Despite the fact that, because of the pandemic, companies began acknowledging the need to provide mental health services for employees, a stigma still surrounds mental health in the workplace, according to a recent survey. Nearly a third of women have taken a mental health day or time off for mental health reasons, yet only a quarter felt comfortable sharing with their employers the real reason for their absence, according to Deloitte’s Women @ Work 2023 study. That’s down from 39 percent of women who felt comfortable disclosing mental health absences a year ago. Those findings may not be ..read more

Strategies for Being a Better Listener When you use active listening skills, you not only hear what others have to say, but you also understand the message, tune into the speaker’s emotions, and have enough insight to provide feedback. Research suggests that managers spend 63 percent of the workday listening. Use these methods to make the most of that time. Remove distractions. Glancing at your cell phone tells the speaker you’re not fully present. Talk less. Educational nonprofit the Holdsworth Center suggests aiming to talk 10 to 20 percent of the time and listen 80 to 90 percent of the ..read more

Lights, Camera, Action! “A headshot really acts as a gatekeeper,” says Shelley Golden, an image consultant and founder of Shelley Golden Style in Burlingame, California. “It can influence whether someone wants to know more about you.” Whether a headhunter is debating your suitability for a key role, a conference planner is considering you to deliver a keynote speech, or a potential client is wondering whether to do business with you, your headshot can help sway the decision. You have only one shot to make a first impression. To make the best of it, Golden offers these tips. Decide wh ..read more

Corporate Jargon We Should Retire The buzzwords we use may change over time, but the annoyance factor stays the same. Here are some of the most cringeworthy buzzwords from 20 years ago and their eyeroll–inducing counterparts today. —Tamara E. Holmes The post Versus first appeared on Diversity Woman ..read more

Regaining Trust after a Loss of Temper   Dear DW, I lost my temper in a meeting. How can I regain my team’s trust? Signed, Short Fuse Dear Short, If it’s any consolation, you’re not the only one who has had this experience. In fact, more than half of employees have lost their tempers in the workplace at some point, according to one study. With that said, it’s important to recognize that losing your temper at work can damage professional relationships, decrease camaraderie among your team, and, in the worst-case scenario, derail your career. Some workplaces even consider angry outbursts a ..read more

When Your Email Gets No Response The average response time to an email is 10 hours, 40 minutes, and 15 seconds, according to a 2021 study by email monitoring company EmailAnalytics, which is based in Olympia, Washington. During work hours, the average response time drops to 3 hours, 38 minutes, and 31 seconds. If a non-response to one of your emails drags on for days, here’s how best to handle it. Don’t assume. An unanswered email doesn’t necessarily convey lack of interest. Time out of the office, a major deadline, and even forgetfulness can keep someone from responding in a timely ..read more

Turning Solutions into Entrepreneurial Success For every problem, there’s a solution—and a dedicated entrepreneur can find that solution. It’s a philosophy that has guided Jada Mclean, 30, of San Francisco on her quest to make the world better while building a business and forging a professional path that she loves. Mclean first developed an appreciation for entrepreneurship while working in investment banking. She frequently met with entrepreneurs and was inspired by how their companies solved problems for their customers. In 2020, she came up with a solution of her own. Two major proble ..read more

Here’s how to understand the recent rise in interest rates—and navigate the impact of inflation on your pocketbook By Sheryl Nance-Nash The Federal Reserve announced a rise in interest rates in late July, after having hit the pause button in June on raising rates. The Fed also hinted that there could be more hikes before year-end. Fueled by the need to tamp down inflation, the Federal Reserve has pushed up rates 11 times since March of 2022. Over that period, it has raised rates by 5 percent—the fastest cycle in history. Interest rates are at their highest since 2001, elevating borrowing ..read more

Washington, DC By Blessing Ntekume Perhaps more than any other city in the country, Washington, DC, is where history and culture—along with an awareness that consequential decisions are being made in nearby halls of power—combine to create an unforgettable experience for visitors. From iconic landmarks and leafy parks to world-class museums and jazz clubs, this city offers a surprisingly diverse array of attractions. Monuments and museums No visit to DC is complete without immersing yourself in the rich history found at its renowned monuments and museums. The Smithsonian Institution ..read more

In the market for a travel rewards card? Here’s some expert advice. By Sara J. Welch Dear reader, I have a confession to make. I don’t have a travel rewards card, even though I’ve been a travel writer for over 20 years. When I was a full-time travel reporter, I used to go someplace new every six weeks. Then I had my daughter, and now, as a freelance writer with family responsibilities and a full-time, non-travel-related job, I just can’t get away like I used to. So my only credit card is one I’ve had since the ’90s. Its only benefit is that it doesn’t charge an annual fee. But now that I ..read more