(BPT) – Knowing how to support a grieving co-worker can be one of the most challenging situations you face in your workplace. You want to express your sympathy and help your colleague, but you also don’t want to cross any professional boundaries.

In fact, guidance regarding expressions of sympathy in the workplace are among the most common requests for advice received by 1-800-Flowers.com professional Sympathy Advisors. While individuals may be confident in how to show their happiness at joyful events like a birthday, marriage or retirement celebration, they’re less sure what to do when a co-worker has experienced a loss.

The online flower retailer’s “Grief in the Workplace: Guide to Expressing Sympathy Professionally” and sympathy and remembrance pages offer some good advice:

* Be guided by the closeness of your relationship with the bereaved co-worker. If you are close — you eat lunch together daily, work closely on projects — attendance at services may be appropriate and expected. If your relationship is more casual, with only occasional interactions, a group expression of sympathy with other co-workers could be acceptable.

* Group gifts can be sent to the co-worker’s home address. Appropriate options include floral arrangements, dish gardens, fruit baskets and gourmet food baskets.

* If you’ll be sending flowers to the funeral home, baskets and standing floral displays are good choices, as they are easiest for funeral home staff to arrange for services. When placing your order, be sure to include the correct name and spelling of the deceased, the delivery address of the funeral home, the street address of the family home, service times, and any specific requests of the family.

* Charitable contributions in the deceased’s name are also meaningful, professional ways to express sympathy. Check with the funeral home to see if the family has specified any charitable organizations for memorial contributions.

* A handwritten note or sympathy card can also be a compassionate, personalized way to express sympathy. It’s a good idea to keep your sentiment brief and simple. For example, you may write in your note “I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.” Groups may send a joint card with a simple expression of empathy, such as “Our heartfelt condolences for your loss.”

* After a bereaved co-worker returns to the office, be mindful that everyone deals with grief differently. They may want to talk about their deceased loved one, or they may prefer not to discuss their loss. Be respectful of your co-worker’s feelings and do your best to give them the time and space they need to cope with their grief in their own way.

When a co-worker has lost a loved one, finding ways to express your sympathy is good for you and your bereaved colleague. Empathy can help your coworker cope more effectively, and help maintain the stability of workplace relationships.

For more guidance on expressing sympathy in the workplace, call 1-800-Flowers.com’s Sympathy Customer Service line at (866) 538-2259, or visit the website’s sympathy and remembrance pages.

(BPT) – Knowing how to support a grieving co-worker can be one of the most challenging situations you face in your workplace. You want to express your sympathy and help your colleague, but you also don’t want to cross any professional boundaries.

In fact, guidance regarding expressions of sympathy in the workplace are among the most common requests for advice received by 1-800-Flowers.com professional Sympathy Advisors. While individuals may be confident in how to show their happiness at joyful events like a birthday, marriage or retirement celebration, they’re less sure what to do when a co-worker has experienced a loss.

The online flower retailer’s “Grief in the Workplace: Guide to Expressing Sympathy Professionally” and sympathy and remembrance pages offer some good advice:

* Be guided by the closeness of your relationship with the bereaved co-worker. If you are close — you eat lunch together daily, work closely on projects — attendance at services may be appropriate and expected. If your relationship is more casual, with only occasional interactions, a group expression of sympathy with other co-workers could be acceptable.

* Group gifts can be sent to the co-worker’s home address. Appropriate options include floral arrangements, dish gardens, fruit baskets and gourmet food baskets.

* If you’ll be sending flowers to the funeral home, baskets and standing floral displays are good choices, as they are easiest for funeral home staff to arrange for services. When placing your order, be sure to include the correct name and spelling of the deceased, the delivery address of the funeral home, the street address of the family home, service times, and any specific requests of the family.

* Charitable contributions in the deceased’s name are also meaningful, professional ways to express sympathy. Check with the funeral home to see if the family has specified any charitable organizations for memorial contributions.

* A handwritten note or sympathy card can also be a compassionate, personalized way to express sympathy. It’s a good idea to keep your sentiment brief and simple. For example, you may write in your note “I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.” Groups may send a joint card with a simple expression of empathy, such as “Our heartfelt condolences for your loss.”

* After a bereaved co-worker returns to the office, be mindful that everyone deals with grief differently. They may want to talk about their deceased loved one, or they may prefer not to discuss their loss. Be respectful of your co-worker’s feelings and do your best to give them the time and space they need to cope with their grief in their own way.

When a co-worker has lost a loved one, finding ways to express your sympathy is good for you and your bereaved colleague. Empathy can help your coworker cope more effectively, and help maintain the stability of workplace relationships.

