Presenteeism: At Least I Showed Up!

Since the recession hit in the fall of 2008, there has been a general feeling that you shouldn't take vacation or taking breaks at work is the sign of unproductivity.

I get it - people want to keep their jobs and showing up when you feel like crap or really should have stayed home must show dedication... 'who could fire a dedicated employee?' the reasoning might go.

This is known as Presenteeism.

Presenteeism is tougher to address by the simple fact that with Presenteeism the person is physically there at their work station... Absenteeism is self-explanatory.

But think - are any of us above it?

"That project is due on Friday and if I can just make it through this week I can recover on the weekend!"

"I don't want to use up my vacation pay"

"It's just a bit of a cold, I don't have any meetings - I will get over it"

And so on...

It doesn't really matter whether you're talking about a business, school, or medical setting.  Even doctors, nurses, and ambulance workers do it...

So what's the problem?

One study from Cornell University estimated that Presenteeism could account for as much as 61 percent of the total cost of worker illness... Think of that at your workplace alone on an annual basis.

But how often is it addressed?

If you sneeze at the office do people say "oh, you should go home" or is it more like "Oh, I had that last week - is your throat sore?" "Mine was".

Like j-walking, most people don't really seem to address the concern.


So fellow HR Professionals, what do we do?

Commuting... the best part of your day?

What's the worst part of your day from Monday to Friday?

For most people I'm going to guess it is your commute time... Am I right?

I'm now going to toss around stats about the average time from home to work around the world and how my city compares, I just want to know how you make the most of it.

I found that through school and now working over the past few years that having an iPod helps pass the time - and plus I have blogged about my love of music before... my commute is a good time to zone out and listen to some tunes.

But I like you so I'm not going to lie to you - my iPod is getting old and I'm thinking it might be time to replace it.  The one I have is about 6 years old now, which I guess is old for technology and certain breeds of dog.

The battery life isn't as long as it used to be, sometimes it is not as responive as I would like... and plus have you seen some of the new tablets?

I have thought of getting a tablet because the price seems to be going down on these things and I'm thinking that they would make my commute time on the subway not seem quite so long - not only could I have music, but games too! Maybe even do actual work!

My only concern might be the size, because sometimes I use my ipod for the gym.

I'm trying to decide... should I upgrade to a tablet, or should i get a new (younger) more attractive iPod?

How do you make your commute bearable?

Working From Home: Win- Win

To put things into context, I'm writing this blog on the snowiest day in Toronto in 2 years.

Rather than wake up early and go to the office and face what would have been an even tougher commute, I have had a relatively stress-free morning.

I have worked from home before, and loved it!



Minus the interaction with co-workers and listening to a funny morning show on my way in, I do enjoy working from home because:

1. I get to sleep in

2. I save time/money on commuting

3. I can catch up on chores around the house

4. I can play my music as loud as I want :)


What are the benefits to my employer, or any other for that matter?

1. More focused employee - no distractions in the office

2. An empowered workforce - there is obviously a level of trust established

3. Money saved (anyone can use my desk, I'm not drinking the coffee, I'm using my internet connection)

4. No one has to hear my loud music


Have you ever worked from home? Love it or hate it?

The Hunt Is On!

So here we go again, like a drifter I was born to walk alone...

Sorry - saw a chance for an 80's reference and took it!

It is now August and that means I am at about the 3 month mark before my current contract is up... so the (job) hunt is on!

While I would like my next job to be a full-time, non-contract, role - I understand that the economy is still in recovery and I should be grateful to be working at all right now.

But that being said, I tend to see the end of a contract as a huge opportunity - a time to look elsewhere, to explore options and think big.

Do I want to work in another part of Canada? Another part of the world?

Are you on a contract? What is your next move?

Work-life Balance: ahahahaha!

From the classroom to the C-suite, the term 'work-life' balance has become an increasingly popular concept over the past 5-6 years.

But what is it? does it actually happen?

In a world where a 9-5 existence doesn't really happen I would say that for the most part - no.

Personally, I would say that the the idea of having a work-life balance is a choice.  Like anything else in life, you have to set priorities and determine what you want out of each week.

I'm not saying you have to give yourself a boot-camp-esque like schedule outlining each breath you plan on taking and when, but a little structure never hurts.

