Category Archives: productivity

The Significance of Submitting Your Resignation Properly

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Welcome back to another edition of the ComputerPeople Staffing blog! In the professional world, transitions are inevitable. Whether it’s a new job opportunity, a career change, or personal reasons, leaving a job is a common experience. One of the most important steps in this process is giving your employer a two-week notice. This standard practice is crucial for several reasons, and deviating from it—either by giving more or less notice—can have significant implications.

Why Two Weeks?

The two-week notice period has become a widely accepted norm in many industries, especially in the IT industry. It provides a balance between giving your employer enough time to find a replacement or redistribute your responsibilities, and allowing you to transition smoothly to your next chapter. Here are a few key reasons why this period is so important:

  • Professional Courtesy: Giving two weeks’ notice shows respect for your employer and colleagues. It acknowledges that your departure will have an impact and provides them with time to adjust.
  • Maintaining Relationships: The professional world is surprisingly small, especially in cities like Buffalo. Future opportunities often arise through networks and references. Leaving on good terms can preserve positive relationships that might benefit you later.
  • Smoother Transition: Two weeks gives both you and your employer time to ensure a smooth handover of your responsibilities. This can include training your replacement, completing ongoing projects, or documenting your tasks.
  • Protecting Your Reputation: Your professional reputation is one of your most valuable assets. Leaving abruptly or giving too much notice can negatively affect how future employers perceive you.

The Pitfalls of Giving Less Than Two Weeks’ Notice

While it might be tempting to leave immediately or give only a few days’ notice, doing so can have several negative consequences:

  • Burning Bridges: Leaving with short notice can frustrate and inconvenience your employer and colleagues, potentially damaging your professional relationships.
  • Legal and Contractual Obligations: Some employment contracts stipulate a notice period. Failing to comply can result in legal issues or loss of benefits.
  • Negative References: Employers may view a hasty departure as unprofessional, which can lead to unfavorable references that impact your future job prospects.
  • Unfinished Business: Leaving too soon might leave important projects incomplete or colleagues unprepared to take over your duties, reflecting poorly on your work ethic.

The Drawbacks of Giving More Than Two Weeks’ Notice

While more notice might seem courteous, it can also present challenges:

  • Awkward Work Environment: Knowing you’re leaving can create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Colleagues might treat you differently, and you might feel disconnected from ongoing work.
  • Productivity Decline: Employers might not assign new tasks to you, anticipating your departure. This can lead to a decline in productivity and job satisfaction.
  • Potential for Resentment: If your employer is unable to find a replacement quickly, a longer notice period can lead to frustration and resentment on both sides.

How to Give Your Two-Week Notice

When the time comes to resign, it’s important to do so professionally. Here are some steps to follow:

  • Write a Formal Letter: Draft a concise, polite resignation letter stating your intention to leave and your last working day. Express gratitude for the opportunity and experiences gained.
  • Speak to Your Supervisor/Manager: Schedule a meeting with your supervisor to deliver the news in person. This shows respect and allows for a direct conversation about the transition.
  • Be Prepared for Reactions: Your employer might try to persuade you to stay or express disappointment. Stay firm but respectful in your decision.
  • Offer Assistance: Show your commitment to a smooth transition by offering to help train your replacement or complete key projects before you leave.
  • Stay Professional: Continue to perform your duties to the best of your ability during the notice period. Leaving on a high note will reinforce your professional reputation.

In conclusion, giving a two-week notice is more than just a formality; it’s a crucial aspect of professional etiquette that benefits both you and your employer. By adhering to this practice, you demonstrate respect, protect your reputation, and ensure a smoother transition for everyone involved. Remember, the way you leave a job can be just as important as the way you start one. So, when the time comes, give your notice thoughtfully and professionally.

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Thanks for reading! If you are a business looking to fill your important IT roles, visit us at cpstaffing.com to learn more!

If you are a candidate and are looking for dream role, visit us at jobs.cpstaffing.com for our latest job postings!

