Make your job easier by pursuing efficiency in all aspects of your workflow, Kat Boogaard writes. For instance, you might be overdoing it on seeking approval before moving forward with a project.

Scaling back your responsibilities at work can help you become more effective and productive, Stephanie Vozza writes. Talk to your boss about reassigning tasks that draw your focus away from more important projects.

Departments often use different terms to say the same thing, Thomas Redman writes. Consider working with your boss to develop a common vocabulary that can be used throughout the company.

A survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans found 40% of employers said workers were a little or not at all financially savvy, while 36% said employees would be a little or not at all prepared for retirement when the time comes. The survey found 63% of employers have financial education programs for employees and 19% were considering a program.

If you've been let go at a previous job, be honest about it in interviews and avoid speaking ill of a previous boss, Alison Green writes. Don't over-explain the situation, but provide enough detail to show that it was a learning experience.

Use the day before your vacation to square away any outstanding tasks and clear your inbox, Dan Connolly writes. Avoid scheduling any meetings that day and make sure you have ample time to tie up any loose ends before you leave.

The Transportation Security Administration plans to test screening technology that could enable travelers to keep liquids and laptops in their carry-on bags while going through security checkpoints. The technology will initially be tested at 15 airports and could be expanded to 40 airports by the end of the year.