Federal Employees Retirement System

Federal Employees Retirement ordnungsprinzipFederal Employees Retirement SystemThe Federal Employees Retirement System is the primary mechanism for US government employees to save for retirement. It consists of three components a pension, a savings plan and Social Security. The History of FERS FERS was created by the US Congress in 1986 and became effective at the beginning of 1987. It was meant to replace the Civil Service Retirement System that federal employees participated in before 1987. When FERS began, CSRS workers could switch to FERS. Not all did, so the US Office of Personnel Management maintains two retirement systems. The most basic difference between the two lies in the robustness of each plan. CSRS is strictly a pension program whereas FERS provides federal workers with three mechanisms for retirement savings. The Three Components of FERS These mechanisms are Social Security, Basic Benefit Plan and Thrift Savings Plan. These three components diversify a federal workers retirement income sources. Together, these three pieces of the retirement puzzle are designed to give a retiree a life at a similar standard of living the retiree had during his or her working life. A stable retirement is one of the biggest perks government service offers. Together, the three components have elements of both defined contribution and defined benefit plans. In defined contribution plans, retirees know precisely what they will receive each month of retirement regardless of what the stock market does. In defined benefit plans, employees contribute a specified amount to be invested in any number of investment vehicles. Market forces dictate how much the investment grows. 1 Social Security The first component of FERS is Social Security. Federal workers contribute to social security like almost all other citizens who work. Federal workers under CSRS do notlage participate in Social Security. Some state and local government retirement systems allow their workers t o opt out of Social Security, so they neither contribute to that system nor receive and benefits from it. Social Security provides a safety net for workers most commonly in the form of regular monthly income to workers who become disabled or retire after contributing to the system through federal payroll taxes over the course of their careers. 2 Basic Benefit Plan The second component is an annuity call the Basic Benefit Plan. Federal workers contribute a small percentage of their paycheck, and that money goes toward paying current retirees. When current workers become retirees, they draw their benefits from the contributions of workers at that time. It sounds like a Ponzi scheme, but as long as time goes on, there will always be contributors to the system. Between the creation of FERS and 2012, all federal workers contributed 0.8% of their paycheck to the Basic Benefit Plan. Starting in 2013, new federal workers contribute 3.1%. Workers who were hired before 2013 still contribute the original 0.8%. The law increasing the contribution rate was passed in February 2012 predominantly to pay for a payroll tax cut extension for all US workers, not just for federal employees. The amount of money a retiree receives depends on that retirees years of service and how much money that individual earned in his or her three highest earning years. Plan rules define the exact calculations for regular retirement benefits, disability benefits, survivor benefits and how cost-of-living adjustments are applied. 3 Thrift Savings Plan The third component is the Thrift Savings Plan, which is similar to a 401(k) that any American can have on their own or through an employer. The US government kicks in an amount equivalent to 1.0% of the employees pay. Federal employees can contribute more, and the government will match it up to a certain percentage. Earnings on contributions grow tax-free.Not participating to the fullest in any plan where your employer matches your contribution is s imply giving away free money. Becoming Eligible to Retire To retire, federal workers must have a minimum number of years of service and meet a minimum age requirement. For federal workers born in 1970 or later, the minimum retirement age is 57. Older workers have a younger minimum retirement age. The minimum age rose incrementally between 1948 and 1970. notenzeichen The content of this article is for informational purposes only. This article is not intended to give tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for tax advice.

