AOL Jobs Articles & News

Office Humor: Asleep On The Job

Ed Orum — 2010-02-04T08:00:00+00:00

Let's face it: we're a time starved nation. We like to multi-task, eat fast and stay up late (um, why do you think the Conan-Leno debate was so huge?) - which is why many of us are bleary-eyed as we drag ourselves into the office for another day of work.

Sooner or later, we all need a recharge...and sometimes our shut-eye at night just doesn't cut it. While our bosses might be able to draw the blinds, shut the office door for a bit and grab some zzz's unbeknownst to us, it's not that easy to take a take a nap in a cube.

National Sick Day Has Employees Calling In For No Good Reason

Ed Orum — 2010-02-01T14:33:00+00:00

If you're reading this from your desk at work today, give yourself a high five! If you're still in your PJ's relaxed and cozy at home, you're not alone. Turns out the first Monday in February is the most popular day for employees to call in sick. Blame the dreary winter weather, lingering unpaid holiday credit card bills and a yearning for a day off before the next holiday hits in mid-February.

According to the "Sickness Absence Survey 2010" conducted by workplace management firm Kronos, at least 20% of employees have called in sick even if they really weren't. The most popular days to do it? Friday and Monday are overwhelmingly the most popular, probably for their instant three-day weekend appeal, while Tuesday seems to be the least likely day for a spontaneous holiday from the grind.

Discriminating Job Ad Rejected - For Seeking "Reliable Workers"

Ed Orum — 2010-01-29T14:30:00+00:00

Apparently asking for "reliable workers" might be just a bit too discriminating in today's uber-sensitive society. At least that's one recruiter's experience after a government-run employment office refused to run her ad seeking a housekeeper because it might be found offensive by some.

See average salaries for housekeepers.

So what did the ad say to inspire such ire? Something companies have long sought: applicants that "must be very reliable and hard-working."

Speed Dating For Jobs Heating Up Recruiting Efforts

Ed Orum — 2010-01-27T06:00:00+00:00

Job seekers know how frustrating it can be to spend hours a day on networking sites and job boards, endlessly submitting résumés with little or no response. What really makes you feel like you're making some headway into the job search are connections made the old-fashioned way - in person. It's why a new form of high-speed networking is taking place outside the office in casual settings across the country. Think of it as "Speed Dating For Jobs."

Pooper Scooper Cleans Up Big Business After Layoff

Ed Orum — 2010-01-22T14:30:00+00:00

It's a dirty job, but somebody is making money doing it. After nearly 30 years in the airline industry, Kevin Kendall saw the writing on the wall. His job as an aircraft dispatcher wouldn't last much longer, so the Indiana man decided to take retirement into his own hands. After researching dozens of small business ideas - picking up poop seemed to be a logical, and lucrative choice.

These days, instead of crafting flight plans for pilots, Kendall is picking up after pooches. The 50-something and his wife go from yard to yard, doing the dirty work owners don't want to.

Employees Expect Less Layoffs, More Pay In Months Ahead

Ed Orum — 2010-01-18T10:32:00+00:00

In a pleasant sign that things are improving ever so slightly in the job market, more than a third of employees actually expect to get a pay raise in the next year, and a majority of those working feel confident they won't be laid off in the next six months.

The sentiments could be an indicator that things are picking up for companies, and in turn, employees are starting to feel more comfortable in their cubicles. The constant worry of "here today, gone tomorrow" might be starting to subside as companies have trimmed work forces to the bone and begin to turn profits again.

Starwood Hiring 12,000 Hotel Staffers in 2010

Ed Orum — 2010-01-13T20:11:00+00:00

The travel and tourism industry is beginning to picking up steam. Starwood - parent to huge hotel brands including Sheraton, W Hotels, Westin and more - recently announced it's hiring more than 12,000 people to help staff properties in the United States and abroad.

Many of the jobs will be located at properties not yet opened, which means there is an opportunity to relocate to a place where you've always wanted to live. Don't limit yourself - think worldwide!

LA Barber Finally Thinks About Retirement - At 94

Ed Orum — 2010-01-13T13:20:00+00:00

For 58 years, Elvie Lewis has faithfully reported to work at his Los Angeles barbershop. The 94 year old has been cutting hair since way before the first man landed on the moon. These days, Lewis doesn't drive, but he still keeps a steady hand as he clips his customers' hair.

"They have fun and talk about the old days and stuff like that," said co-worker Troy Samwel, who has worked alongside Lewis in the shop for six years.

Step inside the South Los Angeles barbershop and you might think you took a trip back in time. There's a well-worn waiting bench, shelves lined with classic hair accoutrement including tonic and scented after-shaves, plus three antique chairs that have more than earned their keep.

Walmart To Greeter: Fight With Customer, Lose Your Job

Ed Orum — 2010-01-12T16:00:00+00:00

His job was to say "Hello" to customers, now Walmart has said "Goodbye" to a Florida store greeter after he got into a fight with a customer.

