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March 2006

Smart Workplaces by HR to Go, Inc.

Human Resources Management - Outsource It!
www.HRtoGo.com

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Conflict. Is it Stressing You Out?

How you handle conflict can make a big difference in your stress levels. Here are three ways not to handle conflict - tactics that are likely to create more stress for you and those around you.

1. Avoidance. Avoiding conflict is the number-one way you can add stress to your life - because you end up internalizing the stress. It "eats you up inside." And because you're not communicating with people, future conflict is inevitable.
   
   
2. Dominance. When conflict arises, you fight and scratch to get your way. By dominating others, you not only feed your own stress, but you add more to those around you. Getting your way at all costs can make you lose perspective.
   
   
3. Self-centered. You focus only on your own interests, rather than taking into consideration the interests of others.

A Better Way
Present your side of the situation and state why you feel the way you do. Then, listen (really listen) to the other person's viewpoint.

Suggest a compromise if that seems to work. Above all, don't take the disagreement personally.

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Job Descriptions: Make 'em Lawsuit Proof

Job descriptions are among the first items that courts examine to determine the legitimacy of a discrimination charge. You can use them as part of a defense in court only if they're accurate and were prepared before the job was advertised or interviewing began.

That's why you should have written job descriptions for all positions at your company. To ensure accuracy, talk to the people already doing the job and their supervisors.

Here's what you need to find out:

• The job's essential functions, including any physical requirements, such as heavy lifting.
• Any secondary duties or responsibilities.
• Attendance requirements.
• Any education requirements and special skills necessary to perform the job.
• Standards to which the person filling the post is held. (A salesperson, for example, may be expected to bring in five new clients per month.)
• The employee's supervisors.
• Any positions an incoming supervisor will be responsible for overseeing.

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Eight Sun Tips to Save Your Skin

Our bodies need a little sunshine in order to manufacture vitamin D. But we need to avoid prolonged periods in the sun to prevent serious damage to our skin.

1. Use at least an SPF 15 sunscreen.
   
   
2. Slather it on. Most people don't use enough sunscreen, so use more than you think you need.
   
   
3. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming, sweating or drying off with a towel.
   
   
4. Don't use sunscreen to prolong the time you spend in the sun. It can't protect your skin completely from damage.
   
   
5. Reduce your exposure to midday sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) - when harmful UV rays are strongest.
   
   
6. Choose the shade whenever you can, especially if you're out at midday.
   
   
7. Wear sun protective clothes, sunglasses, long sleeves and pants and a wide-brimmed hat.
   
   
8. Protect your kids from the sun. Early over-exposure can lead to skin damage and cancer later in life.

Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

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