by Solange Lopes | Nov 11, 2014 | Career
Is it ok to shop online at work – Photo: picture quotes.com
As Black Friday and Cyber Monday are fast approaching, I was writing earlier about the significant dip in work productivity around the holidays. And frankly, much of this drop in productivity can be safely attributed to nothing less than…ahem, shopping online! With the limited time on our hands and the seemingly unlimited online sales and discounts (did you check out my 10 favorite Veterans’ Day sales by the way), spending the money we’re making while at work often seems to be OK…
A recent article from the Daily Mail Online revealed workers spend nine days a year shopping online! And while with all the technology around, we could have guessed online shopping is on the rise, a survey reveals companies are not exactly buying all this commercial surfing online. 51% of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) interviewed reveal their companies are blocking access to online shopping, while 30% admit to monitoring employees’ online behavior. So is shopping online while at work really OK?
My $0.05: KNOW YOUR OFFICE! Learning your company’s rules should be your first step when considering shopping online. Most companies have more or less clear online browsing policies. However, if your company’s policy is somewhat vague, hold off and shop on your personal time. If you’re going to surf online while at work, limit it to lunch breaks, and please log off any account you may have logged into to protect the security of your information. Doesn’t sound fun? Nope, but missing your paycheck because of the latest holiday sales would be much less fun as well…Shop safely (and at your own risk)!
Any other recommendations for shopping online while at work?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 11, 2014 | Career
Long sleeve turtleneck – $29.99 – Photo: anntaylor.com
I’ve always found turtlenecks to be a great, but slightly tricky basic for winter. I’m on the rounder side of the petite spectrum, and finding a nicely fitting turtleneck that doesn’t add 10 pounds to my frame or doesn’t hug me in all the wrong places is often a challenge. Hence today’s pick, this Ann Taylor long sleeve turtleneck in soft jersey, on sale for $49.99 plus a 40% discount applied at checkout (check out my 10 favorite Veterans Day sales).
Loving the casually dressy look of this great layering piece, which would be impeccable under a sharp tweed jacket like this one, or a more expensive alternative like this DVF pick.
And if, like me, you’re loving the combination of a great skirt with a turtleneck as the model is sporting above, check out my selection of leather skirts which would be a great addition to this basic.
Happy Veterans Day!
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 11, 2014 | Career |
vibevixen.com
Happy Veterans Day! I know some of you are working today (we get the day off in Rhode Island, yay!), but nevertheless to add to the celebratory tone of the day, here are my 10 favorite sales:
- Ann Taylor is offering 40% off suits and perfect shirt (plus an extra 25% off when you first sign up), plus an extra 60% off all sales styles (use code WORK40);
- Nordstrom is still having its clearance sale up to 40% off;
- Macy’s is offering an extra 20% off select product with the code VETS;
- LOFT is offering 20% off for new insiders, and an extra 40% off all sales styles;
- Neiman Marcus is offering an extra 30% off discount online through Wednesday only;
- The Limited is offering 50% off all full-prie items today only (use code SAVE50) and 60% off select sweaters;
- Saks is offering up to 40% off discounts, plus a chance to win a $700 gift card (use code NOV2014);
- New York & Company is offering Buy One Get One 50% off, plus today only get $100 off $200 purchase, or $50 off $100 purchase;
- J. Crew is offering 40% off on all fall sale styles, in stores and online today only;
- Last but not least, Banana Republic is offering 40% off discounts (use code BRGOOD), and an extra 25% off when you sign up).
Happy Veteran’s Day, and happy shopping!
Any good sales you’d like to add?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 11, 2014 | Career
Should you pay your career dues – Photo: huffintonpost.com
Happy Veterans Day, and a big thank you to all who served for our freedom and safety! As we’re celebrating today those who paid theirs and our dues by serving, when it comes to our careers, should we still pay our dues? Should we still make heavy sacrifices, at times foregoing our families and friends, to get to the top of our professions? Or is this idea just antiquated, and as Penelope Truck put it, so old school? While many, especially in leadership positions today, still think it is important to pay one’s career dues, and serve and sacrifice before reaping the benefits of our work, our generation of Millenials doesn’t necessarily believe in carrying a whole lot of student debt to start at the bottom of the work food chain.
My first few weeks in Public Accounting were spent making photocopies in my crisp new Ann Taylor blouses and skirts. I came armed with my Masters degree, my hair slick and make-up immovable, prepared for big meetings, strategic sessions and instant promotions. What I found is I had to pay my dues, hanging out at the copy machine and catching the last train home after long nights at the office. Like many before me had to do. And although I don’t necessarily like the term “paying your dues”, truth is anything worth your time and effort will cost you time, energy and some level of sacrifice. The question is, how much are you willing to give to get to where you want to get?
Today’s generation of Millenials is literally stuck between a rock college and a hard place, as many no longer believe in the necessity of foregoing happiness and fulfillment in order to pay dues we’re not certain we owe in the first place. According to this Bentley University study, 70% of people from older generations perceive Millenials as not willing to pay their dues, while 55% of Millenials, while arguing to the contrary, admit their generation no longer believes in the necessity to pay dues. Is it a surprise then that such disconnect between generational perceptions creates such an employment vacuum in our society?
While I don’t agree with the now widespread opinion that paying our dues is actually bullshit (excuse my French), I also think the concept is due for an update (and maybe even an upgrade). Paying your dues is no longer about hanging out in the copy room, or even collecting the boss’ coat and Prada bag (hello Miranda Priestly)…
No, paying your dues in today’s workplace is about showing how motivated and resourceful you are. Whether it’s by using your side hustle to help your career, or by showing you have a plan for success at work, “serving” at work is less about face time at work than about proving yourself from the get-go. Paying our dues has become more about packing in the quality than laying out the quantity…
So, really, should you pay your career dues? And if so, how have you gone about serving your career?
The Corporate Sis.
by Solange Lopes | Nov 10, 2014 | Career
Photo: ringgitplus.com
The holidays are right around the corner, and with them a whole slew of activities, from hunting down the perfect turkey for Thanksgiving (not literally), to staying awake for Black Friday and starting your Christmas shopping early enough (just to find yourself running the stores for your great-aunt’s last-minute gift).
With all this holiday hoopla, staying focused at work can get really hard, if not downright challenging. Let’s not even mention online holiday shopping, and the resulting significant decreases in workplace productivity! I know I have to remind myself around this time of year that work deadlines are fast approaching, and scribbling my Thanksgiving menu on post-it notes will not help with my year-end projects….
My $0.05: As a mom and a recovering shopaholic (please don’t judge), this is a challenging time of year in general, more particularly at work. Most of the year-end projects are coming due, and with that an avalanche of personal and family obligations to contend with on the home front. And the same 24 hours in a day…While it’s easy to let productivity slide, I try and prioritize tasks at work when I’ma t work, and at home when I’m home…while reminding myself it’s not going to be perfect, it’s just gotta get done!
Are you less productive at work around the holidays? How do you manage holiday stress and keeping your productivity up at work?
The Corporate Sis.
