By: Png Han YongMost working individuals spend the majority of their waking hours in the workplace, and it's important to observe proper etiquette with the people you probably interact more with than your loved ones.The Finer Points of ConversationNo employee is an island - at some point, you will have to interact with …

Question: I am setting up a Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) and am wondering if I should have my employees work from home and/or collaborate online. Is it worth it to do so? Answer:In a nutshell? It depends on the nature your business, really. If the bulk of the work performed by your employees involves a lot of face-to-face …

By: Png Han YongIf nothing else, the hit television comedy series The Office is overwhelmingly popular for one main reason - its humorous portrayal of crazy (and real!) characters in the workplace. Here are five of our real-life choice picks:The Informant (aka The Mole, The Snitch)If you desire the latest dirt on your …

Question: My colleague's persistent complaining is so bad that it's sapping my energy and positive outlook, and that of everyone else in the workplace. Furthermore, my colleague seems to be able to escape censure while undermining my work and criticising me in front of our mutual supervisor. How can I stop the spread of …

By: Gerald GohThe fallout from the global recession of 2009 is still being felt in 2013. In fact, Singapore's economy contracted 0.6 per cent on a year-on-year basis in the first quarter of this year, down from 1.5 per cent in the previous quarter in 2012.With sluggish economic growth forecasted for many other countries …

Ever wondered why your boss keeps asking you to do OT? Apparently 75 per cent of employers in Singapore think it's important you do just that or work over the weekends.By: Alythea HoUnless you've spent your entire career under a blessed star (or rock), chances are you've encountered bosses with 'bad' work habits. Like …

By: Julailah WahidShowing fondness towards an employee for to his or her hard work may seem harmless, but others could easily view this extra attention as favouritism. Managers and bosses who explicitly show favouritism are only cultivating an environment of separation and resentment, which can cause a dip in employee …

By: Png Han YongHave you ever noticed that a particular co-worker seems to always get the plum assignments, gets off work earlier and/or is praised excessively by the boss for no particular reason? Watching such acts of favouritism occur can be pretty galling, especially if you find yourself on the short end of it.The …

The world's vast oceans are home to glorious sunsets, jumping dolphins and Captain Jack Sparrows. Even so, any professional on a boat will tell you that the sea can be the ultimate test of both physical and mental strength. Here are three of the most exciting oceangoing professions from around the world:Alaskan Crab FishermenCrab …

By Julailah WahidThe first step for many after graduation is to land a job. The workplace can be a scary place to navigate for a fresh grad and the biggest challenge can be trying to understand your new boss.After years of receiving guidance from teachers and lecturers, stepping out into the working world might seem like …

By: Png Han YongGood manners never go out of style. When we interact with others in person, it is often easier to watch our words and body language to avoid conveying the wrong impression to the other party. But these niceties are often lost when it comes to email, due to the inherent rapidity (and lack of visible interaction) …

By: Gerald GohEmployee privacy in the workplace is a thorny issue, as there are few, if any, laws governing precisely what companies can and cannot do with when monitoring their employees. Some privacy-infringing measures utilised by companies include the installation of close-circuit cameras (CCTVs) to monitor employees, …

Question:I am the hiring manager for my company and I recently encountered some challenging interview candidates. One didn't dare to make eye contact with me throughout the interview, while another made excessive hand gestures as he was talking enthusiastically about something completely irrelevant. ...

By Julailah WahidApril Fools' Day is just around the corner, and what better way to let your colleagues know how much you care than by playing memorable, harmless practical jokes on them?Here are five pranks that you can pull off with ease at the office (without causing any physical harm or long-term emotional distress):1. …

By Png Han YongThe average job-seeker usually doesn't have a problem filling up his or her resume with details which they deem useful to the job application. But an overdose of information can instead have an adverse effect on your resume, making it seem too cluttered and long-winded.Since employers often have to sift …

By Gerald GohIt's an age-old problem - you may be practically starving when getting up in the morning, but given your tight morning schedule, the desire for a little extra shut-eye or the necessity of dolling yourself up for work, a good breakfast always takes a back seat.But you're probably justifying this to yourself …