12 Companies That Will Make You Want to Come to Work on Monday

12 Companies That Will Make You Want to Come to Work on Monday12 Companies That Will Make You Want to Come to Work on Monday For many people, heading to work each day is essentially a grind. Working for the weekend is much more of a norm than it should be. But what if things could be different? Well, aside from picking a profession youre passionate about, where you work can have a huge impact on yur day-to-day job satisfaction , too. The below companies scored among the highest marks on our Best distributionspolitiks to Work list this year, meaning their employees actually look forward to going into work each day. Ahead, find out what makes their companies so special- from incredible benefits to amazing company cultures- plus what real employees have to say about each work environment. Why Its Such a Great distributionspolitik to Work From people who work the counters to those in corporate positions, In-N-Out employees enjoy their jobs. Pay is great compared to other food service gigs, and many employees are offered additional training so that they can move up the ranks and take on more responsibility. Company picnics and sports kollektivs are commonplace, making colleagues feel less like coworkers and more like family. What Employees Say I loved working for In-N-Out. This company is the greatest company I could have ever worked for. I had to quit due to moving states, but I miss them everyday. If you are debating working here, dont second-guess it. It is hard work, but it will be worth it. Im thankful to have In-N-Out work experience under my belt. Former CookWhy Its Such a Great Place to Work At Bain & Company, its all about personal development. No two days or projects are exactly alike, so employees are always learning something new and taking on fresh challenges. Vacation packages are generous, and many employees have the opportunity to take extended time off if needed, including three months of paid maternity leave. Mentorship, work/life balance, and collaboration are all priorities, making it the ideal place to hone your skills. What Employees Say For me, its the people that make Bain such a special place to work. Every day, I come into the office and I learn from people above, below, and at the same level as me. Everyone also knows how to have fun outside of the office to enaya there is work/life balance. Current EmployeeWhy Its Such a Great Place to Work Salesforce allows employees to take seven days of volunteer time off each year, which gives you a glimpse into what the company culture is like. Unlimited paid time off, six months of paid parental leave, and five different health insurance companies to choose from are just a few of the benefits available for Salesforce employees. Whats more, managment is said to care about employees at all levels and is keen on rewarding high-performers. What Employees Say Ive worked at Salesforce for the past 6 years. Excellent place to work and innovate. You c an pitch new ideas and different ways to solve a problem, which is encouraged, and you are given the freedom to prototype and execute it if the prototype works and is better than the existing solution. Current Technical Staff MemberWhy Its Such a Great Place to Work This family-owned company provides perks that youve probably never heard of being offered anywhere else, like yearly vacations to Cancun for employees of a certain level. Employees say their work is challenging in a good way, the environment is supportive, and theyre compensated at the level they deserve. What Employees Say Having a workplace where I worry less about what the hours are and spend more time focusing on self-improvement is priceless. I want to be better at who I am and what I do. Power Home Remodeling not only promotes this but they fuel this. Current Remodeling ConsultantWhy Its Such a Great Place to Work Employees are consistently excited about the products they create, produce, and market at Cloro x, and its common for people to stay at the company for many years. Half-day Fridays in the summer make employees feel like theyre getting a three day weekend every weekend. What Employees Say Clorox does the right thing consistently. This principle guides everything we do from top management throughout the organization. We have great brands that we can be proud of. Work/life balance is respected at Clorox. We respect and trust our leaders. Our leaders keep us all regularly informed on the companys priorities and performance. Current EmployeeWhy Its Such a Great Place to Work The tech giant is often cited as one of the best companies to work for, and employees agree. Benefits packages go above and beyond whats considered standard, and theres free food around the offices virtually every day. Working parents especially benefit from family-focused healthcare coverage and generous parental leave. Openness, diversity, and transparent leadership are touted as some of the top qualities that make Facebook a fantastic place to work. What Employees Say Its great working here. Theres nowhere else Id rather be. You are working with very smart people who are energized and believe in the work they are doing. You will be rewarded for doing well, and for the company doing well. You