For more guidance on expressing sympathy in the workplace, call 1-800-Flowers.com’s Sympathy Customer Service line at (866) 538-2259, or visit the website’s sympathy and remembrance pages.

What’s that, super Doer? You haven’t bought health insurance for 2017 yet? I get it. You’re busy collecting invoices and finding new clients and, oh yeah, actually doing the work you’re getting paid for. In other words, you’ve got things to do. But getting health insurance is important. Really important – and not just for […]

The post Healthcare Hustle: Top Freelancer FAQ’s About Open Enrollment appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

January is flying by, and for most people that means their New Year’s resolutions are either in full swing or have fallen by the wayside. If you’re in the latter group, don’t make excuses, just do it! Ok, we know, easier said than done – but it is doable. This week’s Gig Economy News brings […]

The post Gig Economy News: Let’s Do This appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

January is flying by, and for most people that means their New Year’s resolutions are either in full swing or have fallen by the wayside. If you’re in the latter group, don’t make excuses, just do it! Ok, we know, … Read More

The post Gig Economy News: Let’s Do This appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – Career opportunities in technology continue to expand exponentially: the computer and information technology field is expected to grow 12 percent, adding nearly half a million new jobs by 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. What’s more, the median wage for people in the field is nearly $50,000 higher than the median for all occupations.

If you’re considering a career in IT, but aren’t sure common jobs like coding or systems maintenance are for you, data analytics is a growth niche that may be worth a look, industry watchers say. In an industry that’s booming across all disciplines, anticipated demand for data analysts has inspired leading universities like Western Governors University (WGU) to offer new bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the field.

What is data analytics?

You’ve probably heard the term “big data” — it’s the next big thing in IT. From social media and public records, to mobile phone apps that track spending habits, companies have more sources of consumer information than ever before. The sheer volume of information constitutes “big data,” and in the competitive business world, companies can gain an edge by using that information to better market their products to consumers.

Data analytics helps companies manage big data and analyze it, so they can better target different audiences, differentiate their messages and product offerings, calibrate their market, and formulate sales and financial strategies. Companies that don’t know how to analyze their data risk losing valuable time, money, market share, and customer loyalty.

Using a variety of tools, techniques and strategies, data analysts help companies interpret their big data and find value in the information they gather every day from myriad sources.

Opportunities in data analytics

Because big data has become so pervasive, virtually every company needs a data analyst, from retail stores to the service industry, heavy industry to finance. A professional with a data analyst degree might work on marketing strategy, marketing management, financial analysis, digital marketing, SEO management, customer experience management, marketing automation, web analytics management, capital and asset planning, property management, and human resources strategy and analysis.

Marketing in particular offers many opportunities for people with degrees in data analytics. Finance, and capital and equipment management have also historically been data-intensive.

Becoming a data analyst

If you already have an interest in information technology, a career in data analytics may be for you if you also:

* Enjoy problem-solving. Data analysis is like solving a complex puzzle you create yourself from the pieces provided by a number of different sources.

* Thrive on challenge.

* Excel at understanding both macro and micro patterns.

* Have good math skills. “Crunching numbers” is very much a part of the data analyst’s job, and strong math skills can help you better manage and understand the volumes of data you’ll deal with every day.

* Have strong communication skills. As a data analyst, you’ll need to be able to effectively explain complex concepts and data-derived insights in layman’s terms to executives with varying levels of technical knowledge.

To pursue a career in data analytics, you’ll also need a degree. The field is growing at such a rapid pace that WGU, a non-profit, online competency-based university with more than 77,000 students nationwide, recently launched bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in data analytics.

The bachelor’s program prepares students to establish, secure and maintain data environments, and teach them the skills needed to analyze the data to identify patterns, explain phenomena, and predict trends. The master’s program teaches experienced professionals more in-depth skills for data management and analysis, including data mining, manipulation, interpretation, programming and communication/visualization. Visit www.wgu.edu to learn more.

(BPT) – Career opportunities in technology continue to expand exponentially: the computer and information technology field is expected to grow 12 percent, adding nearly half a million new jobs by 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. What’s more, the median wage for people in the field is nearly $50,000 higher than the median for all occupations.

If you’re considering a career in IT, but aren’t sure common jobs like coding or systems maintenance are for you, data analytics is a growth niche that may be worth a look, industry watchers say. In an industry that’s booming across all disciplines, anticipated demand for data analysts has inspired leading universities like Western Governors University (WGU) to offer new bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the field.

What is data analytics?

You’ve probably heard the term “big data” — it’s the next big thing in IT. From social media and public records, to mobile phone apps that track spending habits, companies have more sources of consumer information than ever before. The sheer volume of information constitutes “big data,” and in the competitive business world, companies can gain an edge by using that information to better market their products to consumers.