And don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn for new jobs, insights, blog posts and more! https://www.linkedin.com/company/computerpeoplestaffing

Written by Jeff Weiss

How To Stay Focused When The Sun Is Calling Your Name

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We finally have nice weather and the sun is a frequent visitor here in Buffalo. Since we’ve been cooped up all winter and spring (that rain!) we all want to enjoy as much of this summer as we can. Only problem…? We still have to work! How many of you look out at the beautiful sun shining while sitting at your desk wishing you could be outside doing literally anything else?! Well my friends, I have good news and I have bad news. For most of us our responsibilities are a year-round thing. But I have some ideas on how to keep your focus in the right place.

Prioritize Your Day – Make a list of everything that needs to be done that day or that week. You’ll get a feeling of accomplishment when you get to cross things off the list while you’re actually getting things done! A list is a way to hold yourself accountable for your responsibilities and unless you put “slack-off” on your list, you won’t have time to!

Shift Your Work Hours – Find out how flexible your job/manager is and if you can switch up your hours. Coming in an hour early means you get to leave an hour early! This would allow for more friend/family time in the sun!

Keep Yourself Busy – If you are busy doing your work or helping others complete a task, you really don’t have time for much else. Keeping yourself busy will help keep you focused and make the day fly by!

Get Outside More – This is our goal! If it’s possible, eat your lunch outside. Or take your laptop and finish that report outside. Even a quick walk or a few minutes outside in the fresh air can help to reboot your mind and body and help finish out the day.

Take The Day! – Most of us get the weekends to recharge, some of us don’t. Whether you do or not sometimes an extra day is exactly what we need. So if you’re capable to take a personal day, do it!

These are just a few ideas on how you can stay focused at work when the sun is shining and calling your name outside. Staying focused through the summer months make it easy to transition into the fall and winter months and keeps you ahead of the game!

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

 

How Screen Time Can Affect Your Day at Work

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You have a deadline coming up but you just can’t focus… You have material you have to present to your boss but you can’t get organized because you’re fighting the feeling of exhaustion… You promised to help a co-worker out what a project but you left all the documents at home because you were rushing to get out the door due to your lack of energy and motivation… These things could have been prevented if you had gotten a better night’s sleep.

In my household, screen time is a way to relax and wind down from the craziness of the day. And I know for a fact that my family is not the only one that uses these techniques to chill out at the end of the day. However, it is not the ideal way to accomplish this. There have been many studies showing the negative effects of too much screen time; especially too close to bedtime and how it can ruin your sleep. If you don’t get enough sleep, you guessed it, it’s harder to focus and stay awake the next day.

I’m sure everyone has had at least one good night’s sleep and can remember how good you felt in the morning. You feel refreshed, well rested, and ready to take on the day. I know that even more people can easily relate to the feelings of exhaustion, grogginess, and being irritable. This happens when you do not get a good night’s rest.

There are a few things that were suggested to do instead of staring at a screen right before bed:

Read a book! For those of you not familiar with this ancient pastime… a book is a series of pages with words on them that tell a story. Pick one up and try it, you will be pleasantly surprised!

Talk with your family! Gone are the days when people prefer to just sit down and talk with each other. It’s sad really! Talk about what you all did during the day. Talk about what you’re excited for the following day. Talk about things happening farther into the future. Make up stories! The possibilities are endless!

Color! There are the classic children’s coloring books, but they make adult coloring books now too! This is a creative way to wind down and relieve some stress!

Sleep experts suggest putting down all electronic devices two hours before bedtime. But, if that doesn’t seem realistic for you and your family, even a half hour is better than nothing. Electronic devices include: phones, iPads, computers, TVs, and laptops. I know what you’re thinking…IMPOSSIBLE!

I challenge everyone to try this for a week (that’s really not a long time!) and see if you notice a difference in yourself and/or your family members.

I bet you do!

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

Chocolate! Now that I have your attention…

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Do you find yourself feeling sluggish during the day? Are you finding it hard to focus on your work?  Are you a little apprehensive to try those 5 hour energy drinks? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions you are clearly looking for a little pick me up! One of the most popular avenues for people to take when in need is food.

Don’t all foods boost your energy? Yes, but in different ways. Sugary drinks, candy, and pastries put too much fuel (sugar) into your blood too quickly. The inevitable crash leaves you tired and hungry again. “Complex carbs,” healthy fats, and protein take longer to digest, satisfy your hunger, and provide a slow, steady stream of energy.