are empowered and encouraged to wield influence and ship products that can literally affect billions of people, no matter what level you are at. Current EmployeeWhy Its Such a Great Place to Work While its true that the travel industry is a challenging one, Delta employees say theyre proud to be part of the company. Employees are offered the chance to participate in special assignments in order to expand their skillsets, and there are also plenty of volunteer opportunities for those who are interested. Plus, their free travel benefit makes visiting far corners of the globe on off-time a possibility. What Employees Say Ive been at Delta for more than 10 years and our culture is alive and we ll - working at Delta is unlike my previous employers. People are proud to work for Delta, enjoy the airline industry, enjoy the travel benefits, and feel they are contributing to the companys success. Id say theres a great amount of respect for our senior leaders and while the company isnt perfect, everybody understands it will do what needs to be done to make things right. Current Human Resources ManagerWhy Its Such a Great Place to Work This software provider is much-beloved by employees for treating them like family and going above and beyond to ensure job satisfaction. Fully-paid health care and overtime compensation are among the benefits that keep employees happy. Lots of happy hours and office events help colleagues bond and unwind. What Employees Say FAST continuously blows my mind with how it treats its employees. This past month has really exceeded anything I would have ever expected from an employer large or small. Once the Puerto Rico project learned that Hurric ane Maria was tracking to hit the island, FAST did everything in their power to evacuate our entire team and our families. Tickets to leave the island were scarce, but the FAST partners and our travel team found a way to get us all off the island before the storm hit. While displaced, the company has continually checked in with us to make sure that we are okay. Many of us were even housed by other FASTies since most of us flew into cities with other projects. I think this speaks loudly of the bond that our employees have. Current Training ManagerWhy Its Such a Great Place to Work Like many other major tech companies, the benefits packages at Google are far superior to what can be found elsewhere. A 50 percent match 401K plan and generous vacation time are just a couple of the incredible perks. Employees enjoy getting the chance to work with the best and brightest in their industry, and flexible work hours are available for most, meaning that work/life balance is superb. What Empl oyees Say You cant find a more well-regarded company that actually deserves the hype it gets. Youll work on cutting edge projects and solve important issues that impact your community and the world Youll meet interesting people who are your colleagues, managers, and senior management. Current EmployeeWhy Its Such a Great Place to Work Employees note that the company listens to them and takes the time to help each person develop career goals and a long-term career strategy. On top of that, pets are allowed in the office, and childcare is offered for those with children. What Employees Say I absolutely love coming to work for NPPC everyday. The culture is second to none and over the years my work team has become like family. My immediate management and department leadership are both supportive and engaged in development and employee satisfaction, and it has led to opportunities for project work and growth. At this point, I cant imagine working somewhere else. Current EmployeeWh y Its Such a Great Place to Work Employees often say that one of the best parts of working at LinkedIn is that they truly care about career development and trajectory, which makes sense considering the industry theyre in. Add to that unlimited vacation and free meals while at the office, and its easy to see why people love working here. What Employees Say Excellent product, world-class benefits, above average pay, relaxed dress code, growth opportunities, and a friendly atmosphere. I love the management philosophy of Leadership, Leverage, Results. Early on in every position, the employee is asked What is your next play? The company is always looking to determine your next role and opportunity. Former ManagerWhy Its Such a Great Place to Work Company culture is a top concern at Adobe, and employees love coming to work because of the amazing people they work with. The company is also committed to social responsibility and giving back, making employees feel great about the company theyve chosen to work for. What Employees Say Ive worked for Adobe for four years. Its the best company Ive ever worked for, by far. Adobe cares about its employees. The offer a competitive salary, flexible schedule, and lots of PTO, including two mandatory shut downs. Ive worked in three different positions in my four years, so theres lots of room to move upwards if youre driven. Its a fast-paced environment, things are never boring. The culture is very open and inclusive, with an emphasis on accountability and ownership. My team as a tight-knit, almost familial feel. I love working for Adobe. Current Operations Employee

