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Workplace Values Series: Curiosity at the office

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Workplace values: Curiosity at the office

Workplace values, like curiosity, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of curiosity and 3 ways you can practice curiosity at your office. 

What is curiosity?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, curiosity refers to “a strong desire to know or learn something.”

Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in.

In other words, curiosity could also potentially refer to the act of being eager to gain knowledge on a specific topic. 

When placed into the context of a working environment, curiosity can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use curiosity as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. 

How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice curiosity at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of curiosity at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice curiosity through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing curiosity within your own office space.

Ask questions

Asking questions to clear your doubts is one of the first steps you can take to practice curiosity at the workplace. 

Nobody comes to work with all the answers. We all have our doubts and learning curves at work. An inquisitive individual will take it upon himself/herself to ask questions whenever in doubt. This allows room for the expansion of one’s knowledge pool. 

As such, one way to demonstrate curiosity is by ensuring that he or she asks any questions that come to their mind. 

Practice curiosity especially when you are taking on a new project or task. Unsure about the tiniest of details? Ask questions. Not sure if how you completed a task is the most effective method out there? Ask. 

As Confucius once said, “The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute, the man who does not ask is a fool for life”.

And so, ask all the questions you like. That’s one way to practice the workplace value of curiosity. 

Offer a helping hand

One can practice curiosity in relation to his or her role at the workplace too! How exactly? Curiosity can just as easily be explored through the offering of a helping hand at work.

Don’t just stick to your tasks alone, either! You can always practice curiosity by helping out your colleagues whenever they may need some assistance with their work too. Offering to help is one way you can expand your own skill sets. 

As you lend out a helping hand, you are also reaching out to learn more about a project or task that may not have come your way. Always keep in mind that it’s not just work-related knowledge you can acquire, but also people and their lived experiences too. Making a new friend can become an unexpected plus when you practice curiosity. 

Thus, seeking new experiences and satiating your curiosity at work is as easy as offering a helping hand!

Set some goals for yourself

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of curiosity at your office is by setting some goals for yourself. 

This can include a range of short-term as well as long-term goals. It can either be related to your own field of work or you could consider exploring work from a different department within your firm. For instance, if you currently do copywriting and would like to explore digital marketing, give it a go!

Keep your options open when it comes to learning something new. However, to ensure that you do in fact achieve something at the end of the day, set some goals for yourself. Pause to reflect on where you are and where you are headed. That’s one of the most effective strategies to practice the workplace value of curiosity. 

When you’re able to keep a list of things you’d like to explore by a certain date, you’d be more motivated to stay inquisitive. As such, setting some goals for yourself is one other way to practise the workplace value of curiosity at the office!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of curiosity. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice curiosity at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

Workplace Values Series: Humility at the office

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Workplace value: Humility at the office

Workplace values, like humility, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of humility and 3 ways you can practice humility at your office. 

What is humility?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, humility refers to a “the quality of having a modest or low view of one’s importance”. 

Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in.

In other words, humility could also potentially refer to the act of placing others before yourself. As CS Lewis once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less”. 

When placed into the context of a working environment, humility can take on many forms at the workplace. As with any workplace value, we use humility as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. 

How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice humility at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of humility at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice humility through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing humility within your own office space.

Don't micromanage your colleagues

Avoiding the act of micromanagement is one of the first steps you can take to practice humility at the workplace. 

Everyone at the workplace had to go through some form of test or interview to be at the office. This also means that each one of your colleagues are qualified to do their job. While individuals work differently, some staff may like to get things done in a certain and specific way. 

As such, one way to demonstrate humility is by ensuring that he or she does not micromanage others. 

Each of us have our own way of doing things. Allowing someone the space to work using their own style is one way you can practice humility at the office! 

Practice humility especially when the work is urgently due or when more hands can help to check this task off the list. These are the times where one should learn to give others room to work at their own pace. Mingling in such instances can cause further delay. 

Besides, micromanaging suggest that you know better. And that’s not humility. When you avoid the need to micromanage your colleagues , you would be demonstrating the workplace value of humility in a simple yet efficient manner. 

Express your appreciation

One can practice humility in relation to his or her role at the workplace too! How exactly? Humility can just as easily be expressed through your simple words of appreciation at the office!

As such, the second way you can practice the workplace value of adaptability is by taking the initiative to express your appreciation genuinely. Simply express your gratitude through a ‘thank you’ when a colleague helps you out. 

Don’t just stick to your tasks alone, either! You can always practice humility by helping out your colleagues whenever they may need some assistance with work too. 

Thus, openly and genuinely expressing your appreciation is one way to practice the workplace value of humility in the office. 

Keep an open mind towards criticism

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of humility at your office is by keeping an open mind towards criticism. 

When it comes to feedback on one’s hard work, people tend to feel tense and uncomfortable. As such, keeping an open mind towards criticism can help you go far in practising humility. 

Criticism should be taken in a positive manner. When done so, criticisms can be useful feedback that we rely on to improve ourselves. While you may be certain that the work you had produced is of your best efforts, others may have advice to improve the project anyway. 

Humility is as simple as taking a deep breath or collecting your thoughts before reacting to a situation! As such, keeping an open mind towards criticism is one other way to practise the workplace value of humility at the office!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of humility. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice humility at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

Where Can You Invest Your Money As a Student?

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Where can I invest my money as a student?

College hardly seems the time to begin an investment portfolio. After all, you’ve got your fair share of challenges. Moving away from home, meeting new people, getting to class on time, and maybe even what jobs you can work towards will be occupying your mind.

College students also aren’t exactly renowned for their vast incomes. So, where can you invest your money as a student?

Investing isn’t just for the rich and those with huge incomes. You can start with $20 or $30 a week. It’s not about where you start, but where you finish. We’re not talking about trading here. That’s gambling. We’re talking about long-term investments that build over time. It’s not hard; all that’s needed is patience and a bit of discipline.

With that said, let’s find out why, how and where you can invest your money as a student. 

Why start investing your money as a student?

The hardest part of investing is starting. Beginning as a college student is a great way to develop an investment mindset that will serve you well for the rest of your life. If you can manage to invest and build a small nest egg while on a limited income, imagine what you will be able to accomplish once you’re earning a full-time wage later on.

You will graduate college with real-world investment experience. The lessons learned while actually investing will strip anything you can learn in a book or read on a website.

As a young student, you have the one element that older investors can not get back; time. Time in the market beats timing the market. Time and compound earnings are the foundations of financial security.

How to save money on a tight budget

When you have limited resources, it can be hard to find a bit extra to put away as savings. No matter your income, it’s essential to have a little to put away for the future. There are areas you can look at to find a little extra to save.

