Take on a new challenge if you're stuck at work | Does "Black Mirror" offer a glimpse into the future workplace? | Get over the awkwardness of shared workspaces
Take on a new challenge if you're stuck at work No matter how much you love your job, you won't always feel motivated or happy at work, which is completely normal, writes Alyse Kalish. If you feel bored, try tackling a new challenge such as starting a project, enrolling in an online course or seeking a transfer to a different department. The Muse (1/24)Does "Black Mirror" offer a glimpse into the future workplace? Technology has the power to transform the workplace, but we don't need to fear it if we use it in a way that enhances our jobs, writes Mitchell Garsee. He draws lessons from the television series "Black Mirror," arguing artificial intelligence creates opportunities for innovation. UNLEASH News (1/25)
Even if you find shared office spaces uncomfortable, it's OK to expose your vulnerability and laugh at the awkwardness, Camille Charluet writes. Use your company's social networking tools to reach out to colleagues online, and try to escalate small talk into meaningful conversations. The Next Web (1/25)
The Landscape
Survey finds many full-time employees have no workplace benefits A survey of 507 full-time employees revealed that 23% do not have any employer-sponsored benefits, and employers that don't offer benefits tend to cite a lack of funds and a lack of knowledge as reasons why. Ninety-five percent of employees said workplace benefits are very or somewhat important to their job satisfaction. Employee Benefit News (1/22)
Your Next Challenge
Burnout might be a signal to move on If you're regularly feeling the effects of burnout, it might be time to consider moving on, writes Monique Valcour. Ask yourself whether your job is bringing out your best, if it aligns with your values and if you have opportunities for career progression at your current company. Harvard Business Review online (tiered subscription model) (1/25)
Balancing Yourself
Set your own hours to be more productive You might be more productive if you adopt a nontraditional work schedule, writes Pia Silva, who works from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Whatever schedule you set for yourself, it's important to commit to it and to have goals for what you plan to accomplish each day. Forbes (1/24)
The Water Cooler
Mars Curiosity rover sends selfie The Mars Curiosity rover sent a selfie along with other photos taken by the rover's Mars Hand Lens Imager earlier this week. The rover team then tweeted the selfie as a way of celebrating the end of the US government shutdown. CNET (1/24)
A man is likely to mind his own business when it is worth minding. When it is not, he takes his mind off his own meaningless affairs by minding other people's business.