10 Horror Icons Careers Before They Were Famous

10 Horror Icons Careers Before They Were Famous10 Horror Icons Careers Before They Were FamousA fun way to find career inspiration is to look at famous people and trace their careers back to their origins. Many celebrities and established artists didnt immediately launch into thriving careers upon finishing their education or abfluging in the workforce. Contrary to popular belief, a number of famous movie stars and producers started off with humble job beginnings and veered off their career paths before finding success and achieving prominence.To celebrate Halloween this week, lets enhance motivation for your job search by looking at horror icons and the odd jobs and careers they held before landing on the ghoulish side of Hollywood. Before they were renowned actors, prestigious producers, accomplished authors and popular celebrities, these people held a number of ordinary and odd jobs.1. Tim BurtonTim Burton is well known for many of his dark movies such as Beetlejuice, Edward Sciss orhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Today he is recognized as a director, producer, screen-writer and more, but Burton began as an apprentice animator and artist at Walt Disney Studios. He may have started in childrens animation, but today his portfolio includes a wide variety of projects, from musicals to action films. His career developed over time, and so can yours.2. Stephen KingHis horror and suspense novels may delight many readers today, but before he welches a writer and author of science fiction and macabre books, Stephen King was an industrial laundry laborer. To help pay for his degree in English, King took a number of odd jobs to make ends meet. Now you can find many of his works in bookstores and produced into films, proving that you shouldnt knock a part-time job. It can lead you to future success.3. Vincent PriceUpon graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in art history from Yale, Vincent Price became a school teacher. Realizing that he had an interest in t heatre, he changed careers from educator to actor. He began as a character actor, and it wasnt until later in his career that he delved into the horror genre. If you are contemplating a career change, may Vincent Prices success help motivate you to make the jump.4. Barbara SteeleBarbara Steele originally studied to become a painter but joined an acting repertory company instead. She was featured in a number of horror films in the 1960s and is famous for her pale skin, dark eyes and hair and overall gothic vibe. Steeles story goes to show that what you studied in school doesnt have to be what career you choose. Dont let your past limit you.5. Julianne MooreBefore she was a leading actress in a number of popular films, Julianne Moore was an aspiring actress working as a waitress in New York City. Like many before her and many after, Moore worked a part-time job while looking for acting gigs. She landed television roles and then broke out in the thriller The Hand that Rocks the Cradle. Nowadays she is known for her portrayal of disturbed women. Moore is a great example of how dedication to your passion is necessary for success.6. Johnny DeppSome might argue that Johnny Depps career started when he first dropped out of school. Depp took a big risk and left school to start a garage band. Following that he took on a telemarketing job before getting into acting. Depp starred in small roles before appearing in The Nightmare on Elm Street. You might know him as Sweeney Todd or Captain Jack Sparrow, but you should remember him for the career risk he took. If you feel hesitant to leave a job that doesnt suit you, look to Depp for inspiration.7. Boris KarloffBoris Karloffs big break was starring as Frankensteins monster in Frankenstein, which launched him into stardom as a horror icon. Before that breakout role, Karloff experienced many twists and turns with his career. He wanted to be a diplomat like his father but lost interest and worked as a farm laborer before finall y entering a career in acting. If you arent certain of what your ideal job is, take comfort in knowing Boris Karloff struggled just like you before making it big.8. Anne RiceToday she may be a popular author recognized for gothic novels such as Interview with a Vampire and The Queen of the Damned, but Anne Rice actually didnt start her career writing fiction. Prior to writing, Rice worked briefly as an insurance claims examiner. She studied literature and creative writing and pursued her passions, resulting in her current successful writing career. Rice demonstrates that a few bumps in your resume shouldnt discourage you from pursuing your dream job.9. Jack NicholsonWith numerous nominations and awards, few people might suspect that The Shinings Jack Nicholson started out working odd jobs. Nicholson took on retail and lifeguard jobs before moving to Hollywood to pursue acting. Even in Hollywood he began as a gopher. He didnt achieve his current status as a famed actor, film director and producer easily. It took a number of roles before he became famous for his portrayal of challenging characters, particularly psychotics. The lesson? Dont be too proud to get to the top by starting at the bottom.10. Jamie Lee CurtisWhen she was younger Jamie Lee Curtis was known as the scream queen. From the start Curtis pursued acting and appeared in a number of horror flick classics before breaking free from the genre. Today she is not just a horror actress Curtis is an actress in a broad array of genres, an author of childrens books and a blogger. Curtis shows us that a career path is all about discovery and exploration. You might be content with your job today, but stay open to new opportunities, for they might transform your career for the better.Read Related Articles6 Jobs to Consider if You Love HalloweenIn the Mood for Something Scary? Read These Job Interview Horror StoriesWhere Horror Meets Comedy Job Interviewing Mishaps