Change your TV provider

An easy way to find extra money is to cancel cable or satellite TV services. There is a wide range of alternatives in today’s market that cost a lot less. Streaming services can charge as little as $30 per month, though $50 per month is more common.

For example, Netflix ranges from $8.99 – $15.99 per month, and you can view it on devices like a laptop. 

Have a look at the way you eat

Eating out all the time is a sure-fire way to put a big hole in your budget. Preparing your own food will produce cost savings and allow you to do things like cook in bulk. Having leftovers for lunch the next day is far cheaper than buying lunch.

Cut everything a little bit

You may already have your spending lean and mean. The next step may be to try to find $5.00 – $10.00 across all the areas you spend. Can you drop an item off the grocery list and save $5.00? Combine two trips into one to save fuel? Can you take public transport or walk instead?

Pay in cash

While it’s impossible to pay rent and utilities in cash, paying your day-to-day expenses in cash can make it easier to stick to a budget. It places a hard limit on how much you can spend and makes you more aware of just how much you’re spending.

Look at your big-ticket items

Have a look at the most significant spending in your budget. Is your car payment too much? Can you rent a cheaper place in an area that is still nice? Or save money by moving in with some friends as roommates?

These last areas you look at can lead to significant savings if you can reduce these bills that you pay each month.

Get out of debt

This subject deserves its own section because it is a savings killer. The interest rates on credit cards are ridiculously high. Just the interest on credit cards each month will take a big chunk of your income.

Pay a credit card off as quickly as possible. To start with, put any savings you can make into removing these debts. The interest savings alone will put you ahead.

If you have more than one card, use the domino theory. Pick one (the highest balance usually), pay it off, and then move on to the next one. After you have paid off credit cards, pay off any personal loans you may have as fast as possible.

This is the most critical first step to using your money for building a future for yourself.

Automate your savings

The less thinking you do, the better your results. If you have a regular income, set up an automatic transfer of some of your income to a savings account or brokerage account. Even better if you can get an employer to deposit some of your wages directly into these accounts for you. Make it an amount you can afford, and remember, this money is not for spending.

The above tips are some helpful techniques to prepare you to invest your money as a student. 

How to invest with a small amount

So you’ve managed to scrimp and save your way to $1,000. Maybe less than this. What do you do now? Where can you invest your money as a student?

Choosing a broker

If you’re only investing a small amount, it is vital that your funds not be eaten up by fees. Ally Invest, TD Ameritrade, and E*Trade, M1, Robinhood, Fidelity, and Streitwise are some that allow you to invest small amounts and have $0.00 or low costs. Have a look at them or other options to find the right choice to invest your money as a student. 

Compound interest

Albert Einstein said, “compound interest is the eighth wonder of the world; he who understands it earns and he who doesn’t pays it.” So what is it? It is earning interest on your interest and happens when you re-invest your earnings. If you have $100.00 and earn 8% for the year, you will have $108.00 at the end of the year. If you re-invest for the next year, then you will earn interest on $108.00. At 8% per annum, you will have $116.64 at the end of year 2. This concept is one of the most potent tools in investment. Over time, 8% compounding interest will double your money in 9 years.

Keep it simple

Shares are a great place for a young person to start investing. As a novice in the stock market, it is easy to get overwhelmed with jargon and terms thrown at you from all angles. Try to cut out as much of the noise as possible. Remember, you’re in this for the long term, and the latest craze will have gone years into the future when you’re still earning compound returns on your compound returns.

Invest for the long term

Another way to invest your money as a student? Invest for the long term. 

Trading looking for quick profits is a bit like going to the casino. You’re going to get the occasional win, but in the end, the house will get you. When investing while in college, it is the perfect time to develop an investor’s mindset. Investing isn’t gambling. You’re looking for safe investments with a solid foundation behind them that will grow over the long term. And by long term we are talking years. Keep it simple and straightforward, and by earning around 8% (more on this figure in the next section) compound interest, you will double your money every nine years.

It sounds boring, but put a little away each month over that time and see where you end up. The result may shock you. Most people overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can do in ten years. 

Index funds

The great investor Warren Buffett, when asked about investment strategy, said he would put 10% in bonds and the remaining 90% in an index fund and just leave it there. Markets will move up and down from day to day, from year to year even. But over the long term, they always grow. You don’t have to know a lot to invest in index funds as a college investor, and the fact they are so diversified means they’re relatively low risk. You can also invest in these funds with a small investment.

So what is an index fund? The fund will consist of a group of shares that mirror a specific index. The most common index funds are based on the S&P 500, which are the 500 largest companies on the stock exchange. Over the last 20 years, the S&P 500 has an annualized return of 8.12%. There were good years in there and bad years in there, but the average over time was 8.12%. Compare that to bank interest which is 2.18%

Once you own shares, you will also start to receive dividends. You can have these paid to you or re-invest the profits and receive more shares. Re-investing is a great way to boost your compound interest and increase results.

Index Funds will also usually have very low fees. New investors often undervalue this aspect of investing, but it can have a significant effect over time, with costs eating away at investment returns. Take note of these pointers when investing your money as a student. 

Try a robo investor

If you’re not ready to pick an Index Fund, a Robo advisor may be for you. The advisor creates a portfolio for you based on your desired outcome. You let them know how your time horizon and how aggressive you want to be, (remember more aggressive means more risk), and they do the rest for you.

The best part about these is that you can start with a minimal amount. You can get started with spare pocket money, literally $20, and add money in as you go. Generally, the fees involved are low and based on the size of your account.

Check out investing apps

To make investing simpler still, an investment app will allow you to buy individual shares or a selection of funds for investments as little as $5.00.  

The big dog in this field is Acorns, which will round up your debit and credit card purchases up to the next dollar and put the difference into various ETFs. There are a few others in this area as well, coming in at around the $1.00 per month range for fees. 

That’s another way you can invest your money as a student. 

Check out bonds

Bonds are what governments and companies issue when they want to borrow money. Think of them like an IOU. Bonds issued by governments are usually the safest kind, as governments don’t go broke as a rule. The British Government used to issue bonds called Gilts. Gilts got their name because the certificates they issued had gold leaf around the edges to remind people how safe they were. Bear in mind that some governments can get into trouble; Greece, for example, has recently had trouble paying its debts.

The amount of interest you earn on a bond, known as the yield, is decided upfront and is guaranteed. There will be a date they are redeemed, and the borrower will buy them back at full price. This is known as the nominal value.

With bonds, the safer they are, the lower the yield. Those perceived as higher risk will have a higher yield. You can also sell your bond at any time. But they trade at the market value, not their face value. As a rule, when interest rates are low, the price of bonds goes up. When interest rates are high, the price decreases. Bonds can be a safe way to invest. It is worth doing your research on bonds if you think they are something that will interest you.