The spat started when a shopper set off the alarm as he was leaving the store. 69-year-old greeter Ed Bauman sprang into action - following the suspected klepto to his car and making note of his license plate.

10 Ways Your Employer Is Spying On You

Ed Orum — 2009-12-27T13:36:00+00:00

It's a high tech world out there, and employers have more tools to keep their eyes on you than ever before. You might wonder why your company cares to listen into your phone conversations or check your email accounts - it's not necessarily meant to make your life miserable. Most often, a company is just protecting its assets. It wants to keep productivity high, keep corporate secrets from getting out and keep track of anything that can save money or help in a dispute.

Study: Geeks Keep The Girls Away From Tech Jobs

Ed Orum — 2009-12-25T12:10:00+00:00

By Ed Orum

Women steer clear from jobs in tech because they imagine their lives would be like a bad episode of TV's "The Big Bang Theory." Whether that's true doesn't necessarily matter - the stereotypes of geeky guys in science and tech is enough to dissuade women from pursuing a career in computer science.

That's the conclusion of researcher Sapna Cheryan, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Washington, and perhaps why only 22 percent of computer science grads are women.

Employee Goes 43 Years Without A Sick Day

Ed Orum — 2009-12-21T15:49:00+00:00

Here's a little inspiration to get you through those days when you wake up and all you want to do is call in sick for no good reason: 70-year-old Rhea Holt hasn't missed a day of work in 43 years.

That's nearly 90,000 hours or roughly 11,180 days on the job without an excuse for why he couldn't make it into the office.

Unemployment In Detroit Pushing 50%?

Ed Orum — 2009-12-17T15:40:00+00:00

Nearly one out of two workers in Detroit are unemployed, according to a report by The Detroit News. It's a figure far higher than the government's official figure, which is still close to a staggering 30 percent.

But the newspaper says that rate doesn't take everything into account. For every person who is still looking and collecting unemployment, there are scores of others who have had benefits run out, accepted a part-time position, taken early retirement or a job outside of their regular field.

Foul Game: Fired For Playing Fantasy Football

Ed Orum — 2009-12-16T12:02:00+00:00

flickr.com

Talk about a bad call! There's a job opening at a major investment firm in Texas because the last guy was sacked - for playing fantasy football at work.

According to a report in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a "relationship manager" at a Fidelity Investments regional office was recently let go from the company because he organized a fantasy football league at work. Read the full story >>

Pay Day Jackpot: A $1.3 Million Direct Deposit Mistake

Ed Orum — 2009-12-15T14:30:00+00:00

Imagine checking your bank account on payday to find a little bonus cash in there - to the tune of about $1.3 million!

That's exactly what happened to a British supermarket warehouse employee - but instead of taking the cash and hi-tailing it to a remote island, the loyal guy returned the money.

Are Text Messages Sent From Your Work Phone Private?

Ed Orum — 2009-12-15T10:01:00+00:00

How would you feel if your boss received a copy of every text message you sent from your work-issued cell phone? It might make you think twice before hitting that send button. It's an issue with such huge implications that the Supreme Court recently announced it will hear a case on the topic.

It stems from a group of police officers in Ontario, California who sent some sexually charged texts that were then read by their boss without their knowledge. The employees sued the department on the grounds of unreasonable search and seizure, saying they believed what happened on their phone stayed on their phones.

Tax Loophole Creates Limo Town

Ed Orum — 2009-12-11T13:29:00+00:00

It just might be easier to get a limo ride in the remote Indian town of Ludhiana than it is in New York City or Las Vegas.

The village, with it's dusty streets and free-roaming animals, is bursting at the seams with limousines. So far nearly 400 drivers have set up shop because of a local law that exempts owners from paying any car taxes.

Read the Full Story >>

Finger Lickin' Good: Don't Try This At Work

Ed Orum — 2009-12-09T13:21:00+00:00

There's a certain chicken chain where "finger lickin' good" has proved to be advertising gold.

This isn't a story about that.

It's the tale of former British supermarket employee who has taken the idea to a new level of bizarreness.

Read the Full Story >>

The $1 Million Strip Tease

Ed Orum — 2009-12-05T13:13:00+00:00

After suffering through eight years of being harassed by her male colleagues, a British businesswoman wants her final paycheck - $1 million dollars.

Haley Tansey is suing her former employer for all the ways she was wronged over the years as a traveling loan manager at a bank. Testimony from her ongoing trial sounds like the storyline of a late night cable movie!

Read the Full Story >>

Peeping Tom Spying On Co-Workers Gets Busted

Ed Orum — 2009-12-03T13:08:00+00:00

Putting a spy camera in your bathroom at work doesn't exactly scream "team player."

There's certain amount of trust we place in our co-workers. Day in and day out, we're clustered together in close quarters, participating in office pools and celebrating seasonal holidays with pot-luck lunches.

25-year old Miguel Bribiescas of Elgin, Illinois broke that trust, and the law according to The Daily Herald.