Why Restricted Stock Is Better Than Stock Options

Why Restricted Stock Is Better Than Stock OptionsWhy Restricted Stock Is Better Than Stock OptionsMany companies are concerned by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) recommendation to shoe stock options on the companys expense sheet. High-tech and start-up companies fear losing one of their great recruiting and motivating tools. But theres no need to worry because there is already a better compensation choice, restricted stock options.? Motivation Through Restricted Stock Issuing restricted stock is a better motivating tool than granting stock options for two reasons. First, many employees dont understand stock options. They dont know that they have to take action in order to realize any gain. It is far easier for them to understand a vesting period on restricted stock. The second reason is that restricted stock cant become worthless like stock options. Even if the stock price falls, the restricted stock retains some intrinsic value. The math is fairly simple. A stock option grant with a strike price of $10 has no value when the stock trades at $8. Restricted stock awarded when trading at $10 is still worth $8. Meanwhile, the stock option has lost 100% of its value while the restricted stock has only lost 20% of its value. Employee Ownership Through Restricted Stock One of the advantages restricted stock has from a management perspective is that as a motivating tool it allows employees to think, and act, like owners. When a restricted stock award vests, the employee who received the restricted stock automatically becomes an owner of the company. The employee doesnt have to take any action to achieve ownership and is now entitled to vote at the annual meeting. Becoming a stakeholder also encourages employees to focus mora on meeting corporate goals. Stock options, on the other hand, do little to instill a sense of ownership and are usually viewed as a high-risk gamble that has a potentially great reward. An employee may invest a couple of yea rs helping a company grow and prosper and be compensated with stock options but their loyalty is to raise the stock price so they can cash out and make a bundle. These employees often choose actions that will raise stock price in the short term (to increase their potential gain) rather than taking the long view that ultimately helps the company grow and prosper over time. Restricted Stock Supporters The worlds biggest online merchant, Amazon, knows how to sell to its employees, as well as to the general public. Amazon.co.uk notes that all their employees are allocated ?a number of Amazon.com restricted stock units when they join. The Altria Group, Inc. also went that route when they announced theymade equity awards in shares of restricted stock rather than fixed-price stock options. Dell Computer Corp., Cendant Corp., and DaimlerChrysler AG have also moved toward restricted stock in lieu of stock options.

Chemical Engineering Resume: No Longer a Mystery

Chemical Engineering Resume No Longer a Mystery Chemical Engineering Resume the Ultimate Convenience Besides knowing what to include in your resume, its also excellent to be selective of what you include. Word processors are a blessing in they make it simpler to create targeted resumessomething that companies have departureed to expect, she states. A chemical engineer involved with technical sales will work with customers to identify what type of manufactured product will fit their requirements. The dynamic nature of the industry means that you may expect to get offered significant CPD opportunities to be able to develop new understanding. Because chemical engineering involves a deep understanding in a full scope of studies, it is likewise among the fruchtwein versatile disciplines. Chemical engineers are in good demand on account of the many industries that are contingent on the synthesis and processing of chemicals and materials. If you need assistance with your chemical e ngineering CV, be certain you check this website for chemical engineer resume templates. You will have the ability to observe how full-time engineers apply knowledge to manage real work circumstances. The Ultimate Chemical Engineering Resume Trick From your resume, the employer can have the ability to identify if youre experienced in the area or still an entrant. Take a couple of minutes and review our sample, and that means you can better understand how to compose your own resume. The entire number of credits required for graduation is 180. Opportunely, engineering resumes have an extremely straightforward format. The Argument About Chemical Engineering Resume If you currently have a first degree in chemical engineering you are able to study the discipline in greater depth in addition to learning about broader issues throughout the selection of elective subjects. Some courses cant be counted toward degree requirements. An engineering internship is likewise an opportunit y to observe how classroom and textbook learning applies to the actual world. Students should talk to a departmental advisor to discover whether a specific course can be counted. Mechanical engineering resume is perfect for those seeking internships. Recruiters are conversant with it, plus, it enables you to highlight your very best assets. Engineers call for a creative mindset, therefore its essential to communicate any design skills you possess to assist you stand out as an engineer. Engineering internships may also get you relevant work experience, enabling you to become workforce ready before going into the work market for a graduate. Nothing, if youd like your engineering resume to look like all of the rest. You dont wish to go all around the place regarding your expertise and the education related to your field of choice. Problem solvers Being in a position to fix problems ought to be the fruchtwein highly sought skill on earth and its something which chemical engine ers need to do daily. Chemical Engineering Resume - What Is It? Some could start looking for expertise in a particular language or program, though others might search for more general skills. You will also need to highlight your skills during interviews also. Show which you have the essential skills to be successful. Advance your career in the specialty of Engineering and Computing Science. As you work on your chemical engineering resume, be certain to compare it using a sample online as a way to confirm that each section is accounted for. Typically, template websites allow you to select a theme at no charge. Should you want to come across instances of search engine optimisation articles, browse through a number of the on-line article submission directories. Take a look at the sample below. Companies typically advertise their sponsorship schemes and data can typically be found on company sites. Additional information is found on our site at www.arkansasteachercorps.org. Call 850-644-6431 to find out more. The Death of Chemical Engineering Resume Although having paper resumes at the period of interview is an excellent idea, it cant be compared to an impressionable digital resume. To put it differently, format matters for an expert engineering resume. In case the job is programming, an employer may look for a candidate who can code in many different languages, as many systems are made using more than just 1 language. Total advertising and advertisements and advertising and marketing campaigns have failed as a result of a lack of comprehension of their target audience, thus it is well worth it to receive it right. Vital Pieces of Chemical Engineering Resume Whenever someone should repair the worlds problems they ought to be calling up the chemical engineers If youre looking for a superior chemical engineering resume example, then youre on the most suitable place. At the base of the sample, youll find some advice for your chemical engineering job interview, together with the most frequent questions asked by your employer. If youre one of several folks searching for a job at the moment, you might be tempted to hit the panic button. The Basic Facts of Chemical Engineering Resume Your PS for chemical engineer may well be the most essential portion of your application. Chemical engineers may sometimes even have to be on call 24 hours per day. As an engineer, you often must work on multiple projects at one time. The education and skilled qualification section is normally the previous section to have in your chemical engineer resume.