I've started; what now?

You’ve invested your money as a student into a suitable Index Fund. What should you do now? The answer is to wait and do it all again. In short, keep adding to your investment. Putting a small amount in each month will reap big rewards down the track.

Invest and keep on investing and never stop. Investing is a habit, and investing as a student is the best time to start the practice.

Where should I invest my money as a student?

As a student, you are likely to be starting off with small amounts. Other questions will also form a part of your decision. What is the safest type of investment? What is the smartest way to invest?

With little capital, you can’t afford to lose what you have got. The best option is to look for a low-risk investment and invest over the long term. All the options listed above, such as Index Funds, will allow you to invest over a long time at a relatively low-risk level. Investing over the long term helps reduce risk. Day-to-day fluctuations are smoothed out over the years. The smart way is to keep on investing and let time do the trick.

Find this topic interesting? Why not visit GistFocus and get informed on business, money-making ideas, finance, and career? Your number one stop source for all you missed!

Conclusion

Investing your money as a student is simple. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. The main ingredients are patience and discipline.

Once you have got a little nest egg saved up, it is time to invest. Pick a safe long-term investment, like an index fund, and begin investing. The key is that once you have started, keep going. Add more each month and let time do its work.

The advantages of investing while in college are numerous. As well as developing good habits and gaining valuable investment knowledge and experience, you have youth on your side. Youth and starting young are an investment superpower. While everyone around you is blowing money on cars that will be outdated in a couple of years and parties, they won’t remember you will be setting up your future. Invest a little each month and let time and compound interest do the heavy lifting for you.

On the lookout for similar reads? Check out our Career Resources page here for more!

Workplace Values Series: Adaptability at the office

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Workplace values: Adaptability at the office

Workplace values, like adaptability, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of adaptability and 3 ways you can practice adaptability at your office. 

What is adaptability?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, adaptability refers to a “the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions”. It has also been referred to as “the capacity to be modified for a new use or purpose”.

Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in.

When placed into the context of a working environment, adaptability can take on both definitions at an office. Across both meanings, a sense of flexibility seems to be a common ground. 

As with any workplace value, we use adaptability as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice adaptability at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of adaptability at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice adaptability through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing adaptability within your own office space.

Be open to surprises

Being open to surprises is one of the first steps you can take to practice adaptability at the workplace. 

Everyone has his or her fair share of work at the office. However, there are some days where unexpected work can turn up at our table. One way to demonstrate adaptability is by keeping an open mind to such surprises. 

If you find that you have lesser workload on one day and don’t mind helping out your colleagues with a surprise project that came out of nowhere, that’s one way you can practice adaptability at the office! 

Practice adaptability when the work is urgently due or when more hands can help to check this task off the list. Keeping an open mind to such surprises and instilling a helping mentality can help you better handle unexpected change in your work schedule. 

When you recognise the situation and help others out at the office, you would be demonstrating the workplace value of adaptability in a simple yet efficient manner. 

Take on new roles eagerly

One can practice adaptability in relation to his or her role at the workplace too! How exactly? It’s not just projects that you can take on, individuals can also take on new roles within the office 🙂

As such, the second way you can practice the workplace value of adaptability is by taking on new roles eagerly. 

With the overwhelming changes taking place with the global economy, numerous businesses are undergoing restructuring exercises. As such, new roles and responsibility may be created within your firm. Express your interest to take on these new challenges to express your ability to adapt!

This will help to maximise your talents while also allowing you the opportunity to try something new at work! Thus, efforts to take on new roles within the office is one way to practice the workplace value of adaptability in the office. 

Keep your calm

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of adaptability at your office is by keeping your calm. 

When changes come into any picture, people immediately get tense and feel uncomfortable. As such, keeping your calm can help you go far in practising adaptability. 

Adaptable individuals are able to keep their cool irregardless of the the surprise projects that may come their way. When others find themselves in a state of frenzy, keeping your calm can help you lead with a clear head. Making decisions become easier and you would not get as stressed about issues anymore. 

It’s as simple as taking a deep breath or collecting your thoughts before reacting to a situation! As such, keeping your calm is one other way to practise the workplace value of adaptability at the office!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of adaptability. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice adaptability at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

How to Write a Cover Letter that Stands Out in Job Applications

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Man with black shirt getting interviewed by recruiter

A resume can only do so much. If you want to land your dream job, you should do everything in your power to make your application stand out. One of the most effective ways to do that is by sending an application letter. So, how to write a cover letter should be a top priority for job hunters irrespective of their industry or category.

Before we get to how to write an application letter, let’s understand the document. A cover letter is a value-addition to your resume. It’s a single-page document that describes your educational background, skillsets and work experience. But most importantly, it covers why you’re the right person for the job.

But why should anyone be interested in how to write a cover letter if you’re already sending the resume? Doesn’t the resume have everything that a prospective recruiter might need?

The cover letter puts your candidature in context. It elaborates the relevant academic and professional qualifications from your resume and reveals your personality traits. The cover letter makes the case for your candidature. You need it because you won’t be in the room when the recruiter reads your resume.

Job search has dramatically changed over the years. For most candidates, the process can seem impersonal and distant now. You are just filling a form online and uploading some documents. In such a context, do companies still prefer it and expect their applicants to know how to write a cover letter? Has the cover letter stood the test of time?

The answer is yes. According to a survey of mostly tech companies, 56% of recruiters want applicants to send a cover letter. Another survey found out that 83% of companies want your application to have a cover letter. And a recent cover letter statistics study discovered that 72% of hiring managers still expect applicants to submit a cover letter, even if the job posting says doing so is “optional. So, if you’re hoping to land a job at a big company in Singapore, you need to know how to write a good cover letter.

How to write a good cover letter for job applications

Technology has made it easy for candidates to find the right format for a good cover letter. All you’ve got to do is head to a site like Canva and use one of their templates. But you can also do it without any external help, as long as you keep it informative, engaging, and persuasive.

A good cover letter makes a compelling case for your application. It summarises for the recruiter what they need to know about your expertise, experience, achievements, your soft skills, and how well you’ll fit into your new role. An effective cover letter will divide these into easily understandable sections.

Whether you’re interested in how to write a cover letter for an internship or how to write a cover letter with no experience, the ingredients of a good cover letter are the same. So, anyone learning how to write a cover letter for a job application should be mindful of the following six sections that the letter should have.