Here is a list of foods that can help give you the energy you need to help feel great and accomplish all your tasks:

  • Oatmeal
  • Eggs
  • Chicken
  • Beans
  • Walnuts
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Berries (Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries)
  • Dark chocolate
  • Water

Hello, Chocolate!

These can be used as lunch ideas, or as snacks throughout the day. And in moderation! This is in no way giving you permission to go out and buy a giant sized bag of dark chocolate Hershey Kisses and eat the entire bag! But maybe now you won’t feel guilty about having one or two every once in a while!

Enjoy!

Written by Lindsay Olewniczak

Visit our website here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/index.aspx

Visit our open jobs here: http://www.cpstaffing.com/jobs.aspx

4 Tips For a Productive Weekend

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That feeling of walking out of the office on Friday afternoon is something that everyone looks forward to.  Though the weekend is most often a time to relax it may be who of you to consider different activities that could promote higher productivity and overall more success in the upcoming work week.  These activities may include:

1. Make time for your family and friends.

Having meaningful interactions with those we care about increases our overall outlook as well as positivity.   This in return results in more productivity in the work place.  So call a friend who you haven’t talked to in a while or make time to go to lunch with your mom.  These little things will make you feel good as a person and at work.

2. Exercise.

Let’s face it working out during the week always seems to be a challenge.  Either you have to wake up even earlier and hit the gym or try and motivate yourself to go after work when you are really just thinking about the commute home and what you are planning to have for dinner.  Regardless, for many exercising during the week always seems to be pushed to back burner.  Using the free time that the weekend often provides to exercise can increase your endorphins making your brain and your body feel good, allows you to focus on one activity to help clear your head and often increases your likelihood of a better night’s sleep.

3. Get Creative.

Using the creative side of your brain doesn’t have to just be a part of your weekly work day.  In fact when using creativity to do simple tasks such as organizing your closet can make you feel good as well as boost your creativity for the upcoming work week.

4. Sleep.

We all know that it is recommended that we get 7-8 hours of sleep per night.  But often times due to a busy schedule, stress etc. during the week this does not always occur.  Use the weekend to catch up on the lost hours and give your body a chance to recharge for the busy week ahead.

These four activities will make you feel good after a stressful week but also prepare you for the one ahead, happy weekend!

Reminder: ComputerPeople will be on-sight at Mercy Flight 7/22!

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ComputerPeople Staffing will be on-site at Mercy Flight’s Open House on July 22nd from 1:00pm-5:00pm. Come join us!

Check out Mercy Flight’s Headquarters and see their helicopters, get a firehouse tour, have a BBQ chicken dinner and much more! Hope to see you there!

 

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Staying Focused In The Summer

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Whether you are busy starting a new job, immersed in a career search, or just trying to keep up with your usual workload, summer can be a difficult time to achieve your goals. Vacations, beautiful weather, and kids home for the summer all make it harder to stay focused.

If you are having trouble staying focused, have no fear. Follow these tips to make your summer as productive as it can be.

Shift your schedule with the season. During the hot summer months, you may want to start work earlier so that you can leave at a time that allows you to still enjoy the summer day. If that schedule is not for you, consider going in later than usual to enjoy the peaceful and cool morning hours of summertime.

Increase your offline work. Who says vacations can’t be productive? Use your time at the pool to brainstorm your next big idea, read a book that will improve your management skills, or listen to a podcast that sparks your creativity.

Work on your biggest priorities in the morning. This is a good strategy year round, but especially when you are facing distraction. Tackle your biggest job first, and use the rest of the day to take on your small tasks.

Take time to relax. If everyone else in your office is going on vacation, you are sure to get vacation-envy. Carve out some time for yourself to get away and come back refreshed and ready to go!

Have a great summer and make sure to stay focused!

So, do you have any questions?

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Your interview is wrapping up, and the interviewer asks; “Do you have any questions?”

Some candidates have no qualms about this – they can think on their feet after a long, nerve-wracking hour of interrogation. Others struggle greatly.

The purpose of this post is to help the latter with this final question.

1) Preparation is key.

Sit down the night before your interview and put some thought into the initial list of questions that you’d like to ask during your interview. To get started, think about what questions you need answered to know if this is the right opportunity.