Practical Tips for Resume Writing Jobs Entry Level Online You Can Begin to Use Immediately

Practical Tips for Resume Writing Jobs Entry Level ansprechbar You Can Begin to Use Immediately If so, then being a greeting card writer might be an excellent idea. Out right here there are lots of writing possibilities as well as its hard to inform which one isnt a rip-off. Remember that blog writing is tricky to earn a full-time job. You would like an entry-level job for a web content writer. Second though entry level work at home jobs need little (two decades or less) or no prior experience, you will nonetheless be evaluated for what you could contribute. If you dont have experience, then attempt to obtain an internship when possible. Thus, you will need experience to find an entry-level job, but minus the job, you cant acquire experience. Its also fantastic to get previous experience under yur belt, even if its an internship. Data Entry Data Entry might be the very first job which you will search for if youre planning to work at home. Work Experience Employment expe rience is easily the most important part of any entry-level resume. You dont need any specific expertise to begin as a Website Tester. If You Read Nothing Else Today, Read This Report on Resume Writing Jobs Entry Level Online Since you may see, there isnt any lack of businesses that hire for entry level work at home jobs. If you are searching for resume writer jobs, were always open for cooperation. If youre particularly on the lookout for non-phone jobs, heres a huge list of those. If youre looking for scam-free work-at-home jobs, then theres no greater place than FlexJobs. Things You Should Know About Resume Writing Jobs Entry Level Online Always adhere to the structure, even if you prefer to produce a 1000-word essay on how good youre. Legitimate data entry jobs are tough to find, but theyre perfect to begin. Education section is most likely the most crucial portion of an entry level resume, as it offers you an opportunity to demonstrate your skills, not concentrating o n the absence of work experience. The education part of your entry-level resume can produce the hiring manager say the words above. There are many job boards floating around the web, and a number of them are focused on writing jobs more than others. Resume creators enable jobseekers to make and download their finished resumes right from the world wide web to begin applying immediately. Its initially very daunting to seek out work-at-home jobs whenever you are a newbie, but there are loads of organizations in various fields that hire beginners. It is difficult to look for legitimate work-at-home jobs, and its even challenging to search for the ones that hire someone with no prior experience or a comprehensive beginner. On-line writing seems to be absolutely the most intelligent method you can make money. If you dont take pleasure in the topic youre writing about, it is going to be challenging to locate individuals who will relish your writing. As a freelancer, you ought to be flexible in your writing skills, and ready to take orders you dont necessarily deem interesting. If you want more help, have a look at our professional experience writing guide. The Key to Successful Resume Writing Jobs Entry Level Online When you purchase an entry level resume from our competitors, the product that you receive will almost certainly be simply a generic resume with basic details. When you purchase an entry level resume, you have the ability to do everything from placing a new order to getting a conversation with your writer from your cell phone. When you buy a custom made entry level resume, we would like you to feel secure in the simple fact that we will do absolutely everything in our capability to offer you just what you wanted. In other words, in regards to ordering entry level resumes, Ultius cannot be beat.