Must-have contents of a good cover letter

  1. Header with contact information
  2. Recruiter’s information
  3. Customised introduction
  4. Main section
  5. Conclusion
  6. Salutation

1. Header with contact information

You should always start your cover letter with your contact information. This is how they’ll know who it’s from. The header should have the following details:

  • Full name
  • Phone number
  • Email add
  • Recruiter’s/hiring manager’s name with the title
  • Name of the organisation you’re writing to
  • Date

Do’s

  • Make sure that the information is legible and comfortably spaced for quick comprehension
  • It should be aligned to the right, left, or centre
  • You may mention your social media handles if they have your work
  • Include your website or blog if they’re relevant

Don’ts

  • Don’t include your address as that should be in your resume
  • Do not give an email id if it sounds unprofessional
  • Avoid unnecessary graphics or loud fonts
  • No garish colour schemes

2. Recruiter's information

To the greatest extent possible, your cover letter should be addressed to an individual and not the company. All you’ve got to do is go to LinkedIn or the company website and find out who the hiring manager is and then address them directly. So, instead of “Dear Sir or Madam,” it should be “Dear Ms. Bowden.”

In case you can’t find who the hiring manager or HR head is – this could happen in the case of small organisations or startups – address them by the title. “Dear HR Manager” or “Dear Hiring Team” is advisable if it’s the last resort.

Do’s

  • Spell their name correctly
  • Get their designation right
  • Include their company address

Don’ts

  • Don’t include their phone number even if you have it

3. Customised introduction

If you’re looking out for opportunities and want to know how to write a cover letter, here’s rule number one: The first paragraph of your cover letter can make or break your case. If it sounds generic, uninspiring, and boring, you’ve made sure that the recruiter loses interest in your letter and your resume.

Among the many tactics on how to make a cover letter that gets the recruiter interested, here’s the most important one: Before you start writing the letter, read the notification for the job application. What’s the company looking for? What are the key skillsets they’re focused on? What are the additional achievements they’re interested in? 

Are they looking for a copywriter with SaaS experience or are they looking for a content writer with SaaS experience, particularly, in the financial sector? While scanning the job posting, you may miss those nuances that will prove crucial in your introduction.

The first paragraph should briefly introduce yourself, mention your most significant achievements, and then say how you can make a difference to the job position you’re applying for. And it should do all that in around 60 to 70 words.

What you don’t want is a bland and weak introduction like this:

“Hi Wen, I am Parker and I’d like to apply for the position of content writer with AKW Media. I’ve been working as a junior copywriter with TYU Associates for three years and believe that I’m the right candidate for your company.”

Instead, you should try something like this:

“Dear Mr. Chou, I am Parker and I’d like to help improve the page ranking and SEO optimisation of AKW Media’s clients. As a junior copywriter with TYU Associates for three years, I helped improve the ranking of 14 brands with an average increase of 340% in page visits. I believe my experience across financial, and technological sectors makes me the right candidate for the job of content writer with your firm.”

4. Main section

The right question shouldn’t be how to write a cover letter or how to write an application letter. It should be how to brand yourself as the right candidate for the job. Because your cover letter is ultimately an exercise in branding and the main section is where you should convince the reader to choose you over others. 

For you to effectively sell yourself to the company – and that’s exactly what this “About Me” section is all about – you should know what the buyer is looking for. So, before you begin writing this section, it pays to have another look at the job posting.

Are they looking for a B2B lead generation specialist or someone who knows how to generate B2B leads of a certain quality? Do they need someone who’s good at managing teams or specifically someone with cross-domain experience? Look for anything that you can easily link to your professional experience.

The next step is to be both specific and factual. Your expertise and performance should be quantifiable. Remember this: It’s better to quote the numbers of a smaller result than to be vague about a bigger achievement. 

So, avoid stating something like this:

“I’ve adequate experience in generating B2B leads and have been among the top performers in the region for two years. I’ve also been leading teams for client acquisition across different verticals.”

What you need is something like this:

“As Associate VP, Sales, I’ve increased our B2B lead generation by 30% every quarter. 70% of those leads were in the top ten percentile in terms of average revenue per client. I’ve also simplified our sales funnel by getting the IT, sales, and client management teams to work as a single unit with monthly deliverables. This has decreased the average client onboarding time by 40%.”

What's the point we're trying to make?

Well, the first example is vague and flowery. The second is factual. Those are the kind of specifics that will interest someone to have a conversation with you. They’d like to know how you did it. Your application is suddenly compelling to them.

But stating why you’re good at your current job and ready to take on new responsibilities doesn’t answer their question. Why should this particular company be interested in you? For that, you should show that you value what they do, and have thought about the difference you can make. For that you need to do the following:

  • Find out everything about what the company does
  • Try out their product or service
  • Compliment them while being specific
  • Talk about their company culture and how you’d be a natural fit

Remember that while the earlier parts are about you, this is about the company. The key here is to be specific and trustworthy. They need to know that you’re capable, well-informed, and excited to join them.

5. Conclusion

This is where you thank them and mention something you couldn’t include in the earlier paragraphs. But you don’t want to take up too much space here. The hiring manager is in a hurry and you don’t want to take up any more of their time.

Importantly, end with a call to action. Tell them that you’d love to discuss your application with them or would be happy to answer any queries they might have.

6. Salutation

Make sure that you end the cover letter on a formal note. Even if you’ve had a chance to talk to the hiring manager, don’t end it with a casual greeting, like “See you soon.” Go with any of the following.

  • Thank you,
  • Best Regards,
  • Sincerely,
  • Kind Regards,

But before you mail it, proofread and run a thorough grammar check using software like Grammarly.

Tips on how to write a cover letter for fresh graduates

For fresh graduates, the question is how to write a cover letter with little or no experience. As a recent graduate, whether you’re looking for a job in the government or private sector in Singapore, a cover letter can make all the difference. To help you out, here are a few tips:

Focus on academic achievements

Talk about your academic qualifications and achievements. Mention your GPA, the topic of your thesis, whether you got a scholarship, etc. Pro tip: If you struggled in any subject and eventually managed to score well in it, talk about it.

Add your extracurricular activities

Been part of a debating forum, volunteer group, or any club? Talk about it in your cover letter. If your activities have taken you outside your campus and into the community, mention that. Have a blog or a website? Include that.

Mention personal goals and values

Briefly write about your medium and long-term goals. Talk about the values that matter to you and see if you can align them with the company’s values.

Tips on how to write a cover letter for an internship

How to write a cover letter for a job application is different from writing one for an internship. Even if you know how to write the perfect CV, you can strengthen your application with a well-written cover letter.

As a student applying for an internship, your cover letter doesn’t have much area to cover. But that doesn’t mean it has to be uninspiring or bland. With the following tips, your cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd.

Show your interest

How to write a cover letter for an internship that interests the hiring manager? Show your passion for the job. Convey that this is an opportunity tailor-made for you as you’ve always been interested in the field and have been following the company.

