Using a Spreadsheet Application as Payroll Program?

I am quite surprised about this one though although I know a free spreadsheet application can be used in variety of useful ways, and yes I think it can be a good software to use as a payroll program but maybe for a small company but not on a large one.

Well I went to this organization (I'm not gonna reveal the name though) with my friend who's working at the finance department of the organization. As we pass by some of his office mate, I immediately notice that they are using a free spread sheet application in their payroll computation. Although I know it can be done, but I think it is rather risky, and maybe a little time consuming.

I ask my friend why they are using that free spread sheet application and not buy payroll software programs, he just said that some of the old employees are already satisfied using that spread sheet application and that buying a software would mean another period of adjustment while some are afraid that having a new software would mean a cut off of employee and other reason is budget. Well I can't argue about them on this, but for me it is better to buy a payroll software program, I think data would be more secure, work would be much faster.

Things not to do at your Workplace

Here are some things to avoid when you are at work, doing this will save you from getting your boss mad or the worse an immediate dismissal.

1. Falling asleep at work. This looks unprofessional and is generally not appreciated by employers. Check your lifestyle or your career choice. If you find yourself drifting off on a regular basis, you are probably spending late nights out or in need of a more stimulating career.

2. Stealing from the office. It may seem like it's no big deal. Bringing home office supplies like bond paper, paper clips and so on. But still it's considered stealing. And it doesn't only apply to material things. Stealing could take the form of using office time for personal matters, like spending so much time on Facebook or chatting with a friend.

3. Taking credit for someone else's work. Again, this can be classified as stealing. You steal idea from a colleague and make it appear as if it were your own. How to prevent someone from stealing your idea? By keeping your supervisor informed of your ideas and your progress.

4. Spreading a rumor about a coworker. You may think some office gossip is relatively harmless, but it sure is damaging not only to the subject but also to the rumor-monger. You can get the reputation of being untrustworthy or downright devious. And it can lead to a lawsuit.

5. Lying about an academic background. In most companies, this is a ground for dismissal. If you feel you don't have the required education, it is better to earn a real degree then lie about one your resume.

Excellent Tips on how to talk to your Boss

Sometime at work we have a brilliant idea to improve your service but your boss has a different idea in mind, the complete opposite of what you have come up. And at time we want to talk to our boss to open up, but without making it look like we are making contradicting his/her opinions.

Here are some suggestions to use when talking to your boss without being too confrontational:

• Be polite. Always give respect, do not be overly familiar, and avoid sarcasm or offensive remarks.

• Be professional. Present yourself in proper business attire, and look him/her in the eye when talking.

• Don't oppose, just suggest. You may have a better idea, but disagreeing with your boss might hurt his/her pride. Make him/her important.

• Be direct to the point. Do not waste his/her precious time.

• Be ready to listen. When speaking with your boss, be attentive, make eye contact, and show that you are interested.

• Timing is essential. If you want to ask for a raise, for example, make sure your company can afford it. Never ask for a pay increase just after the company has announced layoffs.

• Do not bypass. Observe the proper chain of command. You can hardly do a worse thing to damage your boss than talk to his/her own boss about your idea.

• Be prepared to handle negative response. Unfortunately, even with your best effort there are times when your boss cannot grant your wishes. Plan to end the meeting with a positive note; there is always the next time.

• Show your appreciation. Do not forget to thank him/her for giving you his/her time to let you air your views.

Tips on How to Become the Employee your Bosses Want

Want to know how to become the kind of employee your boss would love? Here's a list of some characteristics of great employees that bosses came up with:

1. Dependable and consistent. Always comes to work on time. Gets the job done within the deadline.

2. Flexible and has initiative. Does whatever task is assigned to him. Doesn't wait to be told what to do but is innovative and creative in his job.

3. Positive and motivated. Encourages his fellow workers. Excited about his work and continues to learn and improve at his job.

4. Accountable and frank. Keeps his boss updated about what's going on. Frank about what he expects from the company. Gives positive criticism and suggestions on how to improve the company.

How To Make Yourself Indispensable

Its hard to find a new job now a days. So make yourself indispensable to your company. Employers often say that the key to keeping one's job is not about skills you have, but it's more of the person's qualities, habits and capabilities. Here are some tips for you:

1. Focus on your company's success, not your own. In challenging times, your employer wants a selfless, highly collaborative team player who meets and exceeds his commitments.

2. Be open to change. Be flexible and open minded. Say yes to any and all changes that management throws your way. And this includes tightening of your budget, more work with the same resources, higher goals, and so on.

3. Everything is your job. Take on tasks that fall outside your job description. This will serve you well come performance appraisal or downsizing time.

4. Throw away your negative mindset. Employers value employees whose positive attitude contributes to a more productive team. Whatever it takes, keep the negative mindset out of the office. Focus on what can be and not what can't.

5. "Unwritten rules" are now engraved in stone. Be prepared to show up early or stay late, or go beyond what's expected of you. Management now notices people who leave on the dot or take very long breaks, and so on.

The Goat in the Year of the Tiger 2010

Goat people will experience much better year than last year. But it is also marked by auspicious and inauspicious cycle in terms of career or profession, business and finance. Health matter and love relationship are also mixed with favorable and unfavorable situation. Try very hard in everything you do in order to reach your goal. Although there are some difficulties in daily career but you can manage to make it better by exerting more efforts. Strive harder also in daily undertakings during those unpleasant months. Being industrious and hard working as well as utmost attention and patient are much needed to overcome disturbances. Try to double your effort from engaging in risky or speculative investments. Heavy bank borrowings will not be a solution to financial problem this year. As for the health condition, there is a tendency to have discomforts in some months. Medical attention and food sanitation must be applied. Security and safety measures must be implemented not only at home but also at work place. Domestic relationship is quite sweet and harmonious. There will be no family differences foreseen. Therefore, a happy trend can be achieved. But always adapt home safety scheme. Love life is also mixed with hot and cold period. It will also take a lot of time to keep your love smoothly. Male goat may experinece more hard time than the Female goat in love pursuit.

Words to Avoid at Work

Here one i found at the library archive, its one of the common things we do say on work, especially when deadlines and busy schedules, we may not always notice what we say, and because of this, it may cause problems with our officemates or with our own career. So for the sake of your career, remember to avoid these words.

• "Thats not my job." Yes it might not be your job since you've been asked, try to provide valuable input. Be a team player and problem solver and give your suggestion tactfully on how to deal with this issue at hand.

• "Yeah, no problem." When you have no plan of doing it, that remark can earn you a reputation as being an unreliable person. So if you can't or won't complete the project, be honest about it.

• "It's not my fault." Even if it's really not your fault, stop yourself from finger pointing. instead, be a problem solver and discuss the issue of blame later.

• "To be honest with you." When you use this phrase, your officemate might doubt what you say if you don't use the phrase. Instead, without being rude, say what you need to say in a straightforward manner.

• "I just didn't have enough time for that." Instead of excusing yourself, mention that your schedule is busy but you can accommodate the request if some other project can be rearranged. That way, you'll show that you take assignments seriously and only want to turn in your best work.