This companys paid family leave benefits all caregivers

This companys paid family leave benefits all caregiversThis companys paid family leave benefits all caregiversIt was a cool Spring Saturday evening when Account Executive Stephen Wood decided to take a long walk around the neighborhood with his expecting wife, Lizzy, in an attempt to jumpstart her labor. As it turned out, this would be the last time that they would tour their local streets as a family of two.Steve and Lizzy had been patiently waiting for this moment to arrive for nine long months, and shortly after midnight the following morning, it became very clear that the time had come for their first child to arrive. Fortunately, at that moment, Steve knew that his work life could wait - his only focus was on his wife and the panzerschrank delivery of his first baby. Steve was the first beneficiary of his companys new Paid Family Leave benefit, and with the support of his manager and teammates, Steves family leave plan was triggered into action.I knew it was going to be differe nt, but in those first few weeks especially, you dont realize how much work becoming a new parent entails. Im grateful for the one-on-ones my Director spent with me to prepare for this, and the overall support from my team, because I really was able to drop everything which allowed me to completely focus on becoming a dad. I didnt have to think twice about being there for Lizzy, particularly as she was learning to breastfeed. She and our son, Gregory, both needed my help and the great thing was, they didnt have to ask for it I was completely available for my family.Steve works for Internet Creations, an NJ-based Salesforce Consulting firm offering Paid Family Leave to employees who welcome the birth of a son or daughter, the sitzordnung of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care, or to care for a family member who may have a serious health condition.Steve had the option to take all eight weeks of his fully-paid family leave at once, or he could take advantage of a gradual-ret urn-to-work option, which would allow him to spread the same amount of paid time off over a 12-week period. This gave him some flexibility to configure his leave based on his familys needs. Considering all of the new responsibilities and adjustments that a family typically deals within the first few weeks after welcoming a new child, Steve found comfort in knowing that his professional life was supporting his family life when it mattered the most.Looking back, Lizzy knows that Steves involvement and time spent at home made a significant impact on all of themMy son and I are now three months in, with a healthy breastfeeding relationship, thanks to the support from my husband that was available from the beginning. I am so grateful to have had Steve by my side during sleepless nights, to help soothe a crying newborn and to change countless diapers, so I could rest and recover from labor. He was able to help prepare meals and clean up so that I could put my energy toward feeding our bab y. Steve and Gregory have an amazing bond now.Steve agrees, The best part is, Gregory knows me when I walk in the door. He knows Im Daddy, he smiles. I honestly dont think that would be happening if I didnt have the opportunity to spend as much time with him in these first few months that I have been, in my most challenging and rewarding role - as a new Dad.Today, 89% of men want to take time off from work after their babies are born and think it should be paid According to a study conducted by Boston College called The New Dad. Also, the American Psychological Association has published that Psychological research across families from all ethnic backgrounds suggests that fathers affection and increased family involvement help promote childrens social and emotional development.The New Dad also offers that 2-out-of-3 fathers say that caregiving should be divided equally with their partners, and while fathers who state that caregiving should be divided 50/50 with their partner, they also admit they are unable to do so.Companies like Internet Creations are proving that while todays respective caregiver roles are evolving at home, todays workplace is implementing policy change in in gleichem abstand nebeneinander to support the needs of all working parents and caregivers equally.Liz Angelucci Beggs is a progressive communications and talent development leader with over 15 years of experience navigating successful entrepreneurial environments and delivering internal/external communications, talent acquisition, company culture, employee experience and employee engagement programs in the software and media industries. Beggs is a working mom of two, with a passion for connecting people to opportunities. She enjoys telling the stories of extraordinary companies and the people who make companies extraordinary. This year, she was recognized as a 2018 Best 50 Women In Business by NJBiz. Connect with Liz on LinkedIn or Twitter.