Be specific

If you’ve done any project, thesis, or even blog entries on the sector, mention those. It doesn’t have to be directly aligned with the company but what matters is that you took initiative on a topic that interested you.

Think long-term

Explain what you hope to achieve in the industry in a decade or so. Make it sound like your vision statement. This is where the recruiter should see your ambition and loyalty to the sector and the company.

Tips on how to write a cover letter with no experience

When you’re applying as a fresh graduate or to a new field, the first step is to find out about jobs that require no experience. As you’re starting a career with no work experience in the field, your cover letter is as important as your resume. Here are a few proven tips to make it easy for your application to stand out.

Harp on achievements

You need to talk about your academic or professional achievements even if it’s from a different field. These should reflect your dedication and work ethic.

Show your interest

When you talk about your passion for the field, it’s important to think beyond the company. Show how you always were interested in the sector. Then talk about the specific products or services of the company and how you believe they could make a difference.

Mention personality traits

This is where you show your ability to learn fast and adapt. Briefly include examples from your life, education, or professional life to illustrate how you can quickly rise to a challenge, especially if it’s a new one. Also, talk about your communication and collaboration skills and how much you look forward to learning from and working with others.

To Sum Up...

A cover letter is what will open the doors for you and make people interested in your application. Your academic qualifications, professional achievements, and personal skills will be irrelevant if your cover letter doesn’t persuade the recruiter. This is your chance to sell the brand called you. That’s why everyone from freshers to middle-level executives should know how to write a cover letter.

If your cover letter does its job, you’ll be through to the next stage. Once you get to the interview, you can think about the questions that you should ask the hiring manager. That’s also when you will have to know more about the best ways to negotiate your salary, especially if you’re a woman.

But for all that to happen, your cover letter needs to convince the hiring manager that it would be their loss not to hire you.

Top 20 Creative Money Saving Ideas

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creative money saving ideas

Did you know that 69 percent of Americans have less than $1,000 in their savings account? Are you part of this group? If you don’t have a lot of money (or any money at all) saved, now is the time to change that. We’ve got a list of creative money saving ideas to help you out!

Take the time to build up your savings account now and you won’t have to worry about taking out a payday loan or maxing out your credit card when an emergency arises. You’ll also have an easier time funding your retirement, funding your kids’ education, or supporting yourself and your family during a career gap.

Not sure how to save money each month? Read on for some practical and helpful money saving ideas. You’ll also find some general guidance on how to manage your money and even increase your earning potential so you can save more.

How Much Should I Save Each Month?

A lot of people are completely lost when it comes to figuring out how to save money or how to effectively manage their finances. For these people, it’s important to understand these basics before exploring different money saving ideas.

Do you know how much you should be saving each month?

There’s not one specific dollar amount that everyone should strive to deposit in their savings account every month. It all depends on your income. However, a good strategy for most people is to abide by the 70:20:10 budget rule.

The 70:20:10 rule states that when creating a budget, you should divide your monthly income into the following categories:

Expenses (70 Percent)

Your monthly expenses will take up the majority (70 percent) of your budget. This 70 percent includes your monthly mortgage or rent payments, your utility bills, your cellphone bill, groceries, etc. If you spend money on it, it’s part of this category.

Savings (20 Percent)

The next largest segment of your budget should be for your savings. Aim to set 20 percent of your monthly income aside in your savings account so you can start building up an emergency fund or saving for something specific.

If you have a pressing debt that is costing you a ton of money in interest each month, you may want to dedicate some of your monthly savings to pay it off faster. By dedicating more money to paying this debt off in the short term, you’ll find that it’s easier for you to save in the long term.

Investing (10 Percent)

The final 10 percent of your monthly income should go toward investing. It’s a common misconception that investing is only for the rich. This couldn’t be further from the truth, though.

Anyone can become an investor! There are lots of apps and tools out there that make the process easy and fun, even if you’re a total beginner.

If you’re not interested in buying stocks or investing in real estate, though, you can also use the remaining 10 percent for long-term savings. For example, you can contribute extra money to your retirement account or use part of this 10 percent to invest in your kids’ college fund.  

How Can I Save Money Creatively?

Okay, you understand how much you, ideally, ought to be saving each month. Are you confused about how to implement this plan into your own life, though?

There are lots of creative money saving ideas you can use to reduce expenses and put more in your bank account. Outlined below are the top 20 options we recommend, broken down into the following 3 categories:

Save Smart

As far as the best money saving tips go, these suggestions for saving smart a great starting point:

1. Pay Yourself First

When you get paid, transfer money to your savings account first. Rather than covering all your expenses, treating yourself to a few new things, and then finding yourself with hardly anything left over for savings, reverse it.

You may even want to try setting up automatic transfers to your savings account. Then, you won’t have to worry about remembering to put money aside and you’ll be saving without even realizing it.

2. Eliminate Impulse Purchases

Do you have your credit card details saved on your computer or phone? If so, you’ll likely find that you’re more susceptible to impulse online purchases, and your bank account may suffer as a result.

To eliminate, or at least reduce the frequency of, your impulse purchases, delete your credit card details. That way, if you want to buy something, you have to get up and get your wallet, which may give you enough time to consider whether or not you actually need it.

3. Stick to the 24-Hour Rule

Speaking of consideration, give the 24-hour rule a try, too. The 24-hour rule states that you should wait 24 hours before making any kind of big purchase.

If you still want to buy the thing one day later, you can go ahead and buy it, but give yourself that space to decide if it’s something you want and need or if you can leave without it.

4. Cancel Subscriptions

It’s so easy to get sucked into subscriptions these days, from streaming packages to toothpaste deliveries.

Set aside some time to go over all of your subscription plans and decide which ones you want to keep and which ones you can cut. You’ll be amazed at how much you can save each month by doing this.

5. Look for Free Entertainment

Once you’ve cut out some unnecessary streaming services, you may find yourself with a little more free time on your hands.

To save money, take advantage of free entertainment options. Go to the library to borrow books or movies, for example, or plan some hikes at nearby trails. There are lots of ways to entertain yourself and your family without breaking the bank.

6. Renegotiate Contracts

Take a look at your contracts and consider whether you can negotiate them to get a lower monthly rate. For example, can you get a cheaper internet package or cellphone plan?

Often, if you look up competitor rates and share them with a representative from the company, they’ll be willing to make you a deal to avoid losing your business.

7. Automate Bills

Are you constantly racking up late fees because you forget to pay bills on time? Try automating them so they’re always paid on the due date.

Just make sure you maintain a sufficient balance in your bank account after doing this. You don’t want to get hit with overdraft fees, do you?

