Post Holiday/Vacation Snooze

Vacations and holidays are supposed to leave you feeling energized, refreshed and ready to get back to the grind of work.  Some people vow to turn over a new leaf and stop bad habits after a trip or time off.  And then other's have a renewed sense of patience and a calm zen about them aiding in their ability to work and cooperate more smoothly with their peers.

Well, I just returned not only from the Labor Day holiday weekend, but also a long overdue 10 day vacation ( yay me!) or "staycation" as they call it when you take off of work, but stay home or local instead of traveling.  This vacation was overdue because I hadn't taken not one day of my vacation all year.  When I realized that I had worked 8 months straight I knew I needed to take a break not only from work, but from the people I work with and the robotic routine I was stuck in.  Not to mention, my vacation days do not roll over, so I better had taken some days!  Don't be a victim of use it or lose it.  Use your days people!

Anyway, hopefully like others returning from the holiday (and end of summer milestone) I did go back to work energized, refreshed and ready to get back to the grind.  However, the new leaf I tried to turn over is still on one side as I snoozed my way from 6am to 7am this morning, but I still got to work on time and ready to rock and roll.  My alarm is set to 6am again, so wish me luck! 

Summer is here!

Happy Memorial Day folks! 

While I know that Memorial Day is a day of remembrance those who died while in military service, which I totally respect and appreciate.  At the same time Memorial Day is also a symbol of the start of summer!!!

So, with summer starting I wanted to share with you 5 tips to a great summer!

1. Vacation Time Off Requests - Make sure you put in your vacation time off requests to your supervisor or manager in a timely fashion, to ensure you can take that wonderful vacation to Disney World, the Bahamas or wherever else your heart desires.  Managers have a very hard task in scheduling time off requests, making sure coverage is available and all staff is not granted time off at the same time.  Avert your crisis of having purchased your plane tickets and having to cancel or postpone your trip by verbally requesting time off and following up with a written request.  If your job does not have a timekeeping system for requests or a time off request form (I can't imagine that they wouldn't) send an email or make your own written request, submit to your manager for approval, and once approved - have fun!
2. Summer Dress Code - My company has a summer dress code policy as with the temperatures rising, wearing suits and button ups can make one very uncomfortable.  The first week of June we usually receive a memo mapping out the do's and don'ts of summer attire.  So, my advice to you is to basically "follow the rules"!  You don't want to go overboard with your board shorts and flip flops and lose out on this option for good.  My company's dress code includes capri pants and sandals for women and khakis and polo shirts for men.  If your company's policy gives you more wiggle room, make sure it is still professional, clean and wrinkle free.  Ladies wearing sandals?  Pedicures are a must!
3. Summer Work Hours - While my company does not have summer work hours, the place I worked before did.  It was soooo great, let me tell you.  7am to 3pm, 10am to 6pm and anything else in between.  Summer hours allows you the flexibility to enjoy the sun, plain and simple.  While I don't have summer hours where I work now, again, my advice to you who do, do not take advantage! 
4. Company Picnic Etiquette - Companies like to show their appreciation to their employees normally on an annual basis.  This could be during the Holidays or in the summer, so company picnics and cookouts are pretty common!  Remember you are still at work, this is not your family's backyard boogie, so remain on your best behavior.  If the food provided is not your typical cookout food, grab something you like and keep it moving, this was a kind gesture on behalf of the management, its not your wedding or birthday party so you were not the basis for the choices.  Most times, your CEO and other company executives will partake in the festivities to show their support and prove they are not above their employees, so you never know who will be in front or behind you in the buffet line.  Last year at my company cookout, the CEO brought his hamburger and chips to my table and we had a great conversation  about our summer plans!
5. Summer Work Standards - Lastly, keep your work standards up and continue to work at the same level (hopefully, your best work :o)) you have during the other part of the year, just because the sun is out, don't let the humidity cloud your brain and get you too laxed.  The summer is only 3 months - I am sure you want your job once September hits!

Here's to a great summer!!!