3 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview

3 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job Interview3 Smart Questions to Ask in a Job InterviewThe best job interviews typically involve plenty of exchange between the hiring manager and the candidate. Thus, be ready to do your part by formulating several outstanding questions prior to meeting a potential employer. Youll not only come off as prepared and engaged, youll likely learn valuable information that can aid in decision-making.While a ton of possible questions exist, we asked three career experts to each choose one question they think every candidate should be sure to ask at a job interview. Consider their smart picks when formulating your own list of questions for a job interview1. What are the biggest challenges youre facing right now in this department?This question is important because you want to find out what problems your prospective babo is grappling with so you can talk about how you would solve those problems. If you can convince the decision-maker that you can solve those pr oblems, it will increase the likelihood of being offered the job, says Kelly Donovan,principal at Kelly Donovan Associates.She also notes that the question gives additional insight into whats going on in that company. You might have second thoughts about the job if the problems are very bad and would be nearly impossible to solve, especially if theyre indicative of larger problems within the company.2. How do you see your gruppes growth potential over the next three years?I feel that this type of question allows the hiring manager to project ahead. And hopefully the hiring manager will include the candidate in his or her projections, says Vicky Oliver, author of five career books, including301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions.Want to really make an impression? Oliver suggests bolstering the question with a lot of research that shows youve done your homework. Heres an exampleIve been really impressed to see that your company has added so many new employees this year. The a rticle in (trade magazine) forecast that your hiring boom would continue through 2019. How does this impact your team here? How do you see your teams growth potential over the next three years?3. How do you resolve disagreements?Disagreements at work cannot be avoided. Yet, people often operate under a false harmony where they feel pressured to agree, or at the other extreme, they are aggressive and adversarial, says Mikaela Kiner, CEO and founder of uniquelyHR. Knowing what happens during disagreements and whether they result in (healthy) conflict tells candidates a lot about a companys culture. Companies that invest time to learn how to talk about differences are far more likely to reach good resolutions. Its an important topic thats not likely to come up unless the candidate raises it.And while this information certainly assists a job seeker in evaluating the company, venturing into such territory also conveys something to the hiring manager.Asking a question about relationships and interpersonal dynamics makes the candidate appear more well-rounded, Kiner says.Asking a probing question like this demonstrates that the candidate really wants to know what its like to work with this company. It shows courage on their part, asking a question that may be difficult to answer.

Job Searching During the Holidays Dont Be a Scrooge!

Job Searching During the Holidays Dont Be a ScroogeJob Searching During the Holidays Dont Be a ScroogeAround this time of year, job seekers start wondering if it really makes sense to continue searching during the holidays. The answer is, yes Here are a few tips for being a savvy job seeker this holiday seasonPeople do hire during the holidays. Dont believe those who say no one hires during the month of December. Yes, it is true that things slow down or get put on hold, but there is still plenty of hiring going on before, during and right after the holidays. In fact, hiring managers are scrambling because some companies need to fill positions before the New Year or want someone to start soon after January 1. Candidates are still being interviewed and offers are made, no matter what people say.Theres less competition. Since many job seekers do stop looking for work around the holidays, there will be less competition to deal with for the job openings youre looking at. Hiring managers report that job applications slow down to a small trickle during the holidays and some state that because of this concept that no one is hiring, they actually have trouble finding suitable candidates for positions that need to be filled quickly.You will need to be flexible. Since a lot of people (including hiring managers) take their vacation around this time of year, there will be limited spots available for interviews. You should try to be as flexible as possible when companies are trying to make a hire before the New Year and need to move quickly to fill those slots and work around everyones schedule. If youre willing to juggle your schedule, youll have a leg up on the competition. Unfortunately, that might mean being flexible about your own holiday plans.You will need some patience. During this time of year, the hiring process can move slowly, especially if the key decision makers are out of town. Employers might take longer to get back to you, or you might have to wait for som eone to return from vacation before and hiring decisions can be made. You should always follow up after an interview, but dont be discouraged if it takes a lot longer than you thought for them to respond to you.There will be rejection. Along with the mistletoe, there might be a little rejection involved. And, it might come right around Christmas, right before the hiring manager leaves on his vacation. Dont let this interfere with you holiday plans. Remember, rejections are a normal part of the job search and if youre like the rest of us, youve racked up a few already.You might notlage start a new job until after the New Year. While there are plenty of people hiring, many of these positions do not start until after January 1. The reason behind this is a lot of staff members will be away and if you have no one to train you as a new hire, then whats the point of hiring you? So, look at it this way, find a job in December and dont worry about it until JanuaryPeople will ask you about yo ur job search at holiday parties. This is going to happen if they know youre searching for a job, so be prepared and make the most of it. If youre searching in December, you have the opportunity of telling people you meet that youre still in the game. You never know who might have a useful lead for you. Should you need a break from all the interrogation, deflect those questions and turn the conversation into a more interesting holiday topic like eating