Lifestyle Habits

In addition to changing the way you think about saving, there are also some great money saving tips you can utilize that have to do with changing your lifestyle:

8. Do More DIY

Consider incorporating more DIY projects into your life.

For example, instead of paying to get your nails done every couple of weeks, why not paint them at home? The same goes for dying your hair or getting your eyebrows waxed.

You could easily save close to $100 per month (if not more) by taking these jobs on yourself.

9. Start Meal Planning

If you eat out regularly, you’ll likely find that it’s harder to save money. Fast food and restaurant meals are expensive! Instead of eating out because you don’t have time to cook or are too tired to prepare food at the end of the workday, start meal planning.

Set aside some time on the weekend to chop vegetables and prepare foods in bulk. That way, it’s ready to go in the fridge and you’ll just have to heat it up when dinner time rolls around.

10. Buy Generic Products

When you’re shopping for groceries or household supplies, get the generic version whenever possible. In most cases, the generic option tastes just as good and works just as well as the brand name, but it’ll be a lot cheaper.

11. Buy in Bulk

Try buying in bulk when you can, too.

You’ll spend more upfront when you take this approach. However, you’ll end up getting items for less per unit than you would if you bought them in smaller quantities.

12. Give Up Bad Habits

Do you smoke? Have a habit of drinking alcohol or soda regularly?

These habits aren’t just bad for your health, but they can also be bad for your bank account. Work on quitting or cutting back so you can put that extra money toward something better for your future.

13. Reconsider Coupons

Coupons can be useful money-saving tools. However, if you’re using coupons to buy things that you don’t need in the first place, they’re probably not having the kind of effect you’d like.

Take a look at your current coupon collection and ask yourself if you would have bought those things otherwise? If not, it might be time to give up coupon-clipping and try some other, more creative money saving ideas.

14. Reduce Energy Usage

Try lowering your utility bills and reducing your energy usage. Unplug electronics when they’re not in use, for example, and make sure you’re shutting off the faucet while you’re washing dishes or brushing your teeth, rather than letting the water run endlessly.

Investing

Now, let’s break down the best money saving tips related to investments and making your money work for you.

15. Prioritize Credit Card Debt

If you’re dealing with a lot of credit card debt, the best investment you can make is to pay it off as quickly as possible. Credit card interest rates can be astronomical and can seriously eat into the amount of money you have available for saving or investing each month.

16. Use an Investment App

Try downloading an investment app so you can automatically dedicate a certain amount of money to invest each month. These apps make it easy for you to dip your toe in the investment world without having to spend a lot of money upfront.

17. Take Advantage of Employee Matching

If your employer matches your 401(k) contributions, make sure you’re taking advantage of that and contributing as much as you’re allowed. This is a great way to build up your retirement savings for when you get older. 

18. Open a Roth IRA

If you want to add more to your retirement funds, consider opening a Roth IRA (Independent Retirement Account), too.

You’re allowed to contribute up to $6,000 to a Roth IRA each year. This money is taxed like regular income now, but you won’t have to pay taxes on it when you withdraw it after you retire.

19. Open a Health Savings Account

If you already have a Health Savings Account (or HSA), make sure you’re contributing to it regularly. If you haven’t already opened one, do so now.

An HSA is a tax-free account that you can use to pay for healthcare costs that aren’t covered by your insurance plan.

20. Open a 529 Plan

You can also open and invest in a 529 Plan to save for your kids’ college education. A 529 plan earns interest (earnings aren’t taxed), and you don’t have to pay taxes on the money withdrawn, as long as it’s used for educational purposes.

What Can I Do for Extra Money?

Sometimes, it’s not enough just to cut expenses.

If you’re trying to figure out how to save money fast and how to save more, you need to think beyond money saving ideas and look for ways to earn more. This is especially important if you’re trying to pay off debt.

Here are 10 part-time jobs that can help you put more money in your savings account each month:

1. Shoe Sales Associate

At $9-$10 per hour and 20-30 hours of work per week, this shoe sales associate job could help you earn an extra $640-$1200 per month.

👉 Check out the Shoe Sales Associate job listing on GrabJobs

2. MagiQuest Attendant

As a MagiQuest Attendant at Great Wolf Lodge, you could earn approximately $1,040 per month making $13 per hour.

👉 Check out the MagiQuest Attendant job listing on GrabJobs

3. Customer Service Coordinator

Haynes Furniture Company is looking for a part-time customer service coordinator. At $15 per hour, you could make $1,200 a month at this job.

👉 Check out the Customer Service Coordinator job listing on GrabJobs

4. Assembler

Part-time assemblers at Havis, Inc. can earn up to $16 per hour, which would work out to $1,280 per month.

👉 Check out the Assembler job listing on GrabJobs

5. Cashier

A part-time cashier at Whole Foods can earn $15 per hour, which works out to $1,200 per month.

👉 Check out the Cashier job listing on GrabJobs

6. Packer

Packers at Berry Global, Inc. work 12-hour shifts every other weekend. They can earn $23 per hour for 12-hour daytime shifts (about $1,656 per month) and $23.75 for 12-hour nighttime shifts (about $1,710 per month).

👉 Check out the Packer job listing on GrabJobs

7. Trimmer

A trimmer at Channell Commercial Corporation can early $18-$22 per hour working part-time. This works out to $1,440-$1,760 per month.

👉 Check out the Trimmer job listing on GrabJobs

8. Customer Service Representative

Part-time TransPerfect customer service representatives earn $18 per hour, which means approximately $1,440 per month.

👉 Check out the Customer Service Representative job listing on GrabJobs

9. Room Attendant

A room attendant at Great Wolf Lodge can earn $14.50 per hour, which works out to $1,160 per month.

👉 Check out the Room Attendant job listing on GrabJobs

10. Front Desk Agent

Working as a part-time front desk agent for Great Lakes Services can earn you $14.50 per hour or $1,160 per month.

👉 Check out the Front Desk Agent job listing on GrabJobs

What Is a Good Amount of Savings?

It’s hard to list a specific number that everyone should strive to hit when it comes to savings. Your savings will be relative to your income, as well as the general cost of living in your area.

That being said, here are some general recommendations that you can use as benchmarks to set your own, more personalized savings goals and implement money saving ideas that work best for you.

How Much You Should Have Saved by 25

10 percent of annual income (If you earn $40,000 per year, that would mean $4,000 in your savings account)

How Much You Should Have Saved by 30

1x your annual income (If you earn $40,000 per year, that would mean $40,000 in your savings account)

How Much You Should Have Saved by 40

3x your annual income (If you earn $40,00 per year, that would mean $120,000 in your savings account)

How Much You Should Have Saved by 50

5x your annual income (If you earn $40,000 per year, that would mean $200,000 in your savings account)

How Much You Should Have Saved When You Retire (Assuming you retire at 60)

7x your annual income (If you earn $40,000 per year, that would mean $280,000 in your savings account)

Remember, the figures mentioned above are just examples. Hopefully, your annual income will increase over time. You may be making $40,000 per year now as a 25-year-old, but you’ll likely be making much more in your 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s.

