and move on. Mothers tend to stay away from the office politics, handle work challenges swiftly, and can close a sweet deal like no ones business.More compassionateBeing a mother will make you more compassionate. I mean, even when you are getting spit up on, changing a blow out diaper, or dealing with a temper tantrum you still love that baby with all of your heart and soul. It doesnt matter how rough the scenario may be, you learn to roll with it and move on.Again, this flows over well into the workplace. Increasing compassion can improve relationships, trust, and performance. When employees feel they are in a safe and trusting environment, and their colleagues do care about them personally and professionally they give back mor e to the organization.More focusedWorking mothers typically have less time with their children. It is part of it, and it isnt fun. A job could require more travel, conferences, and client dinners. What this means for moms is missing school events, piano recitals and even just the everyday conversation of riding home from school in the car. Because of this mothers are more focused on their goals and tasks at work. Because we are away more, we make our time count so that when we are at home, home life counts.Moms dont want to let work interfere with the kiddos. This means that we get projects done early, are prepared for upcoming meetings and more organized. Also, moms are full-time harte nuss solvers. We are forced to think strategically continuously. We are able to switch these strategic thinking skills into work and practice them frequently as we do at home.As a result, we are super-efficient and productive. Not only does this help the company, this helps us reach professional goal s and with our own personal growth.Masters of stressThe common theme in all of this mothering and working stuff is the high-stress factor. Stress can run rampant at home and work, and at times will feel inescapable, (speaking from personal experience here). But it can also be the underlying current that drives better time management, maintained focus, and dealing with others issues. The crazy thing about existing with stress is that it has made me better at handling it. My stress freak out level is much higher, and my capacity for patience is higher too.At home, I have less of a heart attack when I see that Oreos have been smashed into my favorite white chair, and at work, I breathe easier when approaching a deadline, or dealing with an angry manager. It has taught me to deal with work stress thoughtfully, patiently and exit the experience gracefully.As for the manager who told me not to hire women, and to his colleagues who believed the same? Today I would tell them thisDont ever u nderestimate the strength of a working mother.Oh, and Costco is having a sale in the wine department.

Employment Separation Agreements

Employment Separation AgreementsEmployment Separation AgreementsWhen employers decide to terminate a job, theyll want the employee to release the company from any binding claims. To do this, most companies use an employment separation agreement. Its a way of saying both parties have reached an amicable end to the working relationship. Employment separation agreements arent required by law companies use them to seal confidential company information or to protect themselves from lawsuits. After signing, an employee cant sue employers for wrongful termination orseverance pay. So the question is Should you sign an employment separation agreement? Terms of the Agreement The separation agreement lists the conditions both parties agree to and the legalities of binding the contract. The conditions will supersede other agreements, including your employment contract, so examine the terms carefully. Common conditions include Details of the SeparationThe agreement identifies both parties and states employment and termination date. It may give a specific reason for leaving- layoff, resignation, termination- or simply state the employee is leaving the company.A Severance PackageThis is nach wunsch and may or may not include a monetary payout.U.S. lawonly requires that employees receive wages due to the final working day and accrued vacation. Even thebiggest companieslay off staff without severance pay. Refer to your employment contract for terms governing severance packages. Remember, the company wants you to sign the agreement, so you have no future claims. Consider if the severance package on offer is worth that release. Check the employee handbook for rules and procedures covering terminations. In particular, look for company policy on different reasons for termination. If its the result of company downsizing, for instance, you could be entitled to a severance plan or additional payouts. Severance may take the form of benefits in lieu of cash. Amount and Method of Del ivery If the company offers wages and other payouts, the agreement must spell out the exact amount and nature of the compensation. The payout could be a lump sum or a structured plan. In all cases, it should stipulate the date and delivery method. When companies pay severance over a fixed period, the agreement must define the duration and payment structure.Tax and Insurance The agreement must outline tax deductions andpayment policy. In certain cases, a company will continue paying into the employees health insurance plan. It could be the case if youre in a group health insurance program, for example. Non-Compete Provisions A non-compete clause restricts you from undertaking a job in your field for a set time or in a specified drehort or both. It is another mechanism companies use to protect their interests. In other words, it prevents you from working for the competition. Make sure you understand the conditions and their implications before you sign. A non-compete clause can dictat e the direction of future job prospects.Confidentiality/Non-Disclosure Employers may require that the separation agreement conditions and details remain confidential. A non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement should specify what remains private- trade secrets, company finances, customer lists, and so on. It must also list exceptions to the non-disclosure clause (lawyers, spouses, etc.). Non-Disparagement The company will outline what you can or cannot say about the company, its employment practices, and reasons for the termination.Other Clauses References, post-employment cooperation, the return of company property, and re-hiring policy may appear. Signing an Employment Separation Agreement Analyze the terms of a separation agreement and research labor lawsin your state. The company will prepare an agreement to cover its interests first. Ensure that you are signing something that protects your rights as well. Consider The claims you will be giving up once you sign the agreem entThe reasons for termination. Wrongful termination, due to discrimination, for example, may warrant alternative action.Your age. If youre older than 40, you have 21 days to think about the severance offer before it expires. You have an additional 7 days after signing to revoke the agreement.Is the agreement is a general release? Does it cover all present and future actions, such as class action lawsuits, or is it limited to employment up to your termination? A good employment separation agreement protects both parties interests. Some employers draw up overly complicated agreements to confuse or intimidate employees. If you dont understand the terms, seek advice from a lawyer before signing and giving up any rights.

Engineers Week 2018 Begins February 18

Engineers Week 2018 Begins February 18 Engineers Week 2018 Begins February 18 Engineers Week 2018 Begins February 18Feb. 9, 2018 Engineers Week, the annual celebration of engineers and their contributions to society, begins in just nine days. This years event, which will take place from Feb. 18-24, will encompass a number of exciting activities, including Family Day, the Future City Competition, and Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.Engineers Week is organized by DiscoverE and co-chaired this year by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) and the DiscoverE Leadership Council, which includes Bechtel, Bentley Systems, ExxonMobil, Lockheed Martin, the Northrop Grumman Foundation, Shell Oil, TE Connectivity, and UL.One particularly popular and festive Engineers Week program is DiscoverE Family Day, which kicks off Engineers Week on Feb. 17. The event, which takes place from 1000 a.m. to 400 p.m. at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., is designed to introduce students under the age of 12 to the wonders of engineering and the importance of technological literacy. The ASME Washington D.C. Section will participate in Family Day, which each year attracts thousands of children, teachers and parents from the area surrounding the nations capital. To learn mora about Family Day, visit www.engineeringfamilyday.org. Another long-running Engineers Week activity, the Future City Competition finals, will be held Feb. 20 in Washington, D.C. The competition asks middle-school students to imagine, design, and build cities of the future. ASME Past President Robert Simmons and ASME Auxiliary President Kay Simmons are expected to serve as judges at the competition, which will take place at Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill. For more information on the Future City Competition finals, visit http//discovere.org/our-programs/future-city.Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (Girl Day), on Feb. 22, is a worldwide campaign to introduce girls to the exciting world of engineering.Thousands of engineers and educators are expected to share their knowledge and experience in an effort to teach young women about engineering and the contributions engineers make to the public. To learn more about Girl Day, or to sign up to become a Girl Day role model, visitwww.discovere.org/our-programs/girl-day.For more information on these activities and the other programs that are part of this years Engineers Week schedule, visit www.discovere.org/our-programs/engineers-week.