By Png Han YongAs the boss, you may feel that you have the freedom to say whatever you'd like to your employees. But keep in mind that you should still be mindful of your words, as a slip of the tongue could destroy the working rapport you have with your employees. Regardless of intention, the following seven phrases should …

By Png HanyongCongratulations, you've landed yourself an interview after weeks of fine-tuning your resume and scouting for that dream job. In preparation for the big day, you've readied your wardrobe and done ample research on the company. On the day itself, you stride confidently into the interview room and proceed to …

By Png Han YongFiring an under-performing employee can be a daunting task for managers. Besides the paperwork involved, the entire process often involves tears, anger and denial. All this drama can thus make a manager look like the bad guy derailing a person's career.Thus, firing an employee isn't a decision that should …

By: Alythea HoHad a bad case of Monday blues? Hold back that angry tweet or Facebook rant about your boss first.An employer survey by JobsCentral found that 75% of managers and hirers use online channels to snoop on job candidates. Of these, one in three say they prefer using social media sites like LinkedIn (38%) and …

By Png HanyongA phobia usually starts off as anxiety but can quickly develop into an intense, exaggerated fear of encountering a particular object or situation. They differ from regular fears in that "while phobics know their fears may be irrational, they are most often powerless to control their actions and feelings," …

By Png HanyongEarlier this week, we discussed how introverts can succeed in today's extrovert-biased society.But what if you're working with an introvert instead?At a meeting with your employees, you are pleased to observe that everyone is participating actively in the discussion. Everybody except one. He sits there silently, …

By Julailah WahidIntroverts – they prefer to avoid the limelight, tend to listen more than they speak, feel somewhat desolate in large groups, and require ample personal time to restore their energy. In a fast-paced world where extroverted skills such as socialising and assertiveness are overvalued, introverts can often …

Believe Lady Gaga when she says she was "Born This Way." As an Aries, she's a fire sign, making her naturally inclined to be high energy, very creative and fiercely independent.Whether or not you actually accept that Lady Gaga's career success is a result of her zodiac sign, you've got to admit that it's interesting to …

Most workers seek a career that progresses upward - taking them from entry-level employee to midlevel manager to senior leader. They participate in performance reviews, hoping each time to receive a promotion that will get them to the next step up the corporate ladder.But not everyone has dreams of being the boss. Some …

By Png Han Yong and Julailah WahidAccording to a recent study conducted by the National University of Singapore, "Cyberloafing" (i.e. browsing the web at work) can actually boost a worker's productivity. The study entitled Impact of Cyberloafing on Psychological Engagement by Don J.Q. Chen and Vivien K.G. Lim examined …

By Julailah WahidMost companies request for job references before hiring you, whether before an interview or right after one. While not all employers are swayed by references, a negative reference can be a very strong indication that they shouldn't proceed with an applicant.What another professional says on your behalf …

By Julailah WahidJust last week, we released our survey findings on the saving and spending habits of Singapore workers. According to the JobsCentral survey, 55.5 per cent of employees do not save above 20 per cent of their monthly income while 5.2 per cent admitted that they do not save at all.The survey also highlighted …

By Shi TianyunThe job search - it can be a tedious process some only resort to when necessary. On the other hand, some happily employed individuals like to be in tuned with what hot jobs are out there. In a recent JobsCentral poll, we asked when the average worker looks out for new job opportunities and 445 of you told …

60% of Singapore workers save less than one-fifth of monthly income, while 1 in 4 admit to spending most of salary on entertainment.By Alythea HoEveryone loves year-end bonuses. Spending becomes a joy for some at this time of the year, while others prefer to squirrel away their extra earnings into passive wealth generating …

By Julailah WahidCampus career fairs offer a great opportunity for you to meet and interact with a variety of employers, all under one roof. This is also where soon-to-be graduates build contacts, distribute resumes and scout new avenues of employment while current students explore career options and look for internships …

By Shi TianyunYou've finally done it - made it through the job search and braved the nerve wracking interviews - and now you have signed on the dotted line and are ready to start a whole new job! Well, whether it's your very first job or you have moved to a new organisation, everyone's sure to have some jitters. Don't …

by Ethan SiaA fresh start to the new year usually finds everyone scrambling to think of resolutions that they hope they will keep to. So is 2013 the year you finally make "losing five kgs" or "doing more volunteer work" a reality? Besides these personal resolutions, it's equally important not to forget about your career.Even …

