Here are some DO’s and DON’Ts to help you navigate your way through your office holiday party. Do Keep the conversation light. Try to avoid work related topics and discuss things you have in common besides work. If you don’t know what to talk about, ask people what they’re doing for the holidays. People normally enjoy talking about themselves. Do Plan your outfit. Dress in a way that is appropriate for the occasion but try to keep it on the professional side. Aim for business casual without being overly casual or too revealing. The key is to combine holiday flair with the appropriate level of professionalism. Don’t Overdrink. You should enjoy yourself and have fun, just remember to pace yourself. You don’t want to be “that” co-worker who loses control. Remember that your behavior can impact your professional reputation, be mindful of how your conduct is perceived, even in informal settings. Don’t Give extra gifts in front of everyone. If you have a best friend at work, you should give your extra gift outside the office gift exchange. You don’t want to make others feel left out or like you’re playing favorites. If your office is doing a gift exchange, it’s best to only bring one gift and follow the established rules for the party.

Everyone wants to be healthy but sometimes working long hours can make it more difficult to achieve. For corporate workers, long hours of sitting at a desk, stress, and poor dietary choices can lead to serious health problems. This also applies to employees working from home. The good news is that staying healthy at work is achievable with the right strategies. Consistent and healthy work habits can significantly improve your health. Eat healthy snacks and stay hydrated Unhealthy snacks can leave you with unwanted pounds and future health problems over time. Go for fruits, nuts, or other healthy choices over sugary snacks to maintain energy without crashes. Staying hydrated at work is also important, drinking quality water throughout the day to help with focus and energy levels. Short breaks and walks Taking short breaks throughout the workday allows you to reset and stay productive. Take a break from your desk whenever possible to prevent mental fatigue. To stay active, take frequent walks. This habit helps to reduce stress and boost creativity. If possible, take walking breaks with coworkers to combine exercise with team building. Organize your workspace An organized workspace creates a calm environment; it helps with focus and reduces unnecessary stress. Creating a clean and organized workspace enhances productivity. It helps you find things easier and stay on top of tasks.

Most people, from entry-level workers to entrepreneurs, must learn to work well with others to better achieve their goals. A team player is a person who puts the team first, even before their own personal goals. They work well within a group and welcome communication and collaboration. They help to create a positive and productive work environment. To become a better team player at the workplace, try to implement the following qualities: Be reliable, the success of your team’s projects depends on you pulling your own weight. Nobody likes to work with someone who bails on the team when things get tough. Step up when things matter, to not only help the team, but also build a reputation as someone other people can count on. Improve your communication skills. Communication is at the foundation of every great team. If your goal is to become a better team player, improve your ability to communicate your ideas and concerns, while also being more receptive to the needs of others. Try to keep a positive attitude. When your coworkers see your positive outlook on things they’ll be more open to brainstorming and sharing their ideas with you. They’ll be more receptive to your ideas as well. Team members with a positive attitude inspire others to be more optimistic, they view challenges as opportunities!

Employees who continue learning on the job can position themselves as an asset to a company by building up a diverse range of skills and knowledge acquired through continuous learning and development. Continuous learning at the job is beneficial for employees and should be welcomed because it keeps their skills marketable. Also, most employers are on the lookout for individuals who can quickly adapt and evolve. For example, industries like IT and distribution are constantly changing due to factors like new technologies. To keep up, individuals and businesses must commit to constant learning and adaptability to remain competitive. Whether it’s IT or distribution, staying on top of your game keeps you in the race. Continuous learning isn't just about staying up to date on industry trends; it’s about opening doors to new career opportunities. Embracing a mindset of learning goes beyond professional development, it can also boost confidence, personal growth and increases job satisfaction!