Data analytics helps companies manage big data and analyze it, so they can better target different audiences, differentiate their messages and product offerings, calibrate their market, and formulate sales and financial strategies. Companies that don’t know how to analyze their data risk losing valuable time, money, market share, and customer loyalty.

Using a variety of tools, techniques and strategies, data analysts help companies interpret their big data and find value in the information they gather every day from myriad sources.

Opportunities in data analytics

Because big data has become so pervasive, virtually every company needs a data analyst, from retail stores to the service industry, heavy industry to finance. A professional with a data analyst degree might work on marketing strategy, marketing management, financial analysis, digital marketing, SEO management, customer experience management, marketing automation, web analytics management, capital and asset planning, property management, and human resources strategy and analysis.

Marketing in particular offers many opportunities for people with degrees in data analytics. Finance, and capital and equipment management have also historically been data-intensive.

Becoming a data analyst

If you already have an interest in information technology, a career in data analytics may be for you if you also:

* Enjoy problem-solving. Data analysis is like solving a complex puzzle you create yourself from the pieces provided by a number of different sources.

* Thrive on challenge.

* Excel at understanding both macro and micro patterns.

* Have good math skills. “Crunching numbers” is very much a part of the data analyst’s job, and strong math skills can help you better manage and understand the volumes of data you’ll deal with every day.

* Have strong communication skills. As a data analyst, you’ll need to be able to effectively explain complex concepts and data-derived insights in layman’s terms to executives with varying levels of technical knowledge.

To pursue a career in data analytics, you’ll also need a degree. The field is growing at such a rapid pace that WGU, a non-profit, online competency-based university with more than 77,000 students nationwide, recently launched bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in data analytics.

The bachelor’s program prepares students to establish, secure and maintain data environments, and teach them the skills needed to analyze the data to identify patterns, explain phenomena, and predict trends. The master’s program teaches experienced professionals more in-depth skills for data management and analysis, including data mining, manipulation, interpretation, programming and communication/visualization. Visit www.wgu.edu to learn more.

Resolved to set your workspace up for success in 2017? When designing a home or startup office, many entrepreneurs spend time selecting obvious elements like desk layouts and lighting, but neglect to consider color. However, studies show color can significantly influence our mood and ultimately, our productivity. Certain hues and patterns can excite, depress, stimulate, […]

The post Productive Palette: How Color Can Set Your Office Up For Success appeared first on Official Fiverr Blog.

(BPT) – Fresh paint on the walls, professional staging and an asking price that ends in 999 — when you’re selling your home, you’ll do whatever you can to help it stand out and sell faster. Because the National Association of Realtors is predicting modest growth for the 2017 real estate market, as a seller you want every edge you can get. And on the heels of the popular Consumer Electronics Show in January, perhaps that edge is a smarter home.

“Smart home features are designed to make homes more convenient, appealing, secure and energy-efficient — all of which are bonuses when you’re trying to sell a house,” says Geoff Lewis, president of RE/MAX, LLC. “Sellers who want to move their homes faster may benefit from adding smart features that make their properties more appealing to tech-minded buyers.”

According to IHS Markit and CNBC, 80 million smart home devices were delivered worldwide last year. That’s a 64 percent increase from 2015.

Here are six trending smart home features that might catch buyers’ attention and help sell your home faster:

* Keyless/remote entry door locks — Have you ever left the house and worried that you left the front door unlocked? If your home is equipped with a keyless/remote entry door lock — available from multiple manufacturers — you can use an app on your smartphone to lock the door from wherever you are. Some manufacturers make versions that will also send a text or email to your phone when the door opens. Locks that can be programmed with multiple entry codes also allow you to see who comes and goes and when.

* Smart lighting — From lighting automation that allows you to control lights remotely and wirelessly, to energy-efficient LED bulbs that can change color to match your mood and decor, lighting has come a long way. Some smart lights work in tandem with home automation systems to allow you to turn them on or off, or even dim them, from an app on a smartphone or tablet. Others require no communication hub and can be controlled directly from your mobile device. You can also put some smart bulbs on timers (using your wireless device), sync them with certain TV shows or movies, and integrate them with security cameras and thermostats.

* DIY security systems — Don’t want to sign a contract or deal with complex security systems? Install-it-yourself security systems are affordable and offer security features like cameras, sensors, motion detectors and alarms or sirens, without the need for a security service to monitor them.

* Smart appliances — The Internet of Things (IoT) — everyday objects that have network connectivity — includes a growing list of smart appliances. Many manufacturers are offering washers, dryers, refrigerators and other home appliances that can communicate with you — and each other — wirelessly. Many can be controlled remotely from your smartphone — so if you leave the house and can’t remember if you turned off the stove, you can check in and turn it off using your smartphone app.