The otherside of this is if your job is causing you to work well over 40 hours each week and you're not happy - why are you doing it?  and if you are happy... well really... if you're happy working 50+ hour work weeks for the majority of the year I think you might be lying or you're Hugh Hefner.

Do you feel you have a work-life balance? Does your organization support it in any way?

Violence in the Workplace: Is this your problem?

Yesterday in Oshawa, Ontario a 16 year old boy was fatally stabbed in front of his classmates.

What does this have to do with HR? Maybe nothing.  Maybe everything.

I have discussed the new legislation in Ontario surrounding bill 168 before, but I think this incident necessitates a second glance into what HR's role in the workplace is.

Depending on who you talk to, most people would say that if there is a dispute in the workplace - HR should be involved.

But to what extent?

Should it depend on the size of the organization? Should front-line managers be involved?

When we go to work, particularly us 9 to 5ers, we don't expect to be involved in life threatening situations.

So what is HR to do? Do we do some progressive discipline? Is it our job to try and revolve societies shortcomings?

What do you think?

Whose job is it to stop violence in the workplace? Do you think it is a problem in the average workplace?

Tough Interview Questions: Knock 'em Dead!

There are questions that get asked by some interviewers that make me cringe - You know the questions that after the interview you're thinking, "Why the hell would he/she ask that?" and you're left paranoid until they call you again.

It's not fun being on the receiving end as the applicant, but you can prepare yourself.

Previously, I had posted some questions on what to ask when the interview is over and it is good to have these in your back pocket, but if you're feeling lost during their questions - you may not have the guts to ask any questions at the end.

That is why you have to prepare!

Mental fear of the unknown is often what produces the physical symptoms of nervousness... ya, we can see you sweating... did you just studder? Not exactly the picture of confidence today, are you?

Okay I'm done.

In addition to preparing yourself physically, you need to prepare yourself mentally. The best way to prepare mentally is to know what may be coming.

Fear of the unknown can only exist when there is an unknown.

Take the time to understand some of these interviewing questions that are designed to knock the average applicant into the dirt.


What is your long-range objective?

Make their job easy for them. Make them want to hire you!

The key is to focus on your achievable objectives and what you are doing to reach those objectives.

For example: Within 4-5 years, I would like to become the very best accountant your company has.  I am presently working towards my designation, to take the steps I need to becoming the expert that others rely upon.

I believe my skills will continuously develop through continuing education so I will be fully prepared to take on any greater responsibilities which might be presented in the long term.


Are you a team player?

Almost everyone says yes to this question, and you're crazy not too; You'll probably be working with a team and they want to make sure you'll fit.  But it is not just a yes/no question. You need to provide behavioural examples to back up your answer.

For example: Yes, I'm very much a team player. In fact, I've had opportunities in my work, school and sports to develop my skills as a team player. For example, on a recent project . . .

Emphasize teamwork behavioural examples and focus on your openness to diversity of backgrounds. Talk about the strength of the team above the individual. And note that this question may be used as a lead in to questions around how you handle conflict within a team, so be prepared.


Have you ever had a conflict with a boss or professor? How was it resolved?

Don't lie and say no.  If you say no, most interviewers will keep drilling deeper to find an example of a conflict - don't go down this road.

The key is your behavioural reaction to the conflict and what you did to resolve it.

For example: Yes, like anyone else I have had conflicts in the past. Never major ones, but there have been disagreements that needed to be resolved.

I've found that when conflict occurs, it helps to fully understand the other persons perspective, so I take time to listen to their point of view, then I seek to work out a collaborative solution. For example . . .

Focus your answer on the behavioural process for resolving the conflict and working collaboratively.


Now for the ass-kicker of all interview questions...

What is your greatest weakness?

I hate this question the most!  Most career counsellors/teachers tell you to select a strength and present it as a weakness.  This is why interviewers get answers like, "I work too much. I am a workaholic that works hard everyday."

Bullshit you do! Seriously, can you smell the BS wafting off that answer? I can!

First of all, using a strength and presenting it as a weakness is deceiving. Second, it misses the point of the question.  And third, you must think the interviewer is an idiot...and they can tell it now.  Be more authentic in tackling this one!

You should select a real weakness that you have been actively working to overcome.

For example: I have had trouble in the past with time-management. However, I'm now taking steps to correct this. I just started making 'to-do' lists at work as well as using a Blackberry...

See how much more authentic that is?


Those are takes on the 4 that I find the toughest - any tough ones that you have had?

Ian