Investing in Change

“Not only am I paying their salary, now I have to pay for their training classes too!” This may or may not be what your boss is thinking when it comes to tech training for employees.

When one is hired for a job, a particular skill level and talent is expected for job performance. Technology, market strategy, and communication are forever updating and changing. With a new President whose campaign motto is “Change,” how do we keep up? Technology and knowing how to use technology goes hand-in-hand, therefore training is vital for any business.

Investing in the wrong training for your employees can be costly and useless. Here are a few things the boss should consider, ask and do before signing the dotted line:
∙ Interview the prospective trainer
∙ How will the training benefit our company?
∙ Find out what your employees think will be useful for the company?

Once training has begun the boss should periodically check with the trainer to see how his/her employees are learning and performing. The boss should also check the employees’ views on the trainer.

Finding out what works best for your employees can help make the decision of hiring a trainer or not. Other revenues should be considered such as DVD training, how to books, etc. Why pay to outsource when you can have it done in-house? Investing and setting aside time for specific training can cut the cost of outsourcing, bring new business and increase the overall quality of your company.

Don’t fire your employee, upgrade them!

A Peace of Mind in a Struggling Economy

With headlines reading bankruptcy and foreclosure at every corner, isn’t it time to gain a sense of peace. Recent surveys are reporting that 8 out of every 10 Americans are stressed about the security of their future. I believe that one should stabilize their mental, physical and spiritual state of mind, before making important decisions about their future, especially if they have suffered the loss of their job or major investments in this economy.

Taking a day or two to rest is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I propose taking a weekend to explore the beauty of nature and ease your mind of the cares of life. Fall is in and we are in the perfect season to see nature at its finest. The trees are colorful and the atmosphere is serene. Go hiking, find a bike trail, and explore the habitats of wildlife. Don’t let anxiety or depression sneak up on you; take the initiative to focus on something more positive.

Nature is just one way to maintain sanity, find what works best for you. Massage therapist, date night etc.

Ask your Boss for Dual Monitors

Dual monitors are a treat for those who need to run several applications simultaneously. The ability to jump back and forth from monitors, drag and drop items from one application to the next without having to select the application on the menu bar is a major time saver. Dual monitors in the workplace are common for many professions such as broadcast designers, architects, graphic designers, etc.

Some of you may be thinking, “Why do I need dual monitors?”

Here’s why:
• Dual monitors are great for organization.
• Experts have recorded an average 25% increase in work flow and productivity with the usage of dual monitors.
• View several program applications simultaneously.
• One monitor can be used for work and design purposes, while the other monitor is used to search the internet or rapidly view incoming emails.

Drawbacks:
• Purchasing additional video memory (VRAM) may be required to boost the visual performance for the second monitor since both monitors are now feeding off of one video adaptor.
• Purchasing an additional monitor, but in most cases purchasing two monitors are less expensive than one large monitor.

At work, I have the luxury of working on dual monitors. I only regret going home to a single monitor.