When it comes to working out of the office, everyone will have some stories that just shouldn’t have happened. However, people do make mistakes and that’s why you always want to err on the side of caution. When it comes to any of the following items you should absolutely consider biting your lip before asking the wrong question. Not only could you be in for a load of embarrassment or your own foot in your mouth out of guilt, but you could even open yourself up to a talk from your manager or HR representative if you go too far (even by mistake)!
How Far Along Are You?
According to CBS News, one of the most embarrassing things you can do is to ask a woman her expected due date. This is difficult because sometimes she isn’t due for anything, let alone a baby. This is always a confusing one because children truly are a precious part of any family. If someone is lucky enough to be expecting a baby, then their entire world could be a much better and happier place. However, the subject is actually a very difficult one to even approach in the first place because it is so personal and if you ask in the wrong way you could already be in trouble. Throw in the fact that you could be asking someone when the baby is due and they could have just put on a few pounds.
If you are friends with them then this could be a joke. If you are sincerely embarrassed, then you should be a little cautious and should try to apologize at some point as well. However, if you start to ask others about their personal life and it comes across as a negative or as a comment about pregnancy, you could possibly be in line for a talk from your HR department as that could be forbidden ground to discuss. The best-case scenario if you ask and they aren’t pregnant is to just be flat out embarrassed.
Sending the Wrong Email or Hitting Reply All
The stories about replying to everyone, forwarding to anyone, or even just sending the wrong person something secretive can absolutely hurt your credibility. Throw in the fact that the information could be personal, embarrassing, or even borderline inappropriate for the office and you could imagine why you want to keep certain things from others. That is why one of the best ways to get around the potential trouble of information falling into the wrong hands is by tapping into the power of a huddle video sharing service like BlueJeans.
If you can keep all of your private and potentially risky information from falling into the wrong hands, eyes, or ears, then you can absolutely save yourself from some of the embarrassment that others have had to go through. Whether it is a comment about your boss being unfair, a picture from a bad hair day, or even a resume and cover letter for a potential job outside of the company you are applying for, you need to keep certain things under wraps.
Know Your Tolerance
While anyone may think it is a fun thing to have a few drinks with the people you work with on a daily basis, you can’t overdo it. As the Business Insider lists, there are too many stories where people are embarrassed and wind up going too far in what they are doing. However, when it comes to alcohol individuals can completely lose control of their restraint and can go off of the deep end in no time at all. That’s why it’s so important to keep your drinks far below your tolerance and make sure you pace yourself to save your respect from your coworkers. A few extra shots might make you look tough, but that can quickly turn into a big problem within a few hours.
Getting Too Close with Coworkers
There are always the stories of individuals who will want to try and become best friends with their coworkers, but you have to remember sometimes people just don’t want anything to do with you in the real world. Whether it is asking someone out on a date, asking them to hang out and watch the game, or even just trying to do something like work out with them or go out for drinks, the fact remains if you try to read a friendship at work as something more, it can get awkward very quickly.
Make sure you remember that work is just about work. You might have coworkers you are friends with and you might be able to have a good time in the process as well. However, you will definitely want to keep your distance from individuals or else you could find yourself looking for a new job to save face before you know it.
Business
Do’s and Don’t’s of Firing People

As a business leader one of the hardest things that you could do is fire an employee. Of course, it sounds like an easy thing to do if the employee is rightfully deserving of being fired, but it is a lot easier said than done. Is a decision that many managers actually lose a lot of sleep over, because it’s such a difficult undertaking.
No matter what you do though, whether you are firing somebody because they are just not the right fit for your business, or you are dismissing an employee for gross misconduct, legal issues can arise that could do damage to your business. HR professionals across the country will tell you that there are many different ways of gracefully terminating an employee’s contract, but there are some do’s and don’ts that you could do to make it an easier process that can help you deal with it. Let’s take a look at a few of those below.
- Do get everything in order before you fire them. From evidence as to the reason they are fired, to the paperwork for them to leave the business, get everything in order so that there are no loose ends. For a firing to go smoothly this needs to be prepared in advance. Before you terminate the employee, you need to be able to prevent any misunderstandings or even accusations of illegal activity going on. Follow the policies and procedures in place of your organization and if necessary, consult a lawyer. Secure computer files, make sure you pull together all in performance appraisals and written warnings as any other correspondence that you might need. You should also make sure that you have all of the payroll information in place so that you can reassure the person being fired that they will be paid according to the law.
- Do choose a private space. Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be fired from their job. It leaves a bad taste, it’s nothing to be proud of, and it can be embarrassing for the employee. When you are dismissing somebody, you need to choose the right time and place and make sure that there are no eavesdroppers. It’s always a good idea to do it as early in the week as possible at the end of the day so that you minimize impact to your business. If an employee depends on the company or their colleagues to get home, it just makes good sense to ensure that they are not going to be left stranded.
- Don’t fire somebody with an audience around. As we mentioned before, anybody in your business has a right to privacy. Doing it in front of an audience will be poor behavior on your part as an employer. It also won’t help people in the office to feel comforted by the idea that they may not be next. Use an official meeting space, as it’s a private and neutral location that is free from any disruption.
- Don’t forget to toe the line. If you terminate an employee on parental or medical leave, or you terminate an employee who is pregnant, you are going to open yourself up to a lawsuit. Toe the line when it comes to the law and make sure that you are firing somebody with all of your ducks in a row in advance.
Terminating an employee’s contract is not easy, but sometimes it needs to be done.
Business
Best Strategies to Create an Comfortable Atmosphere in Your Restaurant

Creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere in any restaurant is essential for success. Customers often form their first impression of the restaurant based on its ambiance, and if it isn’t pleasant or enjoyable, they are less likely to come back. It’s important to consider all aspects that can make up a positive dining experience — from the decor to the music playing in your establishment to the service you provide. Here are some strategies that will help you create an atmosphere that customers won’t forget.
Decor:
The key to creating a cozy environment is by designing decor that reflects your restaurant’s style and promotes relaxation. Think about what kind of mood you want customers to feel when they enter your restaurant — from the lighting to the art on the walls to the decorations that adorn your tables. Depending on the cuisine you serve and the atmosphere you want to create, consider investing in muted tones or warm colors for a calming effect or bright and vibrant shades for an energetic vibe.
Music:
The music playing in your restaurant can make all the difference. Too loud music can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, while music that’s too quiet won’t create an inviting atmosphere at all. Consider investing in a music player for restaurant so you can control what music is played and when it starts and stops. You should also consider whether you want to provide live or recorded music. Live music will usually give customers a sense of authenticity and provide them with something to enjoy during their meal, while pre-recorded songs can help set the background without being distracting.
Service:
Your service can be just as important as the ambiance in creating a memorable experience. Make sure your staff is well-trained, friendly, and attentive to guests’ needs. Ensure they understand your restaurant’s standards and expectations — from proper table setting etiquette to how glasses should be filled. Customers greatly appreciate being treated with respect and kindness, so make sure your waitstaff is not only efficient but also shows genuine care for their customer’s satisfaction.
Atmosphere:
Creating the perfect atmosphere requires more than just the decor, music, and service — it also includes small touches that will make your restaurant stand out. For instance, consider offering complimentary snacks or appetizers to customers while they wait for their meals to arrive. You can also provide warm towels after meals as a sign of endearment and appreciation. Additionally, choosing linens with exquisite patterns or using fresh flowers on each table will add even more charm to your restaurant’s atmosphere.
Business
Turn Your Passion into a Career: How to Make Money Doing What You Love

Many dreams of turning their hobby, passion, or creative outlet into a career. It’s a beautiful idea, but it can take time to figure out where to start. Here’s a guide on successfully turning your hobby into a career.
Do Your Research
Before you turn your hobby into a business, please research and find out what the industry looks like, your potential customers and their needs. Next, consider your strengths, skills, and knowledge and decide how to use them in this new venture. Finally, consider what makes you unique in the industry and how you can market yourself.
Take A Strong Career Test
A Strong Career Test can help you identify your ideal job and the type of environment you would flourish in. In addition, knowing this information can give you an idea of what kind of business to start and whether it’s something you’d be passionate about.
Think About Finances and Legalities
Once you have an idea of what you want to do, consider the financial aspect – are there any costs associated with getting started? What sort of budget will you need? Will there be any tax implications? It’s also essential to think about the legal side of things – if necessary, consult with a lawyer specializing in business law so that you understand all the regulations associated with starting up and protecting your intellectual property rights.
Create a Business Plan
Now that you have researched and considered the legalities and finances involved, create a business plan that outlines all this information. Make sure it includes short-term and long-term objectives to keep track of your progress over time. Be realistic when setting targets for yourself – don’t aim too high at first because this could set you up for failure if it doesn’t pan out. Also, consider whether or not there is potential for growth or expansion once your business gets off the ground. This may include marketing strategies such as social media campaigns or investing in advertising materials such as brochures or flyers.
Start Networking
Networking is essential when launching any new business; it’s about building relationships with people who may be interested in your offer. Start by reaching out to family, friends, and acquaintances who may already know about your business or service offering; they may even be willing to share it with others! Additionally, join online groups related to your area of expertise – these are great places for exchanging ideas with like-minded people and potentially finding potential customers/collaborators/mentors/partners, etc. Finally, attend events such as trade shows or conferences where relevant topics are discussed – these are ideal opportunities for making connections within the industry that could prove beneficial down the line!
Turning your hobby into a career is no small task, but it can be approached thoughtfully and strategically! Please research the industry thoroughly before beginning to understand its nuances; familiarize yourself with the legalities of running a business; create a viable yet ambitious business plan; network extensively (both online & offline). And never give up! With dedication & hard work, anything is possible.
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