The offer letter hits your email or your desk. Panic washes over you. You sit for a moment and hope that the grass will truly be greener on the other side of the fence and that the new job will more than deliver on all the things you want to get out of it.For many of us, deciding to leave an old job and moving on to a …

By: Alythea HoSo you survived another year of work. You've met your targets, got a nice appraisal, and managed to dodge a couple of flying 'knives' in the office. You even braved a Mayan apocalypse. Well done, you.As people around the world dust off 2012 and prepare for another exciting new year, we decided to share some …

By Julailah WahidJust last week, we released our survey findings on why Singapore workers faked being sick to avoid work.According to the JobsCentral survey, nearly one in five Singapore workers (18.3 per cent) admitted to feigning sickness to obtain medical leave. Of these, half (49.1 per cent) revealed they would play …

By Ethan SiaYes, it's that time of the year again - the week before Christmas.The toughest challenge on your Christmas list this year isn't your demanding mother-in-law - the honour falls to your boss and colleagues. How does one find the perfect useful gift that doesn't only smack of professionalism but comes at a good …

It's flu season now, but for some Singapore workers, there will always be a good reason to go on medical leave.Nearly one in five Singapore workers (18.3%) admitted to feigning sickness to get medical leave. Of these, half (49.1%) revealed they would play 'hooky' from work three or more times a year. Employers also report …

Money seems to be the first priority for many when it comes to further education.About 23% of adult learners in Singapore believe their first Bachelor’s degree entitles them to a 50% average increase in salary. Overall, Singapore adult learners expect an average 35% pay raise upon receiving their first degree qualification.These …

Let's face it - job searching is stressful. So if anything can be done to help bring positive energy to the experience, it's worth exploring. That's why the practice of feng shui is so intriguing. While feng shui may seem like something you do when decorating your house, its applications can extend beyond the abode and …

Congratulations on your new job. You worked hard to get it - you added your resume to online databases, you networked both online and off, and you got your portfolio in tip-top shape. Now that you're working, you don't have to think about anything job-search related until the next time you're looking. Right? Wrong.Job …

By: Alythea HoOn Monday, we talked about why you should seek a mentor at work . But I don't need a mentor, you say. Perhaps you're a seasoned veteran and know your industry inside out. You're successful at what you do. You know what it's like to work long and hard to get to where you're at today.If this is you, why not …

By Shi TianyunIn Greek mythology, Mentor was a character who provided encouragement and practical suggestions to Odysseus' son. His name lives down in history and has been adopted in the English language as a term for "someone who imparts wisdom and shares knowledge with a less experienced colleague". Today, mentors still …

By Shi TianyunWhile Singapore workers are the happiest at work since 2009, they are still in a category that puts them in the "less moderately happy" lot. A total of 3,299 respondents took the 2012 JobsCentral Work Happiness Indicator Survey, which was conducted online from September to October this year. This survey has …

By Julailah WahidMen want to be him and women simply want him – the name’s Bond, James Bond. We may not have a license to kill but there are many other ways that we can emulate the iconic James Bond persona in our career. Here are four quick tips on how to channel your inner 007 to get ahead in your workplace.Dress the …

By Ethan Sia and Julailah WahidOne thing that catches a potential employer's eye is relevant work experience, which is where internships come in handy. An internship is where education meets employment – it gives students and fresh grads a taste of what the working world is like and provides a starting platform for those …

By Shi TianyunThe practice of telecommuting is not widely practised in Singapore yet but we are predicting that if ever a company should implement a work from home policy, its employees would be more than up for it. A whopping 79 percent of Singapore workers out of 291 individuals said that they would welcome the idea …

By Shi TianyunIf there's anything the Amy Cheong saga has taught us, it is to watch what you say on the World Wide Web. Social media platforms can be a double-edged sword. Facebook and Twitter can help you re-connect with long-lost friends and stay updated with what's happening in the world but it can also stab you in …