While appliances aren’t always included in a home sale, they do make for interesting features that keep your home top of mind to buyers.

* Smart plugs — One of the easiest, most affordable smart home upgrades you can make is to add smart plugs to your home. These Wi-Fi-enabled plugs fit existing outlets and can be controlled from a smartphone app. Plug anything into a smart plug, like lights or a television, and you can turn it on or off remotely, track energy consumption, or even create an on-off schedule.

* Temperature controls — Programmable thermostats were just the beginning; today’s home temperature controls are even smarter. Like other smart home features, smart thermostats can be controlled remotely from your mobile device. You can program them to make automatic temperature adjustments and then use your smartphone to override the program like turning up the heat on a particularly cold day. Some smart thermostats learn from household behavior and adjust the temperature to meet your family’s needs and save energy, while others adjust based on the number of people in a room. And several can now be operated via voice-controlled virtual assistants.

“Many of these smart home features are surprisingly easy and affordable to install,” Lewis says. “Sellers who are open to the idea of investing a little money to possibly help get a speedier sale, may want to consider adding the smart features buyers will be looking for in 2017.”

If you’re thinking of selling your home, find more helpful information at www.remax.com.

(BPT) – Fresh paint on the walls, professional staging and an asking price that ends in 999 — when you’re selling your home, you’ll do whatever you can to help it stand out and sell faster. Because the National Association of Realtors is predicting modest growth for the 2017 real estate market, as a seller you want every edge you can get. And on the heels of the popular Consumer Electronics Show in January, perhaps that edge is a smarter home.

“Smart home features are designed to make homes more convenient, appealing, secure and energy-efficient — all of which are bonuses when you’re trying to sell a house,” says Geoff Lewis, president of RE/MAX, LLC. “Sellers who want to move their homes faster may benefit from adding smart features that make their properties more appealing to tech-minded buyers.”

According to IHS Markit and CNBC, 80 million smart home devices were delivered worldwide last year. That’s a 64 percent increase from 2015.

Here are six trending smart home features that might catch buyers’ attention and help sell your home faster:

* Keyless/remote entry door locks — Have you ever left the house and worried that you left the front door unlocked? If your home is equipped with a keyless/remote entry door lock — available from multiple manufacturers — you can use an app on your smartphone to lock the door from wherever you are. Some manufacturers make versions that will also send a text or email to your phone when the door opens. Locks that can be programmed with multiple entry codes also allow you to see who comes and goes and when.

* Smart lighting — From lighting automation that allows you to control lights remotely and wirelessly, to energy-efficient LED bulbs that can change color to match your mood and decor, lighting has come a long way. Some smart lights work in tandem with home automation systems to allow you to turn them on or off, or even dim them, from an app on a smartphone or tablet. Others require no communication hub and can be controlled directly from your mobile device. You can also put some smart bulbs on timers (using your wireless device), sync them with certain TV shows or movies, and integrate them with security cameras and thermostats.

* DIY security systems — Don’t want to sign a contract or deal with complex security systems? Install-it-yourself security systems are affordable and offer security features like cameras, sensors, motion detectors and alarms or sirens, without the need for a security service to monitor them.

* Smart appliances — The Internet of Things (IoT) — everyday objects that have network connectivity — includes a growing list of smart appliances. Many manufacturers are offering washers, dryers, refrigerators and other home appliances that can communicate with you — and each other — wirelessly. Many can be controlled remotely from your smartphone — so if you leave the house and can’t remember if you turned off the stove, you can check in and turn it off using your smartphone app.

While appliances aren’t always included in a home sale, they do make for interesting features that keep your home top of mind to buyers.

* Smart plugs — One of the easiest, most affordable smart home upgrades you can make is to add smart plugs to your home. These Wi-Fi-enabled plugs fit existing outlets and can be controlled from a smartphone app. Plug anything into a smart plug, like lights or a television, and you can turn it on or off remotely, track energy consumption, or even create an on-off schedule.

* Temperature controls — Programmable thermostats were just the beginning; today’s home temperature controls are even smarter. Like other smart home features, smart thermostats can be controlled remotely from your mobile device. You can program them to make automatic temperature adjustments and then use your smartphone to override the program like turning up the heat on a particularly cold day. Some smart thermostats learn from household behavior and adjust the temperature to meet your family’s needs and save energy, while others adjust based on the number of people in a room. And several can now be operated via voice-controlled virtual assistants.

“Many of these smart home features are surprisingly easy and affordable to install,” Lewis says. “Sellers who are open to the idea of investing a little money to possibly help get a speedier sale, may want to consider adding the smart features buyers will be looking for in 2017.”

If you’re thinking of selling your home, find more helpful information at www.remax.com.