This is why a percentage-based system works so well. It makes it easier for you to adjust the amount you deposit or invest as your income fluctuates and you learn new money saving tips.

Closing Thoughts

If you make an effort to learn how to save money fast and maximize the amount you save now, you’ll be setting yourself up for a much more successful and less stressful future.

It doesn’t matter if you want to put more aside for your retirement, give your kids’ a college education, or simply have a more robust emergency fund. These money saving ideas can help you get there.

Keep the tips outlined above in mind, and don’t forget to check out the part-time jobs section of our site today. It’s full of great options for those who want to bring in more side-income so they can pay off debts faster and bolster their savings accounts.

Workplace Values Series: Kindness at the office

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workplace values: kindness

Workplace values, like kindness, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of kindness and 3 ways you can practice kindness at your office. 

What is kindness?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, kindness refers to a “the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate”. It has also been referred to as “a kind act”.

Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in. 

When placed into the context of a working environment, kindness can take on both definitions at an office. Across both meanings, a sense of compassion seems to be a common ground. 

As with any workplace value, we use kindness as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice kindness at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of kindness at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice kindness through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing kindness within your own office space.

Recognise others efforts

Recognising other’s efforts is one of the first steps you can take to practice kindness at the workplace. 

Everyone has his or her fair share of work at the office. As such, everyone is also working hard to reach their goals. One way to demonstrate kindness is by taking a minute to notice and praise this hard work. 

Appreciate the effort that your colleagues are putting into a certain project. A little appreciation, every now and then, can function as a great booster to others. 

When you recognise and praise others efforts at the office, you would be demonstrating the workplace value of kindness in a simple yet efficient manner. 

Welcome constructive criticism

When completing a certain task that is expected of you, one should strive to produce work of great quality. This will enable one to take pride in his/her own work. However, should you falter for a moment, take it in stride too!

As such, the second way you can practice the workplace value of resilience is by welcoming constructive criticism. 

People make mistakes. And if someone notices these mistakes and point them out to you, thank them! They are doing you a favour, after all. If others come up to you with suggestions to improve your work, consider and implement them too!

Complaints and constructive criticisms are two separate things. Learning to differentiate between the two is important. In fact, the latter is a great way to grow as both an individual and a team. Efforts to provide and receive constructive criticism in a friendly manner, is one way to practice the workplace value of kindness in the office. 

Help those around you!

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of kindness at your office is by helping those around you!

Take the initiative to help your colleagues out with their workload when you can. This is one way to assist your team to reach your organisational goals more efficiently.

Keep a lookout for your work friends who seem stressed out or taking up work beyond their bandwidth. Help to take some of the weight off their shoulders and that’s how you can demonstrate that you are a part of the team too. 

Alternatively, identify group tasks or projects that may take more time to complete. Then, get a jumpstart on these works! This will help to ensure that everyone feel like they are part of a team that contributes to a workplace collectively. 

As such, helping those around you is one other way to practise the workplace value of kindness at the office!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of kindness. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice kindness at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

Workplace Values Series: Resilience at the office

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workplace value: resilience

Workplace values, like resilience, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of resilience and 3 ways you can practice resilience at your office. 

What is resilience?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, resilience refers to a “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness”. It has also been referred to as “the ability of a substance or object to spring back into shape; elasticity”. 

Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in. 

When placed into the context of a working environment, resilience can take on both definitions at an office. Across both meanings, an eagerness to strive seems to be a common ground. 

As with any workplace value, we use resilience as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice resilience at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of resilience at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice harmony through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing resilience within your own office space.

Set some goals

Setting yourself some goals is one of the first steps you can take to practice resilience at the workplace. 

As the day begins, create a list of the things you intend to get done for the day. Don’t be over-achieving, though. Be realistic and take timing into consideration. Then, try your best to get your portion of the tasks done and sorted out in a timely fashion. 

This simple yet meaningful act suggests that you are striving to get your part of the work done. It also sends out the message that you are doing your part, while contributing to the team effort of your workplace. 

As you progress through your working hours, check items off your list as you complete them. This allows you to keep track of the things you are accountable for. It can also better help you manage your time well. 

When you’re able to set and meet your goals, you would be demonstrating the workplace value of resilience in a simple yet efficient manner. 

Learn from your mistakes

When completing a certain task that is expected of you, one should strive to produce work of great quality. This will enable one to take pride in his/her own work. However, should you falter for a moment, take it in stride too!

As such, the second way you can practice the workplace value of resilience is by learning from your mistakes. 

Remind yourself that we are, after all, only human. As such, practicing resilience can be as simple as owning up to the blunders you made have made along the way. Accept that it’s a natural part of the learning process and strive to never repeat those mistakes again. 

When we learn to accept our own errors, we will also be learning to more forgiving both towards ourselves and others around us. Thus, learning from your mistakes is one way to practice the workplace value of resilience in the office. 

Take a chill pill and relax

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of resilience at your office is by taking a chill pill.  

As with hardworking individuals, they tend to give their everything into work. They put their heart and soul into every project. They don’t stop, though. They’re always striving for more. However, it is important that these individuals pause to take a break and relax.

It really is one way to practise the workplace value of resilience! 

Think about it: if you work non-stop, you’re bound to overwork yourself and others at some point! As such, know when you should lift your feet off those pedals. 

Encourage others to do the same. Keep a lookout for your work friends who seem stressed out or taking up work beyond their bandwidth. Help to take some of the weight off their shoulders, if and when you can. If you can’t seem to help either, take a break together. It’s highly possible that teammates working together have burned their energy collectively too. 

Learning to relax is an important part of the process of becoming resilient. One needs to acknowledge the fact that he/she is not a machine and needs a break every now and then too. Accepting this fact and taking a chill pill is one other way you can practise the workplace value of resilience at the office!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of resilience. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice resilience at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

Workplace Values Series: Harmony at the office

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Workplace values: harmony

Workplace values, like harmony, are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of harmony and 3 ways you can practice harmony at your office. 

What is harmony?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, harmony refers to a “the quality of forming a pleasant and consistent whole”. It has also been referred to as “the state of being in agreement or concord”. 

Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in. 

When placed into the context of a working environment, harmony can take on both definitions at an office. Across both meanings, an idea of togetherness seems to be a common ground. 