When a coworker is promoted over you it can sometimes bring on negative emotions and can even make you feel a loss of trust in your colleague and the company. It’s important though not to overreact and try not to take it personally. Employee promotion decisions can be complex and may not be a direct reflection of your abilities. Your coworker may have been a better fit for reasons beyond your control. They may have skills that are better aligned for the new role. To handle the situation professionally it’s best to offer your sincere congratulations and acknowledge the hard work you’ve seen them do. Try to stay positive and avoid any office gossip or negative talk. Remember, a positive attitude at this time will reflect well on you. When the time is right schedule a meeting with your manager to discuss their decision to make sure you have a mutual understanding. During the conversation, try to discuss your own development and long-term goals for future promotions!

Sometimes November and December get a bad rap for job hunting. With the holidays around the corner many believe it’s a slow time for hiring. However, that’s not always true. November and December can offer great opportunities for job seekers, as some employers look to fill roles before the year ends to prepare for the upcoming fiscal year. Many companies operate on a structured calendar-year budget. Hiring managers with approved funds for a position must fill it before the end of the year, or they risk losing that budget allocation for the next fiscal year. Employers also have additional holiday hiring needs. There’s increased demand for temp workers in industries like retail, hospitality and events, that provide many flexible job opportunities. Remember, fewer job seekers are applying for positions during the holiday months. People mistakenly believe that most companies are under a hiring freeze during the holidays. But it can be a busy time of the year for many industries. You’ll be more likely to find a new position with less competition from other job seekers!

When a new employee joins a company, it’s common for the employee and the employer to ensure it’s the right fit with a 90-day job evaluation. New employees will be assessed on their job performance and fit for the role and company. It typically lasts around 90 days, with some as short as 30 days and some can be as long as six months. The time frame varies based on the training requirements and the position. Facing the unknown and information overload can make the evaluation phase seem stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. New employees should adjust their mindset to being focused on learning. Look at it as an opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the role, adapt, and receive positive feedback. The evaluation time gives a new employee an opportunity to see if the job and company culture are a good fit. It also gives them the opportunity to receive training and support from management to learn the new position!

Working smarter means finding creative ways to use your time and energy at work more effectively, which can help you complete tasks quicker and increase productivity. There are various strategies to help you prioritize your work and help you identify your most important tasks. Keep a to-do list Keep a to-do list at work of your most important and challenging tasks each day. Regularly review your list, consider the time needed for each task, including breaks. Focus on the most challenging ones first. Focus on them one task at a time before moving on to the less important ones. This will help you prioritize your work and help you avoid taking shortcuts that might compromise your work quality. Set deadlines Setting deadlines at your job helps you focus and learn to complete tasks in less time. Deadlines create a sense of urgency and help you stay on track and avoid distractions. Deadlines help you manage your workload, they’re essential for managing multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, which can improve your overall productivity. Setting deadlines also helps you make sure you complete each objective before moving on to other tasks, it helps you ensure you finish your work. Say no more often If you have high-priority tasks that need to be completed, you must learn how and when to say no when a coworker asks for help on unrelated projects. Understanding your priorities and how best to complete them can help you set boundaries. To do this professionally, understand what your job tasks are, then try to be clear and honest in your refusal. Offer a polite and logical reason, you can also offer alternative solutions or provide a time when you can be available to assist them.

Companies will often hire workers with limited or no work experience, so new job seekers shouldn’t feel discouraged to apply for their desired jobs. Sometimes companies hire workers because of their potential and not because of their lengthy resumes. Many times, companies focus on a candidate's attitude and transferable skills. Also, entry-level and on-the-job training positions can be found in a variety of industries. To stand out without job experience be persistent. Show the company that you want the job more than others. Also, be willing to take jobs to build your resume. Be confident during your interview and be humble, ask great questions and try to make a personal connection. Do your homework on the company before your interview, know about the company’s history and core values. When applying for jobs without experience, recognize your value and focus on your transferable skills and your eagerness to learn and grow. Your eagerness to learn is a highly attractive trait to many companies because it shows adaptability and commitment. Avoid letting discouragement hold you back from applying for the jobs you want. Everyone must start somewhere and the best way to get noticed is to put yourself out there.