Some examples might be:

  • How do you measure success in your company? Tell me about the best person you have ever had in this position and what made that person
  • What are some of the common denominators that exist with the more successful employees of this company?
  • What are the biggest challenges one will face in this role?
  • What are the two most important problems that need to be addressed/corrected in the first six months by the person in this position?
  • What are the key responsibilities for this position and which are most important?
  • What results are expected of this position? What are examples of the best results produced by people in this role?
  • Why did my predecessor leave this position?
  • Tell me about your background and what attracted you
  • What advancement can a person expect, in this company and in the industry at large, after doing this job well?
  • What are some of the company’s short and long range objectives?
  • In what areas does this company excel? In what areas does this company have some limitations?
  • What are the company or department goals for this year and next?
  • How will I be evaluated, and how often?

2) Never just say “No”.

Never reply with a “No” – even if all of your prepared questions have been answered. (If you prepared thoroughly and your interviewer doesn’t just happen to be a mind reader, you should have at least one question left!)

You can come up with new questions throughout the interviewing process as others on your list get answered. Instead of asking a question during the interview, write it down and wait until the end.

If you feel that thinking of questions while trying to answer questions during your interview would distract you, you can reiterate the questions you had with the answers already given by your interviewer. This will assure him or her that you are in fact interested in the opportunity and the company, that you were listening, and that you were prepared. The more you can extend your face-time with the interviewer, the more likely you are to stumble upon a shared subject of interest, a sought after skill, or some other common ground. Your last impression is often just as important as your first. Ending on an abrupt note will leave a lasting, negative impression on the interviewer.

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So, do you have any questions?

Written by Faith Drew

How to increase your happiness at work without getting a new job.

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Most full time employees work around 40 hours a week. For some, this time goes by quickly and it doesn’t feel like work at all. However, a recent Forbes Article divulged that about 70% of Americans are to some degree unhappy during the 40 hours a week that they spend at the workplace.  Are you one of them? While the obvious answer may be to find another job, we believe that there are a few things that you can do to really improve your happiness at the workplace.

GET ENGAGED. Studies have shown that employees who jump into the work environment, interact with those around them, and really get to know their products are much happier at work. Go to work functions after hours, participate, and get to know the people in the break room.

STAY ACTIVE. Although it may be sometimes necessary to stay at your desk most of the day, employees who keep physically active are overall much happier than those that do not. Go for short walks, stretch, and maybe even get some exercise during your lunch break if you have the opportunity.

BE COMFORTABLE. Talk to your employers about maintaining a comfortable thermostat (between 65 and 70 degrees), reducing noise, and utilizing adjustable chairs and desks. If you are uncomfortable, you are not going to be able to set yourself up for happiness at work.

In short, if you are really unhappy with the work that you do or the company that employees you, you may need to start looking for other options. But, there are a lot of unconscious factors that could lead to increased job satisfaction that you may not even realize. If the opportunity is there, you should always get engaged in office activities, move around, and maintain a comfortable workspace.

Written by Kaitlyn Gahagen

How To Increase Your Productivity By Next Week

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We all want to be more productive, but it is usually easier said than done.

Productivity is something that we discuss all the time at ComputerPeople. This time, we took it one step further by talking to people with excellent habits, researching, and brainstorming how to we can more productive in the short term. We liked these five habits because they can make a huge impact on productivity AND you can definitely work them all into your routine pretty much immediately.

Hope they help!

1) Delegate, delegate, and delegate some more. The worst thing you can do for your productivity is put too much on your plate when some of your tasks could be handled by others. Do not try and to everything yourself when someone else could do it better.

2) Have a plan. You should constantly create lists and know what you need to accomplish in the next 24 hours. Prepare for the next day by getting a realistic plan in the works.

3) Take Breaks. Yes, I’m serious. You will be more focused and productive if you reward yourself with small breaks about every 90 minutes, and you will be less vulnerable to getting off track and losing motivation.

4) Find useful apps. Do not take all day to do something that an app could have done for you in an hour. There are thousands of productivity apps out there that will help you get the job done and make your life easier.

5) Get up early. They weren’t kidding when they said the early bird gets the worm. If you want to be productive, you shouldn’t waste your time sleeping the day away. Go to sleep early and start grinding when there are few distractions.

 

by Kaitlyn Gahagen