As with any workplace value, we use harmony as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice harmony at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of harmony at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice harmony through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing harmony within your own office space.

Introduce an open door policy

Introducing an open door policy is one of the first steps you can take to practice harmony at the workplace. 

Try your best to keep things on an open-door basis within the office space. This means offering your assistance, guidance and skills to others whenever they may need it. Ensure that you create an approachable aura around you. 

This will allow others the opportunity to feel comfortable sharing their troubles and joys with you. When this feeling of togetherness is established, a more cohesive working environment can be easily established. 

This simple yet meaningful act suggests to others that you are someone everyone can rely on. It also sends out the message that you are doing your part, while contributing to the team effort of your workplace. 

When you demonstrate this effort from your end, other colleagues may also begin picking up on such harmonious acts. Thus, making your workplace a happier place to be at. 

In short, introducing an open door policy is one way you could be demonstrating the workplace value of harmony in a simple yet efficient manner. 

Have fun outside of work

The best way we get to properly know someone new is by spending some time with them. Apply this rule with your colleagues too! At the end of the day, all work and no play can get quite boring too. 

As such, the second way you can practice the workplace value of harmony is by having fun outside of work. 

Plan a weekend out with your colleagues. It could be a simple picnic or a lunch session out together as a team. Put work aside and focus on getting to know your colleagues as friends. When you get to know your colleagues as friends with common grounds of interest, working together will be a much easier thing to do. 

As such, practicing harmony can be as simple as planning to do things outside of work. 

Encourage proactivity

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of harmony at your office is by being proactive.  

Firstly, ensure that you have gotten your part of the work done. Then, be proactive! Take the initiative to help your colleagues out with their workload when you can. This is one way to assist your team to reach your organisational goals more efficiently.

Additionally, encourage others to do the same. When you know of someone who has completed his duties and can assist others, ask if they could share the workload. More hands on deck means lesser time to get things done!

Keep a lookout for your work friends who seem stressed out or taking up work beyond their bandwidth. Help to take some of the weight off their shoulders and that’s how you can demonstrate that you are a part of the team too. 

Alternatively, identify group tasks or projects that may take more time to complete. Then, get a jumpstart on these works! This will help to ensure that everyone feel like they are part of a team that contributes to a workplace collectively. 

As such, being proactive is one other way you can practise the workplace value of harmony at the office!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of harmony. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice harmony at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!

Workplace Values Series: Integrity at the office

by
Workplace value: integrity

Workplace values are an essential aspect of any work environment. Whether you work from home or need to be in an office, employees need to adhere to certain unspoken standards of work ethics. 

In other words, workplace values can be considered as a set of guiding principles that will help to shape the way you and your colleagues work together. When specific values are shared to be expected in order to work together in a professional setting, fewer misunderstandings will occur. 

A happier, more cohesive and understanding environment will grow out of such a nurturing environment. And that’s got to be a win-win situation for everyone. 

With all that being said, what are some of these workplace values that can help to improve the overall quality of your work environment?

In this article, you will be able to find out more about the workplace value of integrity and 3 ways you can practice integrity at your office. 

What is integrity?

Sure, you and I know what the term generally asks of anyone in a social setting. However, what exactly does it mean?

According to Lexico.com, integrity refers to a “the quality of being honest and having strong moral principles”. It has also been referred to as “the state of being whole and undivided”. 

Let’s take a moment to let that definition sink in. 

When placed into the context of a working environment, integrity can take on both definitions at an office. Across both meanings, an intrinsic idea of honesty seems to be a common ground. 

As with any workplace value, we use integrity as a guiding principle to help us make better decisions as a colleague, and more importantly, as an individual. How then we can apply it at the workplace? Read on to find out 🙂

How to practice integrity at the office?

Practicing the workplace value of integrity at the office doesn’t actually call for much effort! Meaning to say, that it does not need to be big or outlandish gestures. 

We practice integrity through the simple, and daily acts of our everyday lifestyle. As such, here are 3 steps you can take to start practicing integrity within your own office space.

Keeping to your commitments

Keeping to your commitments is one of the first steps you can take to practice integrity at the workplace. 

Try your best to get your commitments sorted out in a timely fashion. If you had promised to deliver a certain something to someone within a specific time period, keep to your word!

This simple yet meaningful act suggests to others that you are on top of things expected of you. It also sends out the message that you are doing your part, while contributing to the team effort of your workplace. 

With that being said, here’s a key pointer you can take note of with regards to the workplace value of integrity. 

As you progress through your working hours, check items off your list as you complete them. This allows you to keep track of the things you are accountable for. It can also help you manage your time well. If you suspect that you’re not going to be able to meet your deadlines, inform your colleagues in advance. 

Being honest with yourself and others is one way you could be demonstrating the workplace value of integrity in a simple yet efficient manner. 

Taking responsibility

When completing a certain task that is expected of you, one should strive to produce work of great quality. This will enable one to take pride in his/her own work. However, should things not go according to plan, you should still remain accountable for your work.

As such, the second way you can practice the workplace value of integrity is by taking responsibility of the things you do. 

This specifically applies to the instances where you may have made some mistakes. We are after all, only human. As such, practicing integrity can be as simple as owning up to the blunders you made have made along the way. 

When we learn to accept our own mistakes, we will also be given the opportunity to ensure that we don’t repeat the same mistakes in the future. Being responsible for the things expected of us is one way to practice the workplace value of integrity in the office too. 

Uphold work ethics

The third, but perhaps, the most effective way you can practise the workplace value of integrity at your office is by upholding work ethics. 

Firstly, ensure that you are abiding by all the legal rules stipulated by your firm. Encourage your colleagues to do the same too. 

If you know of someone who may be abusing the rules and regulations, do what is right. Inform your superiors of the incident. Negligence on your part could allow for such instances to increase in occurrence rates. 

Do the right thing, even in situations where you may feel uncomfortable or afraid. You will be doing both yourself and your colleagues a favour, in the long run. As such, upholding work ethics is one other way you can practise the workplace value of integrity at the office!

What's next?

And there you have it – a piece on an absolutely critical workplace value of integrity. We hope the information in this article has helped you get a clearer idea of how you can better practice integrity at the workplace.

Instilling workplace values, like the above, at your office can rake in numerous benefits for every employee. Remember, a little effort can go a long way to ensure a happy and successful workplace for everyone!

Keep a lookout for other workplace values we will be discussing as part of this series soon! Searching for a new workplace that practices these workplace values? On the hunt for a new job?

If you’re on the lookout for jobs within other industries that are nonetheless located in Singapore, here’s an article that shares with you the top 19 job portals in Singapore.

No matter the industry or the position, remember to visit GrabJobs to find a job opportunity in Singapore easily!